About Bowen Island
Bowen Island is a quant and beautiful island, off the coast of North Vancouver. It’s an often-dismissed part of the Metro Vancouver area, but it’s become a luxurious getaway city and a great place to live for those looking for a slower-life than other cities like Vancouver or Surrey.
It’s known for having a quiet atmosphere, easy access to nature. It has a great mix of small businesses that serve the community, making it a welcoming city for families and retirees.
The city has an approximate population of 4,256 according to the 2021 census. The area is an island municipality that can be accessed by water taxi or through BC Ferries.
History of the city
Originally, the island belongs to the Squamish People who have used and occupied the island and surrounding Howe Sound area. It was an island used to gather resources for travel, to help on other voyages.
After colonization, the land became a centre for logging and mining to help grow the lower mainland and City of Vancouver. Homes started to become popular on the island and after the Vancouver Olympics, the area of Bowen Island started to flourish
Appeal
Families
Rent in Bowen Island goes for an average of $1,150 for a one bedroom to $3,927 for a 3+ bedroom apartment according to CMHC 2021 (West Vancouver region) and single detached homes sell for an average of $3,317,500 according to Greater Vancouver REALTORS®. (West Vancouver region).
Bowen Island is perfect for families who want the island experience but may work in the Vancouver area. There is both a water taxi and ferry, making it accessible to those who want to raise a family, but also want a more quiet day-to-day with the neighbourhood and lifestyle.
There is no shortage of amazing spots for picnics, walks and outdoor areas for a family to have a great time and enjoy the amazing ocean and mountain views that Bowen Island offers.
Retiring community
If you’re interested in getting out of the busy lower mainland hustle and bustle, while still being within 20-40 minutes of the big city, Bowen Island is right for you. If you’re looking to downsize after selling in the lower mainland, you can find great properties on Bowen Island that offer a slower lifestyle, perfect for retirement. And a community that will welcome you with open arms.
Top places to see
Snug Cove
This is exactly as it sounds, it’s a snug place to live.
Snug Cove is a little cove located on the North-East side of the island. It’s where the ferry arrives so you’ll have very easy access to the other parts of the lower mainland.
There are several businesses including essential shops, cafes, banks and other amenities. If you’re looking for a neighbourhood that is full of accessibility, this is the place for you.
Cates Hill
This neighbourhood towers over Snug Cove. It’s higher up and overlooks the cove. If you want views, this is the neighbourhood to consider. You’ll get amazing views of the Howe Sound and BC mountains on the North Shore. While staying close to the ferry terminals and other amenities.
There are also acreage properties available in this area, making it the perfect place to have sizable property with unforgettable views.
Queen Charlotte Heights & Valhalla
Queen Charlotte Heights & Valhalla was an area developed in the middle to late 90s and is just south of Cates Hill. It offers detaches homes with a view of Metro Vancouver. There is also a range of different property sizes here for those looking for more or less land.
Cowan Point
This is an iconic part of Bowen Island. It offers some of the most stunning property, residential acreage lots, and homes built quite recently, in the late 90s and early 2000s. It’s located on the South East side of the island
If you’re a golfer, easily access the public golf course within walking distance or a very short drive. You’re also in perfect access to launch a boat off the coast and head into the Strait of Georgia for some fishing and crabbing.
Fairweather
Fairweather is a smaller neighbourhood located on the southern coast side of the island. If you’re looking for a summer home on Bowen Island, this is the perfect place to buy. It’s known for a great summer lifestyle and cottages to get away from the city and enjoy the island lifestyle. Being at the bottom of the island, there are endless views and access to trails and roads for both walking and driving.
Cape Roger Curtis
If you want land, consider buying in the Cape Roger Curtis neighbourhood. It’s known for having multi-acre lots, so you get lots of land that you can use for any hobby you have. It’s located on the south-west side of the island.
Things to do in Bowen Island
Mt. Gardner Trail
This trail is an approximate 17km hike loop that will take you to the peaks of Bowen Island to offer you stunning views of Howe Sound and the lower mainland. This trail is open year-round, but be careful in the winter as it can get icy. Even in the early spring you may find a bit of remnant snow from the previous winter.
This is the perfect trail if you want to really see the island and get a good sweat on. It’s not too difficult if you’re a beginner and want to give it a go, to. Got a dog? No problem, it’s dog friendly!
Killarney Lake
Killarney Lake is the perfect hike-in lake for a swim in the summer. It’s a very easy hike-in spot about one kilometre in length. And if you’re looking for a longer walk, you can walk around the entire lake for a complete two-kilometre hike.
It’s a seasonal trail that is available year-round, so if you want to enjoy the lake during the winter or summer, it’s possible. And again, dogs are allowed but as long as they are on leash.
Access this amazing lake through the Snug Cove area, where it begins. You’ll wind through a few other roads and a meadow as you head to the lake.
Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse
This is an iconic trail and lighthouse to check out. It’s on the south-west side of the island, so you get amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and the Georgia Straight across to Vancouver Island.
It’s also a great walk without the commitment of some of the previous trails like the Mt. Gardner Trail.
Crippen Park
If you’re looking for an easy trail to wander through the beautiful Bowen Island forests, this is the place to visit. It’s very accessible at the base of the landing from the ferry, lodging and other walkways.
Crippen Regional Park is also perfect for a picnic with friends or family as you get amazing views of the lower mainland, specifically North and Mainland Vancouver. And if you’re visiting for the day, it makes it the perfect park to end off or start an adventure on Bowen Island.
Bowen Island Golf Club
The Bowen Island Gold Club is known for its amazing course but with a twist. A much less trafficked course when compared to those on the lower mainland. If you want a peaceful golf experience with views of the Georgia Straight and Gulf Islands, this is a must place to golf.
Art viewings
There are several galleries throughout Bowen Island. They mostly lie on the main strip of the island when you come in from the BC ferries terminal. From the nearest Hearth Gallery to the farthest one, Arts Pacific Gallery, it’s a must see if you want to experience a mix of both local settler and indigenous art. And it will make the rest of your time on the island that much more enjoyable.
If you like to support and view local art, this is definitely worth the trip to view. It’s full of amazing gems and other local businesses to view along the way.
Leisure and Hobbies
Get in the outdoors
There are so many places to get outdoors. From the huge Mt. Gardner Trail that will give you views of the entire island and surrounding areas, to the easy to hike Crippen Park suited for those who don’t want much distance to cover.
If you’re considering moving to Bowen Island, it’s the perfect place to move to if you want to experience the great outdoors, without the crowdedness that some other areas in Metro Vancouver compete with.
Relax and rejuvenate
The island is known for its rejuvenate vibe.
Looking to move here? You’ll experience this “vibe” all the time, as you don’t have to deal with the hustle and bustle of the lower mainland and the other major cities.
Similarly, there are several spas and massage places to experience an ever-relaxing massage, while enjoying the views of the lower mainland or Georgia Straight. How can it get more relaxing?
Education
There are three schools on Bowen Island.
Bowen Island Community Schools serves children in Kindergarten to Grade 7.
The Island Pacific School is a middle school, servicing those from grades 6 to 9. Making it the perfect bridge school for those leaving the community school.
There is also the Bowen Island Montessori school.
For those ages above grade 9, it’s not uncommon to attend a different school on the lower mainland where there are many more options for high school and post secondary.
Future of Bowen Island
The future of Bowen Island is exciting. While the main community is striving to keep it a quaint and quiet community to enjoy as a place to live, there is much demand from the city folk to expand and build more upon Bowen Island. Learn more about the Community Economic Development Plan.
Either way, if you’re looking for a peaceful property with integration into nature and increasing home prices, this is a great place to consider buying and moving to.
