Best Things to Do on Bowen Island In Early Fall

Written By Mimi Young
bowen island spa and bowen island cold plunge

As the autumn season begins to arrive in September on Bowen Island, where the Salish Sea shimmers under a softer sun, the island becomes a threshold between city and country, air and water, flora and fauna. Just a 20-minute ferry from Horseshoe Bay, Bowen is the perfect place to chase island charm or sneak in a little wellness for a 2-night stay or day trip from Vancouver. Here’s how to enjoy the best of Bowen Island (our own Bowen top picks) with purpose and wonder before the colder months set in.

Where to Stay on Bowen Island

Nectar Yoga Retreat
Picture yourself in a throw-back A-Frame or design-forward Deluxe Cottage surrounded by forest at the base of Mount Gardner. Morning all-levels yoga practice in the geodesic dome, followed by plant-based breakfasts that feed body and mind, this Bowen Island overnight hideaway is perfect for a two-night reset, especially when you book a thermal spa circuit at Mist Thermal Sanctuary right next door

Alderwood Farm
For a rustic experience, book a cabin on this working farm. Wake to clucking hens, browse their market café, then kick up your feet to chill the rest of the day.

Airbnb Glamping
Retro Airstreams and forest cabins dot the island. Note that camping on Bowen Island isn’t permitted, so glamping is your best bet for bringing the outdoors in.

things to do on bowen island

What to Do on Bowen Island

Mist Thermal Sanctuary
Treat yourself to a private sauna and cold plunge beneath a canopy of towering conifers and surrounding lush moss. Each unit features a private changing suite with a tea bar of in-house blended teas and herbals. Extending beyond, there’s a wood-fired sauna with optional botanicals, eucalyptus rain shower, and warm and cold plunge tubs that are entirely yours during your session. It’s the best spa Bowen Island has to offer.

How to sauna + cold plunge (quick guide):

  • Start with 5 minutes in the outdoor hot shower, followed by 1 minute in cold.

  • Spend 10–15 minutes in the wood-fired sauna, then cool down in the cold plunge for 1–3 minutes.

  • Follow with 5 minutes of warm soaking, and rest by the fire for 15 minutes.

  • Repeat the cycle.

  • Hydrate, end on cold, and listen to your body. (If you’re pregnant or managing a medical condition, consult your medical practitioner first.)

While we’re at it, here are some helpful tips on emotional regulation skills via breathwork while cold plunging.

sauna cold plunge combo and how to cold plunge

Yoga on the Pier
Most Saturdays and Sundays, 9–10 AM (May–October, weather permitting), Nectar’s esteemed yoga instructors lead an all-levels Hatha class on the Snug Cove dock. Salt air, clear head, looser shoulders.

Crippen Regional Park
Steps from the ferry, wander forested trails, boardwalks, and the Killarney Lake area. It’s roughly 2 km to the lake from Snug Cove; the loop around the lake itself is about 4 km (from the lake picnic area). Download the official park map before you go.

Mount Gardner Hike
Mount Gardner is Bowen’s highest peak and rewards you with panoramic views of islands and city skyline from former helicopter pads. Allow plenty of time and go with a map; Bowen Island Trail Society’s map is one that is often consulted.

Jewelry at Miki Tanaka
Owned and operated by jeweller and artist Miki Tanaka. Originally from Japan, she spent 18 years in Brooklyn before putting down roots on Bowen Island in 2017. Her studio is beautiful and serves as a working space, showroom, and shop, where she creates and sells elegant, symbolic pieces in silver and gold. (Check hours).

Tunstall Bay Beach
Tunstall Bay Beach is a swimmable beach that offers spectacular sunset and wide views of the Salish Sea. It’s west-facing, usually calm, and gorgeous in late summer and early fall. A car is recommended to get there.

Where to Eat & Sip on Bowen

Artisan Eats Café
Located in Artisan Square, fuel up at a local favorite for sandwiches, pastries and cold drinks before you go exploring.

Branch on Bowen
Tacos, natural wine, and a curated pantry make this spot part café, part gourmet wares and gift shop.

Riley’s Cidery
Sip crisp, local cider on their patio. The orchard views, along with the sound of birds and rustling trees feel fey-touched at dusk.

Cocoa West Chocolatier
Stay in their “chocolate suite” or pop in for handcrafted truffles and artisanal bars with nature-inspired names like Fossil, Cedar, and Granite.

Barcelona
Located steps from the ferry terminal, settle in for Spanish tapas with sangria or your favourite wine from their thoughtful wine list, in a cozy space with warm, attentive service.

Getting To and Around Bowen

Ferries sail between Horseshoe Bay and Snug Cove every hour with a crossing time of 20 minutes. Tickets include return, and reservations are not needed.

Once on-island, cars are most convenient for reaching to various destinations such as trails, parks, beaches, and other specific spots. E-bikes rentals are available during the warmer months. 

Public shuttle buses within the island via Translink also offer a few routes including 280 Bluewater, 281 Eagle Cliff, and 282 Mt. Gardner from Snug Cove.

How to Spend a Day or a Weekend on Bowen Island

Times are subject to change. Check BC Ferries for exact times and other requirements.

Sample Day Trip from Vancouver (8 hours)

  • 09:20 AM Ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove (about 20 minutes).

  • 10:00 AM Coffee at Artisan Eats.

  • 11:00 AM Walk in Crippen Regional Park around Killarney Lake.

  • 12:45 PM Mist Thermal Sanctuary 90-minute private circuit. (Book ahead).

  • 2:30 PM Late lunch at Branch in the Cove.

  • 4:30 PM Stroll and relax around the Cove.

  • 5:20 PM Ferry back to Vancouver.

spa packages couples

Sample Two-Night Stay at Nectar Retreat

Check-in Day on Bowen - Day 1

  • 1:10 PM Ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove (about 20 minutes).

  • 1:45PM Explore Snug Cove area

  • 3:00 PM Arrive at Nectar and check in. (Book ahead).

  • 4:30–5:45 PM Evening yoga and guided relaxation.

  • 6:30 PM Dinner at Barcelona in the Cove.

In-Between Day (Full Day on Bowen) - Day 2

  • 8:00 AM Morning guided meditation.

  • 8:30 AM Morning yoga lesson.

  • 9:45 AM Vegetarian breakfast.

  • 11:00 AM Easy walk in Crippen Regional Park around Killarney Lake.

  • 12:45 PM Shop and explore Artisan Square, including Miki Tanaka Jewelry (check hours).

  • 2:00 PM Late lunch at Branch, then quick picnic shopping at Ruddy Potato for dinner back at Nectar.

  • 4:30–5:45 PM Afternoon yoga and guided relaxation back at Nectar.

  • 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM Mist Thermal Sanctuary for a 90 or 120 minutes circuit. (Book ahead).

  • 8:45 PM Late dinner back at Nectar.

Departure Day - Day 3

  • 8:00 AM Morning guided meditation.

  • 8:30 AM Morning yoga lesson.

  • 9:45 AM Vegetarian breakfast.

  • 11:00 AM Check out of Nectar Yoga Retreat.

  • 11:30 AM Tunstall Bay Beach for an ocean swim and wide Salish Sea views. A car is recommended.

  • 12:45 PM 90-minute Mist Circuit. (Book ahead).

  • 2:30 PM Late lunch at Artisan Eats Café.

  • 4:40 PM Ferry from Snug Cove back to Horseshoe Bay.

Whether you’re slipping back onto the ferry at sunset or lingering for one contrast therapy session at Mist Thermal Sanctuary, Bowen Island rewards you with moments in nature, stillness and renewal, and the feeling you’ve been away when in fact you’re just 20 minutes from Vancouver. Come home feeling reset, rooted, and ready for whatever comes next.

Sources

Mimi Young
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