Within reach, beyond compare.
GETTING TO BOWEN
ONCE YOU LEAVE THE DAILY STRESSES OF VANCOUVER AND BOARD THE FERRY TO BOWEN, YOU WILL BE TRANSPORTED AWAY IN THE FULLEST SENSE.
GETTING TO BOWEN
How to get to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal
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The West Vancouver Blue Bus operates several routes—numbers 250, 257, 257 Express, and 259—connecting Downtown Vancouver and West Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay at regular intervals. If arriving from Vancouver Airport, take the SkyTrain Canada Line to City Centre before boarding the 257 Express to Horseshoe Bay.
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For those traveling by car, follow Highway 1 West (Trans-Canada Highway). You have the option to either drive your car onto the ferry or securely park it in the designated parking garage at Horseshoe Bay and then walk onto the ferry. We highly recommend considering bringing a car for your convenience.
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The Queen of Capilano ferry operates from Horseshoe Bay between 5:50AM* and 10:00PM*, with a short crossing time of 20 minutes.
If you're utilizing BC Ferries, your ticket covers a return trip. When it's time to return, simply join the ferry lineup and drive or walk on when the light signals green. Click here for the ferry schedule. Note ferry sailing times can vary. It’s recommended to check the ferry sailing’s current conditions, including possible cancellations, estimated real-time departures and vehicle space.
In the event you miss the last ferry departing the island, don't fret. Cormorant Marine Water Taxis offer a late-night, regularly scheduled service to and from Horseshoe Bay. Please note, this service is exclusively for foot passengers.
*sailing times are subject to change
Driving onto Bowen Island is recommended, as it makes exploring easier and more flexible than relying on the island’s limited weekend transit.
GETTING TO MIST THERMAL
How to get to Mist once on Bowen Island
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Upon arrival on Bowen Island, locate the Bus Stop near the Red Library. Board the 280 (Snug Cove to Bluewater) bus and inform the driver that your stop is 720 Gardner Lane. Payment options include Compass Card, credit card, or cash. Any transfer received from Vancouver buses is valid on Bowen Island at no additional cost.
For Reference: The bus runs on a very limited schedule on weekends. Currently, the last 280 bus (Bluewater to Snug Cove) leaves Adams at Cowan Road (the stop nearest Mist) to head back to Snug Cove is at 5:30pm. -
Upon disembarking from the ferry, take Bowen Island Truck Road, becomes Grafton Road, and drive for approximately 7 minutes. Once you reach Gardner Lane, make a right turn and follow the signage leading to Mist.
LIMITED PARKING IS AVAILABLE.
For guests who are coming as a group, we encourage carpooling. -
For an authentic experience of Bowen Island living, consider hitching a ride with a local. Wait on the road or at designated "LIFT" spots, and extend your thumb. You should secure a ride—and perhaps a new friend—shortly.
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If you plan to bring your bike, be aware that Bowen Island is hilly and may not be an easy ride. However, if that's your preference, go for it! Follow the on-foot directions mentioned above. During the summer months, you can also rent eBikes from Bowen eBikes.
Driving onto Bowen Island is recommended, as it makes exploring easier and more flexible than relying on the island’s limited weekend transit.
Things to do on Bowen Island
Wondering how to plan your day? We’ve put together a list of our favourites Bowen Island attractions, along with a sample day trip itinerary.