The best Bowen Island accommodation
Bowen Island is a picturesque island that’s close to Vancouver and is one of my favourite Vancouver weekend trips.
As someone who has visited the island many times, I can attest to its beauty and peaceful nature. It’s the beauty of the island that is one of its main attractions. Add to that the numerous hiking trails, kayaking potential and food and drink, you’ll love spending a weekend on Bowen Island.
Some of my favourite cabins near Vancouver can be found on Bowen Island. Booking into some cosy accommodation on Bowen Island is the best way to maximise your chill-out time during your visit.
There is a lot of variety when it comes to Bowen Island accommodation. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious retreat or a cosy cabin in the woods, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.
Below are some of my top picks for Bowen Island accommodation which will make for the perfect trip to Bowen Island, British Columbia!
Places to stay on Bowen Island – The best Bowen Island accommodations
Everyone’s looking for something different when it comes to accommodation for a weekend getaway near Vancouver. These highly rated accommodations on Bowen Island include the best hotels on Bowen Island along with Bowen Island bed and breakfasts, cottages and Bowen Island cabins.
Personally, I like to stay in a nice cosy cabin but there is also a hotel on Bowen Island too.
There is even a few Bowen Island accommodation with hot tubs these days!
- Best Bowen Island hotel: Artisan Suites on Bowen
- Best pet friendly Bowen Island accommodation: Evergreen Cottage on Bowen
- Best luxury accommodation on Bowen Island: Bowen Island boutique beach house
- My top pick for romantic Bowen Island accommodation: The Wildwood Cabins.
- Most unique Bowen Island accommodation: The Bowen Island airsteam
Read more: Best cosy cabins near Vancouver
Best Airbnbs, Bowen Island
While there aren’t many hotels on Bowen Island, there are a lot of choices when it comes to Airbnb and VRBO.
Here’s my pick of the best Bowen Island Airbnb options. These options include Bowen Island rentals, cottages and Bowen Island retreats.
There are a lot of choices when it comes to Bowen Island self-catering options and a few places that’ll house larger groups too.
Wildernest Mountainside Airstream Getaway
Escape the city and experience a unique glamping adventure at Wildernest’s Airstream Bed and Breakfast on Bowen Island.
This vintage 31-foot Airstream Landyacht has been decked out with every modern convenience for your comfort during your stay on Bowen Island.
You’ll have complete privacy on over an acre of land yet be just a 5-minute drive from Snug Cove, the Bowen Island ferry, and the best restaurants on Bowen Island.
Relax in the outdoor shower and clawfoot tub built for two, and take in the breathtaking views of the island.
You’ll have heating and cooling for year-round comfort too.
Wildernest’s Airstream is the only bed and breakfast of its kind on Bowen Island and the closest airstream accommodation to Vancouver, Canada.
Wildwood Cabins
This is my favourite Bowen Island Airbnb that I’ve come across.
The Wildwood cabins are absolutely gorgeous inside and out. They’re nestled in between the forest on Bowen Island. One of the best bits was the incredible spot to take in the sunset just behind the cabin.
The 4 cabins are kitted out wither everything you’ll need for a relaxing weekend getaway. This includes board games a wood fire and a well-equipped kitchen.
We stayed in Cabin 1 and there were interesting books too.
If you’re looking to do some yoga on Bowen Island then there’s a yoga class every morning on site.
Woodlands Guesthouse cabin on Bowen Island BC
If you’re looking for a peaceful and secluded retreat on Bowen Island, look no further than Woodlands Guesthouse.
This beautiful 2 bedroom private cabin is centrally located in the valley, within walking distance to working farms, an award-winning cidery, and speciality food shops AKA some of the best things to do on Bowen!
You’ll love the charming covered porch, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee, and the private garden with a fire table for cosy evenings.
Plus, it’s just a short drive from the shopping hub of Snug Cove and Artisan Square and minutes away from the sunset beaches of the west side of the island.
Bowen Island private estate with ocean views
Indulge in luxury and breathtaking views at this stunning eco-friendly estate, offering a one-of-a-kind experience of British Columbia’s West Coast.
The property is on 5-acre of wooded terrain with amazing views of Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast, and Vancouver Island.
This gated estate boasts an array of world-class amenities, including an award-winning vanishing edge pool, a gym and spa with an infrared sauna and steam shower, and an outdoor living area sprawled across a rock ridge.
The high-tech home has remote-controlled blinds, Sonos sound systems, flat-screen TVs with Apple TV in almost every room, and seven cozy fireplaces.
There’s also a gourmet kitchen, 5 spacious bedrooms to sleep 10, a media area, a wine cellar, and a rec room. There are also two guest suites, each with luxury washrooms with steam showers, and own kitchen.
Bowen Island boutique beach house
The Bowen Island Boutique Beach House is a stunning waterfront property, perfect for a luxury accommodation on Bowen Island and a peaceful island getaway.
With 1.5 acres of land and panoramic views of the Salish Sea and Vancouver Island’s mountains, this 3-bedroom designer house is beautiful.
You’ll find heated stone floors, surround sound audio, a 3D television, and top-of-the-line appliances, rain shower heads, and an outdoor hot tub.
This luxury accommodation sleeps 6 and you’ll also get to enjoy a private beach, while being close to hiking trails, mountain biking, kayaking, whale watching, and cultural events.
With easy accessibility from Vancouver, the Bowen Island Boutique Beach House is a perfect destination for an indulgent and relaxing vacation.
A-Frame Yoga retreat
If you’re looking for a cabin on Bowen Island and love yoga then the A-frame yoga retreat with Nectar Yoga may be for you.
I stayed at Nectar Yoga’s old location (read the review here) when I was looking for a Bowen Island yoga retreat and loved it. Their new A-frame cabins look stunning!
The nightly price includes your accommodation with breakfast and several Bowen Island yoga classes.
Cabin in the woods on Bowen
Looking for a cosy and convenient stay on Bowen Island?
Look no further than this welcoming 3-bedroom cabin on Bowen. This cabin has a BBQ grill and fireplace as well as a fully equipped kitchen so you can cook a tasty meal.
You’re also just 15 minutes walk from Bowen Islands’ museum and a short 5-minute drive from Crippen Park and other Bowen Islands trails.
Hummingbird Oceanside Suites on Bowen Island ocean view accommodation
The Hummingbird Oceanside suites on Bowen Island are a collection of beautifully designed, ocean-view accommodations on Bowen.
Situated in Dorman Bay, these waterfront properties are in a fabulous location with incredible and expansive views to the North, East and South.
There’s also a shared sauna and hot tub as well as a garden with garden games.
Book here:
Coast modern coach house
Experience a beautiful getaway on Bowen Island in this newly appointed home on the southwest side of the island. Here you can enjoy a quiet retreat surrounded by trees and trails, with stunning views of the ocean and Vancouver in the distance.
Relax on the nice patio with a glass of wine and feel the stress slip away!
Eagle nest ocean view getaway
Escape to the beautiful Eagle Nest Ocean View Getaway for a serene and secluded stay on Bowen Island.
This suite offers the perfect West Coast experience and has a lovely large rainforest shower with ocean views.
Relax on the private patio with a BBQ or gather around the fire pit in the yard while enjoying the stunning views of Howe Sound Mountain. With deer visiting the yard and eagles flying overhead, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
The suite sleeps 4 and is only a 5-minute drive from the ferry terminal and Snug Cove.
Bowen Island accommodation – pet friendly
Want to take your 4 legged friends to Bowen Island? Take a look at these Bowen Island pet-friendly accommodation options.
White Eagle Bowen Island Cottage
Escape to the serene White Eagle Cottage on Bowen Island for a peaceful and stylish retreat.
This newly renovated cottage has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen, making it the perfect home away from home.
Sip your coffee on the sunny deck while taking in the stunning views of Howe Sound and Cypress Mountain.
In the winter, cosy up by the woodstove for a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Located in the quiet Eagle Cliff neighbourhood, the White Eagle Cottage is just a five-minute drive from the village and ferry, with private parking available on the property. Plus, bus 281 stops right in front of the cottage. W
This cottage sleeps up to 4 people and is pet-friendly upon request. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind on your Bowen Island getaway.
Lazy Bowen Hideaway
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Coastal Mountains from the Lazy Bowen Hideaway, a gorgeous waterfront cottage on Bowen Island.
This 2 bedroom home has an incredible ocean view and come summertime you can enjoy swimming from the beach just a minute away down the trail, or relax on the private deck equipped with chairs for your morning coffee.
The Lazy Bowen Hideaway is dog-friendly and sleeps 4 guests.
Come and experience the fresh island air inside when you stay at the Lazy Bowen hideaway.
Evergreen Cottage
Looking for a peaceful place to stay on Bowen Island? Look no further than Evergreen Cottage!
This lovely 3-bedroom Bowen Island cottage boasts spectacular water views overlooking Dorman Bay and Howe Sound, as well as coastal mountain views.
The huge deck is perfect for sunning yourself and cooking up a storm on the BBQ.
This home sleeps 6 and one pet is allowed with prior approval.
Union Steamship Historical Cottages
These Bowen Island pet-friendly cottages are super close to the ferry and all the best Bowen Island restaurants.
These Bowen Island cottages have all been restored to preserve the unique charm of the original Union Steamship Resort. All accommodation comes with wifi and there are fully equipped kitchens too.
You’re super close to Bowen Island hiking trails here so you won’t need to go far to let your dog run!
Bowen Island hotel – Artisan Suites on Bowen
Looking for a luxurious and comfortable stay on Bowen Island? Look no further than Artisan Suites on Bowen.
This 4-star property has a beautiful garden and a terrace. Rooms include everything you need for a comfortable stay and some have a patio with stunning mountain or sea views.
Plus, the on-site restaurant serves up delicious French, local, and European cuisine with vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options available upon request.
With hiking and other outdoor activities just steps away, Artisan Suites on Bowen is the perfect choice for a relaxing and memorable island getaway.
Bowen Island camping
While Bowen Island may seem like the perfect place for camping near Vancouver, camping in all forms is prohibited on Bowen Island.
There are no official Bowen Island camping sites, and nor are you allowed to wild camp. It’s believed this is mostly due to the risk of fires starting, and trash being left behind.
Learn more about camping on Bowen Island here.
If you’re planning on hiking on Bowen Island, be aware that’ll it’ll have to be a day hike as you cannot camp on Mount Gardner, or do Bowen Island camping anywhere else.
Update August 2022: Metro Vancouver has just bought a lot of land on Bowen Island and plans to turn it into a park to allow camping on Bowen Island!
How to get from Vancouver to Bowen Island
If you’re wondering how to get to Bowen Island you’re in luck as it’s super easy from downtown Vancouver.
Getting to Bowen Island from Vancouver is so easy. It’s just a short, 20-minute ferry with BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove where the Bowen Island ferry terminal is. You can either take your car, your bike, or go on as a foot passenger.
Ferries to Bowen Island leave roughly once an hour but you can see the full Bowen Island ferry schedule here. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure otherwise you won’t be allowed to board and will have to wait for the next one.
Bowen Island ferry times change depending on the season so make sure to check in advance.
The Bowen Island ferry cost depends on whether you’re driving, walking on or cycling. Per passenger, the ferry costs $10.45 in winter (usually around $12.50 in summer).
It’s about $30 for a car (again, slightly more in summer) from Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island.
A journey for two of you in a car will cost around $60.
The ferry is free from Bowen Island to Vancouver so it’s not too expensive. Expect queues if you’re travelling in the summer or nice weekends.
Also, if you’re a BC local, I highly recommend getting the BC Ferries Experience Card as this will save you a lot of money on your BC Ferries Bowen Island sailings!
Bowen Island water taxi
The Bowen Island taxi boat costs $20 one way, and $40 return. It goes from Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver to Snug Cove on weekdays.
On weekends between May long weekend and Labor Day in September, you can also go from Granville Island to Bowen Island by water taxi.
See the full Bowen Island water taxi schedule and details here.
Final thoughts on the best Bowen Island vacation rentals
From Bowen cottages to cabins on Bowen Island and Bowen Island house properties, there’s no shortage of amazing places to stay on Bowen Island.
My favorite is the Wildwood cabins but they’re often booke dup months in advance and hard to find availability for. Which speaks to how great they are!
If you’re looking for the best hotels in Bowen Island and Bowen Island places to stay, here’s my round up.
- Best Bowen Island hotel: Artisan Suites on Bowen
- Best pet friendly Bowen Island accommodation: Evergreen cottage
- Best luxury accommodation on Bowen Island: Bowen Island boutique beach house
- My top pick for romantic Bowen Island accommodation: The Wildwood Cabins.
- Most unique Bowen Island accommodation: The Bowen Island airsteam
Last Updated on March 15, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
Love this post Hannah! I’m thinking of spending my birthday weekend either in Victoria, Tofino, or Bowen Island. The cabins look gorgeous!
Thanks! Bowen’s great ’cause it’s so close to the city and easy to get to but feels far away too! But all those three will be loads of fun and great for a birthday trip 🙂