A view of the mountains and ocean from the garden A view from Bluewater beach, a short walk from Island Thyme Bed and Breakfast A stirring sunset taken in the Bluewater area

The surroundings

Bowen Island — or “the Rock” as it is affectionately known by locals — is nestled in a setting of spectacular beauty. A short 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver showcases soaring mountain ranges along the Sea-to-Sky highway to Whistler’s world-class skiing resort and alpine meadows, along with views of neighbouring islands, rugged coastline, secluded beaches and mossy bluffs.

Enjoy the abundant natural beauty of the island by kayaking, boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming and hiking. Use the Links page to see what is going on in the business and artisan community and for maps of trails island-wide.

Bowen has an eclectic community of over 3000 permanent residents, many of whom are talented artists — painters, musicians, singers, writers, story-tellers, pottery makers, chefs, chocolatiers and film/theatre people, among others.

Wildlife residents include otters, seals, deer, salmon, crabs, seagulls, herons, bald eagles, ospreys, owls and squirrels. Sea lions, dolphins and Canada geese are frequent tourists here.

Bluewater, on the west side of Bowen, is a quiet, rural community at the base of Mt. Gardner. It has several lovely swimming beaches perfect for enjoying a sunset and a network of hiking trails that transverse many distinct eco-systems. Along the way you can find mature, park-like rainforest, an old copper mine, mossy bluffs with stunning views of the Sound, vast fern gullies, valleys of steep forested slopes and boggy fens.

You can hike for an hour, climb to the top of Mt. Gardner or spend the better part of the day crossing the island all the way back to Killarney Lake and its water lilies, then on to Snug Cove. At the end of your hike, you can enjoy a bite to eat in the Cove and catch the community bus back to Bluewater.

Go a little further afield and you will find a restored quarry designated as Quarry Park, and a new 9-hole golf course surrounded by walking trails and views to West Vancouver.

Of course, an encounter with a deer, often accompanied by fawns is a charming and common sight around here. If you don’t feel like searching for them, just sit by the garden gate and they will soon wander by for a longing look at the leafy banquet just out of their reach!