Friday, August 12, 2016

Bowen Island Day Trip Adventure

Feeling the need for a trip away from my lovely kids, I asked my friend Leah what we should do and she replied with "I've never been to Bowen Island" and our day trip adventure was born.  We parked our car at the Horseshoe Bay terminal and walked onto the ferry–just $12.35/person for a return trip. 


The ferry ride is only 20 minutes long which is perfect for sitting on the deck and taking in the gorgeous views.


Our plan for the day involved doing two hikes, enjoying a couple of Stanley Park Brewing beers, and trying out some of the local eats.   How many steps would we get in? What would be our favourite place to eat?


Our first hike was a short five-minute walk from the Snug Cove ferry terminal: Dorman Point at Crippen Regional Park.  You can pick up a map at Bowen Island Information Centre or use the Island Trails website. Dorman Point is a thirty minute hike with a steady incline and I recommend it!  Not only is the trail beautiful (and a bit steep at points) but the view at the top is great too.  




We had rest at the top and checked out the views of U.B.C while taking in the arbutus trees and surrounding islands.  We also enjoyed a Stanley Park Sunsetter which is one of my favourite beers–it's peach flavoured!



We hiked back down to Snug Cove and tried to map out where we were going next.  We decided to walk up the hill about 15 minutes to Artisan Square.


Be warned: The walk up to Artisan Square is a hike but there is also the option of taking a bus up the hill.



Artisan Square has several shops and stores and I really wanted to try out Artisan Eats.  When I go back to Bowen Island, I will return here for sure–this was my favourite stop of the day!  Leah and I experience the lovely french pastry called a cruffin; it's a mix between a croissant and a muffin and it was filled with custard.  Delicious! We also checked out Cocoa West Chocolatier and next time I want to try their Kilimajaro ice cream treat (ice cream with coffee!)



We walked back down towards Snug Cove for lunch.  We both wanted the special at the Rustique Bistro: Eggs Benny on Belgian Waffles!  It hit the spot–the perfect fuel for our next hike.


The second hike we were doing was to head to Killarney Lake.  It takes about 30 minutes to get to the lake and 45 minutes to walk around. 


At this point we were feeling pretty sweaty and tired at 20,000ish steps so we took off our hiking shoes and rested our feet in the water...it felt so good! 



Apparently when you look at the lake you put your hands on your hips.


We walked back towards Snug Cove and checked out the beach.  There were people swimming and it was pretty tempting–maybe next time!


We went to Doc Morgan's Pub for a protein packed layered dip--it hit the spot after a good day of hiking! The highlight of this location is that you get to sit on the patio and look out over Snug Cove.



We decided to relax on the beach for a bit and wait for the next ferry there.  There may have also been a lesson on Pokemon GO and Snapchat. Ahem.


The nice thing about walking across is that you don't need to wait for a ferry, you can just walk around until you see the next one come in.  There is a ferry about once an hour and you can see the schedule here



It was so fun to explore a place that I've never been to before.  Thanks Bowen IslandStanley Park Brewing  and Leah for a great day. 




Love,
Louise
What hikes to do and places to eat at if taking the ferry over to Bowen Island, B.C. for the day.

(**Our trip was sponsored by Stanley Park Brewing and opinions are my own**)

23 comments:

  1. Bowen looks like the perfect spot!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous8:00 AM

    Would love to go to Bowen Island!our family favourite day trip is to Rocky Pointe Park in Port Moody. - Candice

    ReplyDelete
  3. This looks really amazing! I am not sure I've ever been to Bowen Island...i think the ferry travel often deters me for cost and time, but this just looks SO good!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can see that! 20 minute ferry for $12 return, not bad compared to "regular" ferry!

      Delete
  4. PS. lululemon beer...HA!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a great day and even better that you got some kid free time to relax! What I want to know though is this doable with kids? Could I pack the kids and the stroller and walk across and still enjoy some of the sights / eats with out having to hike to get anywhere? I love the idea of visiting Bowen Island but only want to pay walk on rates, ha!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good question! Yes, doable with kids. Beach + restaurants less than a 5 minute walk from the ferry! Very pedestrian friendly. You couldn't walk easily up to Artisan Square though where there are more places to eat.

      Delete
  6. What a fun day trip idea! Would love to give Bowen island a try!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lyndene10:05 AM

    Looks like such a great day trip! I think Bowen island would make the perfect date day trip 😀 Our family likes going to hicks lake for the day - but haven't with the baby in tow yet this summer...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous9:46 PM

    Can I pick anywhere or should I say Bowen Island? It's a tad far for a day trip for me so can I say Barkerville instead? - Ali

    ReplyDelete
  9. Not sure if I've been to Bowen Island before. But any day/adventure is a good one when outside with great weather and new sights to see!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous12:53 PM

    What a perfect way to spend the day! Beer plus great views is a 10/10 for me! Not a day trip, but love hitting up the Sunshine Coast and doing some fishing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sounds like a great day trip!

    ReplyDelete
  12. How fun that you got that trip! Haven't been to Bowen before. Would love to check it out.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Would love to do a day or overnight trip to Bowen Island! :) Thanks for the tips!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I would love to explore Salt Spring Island! I was there years and years ago but feel like I was too young to really appreciate the shops and beauty of everything.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I would enjoy a trip to Salt Spring island.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'd love a trip literally ANYWHERE at this point- I'm itching to explore! It's funny, my boyfriend and I were just talking about going to Bowen for the day today (but didn't end up doing it)... is that a sign? ;) Fingers crossed!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Funny, I've lived in the lower mainland for 38 years and I've never been to Bowen Island either! I didn't realize the ferry ride was so short, and was so affordable - I definitely want to do this day trip now!! I would also love to do a day trip to Sechelt. I went once when I was 16, but haven't been back but we have some family friends living there now so it would be nice to go explore there with them.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Bowen Island would make an incredible day trip!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. coral4:25 PM

    I would love a day out with my hubby!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Allison8:26 PM

    An adventure for two sounds dreamy. Been wanting to visit Bowen ever since some aquaintances of ours moved there and have been posting beautiful photos on Facebook!

    ReplyDelete