How to get to Bowen Island
Bowen Island’s slogan is that it’s “Within reach, beyond compare.” And once you leave the hustle and bustle of Vancouver and step onto the ferry, you will both literally and figuratively sail away from life as you know it and enter into a whole new world.
Getting to Horseshoe Bay
Public transportation: The West Vancouver Blue Bus numbers 250, 257, 257 Express and 259 leave from Downtown Vancouver and West Vancouver at regular intervals to Horseshoe Bay. If you’re coming from the Vancouver airport, you’ll need to take the SkyTrain Canada Line to City Centre before hopping on the 257 Express to Horseshoe Bay.
Car: Follow Highway 1 West (Trans-Canada Highway). You can drive your car onto the ferry or park in the secure parking garage at Horseshoe Bay and walk on the ferry. We recommend bringing a car.
Crossing the ocean
The Queen of Capilano ferry leaves Horseshoe Bay between 5:50 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The crossing time is 20 minutes.
If you’re travelling by BC Ferries, your ticket is a return trip. When you head back to real life, just line up for the ferry and drive or walk on the ferry when the light turns green.
Click here for the ferry schedule
Missed the last ferry off the island? Take a deep breath. Cormorant Marine Water Taxis run a late night, regularly scheduled service to and from Horseshoe Bay. This is foot passenger service only.
Getting to Nectar
Car: Once off the ferry, drive up Bowen Island Truck Road, which changes name to Grafton Road, for about 7 minutes. Once you reach Gardner Lane, turn right and follow the signs to Nectar.
Public transportation: When you arrive on Bowen Island, find the Bus Stop close to the Red Library. You will get on the 280 (Snug Cove to Bluewater) bus. Tell the driver you are getting off at 720 Gardner Lane. You can pay for your fare with a Compass Card, credit card or cash. Any transfer you receive from the Vancouver buses will work on Bowen Island with no extra charge.
Foot/hitchhiking: For a real taste of the Bowen Island lifestyle, hitch a ride with a local. Either wait on the road or at any of the designated "LIFT" spots and stick out your thumb. You should get a ride—and a new friend—in no time.
Bike: If you are planning to bring your bike, please be aware that Bowen Island is very hilly and not an easy ride. But if that’s your thing—more power to you. Just follow the on-foot directions above. You can also rent eBikes from Bowen eBikes in the summer months.