Bowen Island is a smaller island located fairly close to Vancouver. From Horseshoe Bay, you can take BC Ferries over ($7.50 return if you walk on), but you can also take water taxis to get there as well.
While there is a lot of great eco-adventure options like kayaking, swimming at several of the beaches and hiking up Mount Gardner, there are also slower paced things you can accomplish while you’re there.
When you get off the ferry at Snug Cove, there is a small area near the marina that has a couple of places to eat and shop. You can walk through this area (Crippen Park). To the north, the park continues with a lovely view of Deep Bay on one side and some trails that lead into the Killarney Lake.
From the Deep Bay lookout to Killarney Lake is about a 20-25 minute walk in the woods, but the lake is much bigger and you can walk around it as well.
The view is beautiful, serene and just pure blue and green throughout.
There is a bus service around the island, so if you don’t feel like walking to your destination, you can hop on.
If you love nature, then you’ll want to check out this island – it’s a great half day trip from Vancouver. The ferry ride is about 15 minutes (although it felt shorter) and the island is good for families, friends, seniors and anyone who’d like to enjoy the great outdoors.