Bowen Island Map & Guide
Make the most of your visit with our Visitor Map & Guide. You can download a PDF copy here: 2024 Visitor Map & Guide. This guide will help you navigate the island and provides valuable visitor must-know information and links. You can pick up a hard copy of the map on the ferry, at the Bowen Island Visitor Information Centre, as well as island shops and restaurants.
The Go Local brochure provides a good introduction to the community, things to do, places to go, and the island’s unique small businesses. The 2019 Secrets of Bowen Island is an online brochure that also provides some good tips. Just be aware that the dates are no longer accurate. We have some more detailed and downloadable trail maps here on the website as well.
Line up like a local: Driving a vehicle? The ferry lineup is kinda tricky. But this valuable how-to guide ferry guide will help you navigate the lineup and avoid issues.
Bowen Island Community Shuttle Bus
Some areas of Bowen Island – but not all – can be accessed by the Bowen Island Community Shuttle Buses, part of TransLink. You can pay for your fare with a Compass Card, credit card or cash and the transfer you received from the Vancouver buses will work on Bowen with no extra charge. Note: these are small community buses with limited seating – not a tour bus. Please be mindful of others who require the use of the bus.
Only certain areas of Bowen Island are accessible by transit. There are three bus routes but the #282 Mt. Gardner has limited service and only operates on weekends and holidays. The #280 (Bluewater) services the western side of the island, with stops in Artisan Square. The #281 (Eagle Cliff) services the eastern side of the island. Please be aware that all buses have reduced service on weekends and holidays, so ensure that you check the schedules carefully, including your return trip because you don’t want to be stranded after hours. Please note there’s no taxi or ride-hailing services on Bowen.
The bus schedules are designed to align with the ferry schedule. However, delays happen and missed connections may occur. If the ferry is late, the buses will wait for the ferry. Therefore, the buses will run late, too. Here’s the current bus schedule that is in effect until March 31, 2026. You should also be able to access the bus schedule via Google Maps and Apple Maps bus transit options. Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your departure time.
*NO Taxi or Ride-hailing Services
Please note: there is no taxi or ride-hailing services (Uber) on Bowen Island. If you’re visiting for the day, we encourage people to walk on the ferry and explore Bowen by foot ,if you’re able. When you arrive on Bowen Island you’re in Snug Cove, the commercial hub of the island, and you’re steps away to shops, restaurants, park trails and beaches. If you’re staying overnight, please ensure that you can access your accommodation by foot or public transit. As noted above, the public buses do not service all roads and have limited service, particularly on weekends.
Gas and EV Charging
Please fill up your car with gas before you visit Bowen Island. Bowen Island’s small independent gas station has a limited supply of gas and is not currently open Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.
EV chargers are located at the parking lot next to the public library and at the Bowen Island Community Centre. Note: there are only two chargers available at each location and they are not fast chargers.
