Being out on the water, there is always the chance of getting wet.

Is there parking available?

Paid parking is available throughout Granville Island near our office. There's lots of space but on the weekends it can fill up, so plan to arrive a little early. You can easily catch a 10-15 min Uber or taxi from any hotel downtown.

You are welcome to wear whatever you feel comfortable in. We recommend dressing in layers, avoiding cotton/denim if possible, and wearing clothing that lets you move freely. Workout clothes are usually a great option.

Will it be wavy or rough on the water?

By sticking to only calm and protected waterways, we very rarely encounter rough water or wavy conditions.

What is your cancellation policy?

With Trip Protection, you can cancel up to 1 hour before departure for a full refund. Without Trip Protection: 100% refund for cancellations more than 7 days before departure, 50% refund between 3 and 7 days, no refund less than 3 days before departure.

What if I still have questions?

We're here to help! Simply call us at (604) 229-5929 if you have any additional questions or concerns.

How to Get to Bowen Island from Vancouver: Options & Tours

Home » How to Get to Bowen Island from Vancouver: Options & Tours

Your Complete Guide to a Bowen Island Day Trip from Vancouver

Less than an hour from Granville Island lies Howe Sound, part of the Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region and known for its remarkable biodiversity and dramatic coastal scenery. At its heart sits Bowen Island, surrounded by old-growth forests, quiet coves, and mountain views that make the crossing itself worth the trip.

Known for its laid-back pace and small-town charm, Bowen Island is a favorite day-trip destination for locals and visitors alike. From waterfront cafés and artisan shops in Snug Cove to scenic hiking trails and quiet beaches, it’s the perfect place to slow down and spend a day exploring.

The Best Way to Get to Bowen Island from Vancouver

There are a few ways to get to Bowen Island from Vancouver. Many visitors choose the BC Ferries route from Horseshoe Bay, while others prefer to arrive by water on a guided adventure departing from Granville Island. If you’re looking to turn the journey into part of the experience, Vancouver Water Adventures offers three tours through Howe Sound before arriving at Snug Cove.

Instead of heading straight across, you’ll travel through the Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, pass Lighthouse Park, keep an eye out for seals along the rocky islets, and arrive at Snug Cove after experiencing one of British Columbia’s most spectacular coastlines.

Jet Ski to Bowen Island Tour (4 hours, departs 11am)

Single Rider: $349 + tax | Double Rider: $449 + tax ($225 per person)

Ride your own jet ski past the seal colony islands, through the Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, past Lighthouse Park, and along the Tantalus Mountain range to Snug Cove. The jet skis are stable and sporty enough for all skill levels — first-timers and experienced riders alike. A drink of choice on the island is included. See full details and book the Jet Ski to Bowen Island Tour.

UNESCO Biosphere and Bowen Island Boat Tour (4 hours, from $159/person)

The same route by Zodiac, narrated by a local guide the whole way, with stops near Lighthouse Park and the seal colony islets before landing at Snug Cove. A more relaxed option for families or groups who would rather sit back than drive. Small groups only, up to 12 guests per boat. For larger groups, up to 6 boats can be booked together for a single outing. Check availability for the UNESCO Biosphere and Bowen Island Boat Tour.

Bowen Island Dinner & Sights Tour (3–4 hours, from $179/person)

For an evening version of the same trip: cruise through the harbour and Howe Sound by Zodiac, then sit down to dinner on Bowen Island before heading back. Same scenic route and small-group setup as the daytime boat tour, up to 12 guests per boat. Check availability for the Bowen Island Dinner & Sights Tour.

All three tours include the crossing, the guide, and time on Bowen Island itself, so there is no separate ferry schedule to plan around.

Your Day on Bowen Island

Once you land at Snug Cove, you get roughly an hour to explore before heading back. That time comes with a drink or ice cream included in your ticket, your choice of beer, wine, coffee, smoothie or ice cream from one of the shops right at the dock.

Snug Cove itself is small and walkable. A short wander takes you past local shops, art galleries, and a general store, all within a few minutes of where you land. Ask your guide what is worth the walk that day. They make this trip regularly and know which spot has the best coffee or the shortest line.

The water and the wildlife are part of the day too, not just the destination. On the way over, keep an eye out for seals near the seal colony islets, take in views of Lighthouse Park’s protected old-growth forest, and watch for bald eagles and the occasional dolphin or porpoise in the sound — sightings vary by day, but the scenery is a constant.

What to Know Before You Book

Booking: All tours are bookable online at vancouverwateradventures.com with instant confirmation. Reservations are recommended well in advance, especially in peak summer.

What to bring: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and water for both tours. The Jet Ski tour additionally requires a driver’s license or government ID and a credit card for the mandatory security hold.

Cancellations: Cancel up to 1 hour before departure with Trip Protection, or up to 48 hours before for groups of 10 or more.

Ready to make the crossing the best part of your day? Book the Jet Ski to Bowen Island Tour, the UNESCO Biosphere and Bowen Island Boat Tour, or the Bowen Island Dinner & Sights Tour and spend a day (or evening) on one of British Columbia’s most spectacular stretches of coastline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get to Bowen Island with Vancouver Water Adventures? The Jet Ski to Bowen Island Tour and UNESCO Biosphere and Bowen Island Boat Tour run 4 hours round trip; the Bowen Island Dinner & Sights Tour runs 3–4 hours, including dinner on the island.

What should I wear and bring for a jet ski tour? Wear a bathing suit or a bathing suit and wetsuit combo. Denim is strictly prohibited on the Seadoos. Complimentary full-length wetsuits and lifejackets are provided, so you’re covered either way. Pack waterproof sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, your driver’s license, and a credit card for the damage deposit hold. Leave valuables in the office cubbies or paid lockers on-site.

Can you do a day trip to Bowen Island from Vancouver? Yes. All three VWA tours get you to Bowen Island and back in a single outing, with time built in to explore Snug Cove or enjoy dinner on the island.

What is included in the Bowen Island tours? A certified guide and all safety gear on every tour. The Jet Ski and UNESCO Biosphere tours include a complimentary beer, wine, coffee, smoothie, or ice cream once you land at Snug Cove; the Jet Ski tour also includes use of the jet ski itself and all mandatory safety equipment. The Bowen Island Dinner & Sights Tour includes dinner on the island instead.

Can beginners join the Jet Ski to Bowen Island Tour? Yes. The jet skis are stable enough for first-time riders and agile enough for more experienced ones. No boating license is required, though you will need a driver’s license or government ID for check-in and the security deposit.

Is Bowen Island worth visiting? The answer is YES! Bowen Island is a popular day-trip destination for its walkable village, local shops and cafés in Snug Cove, hiking trails, and its setting within the Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region — all reachable in under an hour from downtown Vancouver.