Getting Here
Getting Here
Getting to Bowen Island Sea Kayaking and accessing British Columbia’s super natural bays, beaches and islands is not only easy, it’s relatively inexpensive. The short ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay provides great views of West Vancouver, Howe Sound, and the Coast Range during the 20 minute crossing to Snug Cove on Bowen Island.
Traveling as a foot passenger or by car is up to you. Once on the island, there are plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and meandering forest paths within easy walking distance of the ferry dock. There is also bus service on the island.
Bowen Island Sea Kayaking is located on the dock to your immediate right as you exit the ferry.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION / FERRIES
A great tool for planning travel can be found at TransLink. The site’s trip planner will identify the best route and connections to your destination. From the airport (YVR), the Canada Line travels downtown, connecting with the 257 bus on West Georgia Street. The 257 goes directly to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal.
The Bowen Island ferry runs hourly, except at midday, and only takes 20 minutes to cross Howe Sound. If you are driving onto the ferry, allow 20-30 minutes before departure for the line-up. Be careful to allow extra time on weekends and holidays. If you’re a regular visitor to the island, consider getting an Experience Card from BC Ferries for savings on vehicle and passenger fares.
BY CAR / FERRY
From Vancouver, cross the Lions Gate Bridge driving west, or take the Iron Workers Bridge and the upper levels highway, continuing on HWY 99 toward Whistler. Take Exit 3 for Horseshoe Bay. Choose either the left lane for Horseshoe Bay Village to park and walk onto the ferry, or stay in the right-hand lane to reach the toll plaza and line up for the ferry.
From Whistler or the Nanaimo Ferry, either exit immediately into Horseshoe Bay Village and park (to walk on) or continue east on HWY 99 to Exit 4 (Caulfeild Drive), circle back on the overpass in the reverse direction to return to Exit 3 for the toll plaza and car line up.
HOLIDAYS
Horseshoe Bay is about 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver, across the Lions Gate Bridge heading west toward Squamish and Whistler. During holidays and weekends the drive can take much longer and ferry lines can be overloaded. Likewise, Horseshoe Bay parking lots may fill up as early as 9:00 am. If you plan to ride the Bowen Island ferry (Queen of Capilano), please plan accordingly.
PARKING
There are several lots and a parkade in Horseshoe Bay Village, but they do fill up on summer weekends and holidays. Street parking in the Village is generally limited to 2 hours. Parking on Bowen Island in Snug Cove is also limited (there are two lots on the left side of the main street as you drive off the ferry) but there is street parking nearby.
Parking is NOT available in the Bowen Island Marina lot where the kayak shop is located.
If you bring your bike on the ferry there are bike racks at the Snug Cove ferry terminal where you can lock up while exploring the village or out on a kayaking excursion.
SAIL & MOTOR BOATS
Slips are available at the Union Steamship Marina, located adjacent to the kayak shop.
Short-term moorage may be available at the Bowen Island Marina where the kayak shop is located.
WATER TAXIS
Cormorant Marine on Bowen Island runs regular service between Snug Cove and Horseshoe Bay.
Cormorant Marine Water Taxi
For more about Bowen Island, and things to do and accommodations, see our FAQs page and the Bowen Island page.
