West Coast Mermaid

A list of my traditions when visiting Bowen Island BC

If you plopped me on any north west coast island, I’d be happy, but Bowen is beautiful and close to home for me. Only a twenty minute ferry ride from horseshoe bay, it’s a great idea for a daytrip from Vancouver. A hidden gem of beaches and quiet spots. This is my small list of must dos when I visit.  

Artisan Eats Café & Fine Foods

Probably one of the most popular cafes on the island(not that there’s many). At the very end of Artisan Square, the café has a gorgeous view and comfy island atmosphere. With big windows you can look out at the water, trees, and mountains. They have fresh baked goods everyday and cook full meals. Sitting here right after coming off the ferry always hits so well.

Wren

Another place in Artisan Square, my favorite boutique. Wren sells sustainable Canadian brand clothing. They also carry a selection of jewelry, vegan nail polish, and other accessories. In the back there is  now a dispensary store, for people to buy sustainable products. Soap bars, bamboo toilet paper, reusable menstrual products, home products, etc. It’s a beautiful store and I always like taking a peek at what’s in stock.

Lighthouse park

Shh, don’t tell anyone else this is the best swimming spot. It can be a little tricky to find the driveway down to the small parking lot and it will feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but you got to trust the process. Go in the summer during golden hour. The lighthouse is at the end of a long stretch of rocks, creating a small cove and stopping strong waves from crashing in. When conditions are perfect and beautiful, it feels like somewhere in a fairy tale. Definitely given mermaid vibes. If swimming’s not your thing, take a picnic and sit in the grass or on the rocks overlooking the water. A magical spot.

Saturday Farmer’s Market

Plants, flowers, veggies, ciders, and soaps. It’s a farmer’s market that really represents a community. Getting up on a Saturday morning, buying a coffee, and walking around the different booths. Seeing what’s being sold and to see a community come together. 

Branch

This is the go-to dinner spot. They serve tacos and Vancouver local, Earnest Ice cream. So  delicious after a day on the beach! A small boutique store sits beside the main building where you can buy candles, homeware, clothes, pins, and jewelry. This year they even had a thrifting rack curated from people living on the island. Looking out over the marina, you can watch the ferry coming in and out of Snug Cove during golden hour. 

Eagle Cliff Beach

With a long beach dock to jump off the end into the cool water on a hot summer’s day, this is an ideal spot to come in the heat. It has a rocky beach with shade in the afternoon, as it faces East. From it you can see the Sea to Sky highway, the Ferries going in and out of Horseshoe Bay, and you can make out the UBC campus lands. The downside is, it’s a steep walk down from parking, best to wear comfortable shoes.