Table of Contents
Slow down. Breathe in the salty ocean air. Watch the morning mist curl over the waves as the mountains rise in the distance. Vancouver’s coastal beauty is undeniable, but just beyond the city lies an archipelago of rugged islands, each with its own unique rhythm. Whether you choose to ferry across to Bowen Island, a peaceful haven where lush forests meet tranquil waters, or take to the skies for a seaplane journey to Victoria, where historic charm blends seamlessly with coastal grandeur, these escapes from Vancouver promise unforgettable moments framed by British Columbia’s stunning West Coast scenery.
Bowen Island
Nestled in Howe Sound, Bowen Island feels like a world away from Vancouver. And yet it’s just a short ferry ride from the city’s North Shore. This little island is a sanctuary of towering evergreens, glassy waters, and a slow, easygoing pace that invites you to linger. Here, the rhythm of life is dictated by the tides and the rustling of leaves, making it an ideal retreat for both relaxation and adventure.
Getting to Bowen Island from Vancouver
Reaching Bowen Island is effortless, but the journey itself is part of the magic. Drive or bus to Horseshoe Bay, where a scenic 20-minute ferry ride whisks you across the glistening waters of Howe Sound. As the ferry glides past rocky shores and dense forest, keep an eye out for seals basking on the rocks and eagles soaring overhead.
Things to do on Bowen Island
Whether you choose to explore on foot, by bike, or even by kayak on your day trip from Vancouver, Bowen Island offers endless ways to soak in its natural beauty.
- Kayaking and coastal exploration: Step off the ferry at Snug Cove. Within minutes, you can be paddling through the calm waters with Bowen Island Sea Kayaking. Glide past moss-covered cliffs, hidden coves, and maybe even a curious seal or two as you take in the quiet majesty of the island’s coastline.
- Artisan square: Just a 15-minute walk uphill from Snug Cove, Artisan Square is a charming hub of creativity tucked into the forest. The island’s deep artistic roots are on full display here, with galleries and boutiques showcasing everything from handcrafted jewelry to locally made textiles. Stop by Artigiana Milanesi for exquisite cashmere, or browse the Arts Pacific Gallery, where Bowen’s community of artists brings the island’s beauty to life through paintings, ceramics, and sculpture.
- Mount Gardner: For those craving adventure, Mount Gardner offers a challenging but rewarding hike to the island’s highest point. The five-hour round-trip trek winds through dense fir and cedar forests before opening up to panoramic views of Howe Sound, Vancouver, and beyond. Reach the summit, and you’ll find an old helicopter pad, the perfect spot to rest, enjoy a picnic, and take in the endless blue horizon.
- Sweet endings at Lime and Moon Pie Company: Before catching the ferry back to end your day trip from Vancouver, treat yourself to something special at Lime and Moon Pie Company in Snug Cove. Their Apple Raspberry Pie with Chocolate Crust is a heavenly mix of tart, sweet, and rich flavors—because every perfect day deserves a perfect slice of pie.
Victoria
The journey to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is as enchanting as the city itself. Perched on the edge of Vancouver Island, Victoria is where old-world elegance meets wild coastal beauty. The Inner Harbour bustles with street performers and sailboats, gardens overflow with color, and orcas glide through the surrounding waters.
Getting to Victoria from Vancouver
For a journey as thrilling as the destination, take a seaplane from downtown Vancouver. In just 30 minutes, you’ll soar over the Gulf Islands and touch down in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, greeted by the sight of grand historic buildings and sparkling waters. Prefer a slower approach? The BC Ferries Connector offers a scenic bus-and-ferry journey, perfect for those traveling with a car.
Things to do in Victoria
- The Inner Harbour: Victoria’s Inner Harbour is pure magic. The Empress Hotel’s ivy-covered facade, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings glowing at sunset, the floatplanes landing on the water—it’s a postcard come to life. On weekends, the waterfront transforms into a lively festival of street musicians, local artisans, and even a water taxi ballet, where tiny boats waltz in synchronized movements.
- Butchart Gardens: No visit to Victoria is complete without stepping into Butchart Gardens, a national historic site and one of the most spectacular botanical gardens in the world. Wander through the Sunken Garden, a former quarry now overflowing with vibrant blooms, or stroll through the Japanese Garden, where winding paths lead past koi ponds and moss-covered lanterns. With its seasonal floral displays and breathtaking landscapes, Butchart Gardens is a living, breathing work of art.
- Fisherman’s Wharf: A short stroll from the Inner Harbour, Fisherman’s Wharf is an unexpected delight. Here, a colorful floating village of houseboats bobs gently on the water, surrounded by docks lined with food stands serving fresh seafood. Grab a spot by the water and dig into Barb’s Fish & Chips, a Victoria institution known for its crispy golden batter and melt-in-your-mouth cod. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a curious harbor seal hoping for a bite.
Cover photo credit: Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe
