It’s astonishing how many residents of Metro Vancouver have never ventured over to Bowen Island. Just a 20-minute ferry ride away, Bowen offers a little taste of character that is unmistakably island, with narrow twisting roads, dense forests and sleepy little coves.
Bowen Island is a community that is serious about good food—where else could you book a Bed & Chocolate instead of Bed & Breakfast?
Although the hilly geography makes farming a challenge, there are a few growers here, celebrated by the annual summer BowFeast that has a farmers’ market at its core.
Most of the island’s food gems are walkable from Snug Cove, which means you can leave your car on the Mainland and walk onto the ferry as a foot passenger. Or better yet, take the water taxi from Granville Island and stop in at the Public Market and Fisherman’s Wharf for provisions on your way home.
If you’re picnicking or renting a cottage, the Ruddy Potato offers a great selection of organic provisions. Artisan Square is a must-see; here, you can get cozy by the fire at Artisan Eats while indulging in gorgeous pastries, tantalizing tarts, fennel-crusted albacore tuna, shrimp cakes and house-made pâtés. (The owners also have the Tuscany down in Snug Cove, a dinner place that was closed during our visit, but that the locals rave about.)
Deep Winter days absolutely cry out for cups of hot chocolate, and Cocoa West in Artisan Square serves it in style, as well as a selection of organic, handmade truffles. They also rent a lovely modern room called the Chocolate Suite, for those interested in a Bed & Chocolate experience. If you’re still hungry or have time to pass before catching the next sailing home, The Snug Café in the Cove is famous for its fat Reuben sandwiches and perfectly cooked omelettes. And those addicted to e-mail, Facebook or Twitter will appreciate the free wireless.
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• 604-215-1758 • 1038 East 11th Avenue • Vancouver BC V5T 2G2
