Bowen Island is a small, but lush Pacific Northwest paradise with plenty to see and do. Here’s a look at the Best Restaurants on Bowen Island for your next adventure as well as Things to Do and Where to Stay on Bowen Island.
Bowen Island Restaurants
Bold Baked Goods at Artisan Eats Café
Next on this list of Best Restaurants on Bowen Island is Artisan Eats Cafe.
This French-inspired bakery serves up morning parfaits, donuts, soups, fresh bread, open-faced sandwiches, panini, bagels, and rich lattes. You’re sure to find something here that excites your tastebuds.
While you enjoy your selections, take in the wide views of the ocean, mountains, and forest and breathe in the crisp air.
Grab some of their housemade granola for a snack on the road.
539 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
Fish and Chips at Doc Morgans Pub and Restaurant
At Doc Morgans Pub and Restaurant, you’ll find gastropub favorites, including fish and chips – your choice of halibut or Pacific rock cod with a side of Kennebec fries and house coleslaw.
Offerings also include the spring salmon burger, chicken Karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken thighs in ponzu sauce), and green Anjou pear salad.
Can’t choose just one? Get your whole group involved and order an assortment of plates made for sharing.
Try the pan-seared shishito peppers, house-made stuffed bread, or the crispy brussels sprouts with black lavender honey and toasted pumpkin seeds.
Prime Rib is their feature weekly Friday night special, served with Yorkshire pudding, garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, au jus and a complimentary dessert, only $33.
439 Bowen Island Trunk Rd, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0
Dinner at Rustique French Kitchen + Bar
For classic French cuisine, duck into Rustique Bistro – one of the top restaurants on Bowen Island
Enjoy classics like French onion soup, duck confit, steak frites, mussels in a wine cream sauce and more.
You’ll also find surprisingly vegetarian-friendly offerings like Melon & Bocconcini salad with honeydew melon, tomatoes, artisan greens, farmer sausage & balsamic glaze.
The Truffle Mornay Meatball linguine comes highly recommended.
And with their extensive wine list, you’re sure to find a pairing that catches your eye and suits your palate.
433 Bowen Island Trunk Rd, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Authentic Italian at Tuscany Pizza and Trattoria
If you’re craving Italian, turn to Tuscany Pizza and Trattoria.
Their trattoria offers the best Italy has to offer, beyond the standard pasta dishes we’ve all come to expect.
Instead, you’ll find offerings like calamari with Calabrian chili, honey and chives; prawn scampi and spaghetti in a lemon cream sauce; and spinach and ricotta cannelloni.
There is also the linguini aglio olio with cherry tomatoes and Parmesan topped with crispy fried halibut.
Not to be missed are their pizzas like the Carne Misto featuring San Marzano tomato sauce, mozza, pepperoni, spicy capicolla, Italian Sausage and red onions.
And there’s good news for those with gluten intolerances – every one of their pizzas can be made gluten-free.
Their dessert menu doesn’t disappoint.
You’ll have trouble choosing between their house-made tiramisu with gelato and amaretto; mascarpone cheesecake with wild blueberry compote and buckwheat with hazelnut crumb; or the chocolate cake with ganache and cream.
If you’d rather enjoy your meal from the comfort of your own home, their full menu is available for takeout.
451 Bowen Island Trunk Rd, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2, Canada
Cocktails and Laidback Pub Eats at Bowen Island Pub
Another mention on this Best Restaurants on Bowen Island is The Bowen Island Pub – a family-owned community spot where Bowen Island locals like to hang out.
They have been proudly serving the community for 35 years.
Opt for patio dining, or catch your favorite game at the bar.
This is also an ideal spot for vegetarians and vegans; their menu clearly labels plant-based options.
Start with one of their signature cocktails like the lavender lemonade; Five O’Clock Shadow (whiskey, cola, walnut bitters, and Persephone); or Dicey Business (espresso vodka, Frangelico, milk, chocolate sauce, and chocolate shavings for garnish).
Enjoy offerings like salt and pepper rib tails; Longhorn Cajun chicken salad; salmon chowder; and the Salish sea cobb salad with Pacific salmon and garlic prawns. You can’t go wrong here.
479 Bowen Island Trunk Rd, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G1, Canada
Tappy Hour at Barcelona Tapas and Wine Bar
For a quick pre-dinner bite between outings around town, look no further than Barcelona Tapas and Wine Bar – one of the best restaurants on Bowen Island.
Sip a glass of sangria or another selection from their extensive wine list.
While you’re at it, share small plates with your group.
You’ll find offerings like crispy fried eggplant with honey and mint, local chorizo with red wine marinade, and beef and chorizo meatballs in saffron tomato sauce.
There is the Langua de Les featuring thin sliced braised beef tongue, with house pickled pearl onions, caper berry, migas and sauce gribiche.
For a bit of something sweet, try their flao – Ibiza-style cheesecake with anise and mint, with olive oil crust and apricot compote.
449 Bowen Island Trunk Rd, Bowen Island, BC
Tacos and Ice Cream at Branch on Bowen
Branch on Bowen is the perfect stop right before (or after) you hop on the ferry.
And can you think of a better combination than tacos and ice cream? We can’t.
And these aren’t just your run-of-the-mill tacos.
Choose from options like the Ju Ju beef taco with with organic Blue Goose beef and kimchi.
No matter what you pick, you’ll find something unique and new.
On your way out, grab a waffle cone to go.
They offer Earnest Ice Cream with flavor selection that rotates regularly, but you can expect both traditional and vegan flavors.
400 Bowen Truck Rd Bowen Island, BC
Pastries from The Snug Cafe
For a feel of the Bowen Island community, swing by this coffee shop-turned-community-hub.
Bakery offerings change daily, but expect choices like sausage rolls, croissants, samosas, danishes, and a smattering of gluten-free options.
You can expect breakfast specials like Lemon Blueberry French Toast and Croque Madam while for lunch you might find items like Green Curry Laksa and Backyard Burger.
Grab whichever catches your eye (or an assortment) and sip an espresso while you admire the local color.
445 Bowen Island Trunk Rd, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Try Famous Brownies at The Village Baker Café
This small, family-run café makes all their baked goods, breads, breakfast and lunch products from scratch with the best ingredients locally supplied, where possible.
Their artisan breads are made from scratch from a traditional French recipe using unbleached flour and no additives.
Stop by for their signature brownies and a French roast.
If you’re looking for something heartier, they also serve sandwiches (on house-made bread, English muffins, or toasted bagels), soups and more.
The favorite ferry rush breakfast item is Santa Fe wrap, scrambled egg, avocado, two cheeses and salsa on a whole wheat or white tortilla wrap.
992 Dorman Rd, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0
Indulge in Chocolate at Cocoa West Chocolatier
Cocoa West Chocolatier creates organic artisan chocolate bars, truffles and hot chocolates on Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada.
581 Artisan Ln, Bowen Island, BC
Where to Stay
Artisan Suites on Bowen Island
Here, you’ll find luxurious, boutique accommodations. Each suite has a gorgeous scenic view, so you can take in the ocean, mountains, and forest nearby. Every room is equipped with a rain shower for maximum luxury.
Artisan Square, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
Nectar
Nectar is the ideal spot if you’re looking for more than just a place to stay. This is an all-inclusive yoga and wellness retreat space. Take in the natural beauty of the space, to your greatest advantage, by immersing yourself in nature and getting in touch with yourself.
Choose between a cozy, vintage-inspired A-frame or a luxurious deluxe cottage. Either way, you’ll find it easy to relax and unwind the second you arrive.
720 Gardener Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
Cocoa West Chocolatier
This chocolatier-turned-bed and breakfast is the perfect surprising getaway. The rooms evoke the same bold luxuriousness of the suite’s namesake. Upon arrival, you’ll find organic truffles waiting for you in your room.
The suite has easy access to trails, kayaking, beaches, and everything else you expect from Bowen Island. And when you’re not exploring the island, you’ll know right where to go – duck into the chocolate café for hot drinks and gelato treats.
581 Artisan Ln, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2, Canada
Things to Do Bowen Island
Hit the beach at Tunstall Bay
The neighbourhood of Tunstall Bay has a lovely public beach where you can picnic, enjoy the water, view and sunshine and explore the beach and rocky cove.
Embark on an Adventure at Bowen Island Sea Kayaking
Explore all the natural beauty Bowen Island has to offer by taking to the sea on a rented sea kayak or paddleboard.
If you’re new to the sport, schedule a lesson to help you get your sea legs.
For a more immersive experience than just free play on the water, they also offer tours of different lengths, ranging from three hours to several days.
Bowen Island Marina, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Take in Local Art at the Arts Pacific Gallery
If you ever want to get a feel for a community, look to their art. That’s exactly what you’ll find at this small-town art gallery.
They feature work of all kinds by local artists, from textiles to paintings to sculpture.
One unique thing about such a locally-based gallery is that many pieces are for sale. A piece of local art sure beats a keychain from a regular gift shop.
587A Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G1, CA
Learn About Local History at the Bowen Island Museum and Archives
This all-ages, admission-by-donation museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of Bowen Island.
They have photography, map, artifact, and book collections, so you’re sure to find something there that piques your interest and captures your imagination.
1014 Miller Road Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G1
Bowen Island Memorial Garden
Take a walk around the Bowen Island Memorial Garden – a commemorative garden that perpetuate the essential spirit of Bowen Island, it’s natural beauty and tranquil setting.
Crippen Park Killarney Lake, Bowen Island, BC
Crippen Regional Park
Take a hike in Crippen Regional Park where you can enjoy beautiful lush forests, cross creeks on small bridges, and more. Take the longer trail to see the beautiful Killarney Lake and stop by Bridal Veil Falls.
430 Bowen Island Trunk Rd #2, Bowen Island, BC
Bowen Island Ferry
The Queen of Capilano provides regular ferry service between Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) and Bowen Island (Snug Cove).
The ferry leaves Horseshoe Bay between the hours of 5:50 a.m. to 10:20 p.m. The crossing time is 20 minutes.
All tickets include return fare and when you depart Bowen, you will not be asked to show your receipt.