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Bowen Island Visitor Centre
Bowen Island Visitor Centre
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Temporarily closedClosed until further notice
About
During the autumn and winter months, the Visitor Centre is not staffed. But you will find self-serve information available, such as maps, schedules, visitor tips and more. So be sure to stop by when visiting. Bowen Island is considered to be one of Vancouver's best day-trip and getaway destinations, conveniently located one hour from Downtown Vancouver and a scenic 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay. Known for our stunning mountain and ocean views, our accessible forest trails, our rich cultural offerings and our laid-back small -town charm, we invite you to visit anytime of the year. Check out our website for lots of trip-planning suggestions. If you have a specific question, please contact us via email or telephone anytime throughout the year. We're here to help.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
15 reviews
Excellent
5
Very good
6
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Ambit1
Vancouver, Canada5 contributions
Feb 2020
Was so excited to finally find the time to visit Bowen island for the first with two other friends on February 11, Tuesday. Most restaurants or stores seems closed on Tuesdays. People seem not as friendly. We love Victoria, Gibson’s, sechelt, Whistler, the okanagan, visiting the Rockies, etc etc and everybody’s warm and lovely. Did not feel it here. Night and day when you go to Gibson’s or sechelt. We are so glad we just spent a day and not days. Ferry to Gibson’s is just one lane away and will always remember that.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ambit1.
It's unfortunate that you came on a Tuesday because, as you saw, many shops and restaurants are closed, particularly during the quieter winter months. Bowen Island is a much smaller community than Gibsons, Sechelt, Whistler and Victoria. All of the shops and restaurants are owner-operated – no franchises or big-box stores here. Therefore, during the winter months, most of the shops do not open seven days a week because that's not possible – everyone needs a day off sometimes! But during the peak season from May through September, most shops and restaurants try to be open every day.
Bowen Island is known for it's natural beauty, forest walking trails, scenic beaches and a place to come when you want to relax, escape the city and connect with nature. I hope you had a chance to enjoy some of Bowen's natural beauty.
Written February 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
debrick79
Glendora, CA238 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
I would recommend you start your stay at Bowen Island with a quick stop at the visitor center. Great information especially about hikes on the Island.and the bus/shuttle if you need it. The person at the outside booth was friendly and very knowledgable.
Written July 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm glad that we could help you enjoy your visit to Bowen Island. Thanks for sharing.
Written July 8, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Polly
London, UK102 contributions
Sept 2018
We were greeted by Susan at Bowen Island information Centre who was extremely friendly and helpful. Susan took the time to chat to us and find out what we wanted from the visit whilst sharing some of her fave spots and tips with us! It was great to meet someone so friendly and enthusiastic and she really put a smile on our faces! Overall, we would recommend anyone visiting the island to stop by at the information centre to make sure you have the best time however long or short your visit to the island is!
Written September 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're glad that you visited the Visitor Information Centre and that Susan's suggestions helped you make the most of your visit. Thank you for sharing your experience and hopefully we'll see you again on Bowen Island.
Written September 15, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ExVancouverGirl
Salt Spring Island, Canada18 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Shocking service. It has to wait for the ferry and doesn’t even do that well. It was just leaving when we walked up with my elderly father so we had to wait over an hour for the next one. Big line up by the time it was ready to leave.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IAN D
Wigan, UK25,852 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
Very small visitors centre that all served as a health advice centre. The lady inside just said take brochures as season had ended and she was the health advisor.
Written October 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Ian.
Unfortunately, at this time, our Visitor Information Centre is only staffed during the months May through September. However, there is always self-serve information available all year round at the Visitor Centre, including maps, special events, bus and ferry schedules, etc. Our website has additional visitor information, too.
I'm sorry we missed connecting with you in person, but I hope you had an enjoyable visit to Bowen Island. Thanks for taking the time to comment and share.
Written November 4, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bdh520
Edmonton, Alberta92 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
Good information was readily available, pleasant person on duty. Well worth stopping by for maps, etc.
Written July 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience and we hope you enjoyed your visit to Bowen Island.
Written July 30, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
75claudetteg
Vancouver, Canada22 contributions
Sept 2017 • Friends
I have had the pleasure of going to Bowen Island, the fun starts when you take the ferry for the 20+ minute drive from Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island. I have taken the school bus around as it delivers people to their homes, fun drive. Walked that steep hill to get to the top where the restaurant and lovely shops are. Had a great lunch and talked to residents of Bowen Island. Took ferry home after about 4 hours . Will be going again in August this year 2018
Written June 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello 75claudetteg.
I'm so glad that you enjoyed your visit to Bowen Island. I just want to clarify that the bus you took to Artisan Square is a community shuttle bus, #280 Bluewater, not a school bus. Anyone can take this bus and if you have a Translink Compass card, you can use that to pay for your fare.
Thanks so much for sharing your travel experience. And maybe we'll see you in August!
Written June 8, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kevinhB7173LQ
St. Catharines, Canada119 contributions
Jul 2019
As visitors, we were impressed with the young staff that were pleased to offer us their help and showing maps, brochures, ferry schedules etc. Good job.
Written August 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience and feedback. I will pass on your positive comments to the summer staff. They are working hard to help visitors enjoy Bowen Island. Kind regards, Jody.
Written August 7, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
William A
Auckland Central, New Zealand154 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
The lady who met us at the Tourist Centre provided us with maps and good advice so we could commence our walk to Killarney Lake.
Written July 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi William. Thank you for the positive feedback and we are so glad that we could help. Hope you enjoyed the walk!
Written August 1, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kent L
4 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
I was struggling to find rooms on short notice due to a family matter on Bowen. I had my mother and children, 5 of us. I called Bowen Tourism and they quickly helped me land two rooms, sent photos with options and were super helpful. Impressive and appreciated!
Written July 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your positive feedback and appreciation, Kent. We're glad that we could help you. Let us know if you need any assistance in the future – we're happy to help.
Written July 17, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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