Shopping on Bowen

Bowen Island has four distinctive shopping areas, all within reasonable walking distance from the ferry.

The very first business in Snug Cove is the Bowen Island Marina. The marina and The Pier is located to the immediate right of the B.C. Ferry dock.
Gifts on the Pier, the Bowen Island Sea Kayaking and the Tackle Shop are open year round while the Taco/Ice Cream shop is open May to October.
Summer brings additional activities on the Pier such as live music and specialty artists. You can always enjoy an unobstructed view of Snug Cove and Howe Sound.

Immediately after that is the ‘old village’ of Snug Cove. Once the only shopping area, it is now home to the Union Steamship Marina, with Doc Morgan’s Cafe and Pub, the Bowen Island Library and the new Visitor Information Centre in the heritage cottage just a few steps back of the Library. Snug Cove has gift shops, a bakery and several cafes, plus the historic Davies Orchard area with a restored 1920’s cottage museum, outdoor display and heritage office. This area ends at the intersection where the main grocery store is located, not far from the Neighbourhood Pub, beer and wine store and a cafe.

At the intersection is Village Square – is a newer shopping area which includes a pharmacy, several real estate offices, an insurance service, a hairdresser, the Bowen Post Office, gift shops, video store, bakery and cafe, a pet food store and a sushi shop. It’s also the home of a specialty grocery emphasizing healthy foods. Always busy, it’s a great place to meet friends.

Visitors can hike to Artisan Square via the path leading from Village Square, drive up Grafton Road or catch the shuttle bus to reach Bowen’s fourth grouping of shops and services. The buildings of Artisan Square were designed to reflect the creative vision of Bowen Island’s artistic community. A bakery/ cafe is a popular place for the proprietors and customers of the artists’ studios and galleries. There is a florist cum gift shop, a dollar store, chocolatier, dress shop, office and courier service, a goldsmith/jeweler, a children’s centre and a theatre school. Nearby is Bowen’s Municipal Hall plus the local gasoline service and a tool rental shop. Also close by is an automotive repair service.

Each of these four areas sees change and growth as new services come and others depart. All are lively and add much to the small and friendly Bowen community.