Adventure is at your doorstep at The BowInn. We have trails for walking, running, hiking, and cycling just outside. The cozy 2-bedroom suite is nestled in the forest, just a 3-min drive from the ferry and local beaches. Optional add on of a private Forest Sauna for up to 6 people. Fully private with its own entryway, it also has a kitchenette, spacious living area, and outdoor dining area w/ BBQ and outdoor seating. Get local intel about things to do solo or with kids at any time of year.
We would love to interact with and orient you to the BowInn and the island if you'd like that, but we are also fully respectful of your privacy if you prefer no contact and want to just arrive and hide away. We are always just a text or phone call away.
> 3 min drive from the village/Ferry
> 2 min walk to trails that circumnavigate the Killarney lake and intricate trail systems of Bowen Island.
> 15 min walk to Snug Cove/Ferry
> One of the prettiest, quietest country roads on Bowen and it's within walking distance of Snug Cove, Bowen Island's main town and where the ferry comes in. There are trails leading off Collins Road in both directions—out towards the mountains and forests the criss cross the island and back towards to cove and beaches of the east side.
> Start your day with a morning hike around Killarney Lake followed by breakfast at a local restaurant and a visit to a few local galleries. Known as a haven for rest, relaxation and nature away from the city, Bowen has a wide range of activities to enjoy.
The suite is on the ground level of the house, with its own separate entrance and parking area. You will hear the resident-host family upstairs on occasion, but guests rarely complain about noise. If you are super sensitive to noise above you, though, this might not be the right place for you. Get in touch or check out some of my other listings!
The BowInn is hosted by Discover Bowen, Saskia’s local company that curates beautiful unique stays and experiences on the island. All of our properties are thoughtfully and beautifully designed, are close to special features on the island, and are hosted to a high standard.
ABOUT THE SPACE:
The BowInn has 2 spacious bedrooms with two queen beds, a fold down twin bed in the living room, a kitchenette (double burner induction hot plate, microwave, toaster oven, Keurig coffee machine, kettle, ice maker, and small fridge/freezer) with a island that has bar seating for 4, a large living room with a cozy couch, arm chair, electric fireplace, and Smart TV. There is lots of parking, and an outdoor seating area with soft lighting, a table that seats 4-6 people, and a full size BBQ. If you’re coming with kids, you’ll find a selection of toys (Lego, train set, dominos), books, activity books, and games. We provide tea and coffee. You will have everything you need for a relaxing stay in, or an adventure out!
If you need an extra room for more people, Saskia manages other nearby listings and can work with you to host a larger group all in the same area.
FOREST SAUNA: BowInn guests get optional access to our cedar barrel forest sauna—nestled among tall trees on a terrace above the suite. The site has patio lighting strung between trees, an optional fire pit with outdoor seating (for use on dry nights), and space to hang your clothing and towels. We provide towels and a drinking water station, and a bucket of water for light use on the rocks in the sauna (creating a bit of steam). The space is made for 4 but *can* host up to 6, and you would have private use of it and the outside area for the duration of your appointment. Sessions are 90 minutes with the option to extend if you like (just let us know). Inquire for more details after booking to arrange your time. It’s a good idea to book in advance.
FAMILIES: We warmly welcome families and kids! Your host has a 12 year old girl and 8 year old boy upstairs. Some toys and games are provided, but please do ask for toys, games, bikes for any age. We are also more than happy to help with pack n' play and other pieces of bulky equipment so you don't have to lug so much from the mainland.
PET OWNERS: We welcome dogs at the BowInn, thought there is an additional $35 cleaning fee applied when you bring a dog, since we have to do a much deeper clean after a pet has stayed. We ask that you bring your own towels for mucky paws (all of ours are white!). We regret that we can't allow cats.
YOUR HOST: Your host is an avid hiker, runner, cyclist and mother of two little ones—Annika (12) and Aden (8). I am excited to welcome you to my home and to orient you to everything there is to do on our beautiful island. I run several vacation rentals and retreat spaces through my company, Discover Bowen. Some general pointers:
CYCLING/ CYCLISTS: Bowen is an amazing destination for cyclists! It's on the map now as one of the big challenges on the lower mainland for road cyclists taking on the (in)famous Bowen Island Man—w/ over 120km distance and 4000m of climbing). Do it in one day or break it into two or more parts while you stay with us. OR, discuss options for lesser known gravel, trail, and road routes criss crossing the island, with stops at beautiful cideries, beaches, and farms along the way. Your host is a road, gravel, and MTB enthusiast. She is happy to offer tips to riders. She can help you plan your route/s, share maps and/or Strava routes for your bike computer. If you are taking on the (in)famous Bowen Island Man ride, she and her hosting team will do their best to support you. We have rehydration tablets, gels, gummmies and other cycling necessities available for purchase (so you'll never run out), excellent coffee to get your day rolling, all basic bike tools for tune ups/maintenance, a bike stand, pumps, wash station and more. We also have a great relationship with the Bowen eBikes company (and can get you a small discount) if you want to explore eBike rental for yourself, friends, or family members. They have chariots to pull kids, and your host can recommend great family friendly routes to explore nearby Bowen trails and beaches.
HIKERS/WALKERS: Your host also knows the trails of Bowen for hiking and walking. Feel free to consult her about where to (not) get lost.
BEACHES: Bowen doesn't have any long beach walks, but we have beautiful hidden beaches all over the island that don't get busy! Happy to share tips and suggestions for your best beach days.
Local License: 00000746
Provincial License: H104153139
Collins Road is a very quiet little road near the cove, and there is also ample free street parking should you need it (but you won't!).
1 large parking spot big enough for any vehicle type is provided right next to the suite. More parking is available.
There's a bus that meets the ferry that will get you to the bottom of our road, and from there it's a 5 minute walk up the quiet road, with a 50m hill to climb. Though you can walk or bus here easily, it's a good idea to bring a car if you can because it will give you the best access to the island's many amenities and adventures.
Check out Zoom Zoom scooter rentals, they are a 10 min walk from the property, or Bowen eBikes located right at the ferry terminal. After you book, I am happy to provide discount codes for Discover Bowen guests!
LOCAL TIPS:
The BowInn is a Discover Bowen property. We have strong ties with local adventure outfitters (fishing and boating charters, eBikes, sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, scooter rentals), mobile massage therapists, thermal spas, and more. Please get in touch with your host, Saskia, to take advantage of priority access and discounted pricing.
FOREST SAUNA:
We have a cedar barrel sauna on the property set privately on a larger terrace above the house, with a fire pit in front (for use only when there is no fire ban) and optional use of a propane fire pit in the summer months. It's a beautiful, private space that we are happy to offer to our guests for an additional cost. You can book 90-minute sessions for up to 6 people. Details will be provided after your booking is confirmed. BowInn guests get priority access and discounted rates.
PETS:
We don’t want you to leave your furry friend/s behind if you want to bring them along for the adventure—and there are plenty to be had on the network of trails in Crippen Park and around the Cove, accessible right from the property. Dogs are welcome, though a small pet cleaning fee applies to compensate our cleaners for the extra time it takes to clean after a dog has visited. Please bring your own towels for muddy paws (ours are all white), and please don’t let your dog/s up on the furniture or beds.
UNIQUE FEATURES:
> The house has three levels, and the BowInn is on the ground level with its own entrance and parking area. There are no steps to access the suite.
> Patio with outdoor seating and full size BBQ.
> Cedar barrel sauna (optional) with seating around a fire bowl, privately situated on terrace above home.
> Crippen Park trail access very near the house. Forested land behind house goes up to beautiful viewpoint on Mount Collins.
> Saskia lives upstairs with her two 12-year old girls. The house is brand new (2025) and sound insulated and so you will not hear them much above—steps are heard faintly, but not voices.
> We are on a septic tank and so please do not flush anything but human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Backups can happen, and they are both a nuisance and expensive to address.
SMOKING:
Please do not smoke indoors, even with windows or doors open. We also prefer if you do not smoke on the property due to fire risk, but if you do need to smoke, please be responsible about it. Many forest fires are lit from cigarette ashes, and the forests of Bowen Island get bone dry in the summer months. Help us keep our home and island safe!
