Transportation
There are several options for getting around Bowen Island and for travelling off the island.
Getting around Bowen
Community Transit
There are two community transit bus routes operated by TransLink. The 280 Bluewater runs from Snug Cove towards the western side of the island, turning around at Spyglass Road. The 281 Eaglecliff runs from Snug Cove along the eastern side of the island to Hood Point and back. The 282 Mt. Gardner runs on weekends only. Buses generally arrive to and leave Snug Cove with the arrival/departure of the ferry, but there are some exceptions. Please check the schedule to determine the departure time.
Please note that BC Ferries may change their sailing schedule several times a year. Despite best efforts, TransLink’s posted schedule may not be updated immediately to reflect these changes. Transit operators generally adjust their schedules accordingly to ensure that the buses connect with the ferry. Please use the Doublemap Live Bus Tracker app to see where the bus is in real time.
Bus Schedule: 280 Bluewater (PDF)
Bus Schedule: 281 Eagle Cliff (PDF)
Bus Schedule: 282 Mt. Gardner (PDF) (Weekends Only)
(the links above go to the official TransLink schedule. If the links are not working, please go to https://www.translink.ca/Schedules-and-Maps/Bus/Bus-Schedules.aspx and search using the route number)
Track the bus in real time
Did you know you can track our Bowen Island community shuttle buses in real time online?
The 280 Bluewater and 281 Eagle Cliff buses have been equipped with GPS tracking devices. This means you can use the Doublemap website or smartphone app to see where the bus is in real-time.
This is a temporary service provided by TransLink that’s only available until June 30, 2020. But if enough people use the service, TransLink may extend this service!
Try the Doublemap Live Bus Tracker next time you take the bus.
Please send your feedback to Emma Chow, Island Community Planner at echow@bimbc.ca or 604-947-4255.
Fares
You can use your Compass Card to pay your fare on the Bowen Community Transit buses. Standard transfer times are 90 minutes. However, if you are going off Bowen you will have 110 minutes to complete your transfers on the mainland. And, from the mainland you will have 180 minutes to tap in on Bowen.
The Bowen Island Community Shuttle Facebook group was created in 2018 for users of the local buses to post and share updates.
Need extra time or help getting on the bus?
If you are planning on getting on the community shuttle bus with a mobility device or stroller, or otherwise need a little extra time or help to board, you can call (604)574-9396 to coordinate with the bus driver. This helps everyone get to their destination on time
2019 Transit On-Demand Pilot
From July 15 to September 15, 2019, two shuttle buses wrapped in white with colourful circles operated on Bowen to provide app-based Transit On-Demand service, including real-time bus tracking, extended service hours and expanded coverage.
Learn more about Transit On-Demand
Bowen Taxi
Bowen Taxi operates a taxi on Bowen Island. You can book trips by calling 604-250-8294.
Bowen LIFT
Bowen LIFT is a ride sharing program unique to Bowen Island. Look for the stops along main routes where you can wait to get a ride or pick up someone who needs a ride.
Getting to and from Bowen
BC Ferries
The Queen of Capilano provides vehicle and foot passenger ferry service between Snug Cove and Horseshoe Bay.
Cormorant Marine
Cormorant Marine operates foot passenger water taxi service between Snug Cove and Horseshoe Bay (and other destinations in Howe Sound).
Bowen Express Bus
Locally known as "Peter's Bus", the Bowen Island Transportation Society operates express bus service between Horseshoe Bay and downtown Vancouver during peak commuting hours. The schedule is designed to align with the Cormorant Marine water taxi schedule.
Bowen Island Bus Facebook Group
Bowen Island Express Bus Schedule
Transportation Guide
This guide is provided by Bowen Island Municipality and is for general information purposes only. While we make every effort to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties about the accuracy with respect to the information contained within this guide. For up to date information please visit the service provider’s website. This guide was last updated March 2020.
Bowen Transportation Guide (PDF)
Last Updated on 2020-03-03 at 11:03 AM