Getting to Wildwood from Vancouver
A short scenic ferry ride from Vancouver brings you to Bowen Island. Here's everything you need to know to get to Wildwood, from ferry details to local transit.
Which ferry goes to Bowen Island?
BC Ferries operates the route between Horseshoe Bay and Snug Cove on Bowen Island.
Horseshoe Bay is in West Vancouver, about 20 kilometres from downtown Vancouver.
You can cross as a walk-on passenger or bring a vehicle.
The Bowen Island route is currently not reservable. Tickets are purchased at the terminal.
Route
Horseshoe Bay → Snug Cove
crossing
About 20 minutes
Walk-on
Yes, foot-passengers are welcomed
Vehicle
Cars, RVs, Bikes, Motorcicles
Reservations
Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove is currently a non-bookable route
How to get to wildwood?
From Vancouver, head to the BC Ferries terminal at Horseshoe Bay. Traffic through West Vancouver can add time, particularly on weekends and holidays. Leave some room in your schedule.
Look for the Bowen Island sailing. The crossing takes about 20 minutes.
1. Get to Horseshoe Bay
2. Take the ferry to Snug Cove
The ferry drops you in Snug Cove, the main arrival point on the island. This is also where you will find shops, cafés and a few useful stops if you need something before heading to Wildwood.
3. Arrive on Bowen Island
4. Head to Wildwood
From Snug Cove, continue to Wildwood using the arrival information provided with your stay. We recommend saving the directions before leaving Vancouver. Cell service can vary once you are moving around the island.
Should you bring a car to Bowen Island?
You do not need a car just to get onto Bowen Island. Whether you should bring one depends on what you want to do while you are here.
A vehicle makes it easier to move around the island, carry groceries and gear, and visit different beaches or trails.
Walking on keeps the ferry part simple, but you will need to plan how you are getting around once you arrive at Snug Cove.
If you are staying at Wildwood, think about the rest of your trip rather than just the ferry crossing.
planning your ferry trip
Do not plan around arriving at the last minute. Vehicle lineups can build during busy periods, especially on weekends, holidays and summer days.
BC Ferries recommends paying attention to terminal instructions, and current construction at Horseshoe Bay can affect staging and traffic flow. Check the sailing schedule before leaving Vancouver and give yourself extra time.
If missing one ferry would affect the rest of your plans, leave earlier.
What time should you arrive at the ferry?
Can you reserve the Bowen Island ferry?
No. The Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island route is currently a non-bookable route. Fares are paid at the terminal when you travel.
That makes the trip straightforward, but it also means a specific sailing is not guaranteed when vehicle demand is high.
Check the current schedule and conditions before you leave.
What happens if you miss the ferry?
You wait for the next sailing. There are regular crossings throughout the day, but schedules change by season and day of the week. BC Ferries publishes the current schedule, so check it rather than relying on an old screenshot or timetable.
This matters most on your return trip if you have another connection or a fixed plan back in Vancouver.
Frequently asked questions
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The ferry crossing from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove takes about 20 minutes.
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The Bowen Island ferry departs from the Horseshoe Bay terminal in West Vancouver and arrives at Snug Cove.
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Yes. The ferry carries both vehicles and walk-on passengers.
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No. The route is currently non-bookable, and fares are paid at the terminal.
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It can be, but staying overnight changes the pace considerably.
Coming over?
Check the ferry schedule before you leave, give yourself enough time, and let the island take it from there.