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.
You can have as much or as little interaction with us as you like. We will invite you to come to the patio cafe space in the mornings for specialty coffees (additional cost) if you like when we are available, or we can deliver your preferred specialty coffees to your suite. We are available to help with adventure planning before and during your stay.
> 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.
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, and the option of espresso drinks at the new patio upstairs, where you can enjoy the morning sun and chat with your hosts about the adventures you might want to get up to during your Tour de Bowen. You will have everything you need for a relaxing stay in, or an adventure out!
If you need an extra room for more people, check out our new listing, the BowInn Zimmer. It is a private master bedroom in the main house (shared upstairs with me and my two kids) with a king bed, en suite 3-piece bathroom, Smart TV, and coffee/tea station. It is character rich and beautiful, with a little private patio overlooking the forest for use in the sunnier months. Visit the separate listing for details, or inquire with me directly to see if it’s available to add on to your stay with us.
FOREST SAUNA: BowInn guests get optional access to our Forest Sauna—a cute barrel sauna nestled in the trees and ferns near 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 to the suite! Your host has a 10 year old girl and 6 year old boy upstairs. Ask for toys, games, bikes for any age, and 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. There is a small 10lb female dog living upstairs, so your dog should be friendly with other dogs. Any damage caused by a dog will need to be paid for. We can supply a dog bed and bowl, but ask that you bring your own towels for your dog (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 (7). 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. Come up to the upper patio for a Cappucino, Americano, Espresso or Latte on summer mornings and let me help to plan your adventures. Happy also to provide tips for parents with kids! 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 hostess also knows the trails of Bowen for hiking and walking. Feel free to consult her about where to (not) get lost.
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 for the suite. More parking is available on request.
There’s fantastic road, gravel and MTBing on Bowen Island. Ask your host for tips!
Check out Zoom Zoom scooter rentals, they are a 10 min walk from the property, or Bowen eBikes located right at the ferry terminal. Tell them we sent you and you should get a small discount. Both places require advance reservations and are amazing ways to get around our beautiful island.
PETS: We welcome dogs at the BowInn, thought there is an additional small cleaning fee applied when you bring your furry friend, since we have to do a much deeper clean after your stay. There is a small 12lb female dog living upstairs, so your dog should be friendly with other dogs. Any damage caused by a dog will need to be paid for. We can supply a dog bed and bowl, but ask that you bring your own towels for your dog (all of ours are white!). We regret that we can't allow cats.
