Bowen Island is a charming and idyllic island located in the Howe Sound, just off the coast of West Vancouver, and a short 20 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay. This 50 square km island with about 3600 residents is known for its natural beauty, friendly community, and artistic culture, Bowen Island is a popular destination for both day-trippers from Vancouver.
History of Bowen Island
The island has a long history of Indigenous occupation by the Squamish Nation, a Coast Salish people.
European explorers, including Spanish and British sailors, explored the waters around Bowen Island in the late 18th century. The subsequent fur trade brought European traders and trappers to the region, who interacted with Indigenous communities.
In the mid-19th century, the British Royal Navy’s HMS Plumper, under the command of Captain George Henry Richards, conducted a hydrographic survey of the area. Bowen Island was named after Rear Admiral James Bowen.
In the late 1800s, logging and milling became significant industries on Bowen Island. The island’s forests provided timber for construction and other purposes.
With the development of transportation infrastructure, including ferry service from Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island became more accessible. Improved communication links facilitated the growth of the island as a residential and recreational community.
Bowen Island was incorporated as a municipality in 1999. This allowed the island to have its own local government to address the needs of the community.