Oh, hey. I guess this is supposed to be a travel blog or something.

*rolls eyes*

Yeah, I know.

Anyway. You could say that I’ve done a fair bit of travelling at this stage in my life–and I’m only 23. So, I decided to start sharing some of those adventures here, instead of always boring my friends with my international escapades.

I wasn’t sure where to start.. how do I pick just one destination to start this whole thing?

My favourite place? I’m not even sure if I have one. The most popular place? Not exactly my thing.

But, I can tell you one place that comes to mind as somewhere that was able to leave a big impression after only a short time. A place that I still think of to this day, and a place that truly made me consider the possibility of living there one day.

Those are the kinds of places that we’re supposed to write about, right?

Well, for me.. that place is Bowen Island, BC.

As the ferry chugs into the fittingly named snug cove, I already begin to feel the warm welcoming of the tiny island community. Or, maybe it’s just the sun on my face.

Gulls are squawking a happy greeting; small boats are clunking together in the slow waves, and what seems like all of the residents of the island are happily greeting each new visitor off the ferry.

Small shack-shops line the dock, including a strangely placed Taco shop, and a couple of locally owned bait shops.

A wide grass opening lays to the right of the docks, and some larger restaurants and shops are further up the hill. At most other places in the world, this would be the perfect setting for a tourist trap, however, Bowen Island is far from that.

A road just off the loading dock leads past some cozy cottages, to a small gravel path. Walking through an archway of low-hanging trees, we emerged to a seemingly private cove. After stopping to catch our breath, we were admittedly awe-struck with what we saw before us.

The land hugged itself around a sparkling, inland body of water that sprinkled with little white sail boats. Tall trees rose above the edges and made their way to a dipping midpoint where a narrowing pond flowed through.

A small bridge allowed the flow of water, from pond to ocean, and provided a convenient seating area with a wooden bench. Sitting here, we watched the ducks and swans of the island floating around quietly as they basked in the warm afternoon sun.

In the cove itself we saw two sea otters lapping and playing in the distance.

I mean, come on. Sea otters.

The smell of salt water mixing with evergreen scents floated in the air, and the sounds of trickling water melted into the background. A lone fisherman readied his boat and navigated the low-tide as he prepared to head out to sea.

Leaning back in the wooden bench and looking beyond the cove, is mainland B.C.–only a few miles offshore. The snow-capped mountains loom high above the water’s edge, contrasted by the dark base of the temperate rainforest between.

We lounged away the rest of the afternoon on picnic tables by the dock, and enjoyed the warm February sunshine.

I left my friends to nap, while I wandered into a nearby forest, thick with moss and ferns. It was as if I had stepped into another world, just off the path, and could hardly see the harbour that I had just left behind me. I half expected a sparkly man with social anxiety to tap me on the shoulder. Or, a bear.

Soon it was time for our return ferry, and we would head back to the mainland.

I have been to many beautiful places in the world, but something about Bowen Island has always stuck with me.

One day I will return. This is a promise that I am making to myself, and dedicating my first blog post to.

See you next time, Bowen Island.

I came dangerously close to declaring Bowen Island as my new home, and never returning to Toronto again.

How to Get There

You can catch the 257 (Horseshoe Bay Express) bus at Granville Station in downtown Vancouver (fare $3.75), which will take you on a forty minute journey to Horseshoe Bay. The ride there takes you through North Vancouver, which slightly resembles Beverly Hills. The streets are steep and lined with flowery gated homes; you almost wonder if the bus can actually make it to the top of each hill, but you’re too busy admiring the decadent scenery.

Exiting the wealthy suburban showcase, you emerge into a wide open view of the entire sparkling bay. I’m talking framed painting worthy. The rest of the drive speeds by as the bus twists and turns through many winding roads with each view more wonderful than the last.

Upon arriving at Horseshoe Bay, you are dropped off at the ferry terminal. You are welcome to board the ferry right away, but I highly suggest taking a small tour of the tiny bay-town before departure. You can explore the docks and rocky shores, or you can get a warm/cold drink at the local Starbucks (we are close to it’s founding city after all).

Your next step is buying your ticket to board the ferry. It will only cost you $9.55, return ticket, and the ride will take approximately twenty minutes. You can buy food and drinks on board; that is if you’re not too busy above deck admiring the views.

The ride over alone is pretty spectacular, but nothing compared to actually arriving on the island.