Heading to Bowen Island, BC? If this little island isn't on your summer to-do list yet, now's the time to add it! Close and convenient enough for a Vancouver day trip, Bowen Island is a small island in the Howe Sound that makes you instantly feel miles away from the big city. It's the perfect weekend getaway from Vancouver, and it's one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia.

Here are 5 stunning things to do on Bowen Island to escape the city and get out into nature:

Getting to Bowen Island, BC:

Getting to Bowen Island from Vancouver is super easy! You just take a short, 20 minute ferry on BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove, and you can either take your car or you can walk on. There is a lot you can see and do on the island without a car, so if you're going for a day trip from Vancouver it's not necessary. But some of our fave things to do on Bowen Island are only accessible by car, so keep that in mind! The ferry is around $60 for one car and two people to get to the island, but you don't have to pay a return fare.

5 Things to Do on Bowen Island, BC:

1. Fill Up on Treats at Branch & Butter

The newly opened Branch & Butter on Bowen Island is not only adorable, it's also delicious. Whether your idea of a treat is gourmet toast or gourmet ice cream, you'll find both at this cute shop right off the marina, featuring bread by Birds and the Beets and freshly scooped cones by Earnest Ice Cream!

Next door, you'll find their adorable boutique Branch 01 with unique, locally curated goods by Canadian makers.

2. Practice Yoga in a Geodisic Dome at Nectar Yoga BnB

Bowen Island is a very zen place, and you can't get much more zen than practicing yoga in a dome, in the middle of the woods. Unless of course, you wake up to morning meditation, practice yoga in the outdoors, and then enjoy a healthy, homemade breakfast in bed right after...which is exactly what you get at Nectar Yoga BnB!

If you're looking for a unique and relaxing place to stay on Bowen Island, Nectar Yoga BnB would be the perfect choice. We loved our loft, it was so nice to be able to cook our own food, relax in our living room, and then snuggle up in the loft for nap time. The yoga and meditation classes at Nectar Yoga are also amazing, neither of us are advanced yogis but the classes were not intimidating at all, and we felt so rejuvenated after our stay! If you're a total yogi, they also offer yoga retreats and detoxes throughout the year.

3. Go Kayaking With a Stunning Mountain View

Exploring Bowen Island, BC is all about getting into nature, and what better way than by hitting the ocean? Bowen Island Sea Kayaking rents single and double kayaks right off the marina, so it's super easy to get going for a couple hours on the water, and the Howe Sound offers the most magnificent view of the mountains! If you're feeling keen, they also run kayaking tours that range from a few hours to a full day.

4. Enjoy a Romantic Dinner on Bowen Island

When you're not out adventuring or doing yoga, it's time to sit down with a glass of wine and an amazing meal on Bowen Island. And lucky for you, there's a few really good restaurants that will provide both a great ambiance and a satisfied stomach. If you're wondering where to eat on Bowen Island, check out Barcelona for Spanish tapas or Tuscany for Italian! But beware: all the restaurants close pretty early (by 8 or 9pm) on Bowen Island, so don't leave dinner too late.

5. Explore the Beautiful Scenery at The Cape on Bowen Island

One of the untouched wonders (and definitely hidden gems) of Bowen Island is along the Cape on the west side of the island. It's a little eerie, because there's all these beautifully paved roads for development, but no homes or buildings. Start by driving to the Roger Curtis Lighthouse, and make your way through the streets to Pebbly Beach during sunset. Trust us - you won't regret it!

Those are some of our favorite things to do on Bowen Island! You can also just relax on the beach, hike up Mt. Gardner, or take a stroll along the lake - either way, there's plenty to do and see on Bowen Island (including relaxing). For more of our favorite things to do in BC check out 7 Gorgeous Weekend Getaways from Vancouver!