Snug Cove is where the BC Ferries boat from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver lands on Bowen Island, so the ferry is the way across. A passenger only water taxi from Horseshoe Bay is the other option. Once you are at the cove, the island’s local buses meet the ferries.
Taking the ferry to Snug Cove
BC Ferries sails between Horseshoe Bay and Snug Cove. Departure times, the length of the crossing and the number of sailings change with the season, the day of the week and holidays, so look at the BC Ferries sailing schedule for your date. Summer weekends and long weekends are the busiest, and the schedule page also shows current service notices.
Tickets and boarding
Check the BC Ferries site for the current rules on tickets, check in cut off times and reservations for vehicles. Foot passengers and drivers follow different steps, and the terminal staff direct vehicles into lanes. Arrive early on busy days so you are not caught by a cut off, and keep your ticket or booking confirmation handy.
Water taxi
A water taxi is an on demand option between the government dock at Horseshoe Bay and Snug Cove. Cormorant Marine is listed as one provider. Contact the operator for current hours, group sizes and fares, because a small boat service adjusts to weather and demand. Another operator, English Bay Launch, is listed as suspended since 2018, so do not plan around it.
Getting around once you land
Snug Cove is easy to explore on foot, with the ferry dock, shops and cafes close together. Beyond it the island is hilly and winding, with few roadside walking paths, and private cars are the main way people get around. TransLink lists three local bus routes timed to meet the ferries, numbered 280, 281 and 282, with route 282 running on weekends and holidays only. Service patterns change, so confirm the current routes and times in the TransLink trip planner.
If you need to reach a spot on the island outside the village, or you are travelling with luggage, arrange a ride in advance. Our Vancouver taxi page covers pickups at Horseshoe Bay before you board.