goin' to bowen (again)
Just in time for the legendary Bowen Island Dock Dance (Aug 5), we present this summer’s must-do guide for Bowen Island — just a $7, 20-minute ferry ride, and a world away.
eat
Step off the ferry and up the main drag (after a browse through the open-air craft market) into Tuscany, whose exceptional weekend brunches feature peach bellinis, lemon-ricotta pancakes, free range eggs, and sausages from local Alderwood farm, all in a white tablecloth room. Reservations recommended. 451 Bowen Trunk Road, 604-947-0550.
For late-lunch, brand new Artisan Square restaurant The Galley serves up heaping plates of calamari and moules-frites to hungry hikers and kayakers, with an ocean view from the dining room. 539 Artisan Lane, 604-947-0061.
On the way home, park in the ferry line-up, then head onto the pier to Taco’s, a summertime stand where soft-shelled take-out tacos loaded with locally produced organic beef will run you less than $5.
do
Walk or jog the scenic, easy 4 KM Killarney Loop Trail around the lake, stopping to picnic or to admire the Monet-like views, bridges and boardwalks.
Cap off your stay with a hot stone massage at Harry Mather’s Whole Health Clinic where the age-defying neo-shaman will use singing bowls, talking sticks, eagle feathers and stones of jade, marble and Canadian river rock during the ceremonial massage. The highly detoxifying treatment relaxes, invigorates, and dramatically improves digestion.
Whole Health Clinic, 596 C, Artisan Lane, Artisan Square, 604-671-4325.
shop
Pick up specialty foods (and beautiful ostrich eggs) at the butchers shop at Alderwood Farm.
Try the new frozen hot chocolate on a stick ($3) with just a hint of cinnamon, at the lovely natural/organic Cocoa West Chocolatier in Artisan Square.
sleep
If you plan on making it more than a daytrip, book a room (from $75) at the quaint, art-deco inn, Lodge at the Old Dorm, near the village centre.
For ferry schedules from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove, Bowen Island, visit www.bcferries.bc.ca
For more info on Bowen Island, see www.bowenisland.org
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