Quick Info
- Location: Snug Cove, Bowen Island, BC
- Best for: Boat moorage, waterfront strolls, ferry-adjacent sightseeing
- Getting there: Steps from the Bowen Island ferry terminal
- Good to know: Public boardwalk is free to walk; moorage is for registered boaters
Bowen Island Marina sits right at the heart of Snug Cove, the small harbour village that greets every ferry arriving from Horseshoe Bay. Boats of all sizes tie up along the floating docks here, framed by heritage buildings, a grassy waterfront lawn, and a wooden boardwalk that connects the marina to the shops and cafes of the village. Even if you are not arriving by boat, the marina is one of the easiest places on the island to get a feel for Snug Cove’s character in just a few minutes on foot.
A Working Harbour with a Historic Backstory
The marina traces its roots to the Union Steamship Company, which ran a bustling holiday resort out of Snug Cove for much of the early twentieth century, ferrying day-trippers over from Vancouver for dances, picnics, and waterfront concerts. The resort era eventually wound down, but the harbour it built stuck around, and the heritage-style buildings that ring the water today are a direct link back to that period.
Present-day operators have leaned into that history rather than erasing it, restoring the old landing buildings and keeping the marina working as both a moorage facility and a small waterfront gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
Boardwalk, Boats, and a Short Stroll from the Ferry
Because the marina sits directly beside the ferry landing, it is often the first thing visitors see when they step off the boat. A flower-lined boardwalk runs along the water, linking the docks to cafes, shops, and the rest of Snug Cove village, so it is easy to fold a marina walk into a longer wander around the cove without any extra planning.
The docks themselves handle everything from small day boats to larger cruisers, and it is common to see people relaxing on the grassy lawn beside the water or ducking into a nearby cafe after a walk along the pier.
Tip: If you are taking the ferry over for the day, the marina boardwalk is a relaxed way to start or end a Snug Cove visit. Pair it with a stop in the village and, if time allows, the short walk out to Sandy Beach.
Ringed by boardwalks and heritage buildings, the harbour still carries the easygoing, resort-town feel Snug Cove has had for over a century.
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Bowen Island Marina?
The marina is in Snug Cove, right beside the BC Ferries terminal on Bowen Island, on the east side of the island facing Howe Sound.
Can I visit the marina without a boat?
Yes. The boardwalk and waterfront lawn are open to walk along, and it is a common stop for ferry passengers heading into or out of Snug Cove village.
Does the marina offer guest moorage?
The marina provides moorage for visiting boats along with standard marina amenities. Rates and reservations change from season to season, so check with the marina operator directly for current pricing and availability.
What is nearby?
Snug Cove’s shops and cafes are a short walk along the boardwalk, and Sandy Beach is an easy walk further along the shoreline.
Is the marina open year round?
The marina operates year round. Specific hours and seasonal services can shift, so it is worth checking the operator’s own listings before you go.
Plan Your Bowen Island Visit
See what else Snug Cove and the rest of the island have to offer.
Explore Bowen Island 10 Best Things to Do on Bowen Island