A short walk from the ferry, Sandy Beach is Bowen Island’s calm, sandy stretch of Mannion Bay.
South side of Mannion Bay, off Government Road, a few minutes’ walk from Snug Cove
Open daily, dawn to dusk
Free, municipal park and beach
BC Ferries to Snug Cove, then an easy walk along Government Road
Most of Bowen Island’s shoreline is rock and pebble, which is part of what makes Sandy Beach stand out. It sits tucked into Mannion Bay, close enough to Snug Cove that visitors arriving by ferry can be standing on sand within a ten minute stroll. The bay is shallow and sheltered, so the water tends to stay calm and warms up faster than more exposed beaches around the island.
Families with young kids gravitate here for exactly that reason: gentle entry into the water, soft footing, and a low tide that lets you wade well out into the bay before the water reaches your knees.
Sandy Beach is a popular swim spot in the warmer months, with picnic tables and washrooms set just back from the water. The beach itself is wheelchair accessible, with a gentle ramp down from the parking area, which is unusual for Bowen Island’s mostly rugged coastline.
Bring a picnic, a book, and beach shoes, since the sand gives way to a mix of pebbles closer to the treeline. It is a quieter alternative to the bigger community beaches on the island’s west side, without feeling remote.
Sandy Beach is one of the spots on the island with a community rack for storing small watercraft, so it draws paddlers as much as swimmers. Kayaks and paddleboards launch easily off the sand into Mannion Bay, and the sheltered water makes it a comfortable place to learn.
If you are staying on the island for a few days, the rack system means you do not have to haul a kayak back and forth from your accommodation each time.
Looking across the bay from the beach, you get a clear view toward the historic Bowen Island Lodge, one of the older buildings on this stretch of shoreline. It is a nice orientation point if you are exploring Snug Cove on foot afterward, with cafes, shops, and the ferry terminal all within easy reach.
Pair a visit here with a walk through Crippen Regional Park, which borders this part of the island and connects several trails back toward the village.
Arrive early on summer weekends. The small parking area near the beach fills up quickly once the ferry brings in day visitors.
Dogs are not permitted on Sandy Beach during July and August. Swimming advisories can be posted in high season, so check current conditions before heading in.
Ten minutes off the ferry and the whole pace of the day changes, sand underfoot, the bay laid out calm and quiet ahead of you.
Yes. The bay is shallow and sheltered, with a gentle sandy entry that makes it one of the easier beaches on Bowen Island for young children.
It is roughly a ten minute walk from the Snug Cove ferry terminal along Government Road.
Dogs are not permitted on Sandy Beach during July and August. Outside those months, leashed dogs are generally allowed, but it is worth checking current municipal rules before you visit.
There is a small parking area near the beach entrance, but space is limited. Many visitors walk from Snug Cove instead, especially on busy summer days.
Yes, Sandy Beach has a gentle access ramp down to the water, making it one of the more accessible beaches on Bowen Island.
Planning a full day on the island?
See 10 Best Things to Do on Bowen Island