Just a short ferry trip from the mainland, Bowen Island (population 3,200) is a world away from the city. BC Ferries (604/669-1211) operates a 20-minute service between Horseshoe Bay and the island daily 6 a.m.–9:45 p.m., approximately once an hour. The fare is adult $7.25, child $3.75.

The ferry docks at the island’s main settlement, aptly named Snug Cove, where you’ll find all the services of a small town, including bed-and-breakfasts and cafés. There’s good swimming at Mannion Bay, near Snug Cove, and Bowen Island Sea Kayaking (604/947-9266) rents kayaks (three hours, $45–65) and offers tours (three hours, $65 per person), but the rest of the island is also good to explore.

A two-kilometer (1.2-mile) trail leads from Snug Cove to Killarney Lake, where birdlife is prolific and roads lead across to the island’s west coast. Island information is available from Tourism Bowen (432 Cardena Rd., 604/947-9024, daily 9 a.m.–7 p.m. in summer, www.bowenisland.org).