By Michelle Gadd
If you live in Vancouver, escaping bustling city life for Bowen Island is like pushing the easy button for a revitalizing retreat. A 20-minute ferry ride to Snug Cove from Horseshoe Bay will drop you in an outdoor playground and foodie's paradise.
What better way to start off a foodie tour than with an eggs bennie brunch at The Snug Café? Once you're good and full, grab some fuel for your day at award-winning espresso maker Bowen Island Coffee. For the kids (or kids at heart) don't miss Candy in the Cove, the world's smallest candy store. We love the Disney-themed Pez dispenser sets and the Chickn Bones (don't be turned off by the name!).
For lunch, visit Rustique Bistro for a menu of West Coast-influenced French Foods. Do your self a favour and order the galette Cocotte for a savoury mix of chicken, spinach, bechamel and brie. Have room for more? Order a bucket of shrimp at Doc Morgan's Pub and Restaurant and enjoy it on their beautiful patio overlooking Snug Cove.
To work off that food, hike straight from Snug Cove to Dorman Point. This two-kilometre trek lands you at a beautiful lookout over Howe Sound. If you prefer retail therapy to extended strenuous exercise, walk up the hill to Artisan Square. Browsing through the carefully curated selection of brands, like Mackage and Eliza Faulkner at Wren, is a must.
Go Italian with dinner at Tuscany Restaurant in Snug Cove and order from a wide selection of oven-baked pizzas or a Special of the Day. Generous drink portions and a cosy, vine-draped patio infuse twilight with a true taste of Tuscany.
If you prefer vehicle transportation to foot travel on Bowen Island you can now rent a scooter from Zoom Zoom in Snug Cove. The rental is well worth it if you prefer accommodations further off the beaten trail. Alderwood Farm offers charming cottages (From $140). A stay at the farm also includes an epicurean breakfast basket from the onsite Bowen Butcher. The honey garlic sausage alone is worth the stay.
Another savoury accommodation on Bowen Island is The Chocolate Suite (From $125) which offers a unique twist on a B&B with chocolate for breakfast from Cocoa West Chocolatier. The renown chocolate shop features certified organic and locally sourced ingredients made by France-trained chocolatier Joanne Mogridge who brings European craftsmanship to the flavour and selection of chocolates on your bedside.
But the sweets don't stop there: no trip would be complete without a slice at Lime & Moon Pie Company on the marina. Our favourites were the mouth-watering Strawberry-Rhubarb and Chocolate Banana Cream pie.
Going back for seconds could make you miss your ferry but don't worry; Lime & Moon delivers pie by mail!
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