On New Year’s Day, we decided to do something special that would set the tone for a great year ahead. I had been wanting to check out MIST Thermal Sanctuary, so we decided to plan a very relaxing day-trip to Bowen Island. It ended up being the perfect West Coast day, with MIST being a very grounding and rejuvenating experience.
How To Get To Bowen Island, B.C.
It’s very easy to get to Bowen Island from Horseshoe Bay through BC Ferries. You can’t book this route in advance (Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove), and it’s first-come, first-served, so make sure you arrive at the terminal early. We arrived at 9:30 am for the 10:35 am ferry and had plenty of time (we were the second vehicle in line). You can either walk or drive on; however, if you plan to explore all that beautiful Bowen has to offer, I recommend bringing a vehicle to make the most of your day. You will buy a round-trip ticket for this route, so you only need to pay once. For our vehicle and 4 passengers, it cost $84 total (or $21 per person).
Things to do in Bowen Island, B.C.
Horseshoe Bay & Goldie’s Donuts
Once you’ve paid for your ferry ticket, parked your car in line, and know exactly what time you need to be back, go enjoy some beautiful mountain views as you walk across picturesque Horseshoe Bay to Goldie’s Donuts & Bakery. I am still dreaming about their divine Korean-style donuts, which undergo a 24-hour fermentation process. They are absolutely delicious, airy, fluffy, and strike the perfect balance without being too sweet. We tried two of their most popular flavours: strawberry milkshake and mocha tiramisu. They often have seasonal features as well – there is something for everyone, trust me, you will not leave disappointed. You can enjoy their welcoming indoor space or outdoor seating. Make sure to try one of their signature drinks as well – you can’t go wrong with their Matcha Latte or something special like their Oreo Cream Mocha.
After this quick stop, it’s time to head back to your car and board the ferry. The ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island is only 20 minutes, but you will get to see some beautiful West Coast views. Make sure you get out of your car and go up to the top outdoor deck to make the most of it. You can get some beautiful pictures with the mountains and the water – quintessential B.C.!
Bowen Island, B.C. Cafes to Try
As soon as you get off the ferry you will see a few adorable spots that you can’t miss: Branch on Bowen/Narwhal on Bowen and Tell Your Friends Cafe. Make sure to stop by to check out locally made goods, beautiful gifts, delicious food, and specialty coffee. There is a spacious outdoor seating area and you’ll experience an overall laid-back vibe. No one is in a rush here, and you can really feel that calming energy.
We had flat whites and really yummy breakfast sandwiches from Tell Your Friends Cafe. I was very tempted to try their orange cardamom hot chocolate – maybe next time! Take your time, settle in, and enjoy the water-views. From here you can stroll to the main strip of shops and restaurants on Bowen if you feel like checking those out.
Artisan Square
Now you’re ready to explore Artisan Square, a local community of shops, boutiques, wellness providers, galleries and other local treasures. As we visited on January 1, many of the shops were closed for their well-deserved holiday breaks, however, I have visited these spots in the past and loved them: Wren Boutique, Cocoa West Chocolatier, Bowen Island Flower Shop, and Tosh Home & Garden. Make sure you check their hours ahead of time and plan to visit when they are open as they are beautiful spots to visit and enjoy, all while supporting small local businesses.
Tunstall Bay
As we had a little bit of extra time before our MIST experience, we drove to Tunstall Bay to enjoy the views and scenery. It’s a small spot but very peaceful and calming. If you have some extra time you can check out the Bowen Island Whale Trail Site for a scenic walk.
MIST Thermal Sanctuary
As you know by now, our main reason for this day-trip was to visit MIST Thermal Sanctuary. We had pre-booked our thermal circuit just over a month in advance as we expected it might be busy over the holidays.
From the moment we arrived at MIST, we were in awe of this serene and magical place. It is truly spectacular and you feel an overwhelming sense of calm as soon as you arrive. The thermal spa is beautifully nestled amongst the trees and you truly feel like you’re leaving the hustle and bustle of the world behind. You can tell that this curated space has been designed to help you unplug from daily life and truly prioritize reconnecting with yourself and nature.
Each booking includes the exclusive use of one of their private A-frame cabins where you and up to three guests can follow a therapeutic cycle. Starting with an outdoor shower, incredible wood-fire sauna (with views that make you feel like you’re completely immersed in the forest), a cold plunge tub, transition tub, and ending with an outdoor fireplace with cozy couches and blankets. You can repeat the circuit a few times to really make the most of your experience.
They provide cozy robes, towels, sandals, shower products and a variety of incredible teas for you to enjoy. We took our time and did the entire cycle about 3 times, with plenty of rest and herbal tea. All four of us really enjoyed our time and didn’t want to leave! However, we all felt very refreshed and reinvigorated, especially after the cold tub. Everyone agreed that it was the perfect way to spend New Year’s Day. We already can’t wait to visit again. I highly recommend checking out this special escape on Bowen Island – you won’t regret it!
We booked the 90 minute Mist Experience for 4 people which was $337 or $84.25 per person.
Bowen Cider House
Right after exiting Mist, you will see the Bowen Cider House. We decided to stop in for a quick tasting flight before catching the ferry home. We asked the lovely owner to design our flights for us and we shared a sweet variety and an unsweet mix as well. This was the cutest, warmest, family-run establishment and we are so happy we chose to end our day here. It was cozy with the perfect ambience for a post-spa experience.
Dinner Ideas
If you want to stay on Bowen Island for dinner, there are a few restaurants you can check out on your way back to the ferry. For example, Tuscany Restaurant and Bowen Island Pub.
Other Ideas
- Check out Nectar Yoga for yoga retreats and a variety of experiences focusing on mindfulness (MIST is a new addition to Nectar’s space)
- Rent e-bikes to explore and enjoy the island
- If you’re looking to stay on Bowen, check out the Coast Modern Coach House Retreat – I stayed here in 2016 and it was a wonderful experience.
Happy unwinding!
We visited on January 1, 2026.
Check out more of my B.C. adventures:
- A relaxing island on Mayne Island
- Explore Salt Spring Island
- Ultimate Guide to Tofino & Ucluelet
Tazmin is a policy analyst and educator with a passion for travel. She has recently returned to her hometown of Vancouver, BC, after living in Ottawa, where she’s excited to rediscover the beauty of the West Coast with her Mini Aussie, Luna. A lover of small towns, cozy coffee shops, and scenic hikes, Tazmin shares her adventures and insights as a writer for Little Miss Ottawa. You can follow her adventures @travelwithtazmin
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