is island living for you?

Island living is not for everyone. But for those who prefer a less hectic pace of life, a safe community and a beautiful natural environment, Bowen Island is the perfect place to live. Here people feel safe to walk to the store in the evening and say hello to strangers. Here there are no street lights and little traffic noise.

The freedom to move to and from the island is dictated by a ferry schedule. The true islander sees this as a reality to live with, not something to fight against. In fact the key is to turn any apparent inconvenience into an opportunity. The daily commute can be both social and relaxing, even if only for 20 minutes!

Islanders have made a choice between a commute on the freeway looking at the tailpipe of the vehicle in front, or sitting on the deck of the ferry breathing the fresh sea air with a panoramic mountain backdrop as company. Is there really a choice?

The island comprises a rich mosaic of residents from all walks of life. Whether fine artists or business people, islanders share a common respect for the individual, and the independent spirit in us all. Young couples find it an ideal place to bring up children, individuals discover the perfect environment to focus on their passion, and older couples experience a new found zest for living. The community, the outdoors, the arts, is what life on Bowen is all about. We have something unique in British Columbia, and we cherish it.

Living on Bowen is not just about residency. For some it's a life style choice; for others it's a safe haven in which to raise a family. Some are here because they love nature and the outdoors; others because they like Vancouver's North Shore and find Bowen an affordable alternative. Still others (in fact an amazingly rapidly growing number of new Bowenians) are here because they have found their own "paradise." For them "paradise" means being able to live an "island life" without having to commute. They work (full- or part-time) from their home, enjoying the additional hours otherwise spent on travel to and from work as well as tax advantages by being able to write off a share of the costs associated with home ownership. Do we need to redefine "paradise"? Probably not, but such a life style situation is worth exploring!

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