Garden Gate Guidebook
Restaurants/Shopping/Specialties/Garden Market
Worth a visit to see the goats on the roof. Our favourite place to eat is the Taqueria hidden behind the garden market and beside the Italian Restaurant.
The Old Country Market has too many things to mention, but don’t forget to pick up a jar of Saskatoon jam! There are also numerous shops to check out in the area.
151 locals raden deze aan
Old Country Market - Geiten op het Dak
2326 Alberni HwyWorth a visit to see the goats on the roof. Our favourite place to eat is the Taqueria hidden behind the garden market and beside the Italian Restaurant.
The Old Country Market has too many things to mention, but don’t forget to pick up a jar of Saskatoon jam! There are also numerous shops to check out in the area.
Visit our local shops and pick up your "Bowser formal wear" before you leave....I hope you like plaid!
7 locals raden deze aan
Magnolia Court
Visit our local shops and pick up your "Bowser formal wear" before you leave....I hope you like plaid!
Sightseeing
Nice paths, but be ready to climb a few stairs. Spectacular water falls.
140 locals raden deze aan
Provinciaal Park Englishman River Falls
2245 Errington RoadNice paths, but be ready to climb a few stairs. Spectacular water falls.
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
4001 Alberni HwyLovely hike and scenery
Parksville Sand Castle Sculpture Competition
193 Beachside DrCheck out the amazing sand sculptures!
Qualicum Bay is 10 km down highway 19A from Bowser, where you can take a full or partial hikes or trail rides. There is a 2.5 km trail that is wheelchair accessible. Take the exit to the Lighthouse Community Centre. Lots of free parking is available.
17 locals raden deze aan
Lighthouse Country Regional Trail
3475 Lioness BlvdQualicum Bay is 10 km down highway 19A from Bowser, where you can take a full or partial hikes or trail rides. There is a 2.5 km trail that is wheelchair accessible. Take the exit to the Lighthouse Community Centre. Lots of free parking is available.
Visit the Denman Island visitor info online for a full list of events and accommodations offered on the island. Make a day trip out of it or stay for the night then hop on a ferry to discover Hornby Island. It's a 10 minute ferry ride to the Buckley Bay ferry terminal...just 20 minutes from Bowser.
20 locals raden deze aan
Denman Island
Visit the Denman Island visitor info online for a full list of events and accommodations offered on the island. Make a day trip out of it or stay for the night then hop on a ferry to discover Hornby Island. It's a 10 minute ferry ride to the Buckley Bay ferry terminal...just 20 minutes from Bowser.
Hornby Island is home to many artists and nature enthusiasts. The host several festivals and events throughout the year. You can enjoy hiking, biking, marine activities or just the simple pleasure of peace and quiet!
40 locals raden deze aan
Hornby Island
Hornby Island is home to many artists and nature enthusiasts. The host several festivals and events throughout the year. You can enjoy hiking, biking, marine activities or just the simple pleasure of peace and quiet!
Neighborhoods
Bowser is a great central place to stay while exploring what the island has to offer. Access to hiking trails, the ocean, beaches as well as all the amenities needed are all located within the immediate area. Most sights and larger cities are within a 30 minute drive from Bowser.
Access to the ocean takes you down a steep road, but at the end of it is home to sea lions, marine life and hundreds of eagles.
7 locals raden deze aan
Bowser
Bowser is a great central place to stay while exploring what the island has to offer. Access to hiking trails, the ocean, beaches as well as all the amenities needed are all located within the immediate area. Most sights and larger cities are within a 30 minute drive from Bowser.
Access to the ocean takes you down a steep road, but at the end of it is home to sea lions, marine life and hundreds of eagles.
Deep Bay is next to Bowser and has a lovely Marina Restaurant and area to walk along the ocean. Marine life is abundant and camera ready!
Follow the winding road (Gainsberg Rd) to the very end and there is a sandy beach. If you venture to the right of the harbour you will see a vast area to walk your dog at low tide.
6 locals raden deze aan
Deep Bay
Deep Bay is next to Bowser and has a lovely Marina Restaurant and area to walk along the ocean. Marine life is abundant and camera ready!
Follow the winding road (Gainsberg Rd) to the very end and there is a sandy beach. If you venture to the right of the harbour you will see a vast area to walk your dog at low tide.
City/town information
Cumberland has many quaint shops to visit. Our favourite Cafe is located on the strip where you can find Gluten Free and Vegan baked goods.
Up the street from the shops is the access to Comox Lake and the Cumberland Lake Park.
Cumberland is famous for their numerous biking trails.
72 locals raden deze aan
Cumberland
Cumberland has many quaint shops to visit. Our favourite Cafe is located on the strip where you can find Gluten Free and Vegan baked goods.
Up the street from the shops is the access to Comox Lake and the Cumberland Lake Park.
Cumberland is famous for their numerous biking trails.
Qualicum Beach remains a quaint village with many shops, golfing and local eateries. The boardwalk is a beautiful walk to enjoy the ocean view, have a bite to eat or enjoy the sandy beach at low tide. Dogs are allowed on the beach, but must be leashed.
108 locals raden deze aan
Qualicum Beach
Qualicum Beach remains a quaint village with many shops, golfing and local eateries. The boardwalk is a beautiful walk to enjoy the ocean view, have a bite to eat or enjoy the sandy beach at low tide. Dogs are allowed on the beach, but must be leashed.
Parksville is fully equipped with all amenities and shops of the bigger cities, but boasts beautiful parks along the ocean and a children's water/play park the kids will love.
55 locals raden deze aan
Parksville
Parksville is fully equipped with all amenities and shops of the bigger cities, but boasts beautiful parks along the ocean and a children's water/play park the kids will love.
Courtenay is up island about 30 mins from Bowser and you can find all of the major retail outlets there. Visit the I-Has Gallery in Comox while you are in town.
42 locals raden deze aan
Courtenay
Courtenay is up island about 30 mins from Bowser and you can find all of the major retail outlets there. Visit the I-Has Gallery in Comox while you are in town.
Campbell River has a beautiful scenic waterfront full of restaurants and shops. They also have an amazing wooded campground just off highway 19 for those looking to spend some time with nature.
20 locals raden deze aan
Campbell River
Campbell River has a beautiful scenic waterfront full of restaurants and shops. They also have an amazing wooded campground just off highway 19 for those looking to spend some time with nature.
You'll pass through Nanaimo if you headed anywhere north of your ferry docking. It is a 50-60 minute drive to Bowser from the ferry terminal. You can take the main highway 19 all the way or turn off at the Parksville exit to enjoy a slower scenic drive the rest of the way to Bowser.
Nanaimo is a major business hub, but also has beautiful beaches, campgrounds, hiking trails, forests, mountain views, wildlife and more.
49 locals raden deze aan
Nanaimo
You'll pass through Nanaimo if you headed anywhere north of your ferry docking. It is a 50-60 minute drive to Bowser from the ferry terminal. You can take the main highway 19 all the way or turn off at the Parksville exit to enjoy a slower scenic drive the rest of the way to Bowser.
Nanaimo is a major business hub, but also has beautiful beaches, campgrounds, hiking trails, forests, mountain views, wildlife and more.
Comox city sits on the southern coast of the Comox Peninsula in the Georgia Strait. They have an airport and smaller local businesses scattered throughout the city. The sun shines brightest over this city, so enjoy the many beaches, trails and actives the area has to offer.
42 locals raden deze aan
Comox
Comox city sits on the southern coast of the Comox Peninsula in the Georgia Strait. They have an airport and smaller local businesses scattered throughout the city. The sun shines brightest over this city, so enjoy the many beaches, trails and actives the area has to offer.