CITY & Bowen shuttle services
4 Vancouver Transportation Options for Dog Drop-off and Pick-up
The fun for many of our canine guests begins and ends with our City Shuttle Service trip to Bowen Island from the North Shore and Vancouver. Returning guests know the ‘happy van’ and can’t wait to hop on!
The City Group Shuttle Service is the most cost-effective transportation option which operates Mondays and Thursdays by appointment, with pick-up points in West Vancouver, North Vancouver and Downtown.
If our City Shuttle Service schedule doesn’t line up with your schedule we offer a custom Door-to-Door City Shuttle Service. Alternatively, you can walk or drive your dog onto the ferry and we’ll meet you at the Bowen Island ferry terminal off the 10:35 am sailing. You can also drop off or pick up your dog directly at the Dog Ranch (drop off is before 1pm).
Please check with bcferries.com for ferry schedule and fares. During busy periods (summer, long weekends, Christmas), the ferries can get crowded, so allow extra time.
Our local Bowen Island website tracks the Bowen Island ferry live at bowenferry.ca.
If you want to spend some more time visiting our magical island check out Tourism Bowen.
Option 1: City Group Shuttle
The City Group Shuttle Service is scheduled to leave Bowen Island on the 8:45 am ferry sailing and stop at three locations in sequence. If a statutory holiday falls on a weekday, our City Shuttle will run the day before or after the holiday. Choose a meeting point and make your shuttle appointment with us.
- Please make sure your dog has eliminated before they get in our shuttle vehicles.
- Leash your dog from your vehicle for their safety.
- Bring your dog’s food in a sealed container (no plastic bags).
WEST VANCOUVER
| Cost: | $35 each way $15 for an additional dog from the same family |
| Schedule: | 9:15 – 9:30 am pick-up and drop-off (the 20 minute ferry leaves Bowen at 8:45am) Mondays and Thursdays—by appointment only |
| Location: | Caulfeild Village Shopping Centre, Exit 4 off Hwy 1 on the south side (drive over the highway bridge if you’re coming from the east). We park in the SIDE parking lot next to Safeway, NOT the main parking lot. View Google Maps Location – (click “Directions” to add your starting point) |
NORTH VANCOUVER
| Cost: | $37 each way $15 for an additional dog from the same family |
| Schedule: | 9:45 – 10:00 am pick-up and drop-off (the 20 minute ferry leaves Bowen at 8:45am and has one previous stop) Mondays and Thursdays—by appointment only |
| Location: | Hwy 1, Capilano Exit NORTH, Woods Dr. at the Chevron Station. Turn right just after the Chevron Gas Station and we park at the end of the cul-de-sac of Woods Dr. View Google Map Location – (click “Directions” to add your starting point) |
DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER/WEST END
| Cost: | $40 each way $15 for an additional dog from the same family |
| Schedule: | 10:15 – 10:30 am pick-up and drop-off (the 20 minute ferry leaves Bowen at 8:45 am and has 2 stops before we arrive downtown) Mondays and Thursdays—by appointment only |
| Location: | West End downtown, Sunset Beach Parking Lot at False Creek. The public special-use parking lot is on the water at the bottom of the Bute St. hill, look for the Sunset Beach Cafe sign. Beach Avenue is one-way going west from Thurlow St. You cannot get to the entrance from the bottom of Bute St. View Google Maps Location – (click “Directions” to add your starting point) |
Option 2: Door-to-Door Custom City Shuttle
If convenience and saving time is important to you, we are available to pick/drop your dog off at your home or office or wherever you need in Vancouver and the North Shore Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday mornings. If no one is home, you can leave a key or give us instructions to enter and where your dog and their belongings are. This service is by appointment only. Blackout dates below. Please email [email protected] or call us to discuss at (604) 947-6965.
| Cost: | Rates are calculated at $0.72 per kilometre from Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal to your home or office, and back to Horseshoe Bay. Plus a base cost of $185 or $155 to cover ferry and staff expenses. The base cost varies depending on how long the shuttle driver is away from the Dog Ranch, starting at 7:45am when they depart. Please contact us to discuss your specific rate. There is no additional charge for a second dog from the same family at the same address. We can pick up or drop off anywhere in West Vancouver, North Vancouver and locations reached via the Lions Gate or Second Narrows bridges. |
| Schedule: | By appointment, and we typically take the 8:45am ferry sailing to pick up and drop off in the city, and the driver returns on either the 10am or 11:55am ferry. Blackout dates: March Break, long weekends, Christmas weeks. |
| Location: | Your home or office in most areas of Metro Vancouver and the North Shore. |
Option 3: Bowen Ferry Terminal Shuttle
Bowen Island Snug Cove Ferry Terminal Shuttle
| Cost: | $20 each way $15 for an additional dog from the same family |
| Schedule: | Pick up/drop off is off the arrival of the 10:35 am Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island sailing, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Mondays and Thursdays we run the City Group Shuttle). |
| Location: | On Bowen Island, meet us at the Passenger Pick-Up area on Cardena Road that is up from the ferry terminal on the right. Walk up the path next to the mural, or if driving, stay in the right lane after disembarking and turn right and park. Please remember to bring a leash if walking. |
Option 4: Drive to the Dog Ranch
Prefer to drive your pup yourself? You’re always welcome to bring your dog directly to the Bowen Island Dog Ranch by appointment.
FERRY INFORMATION
Take a 20-minute ferry crossing to Bowen Island from the Horseshoe Bay terminal in West Vancouver. Tickets must be purchased at least 10 minutes before sailing, but we recommend arriving earlier.
- Car & driver: ≈$45 return
- Passenger fare: ≈$10.45
- Discounts with BC Ferries Experience Card (purchased at the toll both or ferry terminal)
- Check with bcferries.com for ferry schedule and sailing info. During busy periods (summer, long weekends, Christmas), the ferries can get crowded, so allow extra time.
- Our local Bowen Island website tracks the Bowen Island ferry live at bowenferry.ca
DOG RANCH ARRIVAL
We’re located at 1302 Adams Road, 13 km from Snug Cove.
- Turn right into the driveway and park next to the Pup Shack Office parking area.
- Use the radio box on the office to notify us of your arrival. Hold down the side button to talk and let go to listen.
Shuttle Service Instructions and Information
- Safety: Please leash your dog before leaving your vehicle to ensure safety during the transfer.
- Feeding Before Arrival: Please feed your dog early enough to allow for elimination before pick-up. If that’s not possible, refrain from feeding them the morning of departure and ensure they’ve completed their routine. This helps avoid accidents during the shuttle ride. If you need your dog fed upon arrival at the Dog Ranch, please email us in advance at [email protected].
- Medications: All medications must have original labels and instructions. Liquid medications should be placed in a zip-lock bag to prevent spills.
- Packing Food & Belongings:
- No need to bring food bowls, scoops or measuring cups, beds, toys or treats—it’s all provided!
- Provide extra food in case of a delay in your trip.
- Pack your dog’s food in a secure, leak-proof container (no plastic bags). We recommend a cloth bag with a zipper or a sturdy container.
- For dry kibble, keep it in the original bag taped shut, or transfer the kibble to a tight-lid container with your dog’s name clearly marked.
- For raw food, use a watertight container large enough to hold two thawed meals and double-bag frozen food to prevent leakage.
Thank you, and we look forward to welcoming your pup aboard the “happy van” to Bowen Island Dog Ranch
“What an absolutely amazing place. Karen (Owner), and the whole team, truly love dogs.
What is also important is that they also understand dogs.”
~ Kenneth C