shuttle services
4 Transportation Options to Drop-off and Pick-up your Dog!
For most dogs, fun at the Dog Ranch begins and ends with our City Shuttle Service trip from the Mainland. Returning guests need no coaxing to hop aboard—they know exactly where the ‘happy van’ is going!
Our most cost-effective transportation to and from Bowen Island is our City Group Shuttle Service which operates Mondays and Thursdays. Locations include West Vancouver, North Vancouver and Downtown by appointment, details below.
If our City Shuttle Service days don’t line up with your schedule we also offer a more custom Door-to-Door City Shuttle Service. If neither of these options work for you, you’re welcome to walk (or drive on) the ferry and we can pick/drop your dog at the Bowen Island ferry terminal passenger pick up. Alternatively, you always have the option of dropping your pups off at the Dog Ranch before 1pm, or picking them up before 4pm.
Please check with bcferries.com for schedule and fare information, and be aware you must buy your ticket by 10 minutes before departure (see FERRY INFORMATION below). During the busy summer months, long weekends and Christmas, the ferry’s get very busy. Please leave yourself lots of time when taking the ferry to/from Bowen Island.
The best website to track the Bowen Island ferry is www.bowenferry.ca
Our Dog Shuttle Service Instructions and Information is listed below.
Option 1: City Group Shuttle
The City Dog Shuttle Service is scheduled to leave Bowen Island on the 8:35 a.m. 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 one of these meeting points below, and make your shuttle appointment with us.
*Please make sure your dog has eliminated before they hop in our shuttle.
**Please leash your dog to and from vehicles for their safety.
***Don’t forget to bring your dog’s food in a sealed container — we don’t accept plastic bags.
WEST VANCOUVER
| Cost: | $35 each way $15 for an additional dog from the same family |
| Schedule: | 9:00 – 9:15 am pick-up and drop-off 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: | 9:30 – 9:45 am pick-up and drop-off 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: | 10:00 – 10:15 am pick-up and drop-off Mondays and Thursdays—by appointment only |
| Location: | West End downtown, Sunset Beach Parking Lot at False Creek. The parking lot is on the water at the bottom of the hill, look for the Sunset Beach Cafe sign. Beach Avenue is one-way ONLY going west. 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 Metro 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 info@bowendogranch.com or call us to discuss at (604) 947-6965.
| Cost: | $135 each way: West Vancouver $150 each way: North Vancouver $175+ each way (location dependant): Across the Lions Gate or Second Narrows bridges into north Burnaby, the east side of downtown, Kitsilano, Shaughnessy, Cambie corridor etc. (Beyond these areas, call to discuss cost) No charge for an additional dog from the same family at the same address. |
| Schedule: | By appointment, approximately 10:30am pick-up and drop-off preferred, or call us to discuss. Blackout dates: December 19, 2024 – January 5, 2025. |
| 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 11:15 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 at the Passenger Pick Up area on Cardena Road just up from the ferry terminal on the RIGHT side. You can walk up the right side path next to the mural to Cardena Road, and if you’re driving get in the right lane driving off the ferry. If you’re walking on please remember to bring a leash! |
Option 4: Drive to the Dog Ranch Yourself
Would you rather chauffeur your pup in your own vehicle? You are always welcome to bring your dog directly to the Bowen Island Dog Ranch. By appointment, please.
Here is some information to help plan your trip—please check bcferries.com for up to date schedule and sailing information before you set out.
FERRY INFORMATION
- Take a 20-minute ferry crossing to Bowen Island from the Horseshoe Bay terminal in West Vancouver.
- You must buy your ticket at least 10 minutes prior to sailing. However, we recommend you arrive much earlier, especially for afternoon “commuter” sailings.
- The cost for car and driver is approximately $45+ return, and passenger fare only is $10.45+. Both fares are discounted with a BC Ferries Experience card.
DOG RANCH ARRIVAL
You will find us at 1302 Adams Road, about 13 km from Snug Cove.
- Turn right into the driveway and proceed to the Pup Shack Office parking area at the bottom of the hill.
- Look for the radio box on the front of the office, and call up on the radio to let us know you have arrived. Hold down the side button to talk and let go to listen!
Shuttle Service Instructions and Information
- Please feed your dogs early enough in the morning so they eliminate BEFORE arriving to our shuttle. Otherwise please refrain from feeding your dog the morning of pick-up, and ensure they have completed their elimination routine. This minimizes ‘accidents’ in our vehicles, ensuring a more pleasant ride for all. You can email us if you need to be fed upon arrival at the Dog Ranch.
- All medications must show original labels and instructions from your Vet or pharmacy.
- Please place liquid medications in a zip-lock bag in case of spillage.
- No need to bring food bowls, scoops or measuring cups, beds, toys or treats—it’s all provided! Just pack your dog’s regular food, adding a bit extra in case your trip is delayed—or your dog gets extra-hungry with all the fun here (it happens!).
- Pack all your dog’s food and belongings in something that will not break open—a strong cloth bag with a zipper, or container with a secure lid. Bear in mind that we must carry it all from the parking lot up to the Ranch facilities.
- Not permitted: Garbage bags, ripped bags, flimsy containers, and anything hard to carry and/or will fall apart easily.
- If providing dry kibble, keep it in the original bag taped shut or transfer it to a plastic container with a tight lid, with your dog’s name clearly marked. Again, garbage bags or flimsy plastic bags just won’t do!
- For raw food, use a watertight Tupperware-type container large enough to accommodate two thawed meals, and enclose the frozen food in a double bag or container to prevent any leakage. We’ll take it from there.
- To ensure safety, please leash your dog before leaving your vehicle and walking to ours.
Thank you in advance—and all aboard the “happy van” for the 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