shuttle services
Transportation options to drop off and pick up your dog at one of our 3 locations.
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 City Group Shuttle Service operates Mondays and Thursdays serving West Vancouver, North Vancouver and Downtown, by appointment.
If our City Shuttle Service days don’t line up with your schedule, you are welcome to walk (or drive on) the ferry and we can pick/drop your dog at the ferry terminal Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays off the arrival of the 11:15am sailing from Horseshoe Bay. Or you can pick up or drop off your dog at the Dog Ranch Mon-Fri before 4:30pm and Sat/Sun/Holidays by 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: 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 and Saturday mornings. |
| Location: | On Bowen Island at the Passenger Pick Up area on Cardena Road just up from the ferry terminal on the RIGHT side. |
Option 3: 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