Bowen Island

Bowen Island presents a fascinating paradox in British Columbia’s mortgage landscape. This 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay delivers you to what locals call “the undiscovered country” — a place where Vancouver’s urban professionals escape to $1.2 million waterfront retreats, yet everyone still waves at each other on the winding roads.

The numbers tell a compelling story. With 89% single-detached homes and a median household income of $111,000, this isn’t your typical island community struggling with seasonal economics. Professional services dominate at 15.1% of employment, followed by education and healthcare — the kind of stable, recession-resistant sectors that make mortgage underwriters smile. The 15.7% population growth since 2016 reflects something mortgage brokers should note: people aren’t just visiting Bowen Island anymore, they’re staying.

Here’s where it gets interesting for the mortgage world. The island’s unique position as both a legitimate commuter community and recreational paradise creates dual demand pressure. Tech workers discovered they could Zoom from their deck overlooking Queen Charlotte Channel just as easily as from a Vancouver condo. Retirees — who make up 25.1% of the population — aren’t downsizing here; they’re upgrading to their dream property while maintaining Vancouver connections.

The climate data reveals something most people miss: Bowen Island’s hardiness zone improved by a full half-zone over recent decades. Translation? The growing season extended, property becomes more livable year-round, and that “seasonal market” concern evaporates.

Tekamar currently maintains a 0.0% maximum LTV for Bowen Island, reflecting our careful approach to island markets where liquidity timelines require special consideration. The ferry dependency and specialized market dynamics, while creating strong lifestyle appeal, also influence our risk assessment protocols.

For brokers working with clients eyeing Bowen Island’s unique blend of accessibility and escape, understanding these market fundamentals helps explain why this community commands premium valuations despite its geographic constraints.