Frequently Asked Questions

Lots at Arbutus Ridge range from just under half an acre to over one acre, all south-facing on a forested ridge overlooking King Edward Bay. Every lot is flat and ready to build on. View available lots and pricing.

All lots are fully serviced with municipal water, BC Hydro electrical, and internet services at the lot line.

Arbutus Ridge lots are flat, easy-build sites — one of the key advantages over many other lots on Bowen Island, which often require expensive blasting and grading. This can save $100,000 or more in site preparation costs.

Absolutely. We encourage every prospective buyer to walk the lots in person. Book a private tour and we'll meet you on site to show you each available homesite, the parkland, and the beach access.

Custom home construction on Bowen Island varies depending on design, finishes, and complexity. Contact a local builder for current estimates. The easy-build terrain at Arbutus Ridge can reduce site preparation costs compared to other island locations.

Yes — Simon Montgomery of SM Studio is the in-community architect at Arbutus Ridge. He's designed homes here and chose to build his own home at Arbutus Ridge as well. Registered buyers receive a complimentary 30-minute architect consultation.

A typical custom home build on Bowen Island takes 12–18 months from building permit to occupancy, depending on the scope and complexity of the design.

The process begins with an inquiry and site visit. After touring the available lots, you can reserve your preferred homesite. You'll receive a formal disclosure statement as required by BC law, followed by the purchase contract. Contact us to start the process.

Yes — bare land mortgages are available through most major Canadian banks and credit unions. Typically 25–50% down payment is required. We can recommend mortgage brokers familiar with Bowen Island properties.

Yes — GST applies to new residential land in BC. The current rate is 5%. There is no provincial sales tax (PST) on real estate.

BC Ferries operates a vehicle ferry between Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) and Snug Cove (Bowen Island). The crossing takes about 20 minutes. Check bcferries.com for current schedules.

Many residents use a BC Ferries Experience Card for discounted fares. Check bcferries.com for current fare information.

Yes — many Bowen Island residents commute daily. Take the ferry to Horseshoe Bay (20 min), then the Blue Bus 250/257 to downtown Vancouver. Total commute is approximately 60–90 minutes each way. With the growth of remote work, many residents commute only a few days per week. Learn more about island life.

Yes — Bowen Island Community School (public elementary, K–7), Island Pacific School (private IB middle school), and nature school programs. High school students commute to West Vancouver, which is part of the highly regarded West Vancouver School District.

Yes — there's a general store in Snug Cove. Many residents also shop at Horseshoe Bay or Park Royal in West Vancouver, which is a 20-minute ferry ride away.

Medical offices and a pharmacy are located in Snug Cove. Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver is approximately 40 minutes away by ferry and car.

Yes — internet services are provided to the lot line at Arbutus Ridge. ISP options on the island include Telus and other providers.

Bowen Island home values vary by location, size, and condition. A lot at Arbutus Ridge plus a custom build represents a compelling value proposition for a brand-new home on the island’s desirable west side. View current lot pricing.

The total investment depends on your lot choice and home design. Contact us for current lot pricing and we can connect you with local builders for construction estimates.

Bowen Island Municipality has specific bylaws regarding short-term rentals. We recommend checking current municipal regulations before planning vacation rental use. See our Resources page for links to municipal information.

Property tax rates on Bowen Island are set by the municipality annually. As a rough guide, vacant land taxes are typically lower than improved property taxes. Once you build, your assessment and taxes will reflect the improvements.