bowen island, british columbia
Welcome to the Miller Waterfront Retreat—our family escape on the shores of Miller Cove on Bowen Island since 1926.
Here, your days begin and end with sweeping ocean and mountain views, the timeless sounds of saltwater lapping on the rocks below, and the calls of Howe Sound’s busy marine life.
Whether you’re here for a peaceful getaway with friends or family, rowdy adventures on Bowen Island’s coasts and trails, or simply some long-overdue rest and inspiration, you’ll be nourished by elegant design, attention to detail, and all the comforts of home and more.
Our cabins invite you to slow down, and re/connect to your senses and the astounding beauty of the landaround you. You will inevitably and inescapably leave with memories to cherish.
The Miller Oceanfront Retreat is run by resident, Olivia Smith, in partnership with Saskia Tait of Discover Bowen. It is among a select group of curated properties professionally designed and managed so that our guests have the very best experience of Bowen & island hospitality.
“These are elegant but cozy cabins, lost in time beside the sea. Everything slows down here, and the tides set the pace. You’ll never see a more beautiful sunrise, and if you’re lucky you may even see a whale or two…"
– MICHAEL S., SEATTLE
Miller Oceanfront Retreat is made up of a collection of cabins, each with its own character and relationship to the land and sea. Whether you’re gathering with family and friends by the water in the Oceanfront Cabins (the Salt + Arbutus Cabins) or enjoying a quieter hillside stay (the Cedar Cabin), the cabins have been designed to feel private, comfortable, and intimately connected to nature.
-
The heart of the retreat lies at the water’s edge. The Salt Cabin and The Arbutus Cabin are always booked together, offering a private oceanfront setting ideal for families or groups traveling together.
The Salt Cabin is the main cottage, with sweeping views south over Howe Sound. The king bed in the private bedroom is situated to maximize views of the water. It has a large patio on a bluff just above the water, BBQ, cozy patio furniture, a dining area, and fire table. Just inside, there’s a large living room and den, well-equipped kitchenette, and bathroom with tub and shower.
Just steps away, The Arbutus Cabin provides a quiet retreat of its own, with a queen bed, ensuite bathroom, coffee/tea bar, and private patio overlooking the sea.
Together, they create a shared, spacious oceanfront experience—close enough to feel connected, but with enough separation to breathe.
Access the water from steps down to a rocky entrance where you can fish, and the brave can jump in for a swim!
Total max. beds: 3
Total max. capacity: 6 -
Set higher on the property, above the Salt + Arbutus Cabins, the standalone Cedar Cabin is available to book independently or together with the seaside cabins below. It features a fully equipped kitchenette, living room with a wood stove and quality pull out sofa, a private bedroom with a queen bed, and a full bathroom. Outdoors, there’s a BBQ on a covered porch and a fire pit for gathering around amongst towering cedar trees.
The Cedar Cabin is ideal for guests who appreciate the comforts of a cabin near the sea, and easy access to everything Bowen Island has to offer.
Please note that it does not provide access to the ocean, unless booked together with the other cabins. It can sometimes be rented together with the oceanfront Salt + Arbutus Cabins for larger groups. Please inquire about availability.
Total max beds: 2
Total max guests: 4 -
The whole property is available on occasion for larger groups coming for quiet, respectful gatherings. Please inquire about availability.
Total max. beds: 4-5
Total max capacity: 8-10
“Maybe if we stand here still long enough we will see a whale.” ~ Aden R.
Book your stay now. . .
Get more information about our listings, and book directly through our secure booking platform. Then, start counting down the days.
reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Thank you for letting us stay, it was so amazing. Well equipped with everything we needed. Definitely a home away from home. Fantastic views and great location. While we were here we visited the lighthouse and did a trail there. Visited the Bowen Cider House (we left you a little treat), and Tuscany for dinner. Fantastic!”
— TRACE, JEN, SANDRA, SILVIA, CHRISTINA
“What an amazing and magical spot. Peaceful location with sweeping views ot the ocean and North Shore mountains. The cabin is cozy and well stocked with spacious deck—perfect! Close to town and attentive hosts. A memorable, awesome place to celebrate my birthday with my daughters!”
— JANE
“Olivia was a pleasure to deal with. The place was as described and we fell in love! We had never been to the island despite living in Vancouver our whole lives and her place offered the perfect mix of being remove and feeling disconnected from society but close enough to go try all the great restaurants. We plan on making an annual visit out to the island and this will be our go to spot!”
— ROSS
Gorgeous spot, right on the water, and Olivia was super helpful and communicative. Recommended!
— TARUN
“We had an absolutely wonderful stay at Olivia’s place! We felt so welcomed and appreciated. The space was rustic yet incredibly comfortable, with magicifent views of the sea that took our breath away. Waking up to that ocean view each morning was simply unforgettable. Communication was excellent—she was responsive and made check in/ check out seamless. The charm of the rustic setting combined with all the essentials made for a perfect retreat. We highly recommend this place to anyone seeking a peaceful coastal experience.”
— WIFRED
“Thank you for sharing your amazing cabin! We had the best time!”
— KELLY
“I’ll never forget the feeling of walking down to the cabin on the steps from above! The views and feeling of being right on the water like that, day after day, was spectacular. The cabins are all lovingly prepared and clean. They have a vintage vibe, but they've been lovingly refreshed and are well cared for. The hosts are amazing—they answered every question and were highly responsive. We had everything we needed and did not want to leave. We will be back. Thank you!”
— THE DIRKSON FAMILY
“Lovely cabin stay down by the water on Bowen Island—very secluded and peaceful. Brilliant hosts who responded to all of our enquiries quickly. Would very much recommend!”
— ROSS
frequently asked questions
-
Yes. There is a 3-night minimum stay in June, July and August. There is a 2-night minimum stay on weekends (Friday-Sunday) year-round.
-
The property is not fenced and there is a lot of wildlife on Bowen, including many visiting deer who can get spooked by dogs, and run off into the water or across roads, etc. We are open to up to two well-behaved dog joining you, but we ask that you keep the under control on the property. Please don’t leave them alone in the cottage/s, and try to keep them off the furniture. All pets must be added to your reservations. We ask for a $50 pet cleaning fee to cover the extra time it takes to clean after pets.
-
The property is ocean front. Note: Only the Salt and Cedar and Bunkie cabins have access to the ocean. If you are only renting the Alpine Cabin, there is no beach access.
-
There is a large staircase that leads down to the beach from the Salt and Cedar Cottages.
Although swimming is possible, the access is quite rocky and it can be hard to get into the water if the tide is high.
Pebbly Beach is a short 5 minute drive or 15 minute walk along small country roads and trails from the property. It is easy to access and excellent for swimming. There are also many other beautiful beaches on the island you can swim at.
-
Check out calendar for availability. We welcome individuals and couples and smaller groups regularly.
It is possible to book the Cedar Cabin alone sometimes. Contact us for availability.
The Salt and Arbutus Cabins often rent together, but it may be possible to rent the Salt Cabin only, especially during the shoulder and off seasons.
-
Yes. All of the cabins have access to reliable, high speed wifi.
-
Check-in is 4 pm
Check-out is 10:30 am
-
The Alpine Cabin has a full kitchen, as it is the principal residence. It has a BBQ on the patio.
The Salt Cabin has a fully-equipped kitchenette with plug in appliances, including a plug in double-burner induction cooktop, microwave, toaster oven, kettle, and coffee maker. It also has a BBQ.
The Cedar Cabin has a coffee and tea bar including coffee maker and kettle and all the fixings for your favourite drinks. Since you can only book the Cedar Cabin together with the Salt Cabin, you should plan to cook light meals together with your company there.
The Bunkie Cabin does not have any cooking facilities.
location
233 David Road
Bowen Island, BC V0N1G1
Miller Oceanfront Retreat is located on Bowen Island, in British Columbia, Canada, very near Vancouver. The island is serviced hourly by BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver.
The property is a 5 minute drive from Snug Cove, the main town where the ferry docks on the island. The neighbourhood is known as “Millers Landing.” It can be reached by foot or bike by adventurous travellers—via trails, crossing beaches, and on small rural lanes, or via Miller Road and the infamous “Seven Hills” (i.e., you have to walk uphill!).