Miller Oceanfront Retreat | Cabins by the Sea

Escape to a rare oceanfront retreat on Bowen Island, where Salt, Arbutus, and Cedar Cabins are set along bluffs above the water. Designed for larger groups seeking both connection and privacy, each cabin offers its own quiet indoor and outdoor spaces within a shared coastal setting. Take in sweeping views of Howe Sound, swim or fish off the rocks, fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping, and settle into a calm, beautifully considered escape. Perfect for groups of up to 10 people.

We respect your right to quiet, private enjoyment of our beautiful property, but our dedicated Discover Bowen staff are only a phone call away if you need anything at all! Please reach out to your host at any time during your stay. Her contact information will provided at booking.

Discover Bowen has Experience Partnerships with a range of local adventure outfitters—including Bowen e-Bikes, Bowen Island Sea Kayaking, Mountain Tide Adventures, MIST Thermal Spa, mobile yoga, spa, and massage therapy service providers, and more. Be sure to inquire about direct bookings and discounts for Discover Bowen partner properties, including the Cedar Cottage at the Miller Oceanfront Retreat.

We are in the Millers Landing area of Bowen Island—very close to the main town of Snug Cove, but a world away in terms of quietude and the feeling of being up front and personal with nature. David Road is a small, residential street that winds along the coast, and our family property comprised of a three cottages hugging a hillside that drops dramatically down in to the Howe Sound. We have ocean access via stairs to the water. You can see neighbours on both sides, but Salt and Arbutus cabins are situated ahead of them and so the space feels very private. Cedar Cabin has one quiet neighbour within view, but when you are sitting on the deck you are positioned to look away from their house towards the ocean.

There are 2 oceanfront cabins at the bottom of the staircase beyond the parking area. They are completely private and self contained. Park in the private driveway and walk to the top of the staircase that leads down to cabins. Full instructions will provided at the time of check in.

Cedar Cabin is to the left of the parking area, down a short forest pathway, and so it is the best place for people who might not appreciate going up and down the stairs to the oceanfront cabin regularly.

Welcome to the Miller Oceanfront Retreat—our family’s beloved coastal property on beautiful Bowen Island.
This unique offering includes three private cabins—Salt, Arbutus, and Cedar—thoughtfully positioned across the landscape to create a balance of connection and privacy. Two cabins sit dramatically on a rocky bluff directly above the ocean, while the third is tucked just above them among tall cedar trees. The setting is what makes this place unforgettable: sweeping views across Howe Sound, the sound of waves below, and ever-changing light over the coastal mountains. It’s a place to slow down, gather, and experience the rhythm of the coast.
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SALT CABIN (sleeps 2–4)

The main cabin anchors the property at the water’s edge. It features a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with tub/shower, a wood-burning fireplace, and a king bed positioned to take in the view. Outside, a spacious oceanfront patio offers dining and lounge seating, a propane fire table, and BBQ—perfect for long meals and quiet evenings overlooking the water. This is the main cabin, and the central gathering space for larger groups.
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ARBUTUS CABIN (sleeps 2)

Just steps from Salt Cabin, Arbutus offers a more intimate, private space. It features a queen bed with ocean views, a private 2-pc bathroom, and a simple coffee and tea station, and an outdoor shower (with hot/cold water). Its own cozy patio with lounge seating offers a peaceful place to unwind while still being closely connected to the main cabin.
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CEDAR CABIN (sleeps up to 2–4)

Set slightly above the waterfront cabins and nestled among tall cedars, this cabin offers a different perspective—cozy and private, with filtered ocean views through the trees and a sense of quiet retreat. It includes a well-equipped kitchenette (you can cook full meals here!) with bar seating at the island, a full bathroom with tub/shower, a private bedroom with a queen bed, and a comfortable living room with a pull-out sofa and wood stove. Outside, enjoy a private patio with lounge seating, BBQ, and fire bowl. Just beyond the deck, a small bluff offers access to the same sweeping ocean views found below.
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OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
The two lower cabins sit right at the edge of the water—you truly can’t get closer. From here, you may spot whales, seals, sea lions, and eagles passing through. Sunrises over the mountains are especially beautiful, while evenings bring soft light across the water—perfect for outdoor dining or fireside conversations.

There is access to the ocean via stairs and rocky shoreline below. Guests can swim, fish, or simply sit by the water and take it all in.

The mountain and ocean views east and south towards Vancouver are stunning—you'll get regular visits by the Bowen Island ferry, which looks beautifully lit up in the evenings. Barking sea lions, seals, whales, and other marine mammals pass regularly right past the cabins. Our guests regularly indicate that they didn't want to leave the property once they settled in, but you are so close to everything Bowen has to offer—trails, beaches, dining, and more. This is not a conventional stay—it’s a layered coastal experience designed for groups who value both time together and space to retreat.

One of the two Bowen Island busses will stop by request near the entrance of Miller Road and it would take maybe 10 minutes to walk to the property from that drop off point. There is no Uber or taxi service on the island. It is recommended that you bring your car to take advantage of all there is to see and do on Bowen, though it IS possible to come to this property without a vehicle by bus, bike (rent and eBike from Bowen eBikes), or on foot. We can provide maps that will get you here via small roads and trails, including crossing one of our favourite nearby beaches.

HEATING: In the cooler months, you must be comfortable with using a wood stove to heat the Salt and Cedar Cabins—firewood and kindling are provided. There are baseboard heaters as well, but to properly get it warm in the cabins in the winter months, the wood stove is helpful. There is electric, baseboard heat only in the Arbutus Cabin.

STAIR ACCESS: There are several stairs to access the two oceanfront cabins from the parking area, so please make sure you are able to handle stairs. Cedar Cabin is more accessible without stairs, but guests must be able to navigate a short forest path to get to it from the parking area.

EXPOSED, UNFENCED BLUFFS: Please note that the Salt and Arbutus Cabins are built on high bluffs directly above the ocean. There are no fences to protect you from slipping down if you get too close to the edges. Please be mindful of your step on the bluffs, and keep an especially close watch on children.