Bowen Trail

Bowen Trail on Bowen Island is a short, punchy out-and-back route that gives you a quick dose of North Island forest without eating your whole day. At 3.9 km with about 139 m of gain and a top elevation around 212 m, it usually takes just over an hour, making it a good leg-stretcher before or after exploring Snug Cove.

The trail follows the slopes of Mount Collins, climbing steadily right from the start. You’ll move through classic coastal forest with mossy ground, tall trees, and a few peekaboo views through the canopy, but this is more about a quiet woods walk than big viewpoints. Traffic is usually light, and there are side trails in the Mount Collins area if you want to extend things, but stay alert to signage as the route borders private property.

Recent hikers report the lower section of Bowen Trail can be confusing, with the path hard to spot in places and the initial incline feeling surprisingly steep for an “easy” rating. Once you’re on the main line, it’s straightforward but not especially exciting, so go in expecting a simple forest grind rather than a highlight-reel hike. Parking is a bit odd: you’ll be pulling in next to a red building that feels like a private driveway, so drive slowly, respect residents, and don’t block access. The trail is hikeable most of the year, but in wet months the steep bits can get slick, so good tread and a downloaded map are smart to have.