Dorman Point Trail

Dorman Point Trail on Bowen Island is the classic “off-the-ferry and straight into the woods” hike. This 2.4 km out-and-back climbs about 112 m, so it’s short, punchy, and usually done in under an hour, but it will get your heart rate up. The trailhead is just minutes from the Snug Cove ferry terminal, which makes it an easy day trip from Vancouver without needing a car.

The trail is wide, well maintained, and mostly free of roots and rocks, with a steady incline almost the whole way. Stairs help on the steepest sections, especially just before the main lookout, and there’s a bench at the top to catch your breath in the shade. Views open out over Howe Sound toward Vancouver, UBC, and the ferry routes, and if you keep going another few hundred metres down toward Dorman Point itself, the cliffside and shoreline views get even better.

Recent hikers say the Dorman Point Trail is in good shape, but expect some steep sections with loose gravel, which can feel slippery on the way down, especially when wet or muddy. Running shoes work in dry weather, but you’ll be happier in shoes with decent grip if it’s been raining. There are no washrooms on the trail, it gets busy in summer, and the grade can surprise people expecting a casual stroll, so go early, pace yourself, and plan a bit of extra time if you’re hiking with kids, older parents, or carrying a pack.