Higher Grafton Lake Loop

Higher Grafton Lake Loop on Bowen Island is a short, easy walk that feels like a quiet reset from city noise. At just 3.1 km with about 99 m of gain and a high point around 172 m, it’s more of a relaxed wander than a grind, and most people wrap it up in under an hour.

The loop circles near Grafton Lake through classic coastal forest, with soft, rooty singletrack, mossy trunks, and filtered light on a good day. Views are more about calm water, trees, and the occasional opening than big mountain panoramas, so it’s ideal if you like a peaceful forest-and-lake vibe without a big climb.

Recent hikers have called Higher Grafton Lake Loop “amazing,” and it does deliver a lot of payoff for the effort, but conditions can change with rain. Expect some mud and slick roots in the shoulder seasons and winter, and decent footing from roughly May through August. Bring decent shoes, be ready for a few minor ups and downs, and enjoy that it’s usually pretty quiet compared with other Bowen Island trails.