Mount Gardner Hikers Trail

Mount Gardner Hikers Trail on Bowen Island is a solid full-day adventure with a real payoff at the top. This 10 km out-and-back climbs about 685 m to around 720 m, and most people take 4–6 hours depending on pace and breaks. It’s rated challenging for good reason: steady climbing, loose rock, and a short scramble near the summit keep things interesting.

The route starts from near Killarney Lake / Mount Crippen Park, with many hikers now cutting into a forest footpath right across from the parking instead of walking the gravel service road the whole way. Expect a long stretch of rocky road or skid trails, then a switch to proper forest singletrack with roots, shade, and better scenery. Near the north summit you’ll hit steeper sections, ropes or chains, and then multiple viewpoints and platforms with wide views over Vancouver, Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast, Mount Baker on a clear day, and the islands scattered below.

Recent hikers say the Mount Gardner Hikers Trail is well marked with orange flags and signs, but there are lots of intersecting routes, so downloading a map is smart. Many people recommend avoiding the main Hikers Trail road where possible and using Skid, Fun, or other bike trails for a more interesting approach. Expect loose gravel that’s slippery on the way down, some bugs in warmer months, and no reliable water, so bring plenty. In winter and early spring, snow and ice linger near the top and microspikes make a big difference. Give yourself time to linger at the summit and double-check the Bowen Island bus and ferry schedules if you’re coming car-free.