Bowen Lookout and Saint Marks Summit via Howe Sound Crest Trail

Bowen Lookout and Saint Marks Summit via Howe Sound Crest Trail is one of those hikes that makes you glad you live near Vancouver. Starting from Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver, this 10.9 km loop gives you a solid half-day outing with about 600 m of gain, big coastal views, and a proper workout without feeling like a suffer-fest. Most hikers land it in around four hours, but plan extra time to hang out at Saint Marks.

The trail eases you in on a well-groomed path through the trees before the grade kicks up and the roots and rocks start to show. Bowen Lookout is a quick side hit with a nice angle over Bowen Island and Howe Sound, but the real payoff is Saint Marks Summit at around 1350 m, where cliffs and clearings open to wide views over the water, islands, and the Lions if you poke around a bit farther. The route is popular, busy on weekends, and criss-crossed with little side trails near the top, so pay attention to stay on the main line to the best viewpoints.

Recent hikers report the last kilometre as the toughest: steeper, rooty, often muddy, and buggy in warmer months, so waterproof boots, bug spray, and maybe poles are smart. In fall and early winter, expect snow, ice, or slush higher up and bring layers; in cloud or rain, the views mostly vanish, so aim for a clear day if that’s your priority. The loop version with Bowen Lookout adds distance that many locals skip, but if you have the legs, tag both, start mid-afternoon, and catch sunset from Saint Marks Summit for one of the best payoffs close to Vancouver.