Howe Sound Crest Trail

The Howe Sound Crest Trail is the real deal: a serious, exposed alpine route running between Cypress Mountain above West Vancouver and Porteau Cove, overlooking Howe Sound near Squamish. At around 26 km with over 2,500 m of gain and a max elevation near 1,600 m, it’s rated extreme for good reason. Expect a long, committing day or a tough multi-day push, not a casual wander from the city.

From Cypress, the first stretch toward St. Mark’s feels familiar and friendly, then the character changes fast after Unnecessary Mountain. The Howe Sound Crest Trail turns into a mix of trail, scrambling, boulders, ropes, and short exposed sections as you work past the Lions, James Peak, and toward Magnesia Meadows. On a clear day you’re staring at Howe Sound, Vancouver, and the Coast Range in every direction, with a nice mental break once you drop toward Brunswick and Deeks lakes.

Recent hikers report that in summer the route is hot and exposed with very limited water between Cypress and Magnesia Meadows, so people are carrying 4–6 L each; in late season there’s more water but also snow and ice on north-facing slopes that slow things down. Strong parties are taking 9–13 hours in a single push, while others split it into two or three days with a popular camp at Magnesia Meadows, which has water but no proper bear cache. Expect bugs in mid-summer, possible snow travel into July, ice in fall, and full winter conditions requiring snowshoes and technical gear in the shoulder seasons; this is not dog friendly for most pups and should only be attempted with solid fitness, scrambling experience, and a well-thought-out plan for weather, water, and exit logistics.