Biking
Family biking in grasslands (Picture BC photo)
Mountain biking on Bowen Island is a fun, challenging experience.
Criss-cross all over this forested, 52sq km/20sq mi island on a network of rural trails that ranges from easier lakeside pedaling to thigh-burning mountain climbs.
Bowen Island offers an exciting alternative to exploring the famed mountain biking trails of Vancouver's North Shore, and it's just a 20-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver. The island also has a bike skills park where riders can test and improve their abilities.
Quarry Park
Quarry Park opened in 2005 as Bowen Island's first municipal park. The restored quarry sits at the top of Sunset Road south of Adams Road, near Cape Roger Curtis. It has a shared-use, gravel-based trail that offers a 2km/1.24mi round-trip, with some steep terrain to negotiate. Bike riders can check out the Winter Waterfall and Rock Garden while touring the area.
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Killarney Lake
Just minutes from the ferry terminal in Snug Cove, Killarney Lake provides a 4km/2.5mi loop shared with hikers, featuring forested and marshy habitat, as well as a boardwalk. Stop off for a picnic and watch out for herons and deer.
Mount Gardner
Looking to crank up the heart rate? Mount Gardner is Bowen Island's highest peak at 762m/2500ft. The 11km/6.8mi journey to the top culminates with fantastic views of Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver.
Be prepared to hop off and push at times whilst tackling the popular Skid Trail. The Killarney Lake trailhead for Mount Gardner begins just a 3km/1.8mi ride from Snug Cove. There are multiple routes on Mount Gardner.
Bowen Island Bike and Skills Park
The Bowen Island Bike and Skills Park was originally planned and constructed in 2006. Located in Crippen Regional Park at the south end of Killarney Lake, the community-run facility attracts mountain bikers with its exciting array of wooden ramps, bridges, and teeter-totters. There's something for everyone, from cautious beginners to veteran riders who love to pull crazy tricks.
Practical Points
- Exercise care when cycling, since many trails are shared with hikers and horseback riders.
- Hilly public roads also lead riders to such popular local destinations as Alderwood Farm, Tunstall Bay, and Artisan Square.
- Visitors can bring bikes over to Bowen Island on BC Ferries - avoiding the car lineup at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal and paying less to make the crossing - or on a water taxi serving Bowen Island.
- There are no bike rentals available on Bowen Island, but world-class bike shops abound in nearby North Vancouver.
To learn more about mountain biking and cycling on Bowen Island, contact the Visitor Centre, or check with locals for insider tips. Dan Cowen is a well-known Bowen Island mountain biking expert who has constructed many trails.
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