Hiking
Two hikers admiring the views (Picture BC photo)
Hiking adventures beckon as soon as visitors to Bowen Island get off the ferry in Snug Cove.
The terrain is forested and hilly, but there are well-maintained trails suitable for every fitness level on "The Rock," which is slightly smaller in area than Manhattan Island. Exploring Bowen Island on foot is a pleasure since more than half of it is designated parkland, and the environment is clean, green, and serene.
Dorman Point
Right from the ferry dock, hiking up to Dorman Point is a great way to get a sense of Bowen Island's geography. The 2.5km/1.5mi hike takes about 1.5 hours return. While there are some steep climbs, reaching the summit of this arbutus tree-strewn plateau offers a striking view of Whytecliffe Park in West Vancouver across the Queen Charlotte Channel. Also visible to the southwest is the University of British Columbia (UBC). Dorman Point is a lovely spot for a picnic.
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Killarney Lake
The 4km/2.5mi Killarney Lake loop, just west of Snug Cove, is among the most popular hiking routes on Bowen Island, with flat and steep sections.
Traverse the Killarney Lake wetlands on a boardwalk, check out the fish ladder, and watch out for great blue herons and black-tailed deer. Non-motorized boats, like kayaks, ply the lily pad-dotted waters of Killarney Lake. Other trails link up with the Killarney Lake loop.
Mount Gardner
Mount Gardner is Bowen Island's tallest mountain with an elevation of 762m/2500ft. On this hike, climb through the rainforest, passing waterfalls and crossing bridges.
The challenging 10km/6.2mi roundtrip culminates with a panoramic view of Port Mellon to the north on the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island to the west. There are different routes to get to the top, where viewing platforms await. Budget five or six hours to get the full experience.
Practical Points
- Always check the weather before heading out for a hike. It's wise to bring sturdy footwear, water, energy-rich snacks, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and rain gear.
- For those who enjoy hiking with a guide, Bowen Tours offers reasonably priced guided hiking tours of Bowen Island. Check out the Bowen Tours website.
- For more information on these and other hiking options on Bowen Island, contact the Visitor Centre (432 Cardena Rd). The official Tourism Bowen website includes a hiking map that visitors can download or print out, featuring a Bowen Walk route that covers local landmarks like the Terminal Creek Hatchery, Artisan Square, and Davies Orchard.
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