Ultimate Guide Mt Gardner Hiking on Bowen Island

The Mount Gardner hike on Bowen Island is the best trail to explore if you’ve ever wanted to go hiking on Bowen Island.

If you’ve been considering whether to hike Mt Gardner here’s everything you need to know.

This Vancouver hiking guide will cover how to get to the trailhead (including the Bowen Island ferry schedule), where to stay on Bowen Island, and details on the Mt Gardner hike.

We hiked this in the fall and had great views from the top of both the North Shore mountains that we’re used to hiking and exploring and The Sunshine Coast.

Hiking on Bowen Island: Mt Gardner

Mt Gardner is one of the best Bowen Island hikes and you should definitely add it to your list of hikes near Vancouver!

There are several hikes to do on Bowen Island, but the Mt Gardner hike is the tallest and probably the hardest too.

If you’re looking for more hikes on Bowen Island, check out my list of things to do on Bowen Island where I give more information about Killarney Lake and how to find the Bowen Island mastodon (sadly removed in 2022)!

How to get to the Mt Gardner trailhead

There are several ways to hike to the summit of Mt Gardner on Bowen Island.

If you’re just visiting Bowen Island for one day, then the easiest Mount Gardner hiking route is from the trailhead nearest to Killarney Lake.

Doing it from this direction means you can hike straight from the ferry terminal to the trailhead and back.

However, if you’re already on Bowen Island then it may be easier to start from another trailhead depending on where you’re staying.

Our favorite place to stay on Bowen Island is the Wildwood A-frame cabins.

Since they’re on the western side of the island, we hiked the Mt Gardner SW trail which is a bit shorter than the main trail to Mt Gardner.

Mt Gardner hiking guide

I’ve given details for the two different routes mentioned above.

Mt Gardner from Snug Cove/Killarney Lake

From the Bowen Island ferry terminal/Snug Cove, walk up the main road and turn right on Cardena Road.

Shortly, you’ll see a sign for Crippen Regional Park, take this turn and go right at the crossroads until you reach Miller Road.

Cross over the road here and continue along the trail for 15 minutes until you reach the end, then make a right turn towards Killarney Lake.

At this point, you’ll find yourself in a meadow before coming back into the forest.

Follow signs to Killarney Lake and then take the left trail when you reach a fork and soon you’ll see the lake.

Turn left at the lake, then right immediately to follow the path along the shore of the lake.

Keep an eye out for a trail to your left that walks uphill to a road. When you reach the road, turn right, you’ll need to walk along the road for around 5 minutes.

Take the first street on your left – Hikers Trail Rod – and follow it uphill to the metal gate which is the start of the trail to Mount Gardner.

Follow the Hikers Trail uphill until you reach a junction with a sign to Mt Gardner summit (a left hand turn).

Continue on this trail as it climbs steadily and then reaches a short rocky section where there are ropes to help you climb up.

Enjoy the views up here and then head back down the way you came.

Mount Gardner Trail SW

There’s a small parking lot at the end of Laura Road where you can park for free to hike Mt Gardner.

The trail from here is well-signposted and pretty easy to follow.

To begin, head into the forest. Follow the signs, taking a right, to begin with then a left to stay on the SW Mt Gardner trail. You’ll begin climbing uphill almost immediately.

A couple of km in you’ll come to a lookout spot where you can get a view out to the ocean and Burard Inlet.

Retrace your steps to join the main trail again, and continue on the SW trail until you reach a junction at which you’ll bear left.

As you walk along there is the option to head to the true summit. The true summit doesn’t have any views, but if you’re a peak bagger then you may want to check it off anyway!

If you’re not bothered, then follow the trail as it heads downhill slightly before heading back up for the final climb.

As you reach the top of Mt Gardner you’ll see a few wires where the radio site facility is.

You can get great views both to the east and west and it makes a great lunch spot before heading back down the way you came.

Bowen Island Mount Gardner hike stats

• Time: 2-4 hours
• Distance: 7.7 km
• Elevation Gain: Around 530 m. This is the highest point on Bowen Island.
• Trailhead: Bowen Island SW trail on Laura Road or Snug Cove Ferry Terminal
• Distance from Vancouver: 45 mins

What to know before hiking on Bowen Island

• Bowen Island camping: There is NO camping on Bowen Island, especially not Mount Gardner camping. There is one one place for Bowen Island camping and it’s only accessible by water.
• Bowen Island ferry schedule: You can see the Bowen ferry schedule here.
• Best time to hike Mt Gardner: You can hike this trail year round though please pack microspikes when hiking in winter as there may be snow/ice on the trail. In the fall and spring this Bowen Island hike can get very muddy – be prepared!
• Be adventure smart: Remember to respect the terrain, environment, and other users while you are enjoying the trails. Follow the three Ts—trip planning, training, and taking the essentials. AdventureSmart is a great resource to help you get informed before heading outdoors
• Remember to leave no trace
• This trail is dog friendly
• You can do this as a transit accessible hike near Vancouver too.

What to pack for hiking Mt Gardner Bowen Island

Hiking Mount Gardner on Bowen Island requires preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Here’s a detailed list of the top 5 things to pack. Be sure to check out my day hiking packing list for more information on the equipment I use.

• Appropriate Footwear and Clothing:
  • Hiking Boots: Choose waterproof, hiking boots with good grip, or trail running shoes. The varied terrain of Mount Gardner demands sturdy footwear to prevent slips or ankle injuries.
  • Layered Clothing: Weather can change quickly. Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add an insulating layer like a fleece or lightweight down jacket, and always pack a waterproof and windproof outer layer. A hat and gloves might also come in handy.
• Navigation Tools:
  • Map of Mount Gardner: A physical topographical map will help you navigate the trails. It’s always good to have one as a backup even if you’re using digital tools.
  • GPS or Smartphone with Trail App: Many hiking apps can download maps for offline use and show real-time positioning. Ensure your phone is fully charged and consider bringing a portable charger.
• Hydration and Nutrition:
  • Water: Bring at least 2 liters per person. If you plan to refill from natural sources, ensure you have a way to purify the water (e.g., water filter or purification tablets).
  • Snacks: Energy-rich foods like trail mix, granola bars, dried fruits, and nuts. Consider packing a sandwich or wrap for a longer hike.
• Emergency and Safety Gear:
  • First-Aid Kit: Stock it with bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medication.
  • Whistle: Useful for signaling if you need help.
  • Multi-tool: Handy for various situations, from cutting a piece of string to emergency repairs.
  • Headlamp: Even if you plan to be back by dark, delays can happen. Always have a light source and spare batteries.
• Environment-Specific Items:
  • Sun Protection: Even on cloudy days, UV rays can be strong. Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Bug Spray: Depending on the season, insects can be a nuisance. A good repellent can make your hike more pleasant.

Remember, always inform someone of your hiking plan, including your expected return time, and check the local weather and trail conditions before setting out.

Final thoughts on the Mount Gardner hike

Hiking Mount Gardner can be done from various different trailheads on Bowen Island BC.

After taking a leisurely Bowen Island ferry ride across from Horseshoe Bay, you can walk to Mount Gardener from the ferry terminal or drive/cycle/take a bus out to the Mt Gardner South West trail or Killarney Lake.

From the summit after hiking Mount Gardner, you’ll get some great views of downtown Vancouver, the North Shore mountains, West Vancouver, Howe Sound, and the Sunshine Coast.

Whether you’re looking for hikes near Vancouver in winter or hikes in Vancouver in fall, this is a great option since it stays snow-free.

Combine this with a weekend trip or day trip to Bowen Island from Vancouver and explore some of the other fun things to do on Bowen Island after this hike.

Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Hannah