Metro Vancouver · Easy · loop

killarney lake (bowen island)

An easy loop along the water, mostly through forest. Little climbing, so it suits a slow morning or an evening walk. Most people take 1–1.5 hours.

Easy · 4–4.5 km loop · +30–60 m climb · 1–1.5 hours · Dogs: on leash

Not yet verified against an official source. Figures are approximate; check the park page before you go. · Sources · Cite this page

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EASY
Difficulty 1 of 4
JFMAMJJASONDALL YEARSEASON
Year-round

quick facts

Distance
4–4.5 km
Elevation gain
30–60 m
Typical time
1–1.5 hours
Route
loop
Dogs
On leash
Drive from downtown
~60 min
Trail ticket

your trail ticket

Hike Vancouver · Trail ticketNo. 056

killarney lake (bowen island)

Metro Vancouver · ~60 min from downtown incl. ferry · reachable by transit

Trailhead
Crippen Regional Park, a walk from the Snug Cove ferry dock
Difficulty
Easy
Hiking time
1–1.5 hours
Suggested start
Any daylight hour
Distance
4–4.5 km
Climb
+30–60 m
Season
Year-round

Figures approximate. The suggested start helps you finish in daylight. Check Metro Vancouver Regional Parks (Crippen Regional Park) before you go.

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route in detail

From the Snug Cove ferry dock area on Bowen Island, walk north on Cardena Dr and turn left at the Killarney Lake sign. Optional detours: Memorial Gardens bluff over Deep Bay and Killarney Creek falls and fish ladder. Cross Miller Rd, follow Hatchery Trail to Terminal Creek Meadows, Meadow Trail past the equestrian ring, Killarney Creek Trail, then Magee Rd to the lakeside picnic area. Circle the lake clockwise via the west shore and boardwalks over the marshy north end, returning by Killarney Loop Trail.

Extended option: A longer variant runs about 8 km round trip, roughly 3 hours. Confirm the route on the official map before you commit.

Watch for: Requires the BC Ferries sailing from Horseshoe Bay. Unmarked fork near the end of the lake loop: stay right and cross the bridge.

Best season: all year

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elevation profile schematic

+60 m0 km4.5 km

Schematic: an illustrative shape drawn from total distance and gain, not a GPS trace. Real ups and downs will differ.

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trail facts

RegionMetro Vancouver
DifficultyEasy
SeasonYear-round
TrailheadCrippen Regional Park, a walk from the Snug Cove ferry dock
Parking & transitTransit reaches the trailhead or close to it (check TransLink).
Permits & passesNone. BC Ferries fare from Horseshoe Bay. BC Ferries sailing from Horseshoe Bay; drive time shown includes an approximate crossing. Check the BC Ferries schedule.
DogsOn leash
Kid-friendlyYes, with supervision
HighlightsLakes & water, Forest
CrowdsModerate
Managed byMetro Vancouver Regional Parks (Crippen Regional Park)

safety notes

Flat loop around the lake with boardwalk sections. Walking from the ferry dock adds distance each way.

Numbers are approximate. Check Metro Vancouver Regional Parks (Crippen Regional Park) for closures and the AdventureSmart trip plan and Ten Essentials before you go. Tell someone your plan.

questions

How long is Killarney Lake (Bowen Island)?

About 4–4.5 km (loop) with roughly 30–60 m of elevation gain. Most people take 1–1.5 hours. Figures are approximate; check Metro Vancouver Regional Parks (Crippen Regional Park) before you go.

Are dogs allowed on Killarney Lake (Bowen Island)?

Yes, on leash.

Do I need a pass or permit for Killarney Lake (Bowen Island)?

None. BC Ferries fare from Horseshoe Bay. BC Ferries sailing from Horseshoe Bay; drive time shown includes an approximate crossing. Check the BC Ferries schedule.

Can I get to Killarney Lake (Bowen Island) by transit?

Yes, transit reaches this trailhead or very close to it. Check TransLink for current routes.

sources

See also: Best hikes for beginners · Hikes you can reach by transit · Winter-friendly low-level walks · Dog-friendly hikes · Hikes under 2 hours · Lake hikes · Hikes for January · Hikes for February · Hikes for March · Hikes for April · Hikes for May · Hikes for June · Hikes for July · Hikes for August · Hikes for September · Hikes for October · Hikes for November · Hikes for December · Metro Vancouver hikes · Ferry day hikes · Rainy-day hikes · Kid-friendly hikes · Beginner hikes · Dog-friendly hikes · Hikes you can reach by transit · Guides

Cite this page

Hike Vancouver. "Killarney Lake (Bowen Island)." Updated October 24, 2026. https://hikevancouver.ca/trails/killarney-lake/

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nearby in metro vancouver

MVStanley Park SeawallEasy · 9–10 km · +0–20 m · 2.5–3 hoursMVPacific Spirit Regional ParkEasy · 4–10 km · +0–100 m · 1–3 hoursMVBurnaby Mountain TrailsEasy · 3–8 km · +100–250 m · 1–2.5 hours
Cam Appleton, Vancouver real estate agent, climbing the side of a downtown tower at sunset with the North Shore mountains behind
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good to know cam

Hi, I'm Cam Appleton. I love Vancouver and I love getting out on its trails. When I went looking for a simple, easy hiking guide for around here, I couldn't find one I liked. I also really like helping people, so I built this one.

My day job is real estate. I help people buy, sell and lease. I hope you're enjoying the start of Hike Vancouver. If you're thinking about living closer to trails like this one, I'm happy to talk.

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