Metro Vancouver · Challenging · out-and-back

mount gardner (bowen island)

A hard out-and-back hike to a big view, mostly through forest. A real workout, with about 750 m of climbing over 10–16 km. Plan on 4–6 hours and pack the Ten Essentials. Usually quiet.

Challenging · 10–16 km out-and-back · +650–750 m climb · 4–6 hours · Dogs: check local rules

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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Difficulty 3 of 4

Spring to fall

quick facts

Distance: 10–16 km
Elevation gain: 650–750 m
Typical time: 4–6 hours
Route: out-and-back
Dogs: Check local rules
Drive from downtown: ~75 min

Trail ticket

your trail ticket

Hike Vancouver · Trail ticketNo. 055

mount gardner (bowen island)

Metro Vancouver · ~75 min from downtown incl. ferry · reachable by transit

Trailhead: Bowen Island; trailheads off Mount Gardner Road or a longer walk from Snug Cove
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking time: 4–6 hours
Suggested start: Before 8 am
Distance: 10–16 km
Climb: +650–750 m
Season: Spring to fall

Figures approximate. The suggested start helps you finish in daylight. Check Bowen Island Municipality before you go.

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elevation profile schematic

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

Mount Gardner trailhead on Bowen Island. Photo: Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France, CC BY 2.0 · credits

trail facts

Region	Metro Vancouver
Difficulty	Challenging
Season	Spring to fall
Trailhead	Bowen Island; trailheads off Mount Gardner Road or a longer walk from Snug Cove
Parking & transit	Transit reaches the trailhead or close to it (check TransLink).
Permits & passes	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.
Dogs	Check local rules
Kid-friendly	Better for older, fit kids or adults
Highlights	Views, Forest
Crowds	Usually quiet
Managed by	Bowen Island Municipality

safety notes

Many unsigned junctions and private land near the summit roads; carry a map. Plan around the last ferry home.

Numbers are approximate. Check Bowen Island Municipality for closures and the AdventureSmart trip plan and Ten Essentials before you go. Tell someone your plan.

questions

How long is Mount Gardner (Bowen Island)?

About 10–16 km (out-and-back) with roughly 650–750 m of elevation gain. Most people take 4–6 hours. Figures are approximate; check Bowen Island Municipality before you go.

Are dogs allowed on Mount Gardner (Bowen Island)?

Rules vary or change here. Check the land manager before bringing a dog.

Do I need a pass or permit for Mount Gardner (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 Mount Gardner (Bowen Island) by transit?

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

sources

Cite this page

Hike Vancouver. "Mount Gardner (Bowen Island)." Updated October 24, 2026. https://hikevancouver.ca/trails/mount-gardner/

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nearby in metro vancouver

MVStanley Park SeawallEasy · 9–10 km · +0–20 m · 2.5–3 hours MVPacific Spirit Regional ParkEasy · 4–10 km · +0–100 m · 1–3 hours MVBurnaby Mountain TrailsEasy · 3–8 km · +100–250 m · 1–2.5 hours

mount gardner (bowen island)

quick facts

your trail ticket

mount gardner (bowen island)

elevation profile schematic

trail facts

safety notes

questions

sources

nearby in metro vancouver

good to know cam