Mount Gardner Loop Trail

Located on Bowen Island to the northwest of Vancouver and easily accessible by ferry, the Mount Gardner Loop Trail is a fun hiking route that will lead you through a beautiful stretch of forest toward a viewing platform that offers a stunning array of scenery. While the trail isn’t really technical, there are a few steep sections that can become fairly icy/slippery. If you are completing this hike during the shoulder seasons, make sure to bring microspikes for a better grip.

The trail sets out from the forested base of the mountain and follows alongside Kill Creek for a short distance before arriving at a fork. Take the so-called Hiker’s Trail to the right to climb up a few short but steep inclines that will see you gain the majority of the elevation along the hike. Eventually, you will make your way up to the viewing platform, where you can enjoy spectacular views overlooking the majestic mountains of the North Shore, as well as Vancouver Island on a clear day. Continue to the southwest along the loop, where you will reach the Summit of Mount Gardner. Unfortunately, there aren’t any views from the forested peak, so you will need to continue on and descend along the southeastern face of the mountain. This route will eventually bring you back down to the trailhead where you began your journey.