According to Peg Moir, our senior contributor of walks/hikes, this trail has some flat and steep sections, and a couple of hours should be allowed.
Getting to Bowen Island is easy, and it does have that island feel,a nice day-trip. From Horseshoe Bay, take the ferry to Snug Cove (check for ferry times), and if driving, follow Government Road to Grafton Road, to Mt. Gardner Road, until you reach Crippen Regional Park. You may also walk, it will only take you 45min from Snug Cove, which is more cost effective as it does not involve paying taking your vehicle on the ferry. In town, while waiting for the return ferry you can have lunch at the pub, and, do a little research for your next visit.
Kayaks are rented right in Snug Cove, if you want to plan a full day or weekend excursion.
For a more rigorous option, check out the 'Mt. Gardner' hike, to a heli-pad on Bowen's peak, a favourite early season hike for Vancouverites.
OPTION
The Dorman Point Trail is not far from the ferry, about a half hour uphill. Ask in town, when you get off the ferry, it's near the Snug Harbour picnic area. Allow an hour to return.
For those looking for a somewhat more involved hike, check out Mount Gardner
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ByPosted By: annewalk
- Thu Oct 02 16:07:55 EDT 2008
UpsideThis is a lovely day hike for that getting away from it all feeling. The hike is easy and scenic with plenty of places for sitting, picnic-ing, and picture taking.
DownsideCrowded. Would like to try again later in the season.
CommentI enjoyed this trip. The ferry ride was beautiful and short, Snug Cove has a genuine small town feel, and the Lake was a beautiful fall time retreat. Sadly, there is no camping whatsoever on the island. Would have been nice to spend the night and explore the entire island. There are some Bed and Breakfasts on the island which we may end up trying out one of these weekends just to get the full experience.
We had wanted to head up Mt. Gardner but, alas, took too late of a start for this time of year. Will catch an earlier ferry next time.
We also walked up to Dorman Point along the trailhead in the park at Snug Cove. It's fairly steep and well traveled. There was a wedding party at the top of climb! The view from Dorman Point is not spectacular, in my opinion.