Mt Gardner (Bowen Island)

DIFFICULT HIKE

Come join us as we take a scenic ferry ride to Bowen Island, where we will do a challenging hike up to the top of Mt Gardner. Beautiful views of Bowen Island, Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast, and the Burrard Inlet await you at the top. By the end, you will know why the island has the slogan: “Within Reach. Beyond Comparison.”

Elevation Gain: 720m
Distance: 18km (round-trip from ferry terminal)
Hiking time: 6 hours

DISCLOSURE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

By going on this Meetup event, you acknowledge and agree that you are participating at your own risk and are entirely responsible for your own safety getting to and from the trailhead, on the hike, and during the course of the event. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, you agree to pay for your own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not you have specifically authorized them. You also verify that you are in good health and are physically capable of carrying out this hike. Therefore, you agree to release the Meetup Group, the Organizer, the Meetup Host, and any affiliate from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expense or injury which may arise out of participation in the Meetup event, including during transportation to and from the event.

DETAILS REGARDING HIKE

We will meet outside the ticket window for foot passengers at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal. We are taking the 9:20am ferry.

The fare for the round-trip ferry to Bowen Island is $10.50. Long-term parking at the ferry terminal is around $18 for 24 hours (parkade on immediate left upon entering Village). FREE DAY PARKING is available at Gleneagles Community Centre, a 15 minute walk to the ferry terminal.

We first catch the 9:20 AM ferry at Horseshoe Bay and take a scenic 20 minute ride to Bowen Island. After departing, we walk into Crippen Regional Park and eventually reach beautiful Killarney Lake. After leaving the lake, we will start hiking up a steep forested trail. On the way to the top, we will reach a viewpoint that offers views of Gambier and Keets Islands. After hiking further up, we eventually reach the top, where you can have lunch while taking in the amazing views!

Afterwards, we hike back down to the Mt Gardner trailhead, completing a loop. It is then a relatively easy walk back down to Killarney Lake and the main street of Bowen Island. If we have time, you will be able to stroll down main street, checking out the shops and maybe getting a tasty treat. We then take the ferry back to Horseshoe Bay in the late afternoon.

Bring:

Water (at least 2 litres)
Lunch
Good hiking shoes or boots
Head lamp
Hiking Poles (Optional)
10 Essentials ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2vxusYn0Dk)