Mt. Gardner on Bowen Island, Saturday April 18th 2026

Views of Keats and Gambier by Craig

Rosa writes:-

Ten years ago, Bowen Island officially adopted the slogan "Tell your friends it's awful here." Tongue-in-cheek and reflecting the residents' mixed feelings about tourism on the island: proud of living there but wary of it being overrun.

Our group was lucky to enjoy empty trails on Saturday, April 18 when eight members and one guest went for a hike up Mt Gardner, the tallest peak on Bowen Island. We had great conditions, a bit of sun, a bit of cloud and a nice temperature for the 15 km we hiked that day. There are a number of ways to the summit, ours was climbing up via the Mt Gardner Connector Trail, the Denis Lynn Trail, Hikers Road, North Summit Trail and back down via the Upper and Mid Skid Trails. 

Overlooking West Van and Vancouver, group shot by Pete

We were back on the late afternoon ferry after taking about six hours to complete the hike with a few mini breaks and lunch. The group was back in Horseshoe Bay with time enough in the day for the group to enjoy fish and chips and beer. The short ferry ride makes this day trip to Bowen Island feel like a getaway, living up to its current, more friendly slogan, "Within Reach, Beyond Compare."

Michele and Craig by Maya