4.7km
Distance
152m
Gain
1.5h
Time
About this Trail
A 4.5 km easy out-and-back trail in Cypress Provincial Park leading to a wide viewing platform with panoramic Howe Sound views of Bowen Island, Gambier Island, and Keats Island. One of the most accessible high-elevation viewpoints near Vancouver, open year-round including winter with microspikes.
Best Suited For
The Crowd
- 👨👩👧Families
- 🌱Beginners
- 🧓Seniors
- 🧳Tourists
- 📷Photographers
- 🐕Dog Walkers
- 🥾Hikers
The Occasion
- 👨👩👧Family Outing
- 📷Photography
- 🥾Casual Hike
- ❄️Winter Hiking
- 📅Weekend Outing
- 🧳Tourist Activity
- 🌅Sunset Viewing
Highlights
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A short 4 km round-trip hike from the Cypress Mountain base that leads to a stunning ocean overlook.
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The trail is relatively flat with one moderate climb, making it accessible for families and casual hikers.
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Offers a dramatic viewpoint overlooking Bowen Island and the rugged coastline of Howe Sound.
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Serves as a perfect introduction to the North Shore's alpine landscape without a full day's commitment.
Route Details
A gentle trail from the Cypress ski area to a wide viewing platform with stunning Howe Sound views. Passes through forest and meadow sections with easy grades throughout. The viewing platform offers panoramic views of Bowen Island, Gambier Island, Keats Island, and on clear days, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
The Route
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Upper parking trailhead km 0.0
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Forest section km 0.5–1.5
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Meadow area km 1.8
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Bowen Lookout viewing platform km 2.35
Howe Sound panorama
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Return via same route km 4.7
Along the Way
Wide viewing platform with panoramic Howe Sound views
Bowen Island, Gambier Island, Keats Island visible
Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast on clear days
Forest and meadow scenery
Easy grades — accessible to most fitness levels
Practical Tips
Best Times to Visit
Insider Tips
- 💡
Shortest way to a big view in Cypress Park — perfect for a quick after-work hike
- 💡
Combine with Eagle Bluff or St. Mark's Summit for a longer day
What to Bring
Accessibility & Facilities
Icy in winter — Winter: Free Backcountry Access tag required from Black Mountain Lodge (available 7 AM - 10 PM). BC Parks strongly discourages winter travel beyond Bowen Lookout toward Eagle Bluffs.
Not Available
Not accessible. Trail has gravel, dirt, and root sections with some steep segments. Not stroller-friendly.
History
Bowen Lookout is in Cypress Provincial Park, established in 1975. The viewpoint offers one of the most accessible panoramic views of Howe Sound and Bowen Island in the park.
Source · bcparks.ca
Location
Getting Here
🚌 Transit
Cypress Coach Lines shuttle from downtown Vancouver to Cypress Mountain ski area, then walk to upper parking trailhead.
🚗 Parking
Free parking at the upper car park near Cypress Creek Lodge. Take Highway 1 westbound to Exit 8, follow Cypress Bowl Road uphill, at the ski area go left to the downhill area parking lot.