St. Mark's Summit

• The crown jewel viewpoint of the Howe Sound Crest Trail

• 520m elevation gain to a panoramic summit overlooking Howe Sound

• Views of Bowen Island, Gambier Island, and the Sunshine Coast

• Starting point for the full Howe Sound Crest Trail thru-hike

Begins with steep gravel switchbacks climbing out of the Cypress ski area into subalpine forest. The trail transitions to rooty, rocky terrain as it traverses ridgelines toward St. Mark's Summit. No scrambling or exposure on this section — the first safe summit on the Howe Sound Crest Trail. Stunning views of Howe Sound from the summit.

The Route

1. HSCT trailhead at Cypress km 0.0

2. Steep gravel switchbacks km 0.5–2.0

   steepest section

3. Forest ridge trail km 3.0

   terrain becomes rooty

4. Subalpine transition km 4.0

   views begin to open

5. St. Mark's Summit km 5.25

   1,371m, panoramic views

6. Return via same route km 10.5

Along the Way

• St. Mark's Summit (1,371m) with Howe Sound panorama

• Part of the famous Howe Sound Crest Trail

• Views of Howe Sound, Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island on clear days

• No scrambling or exposure — a 'safe summit selfie spot'

• Subalpine meadows and forest scenery

Best Times to Visit

Insider Tips

• 💡

  Snow on the trail until late June most years — check trip reports

• 💡

  The last km is the steepest — save some energy

• 💡

  Windproof layer essential at the summit — it's exposed

• 💡

  If you want to extend, continue to Unnecessary Mountain (adds 2-3 hours)

What to Bring

Not Available

St. Mark's Summit is the first major viewpoint on the 29 km Howe Sound Crest Trail. The trail traverses the ridge between Cypress Bowl and Porteau Cove through some of the most dramatic alpine terrain near Vancouver.

Source · bcparks.ca