Mt. Gardner, Bowen Island

Mt. Gardner, Bowen Island, July 1st, 2026

Nine BOC hikers who are in red/white celebrating Canada Day gathered at the Burnaby City Hall parking lot, bright and early on a beautiful morning, to drive out to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal. 

Upon reaching there we parked the two cars and used our hike leader’s Experience Pass to buy discounted tickets for us all, on the 8:05 am Bowen Island Ferry. 

After a quick and pleasant ride on the Queen of Capilano, the group disembarked at Snug Cove and walked towards Mt. Gardener trailhead. 
We first headed towards lake Killarney. After a quick break at the picnic tables by the lake, and on the way to the new connector trail, we saw a small waterfall.

The Connector trail took us to Skid trail and from Skid trail we went to the North Summit trail. Each of the three trails were well marked and had beautifully engraved sign posts along the way. With little traffic en-route, the BOC hikers took full advantage of the journey, chatting gregariously with each other and enjoying each other’s company.

At noon the group reached the North summit and was rewarded with magnificent views of Burrard Inlet, Vancouver, North Vancouver and West Vancouver on one side and fantastic views of Howe Sound, Strait of Georgia and the Sunshine Coast on the other side. The weather that had been cloudy and perfect for the ascent turned clear and sunny while we had our lunch break. After 45 minutes of relaxation and soaking up the sun and singing our 'O Canada' on the summit, we started our descent on the North Summit bypass trail. The group enjoyed another relaxing break at a viewpoint overlooking Keats Island and Gambier Harbour, on their way back to catch the 4:40pm ferry. 

 It was a Canada Day well spent! Happy Canada Day!!! Go Canada Go!!!

Many thanks to our drivers: Thomas, Catherine.

Trip report and photos by Su-Jane