St Mark's Summit hiking trail, The North Shore

St. Mark's Summit is part of the Howe Sound Crest Trail that spans over 30km from Cypress to a point along the Sea To Sky Highway near Porteau Cove. The section of the trail that St. Mark's Summit is on starts from Cypress Mountain and is the first mountain along this route, offering spectacular views of Howe Sound on a clear day.

From the Cypress Mountain downhill parking lot, head north towards the nearby chair lift and look for the Howe Sound Crest Trail sign. The trail follows alongside the several ski runs until a sign that points to the right to the Howe Sound Crest Trail. Follow this trail uphill until it merges onto a wider ski run and veer to the left towards a large green water tower. Just before the tower, go right onto a trail and walk uphill through the trees.

After a short hike, the trail reaches a gravel road. Go left at the gravel road and continue as a short distance later the road narrows and becomes a trail. You are now on the Howe Sound Crest Trail and this route will take you to St. Mark's Summit. About 10 minutes after entering the forest, you reach a junction with a map of the area. Just beyond the map board is a clearing with a view of the Lions off in the distance. Continue along the trail as it winds along the mountain side and gradually heads uphill.

The trail emerges briefly into a small meadow and crosses two bridges before continuing uphill. A few minutes later, the climb begins to steepen as the trail goes through a series of switchbacks. The path then begins to level and a brief downhill section along the top of the ridge offers some relief from the steep hill on a warm day. The relief is short lived as the trail climbs again through another series of switchbacks that are steeper then the previous ones.

As the trail levels out, you have reached the upper region of St. Mark's Summit. Continue another short distance over the rocky terrain until you reach a point where you can see Unnecessary Mountain and the Lions off int he distance. Do not descend but instead, go left to a scenic viewpoint of the area. On a clear day, you can see views of Howe Sound, the Tantalus Mountain Range, and even the Gulf Island and Vancouver Island off in the distance. There are a few other viewpoints along the short ridge that are worth checking out before making your journey back towards Cypress Mountain.

After resting and soaking in the gorgeous views over lunch, make your way back to the trail and retrace your steps, heading back downhill through the switchbacks towards Mt. Strachan Meadows and eventually the parking lot at Cypress Mountain.

How to get to St Mark's Summit

Estimated Driving Time from Vancouver: 45 minutes

St. Mark’s Summit starts from the northern most parking lot at Cypress Mountain. Follow Highway #1 westbound and take Exit #8 to Cypress Provincial Park. Stay on Cypress Parkway as it heads uphill and continue to the left to the northern (downhill ski area) parking lot.

View a map of Driving directions to St Mark's Summit.