• Difficulty Easy
  • Time 1.5 hours
  • Round-Trip 4km
  • Elevation Gain 110 meters
  • Season July - October
  • Camping No
  • From Vancouver 45 minutes
  • Public Transit No
  • Dog Friendly On-Leash

The Bowen Lookout is an incredible viewpoint that is located near the Cypress Mountain ski area and overlooks Howe Sound, out towards Bowen Island. The hike is relatively short, with a steep climb and is often done as a short side-trip on the way to St Mark's Summit.

From the downhill ski area at Cypress, walk past the lodge and continue to the trail map located at the far end. Start the trail to the right of the trail map board and walk down the gravel trail as it heads into the forest.

Almost immediately, you reach a junction with the Howe Sound Crest Trail East. You can go either route as both trails take you to the Bowen Lookout, however this description will go right and then come back along the other route.

Go right and follow the trail uphill briefly to where it exits onto the side of a ski run and continues climbing. When you reach a large water tower, there is a junction with the Howe Sound Crest Trail to the right. Do not take this trail, instead go to the left and walk around the water tower, following the wide, level path as you quickly make time.

Along the wide path, you will pass a junction to the left with a sign. Note this junction as you will return via this route. Continue along the wide path as it narrows and then reaches a wooden bridge where it veers to the right. This is where the trail begins to really climb.

Follow the gravel path as it climbs steeply through a series of switchbacks until it reaches a sign with the junction to the Bowen Lookout. Go left at the sign and walk down the hill to the end, where you are greeted with a scenic view looking out towards Howe Sound and Bowen Island.

After enjoying the view, retrace your steps by walking back up the hill to the main trail, then go right as you begin to descend quickly through the switchbacks. Cross the wooden bridge and veer to the left, following the path as it begins to widen.

Watch for a trail sign on your right and go right at that junction towards Yew Lake (note: Dogs are not permitted on this trail and you will have to continue straight, going back the way you came). Immediately there is another junction but this is a very small loop within the forest, so you can go either way. At the other end of the forested loop, take the trail out of the forest and pass by a bog where the trail then joins with the Yew Lake Loop Trail.

For the quickest route back to the trailhead, go left and walk along the gravel path and before long, you return to the area with the map where you began. For a slightly longer route, go right and walk around Yew Lake, returning to the same area next to the map.





How to get to Bowen Lookout

Estimated Driving Time from Vancouver
45 minutes

The Bowen Lookout is located near Cypress Mountain and the route begins from the downhill ski area.

From downtown Vancouver

Drive to Georgia Street and follow it heading westbound towards the Stanley Park causeway, continuing across the Lions Gate Bridge. After crossing the bridge, stay to the left and follow the exit towards West Vancouver. At the first set of traffic lights, turn right onto Taylor Way and drive up the hill. Watch for signs to Highway #1 Westbound and turn left, entering the highway heading towards Horseshoe Bay.

Take Exit #8 to Cypress Mountain and follow Cypress Bowl Road as it veers to the right and begins to ascend up the hill. As you arrive at the ski area near the top, go left and continue to the downhill ski area parking lot. Park as close to the buildings as possible as the trail begins on the far end of the Crazy Raven Bar and Grill.

From areas east of Vancouver

Drive to Highway #1 and enter the highway heading westbound. Cross the Second Narrows bridge and continue through North Vancouver into West Vancouver. Take Exit #8 to Cypress Mountain and follow Cypress Bowl Road to the top. Go left near the top, driving towards the downhill ski area and park close to the buildings. The trail begins on the far end of the Crazy Raven Bar and Grill.

View a map of Driving directions to Bowen Lookout.

Traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish, səl̓ilwətaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsleil-Waututh), Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w (Squamish), S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō) and šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmaɁɬ təməxʷ (Musqueam).
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Additional Info

Camping at Bowen Lookout

Camping is not permitted at Bowen Lookout.

Dogs at Bowen Lookout

Dogs are allowed on the Howe Sound Crest Trail and the route to the Bowen Lookout but No Dogs are allowed on the trail around Yew Lake. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Please watch for signs and pick up after your dog.

Toilets at Bowen Lookout

Washrooms are located near the downhill ski area for Cypress Mountain before starting the hike. There are no toilet facilities along the trail to the Bowen Lookout.

Dogs, Toilets and Camping

Although we try to keep information as current as possible, www.vancouvertrails.com makes no warranty or representation as to the availability, quality, fitness for purpose, conditions or accuracy of the information provided with respect to this trail or trails. The information provided herein is further subject to our Terms of Use.