Soames Hill

Soames Hill is a steep hike that is located in Gibsons near Shirley Macey Park and has incredible views that look across towards Keats Island and out towards the Strait of Georgia. The hike follows a steep set of stairs, offering a good workout that is rewarded with several beautiful views.

There are two locations that the you can start the trail from, either from Bridgeman Road or Esperanza Road. Both routes will go to the bottom of the Green trail, then follow the Green trail to the top of the hill. This trail description begins from Bridgeman Road but both routes are similar distances and the trails are well marked with maps.

From Bridgeman Road, walk past the yellow gate and follow the Yellow trail into the forest. The beautiful west coast rainforest is lush with vegetation, including moss and sword ferns that blanket the area.

Watch for a sign with a trail junction on your left marking the start of the Green trail. Go left and follow the Green trail as you begin to climb the steep stairs on the hillside. The trail weaves back and forth as you continue to gain elevation while occasionally stopping to catch your breath and let people by who are descending.

As the trail begins to level, you reach a junction. Go right and follow the trail for a short walk that takes you up onto a rock with a viewpoint. The view offers glimpses across the water towards Keats Island, however the better viewpoints are at a high point further up the trail.

Follow the trail back down to the junction and this time go left and continue hiking up the trail. The trail will reach another junction, go left and follow the one that continues up a steep hill. Within a few minutes, a viewpoint appears on your right. Continue hiking up the hill, watching your step over the smooth rock and checking the views off to the right.

Eventually, the trail reaches a final viewpoint that looks out towards Keats Island. The town of Gibson can also be seen from the viewpoint as you peer down the coastline and out towards the Strait of Georgia.

After enjoying the view, follow the trail back downhill the way you came, being careful as you step on the slippery rock. At the first junction, go right and follow the trail up a small incline before it descends again through the forest. Pass the sign at the second junction and begin to descend down the steep stairs. The descent is quick as you reach the bottom, returning to the Yellow trail. Go right and follow the Yellow trail back to the Bridgeman Road parking area.