This week we head to Bowen Lookout. This trail is one of our go to trails for hiking as it is short and not too challenging, but still has a short and moderately steep section with switch backs that will break a sweat. As well, the view at the end of this trail is amazing, so we love hiking this trail both in summer and in winter. The trail can be accessed from Cypress Mountain. If you plan on going in the winter, plan to go early to beat the ski crowd, as Cypress Mountain contains one of the most popular ski resorts in Greater Vancouver. I will be writing about the winter trail in this post, as the winter trail and summer trail are slightly different. The winter trail itself is about 5km out-and-back with approximately 150m elevation gain. The first section of the trail is mostly flat, passing by streams and lakes. Eventually, the trail takes you into the forest, but only for a short while. As you emerge from the forest and continue past the end section of a cross country ski run, you cross a small bridge to begin the uphill climb of switchbacks. Just as you are about to feel tired from the uphill climb, there is a fork on the trail where you take to bring you to Bowen Lookout. The lookout got its name because it overlooks Bowen Island. The beautiful Howe Sound and mountain ranges to the north can also be seen. On a clear day with good visibility, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of Vancouver Island far in the distance. Photos below are from our most recent hike to Bowen Lookout in January 2025.

It was foggy and raining slightly when we arrived at the parking lot. We got there just before 8am to beat the skiing crowd. Main parking lot was already half full when we arrived.

Weather started to get better and it started to clear up when we finished gearing up and started our hike. We passed by the ski resort on our way to the trailhead. There was no one, because ski resort opens at 9am and we passed by this spot at about 8:20am.

Trailhead.

Avalanche warning sign.

Trail starts off pretty flat.

Trail passes by several lakes and streams.

Snow on trees as well.

Trail marker/signs so you won't get lost.

Little one had been hiking on his own for a while. He enjoyed this winter hike.

Final section before the viewpoint.

Viewpoint. The large island behind the two dead trees is Bowen Island.

Mountain range to the north/northwest.

We saw a couple making fresh breakfast, cooking fresh eggs, toasting toasts, frying bacon, and all, at the viewpoint. We also saw this other couple taking photos of birds with huge lens. I came up with a joke, pointed at the couple with the huge lens, and told my kids "Now I understand why it's called Canon."

We don't have DSLRs or Canons, but my wife with her mere iPhone was able to capture a photo of this bird. I believe this is a Steller's jay.

On our way back to the parking lot. The lazy winter sun is higher up now and had burned away all the fog.

Back on the flat section of the trail, nearing the parking lot.

Our drive down the mountain. Long line up just to get to the third or fourth overflow parking. Main parking and the first two overflow parking were completely full when we left.

Check out my previous hikes:

1. The Panoramic Views of Panorama Ridge
2. The Golden Larches of Frosty Mountain
3. The Winter Snow of Pump Peak at Mount Seymour
4. Sapphire Waters and Azure Skies of Battle Bluff
5. It Isn't Always Sunshine and Blue Skies
6. The Frozen River and Waterfalls of Maligne Canyon
7. The Amazing Arches of Arches National Park
8. The Bizarre Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park
9. The Magnificent Stones of Zion National Park
10. The Flowing Walls of Lower Antelope Canyon
11. A Glimpse of Hope at the Hope Lookout Trail
12. Turquoise Waters viewed from Sea to Summit Trail
13. The Three Peaks of Mount Seymour
14. The Serene Winter Scene at Dog Mountain
15. Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge
16. Yosemite National Park
17. The Bear's Hump at Waterton National Park
18. Views of Okanagan from Pincushion Mountain Trail
19. The Half Frozen Waterfalls at Franklin Falls
20. Hole in the Wall of Vancouver Island
21. Sometimes You Just Get Lucky
22. Winter Wonderland at Alexander Falls
23. Eagle Bluffs
24. Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park
25. Admiralty Point
26. Myra Canyon Trail
27. Garabaldi Lake
28. Botanical Beach Loop
29. Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse Loop
30. Whistler Train Wreck Trail
31. Grouse Grind
32. Crown Mountain
33. Chance Cove Coastal Trail
34. Big Four Ice Caves
35. Stawamus Chief First Peak
36. Four Lakes Trail at Alice Lake Provincial Park
37. Four Lakes Trail Winter Revisit
38. Lindeman Lake Trail
39. Malcolm Knapp Research Forest
40. Steelhead Falls
41. Cascade Falls
42. Dawson Falls
43. Bridal Veil Falls
44. Kay Falls and Bear Creek Falls
45. Lions Bay Loop and Crystal Falls
46. Overlander Falls
47. Flood Falls
48. Marymere Falls
49. Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
50. Elfin Lakes
51. Gold Creek Lower Falls
52. Nairn Falls
53. Lower and Upper Shannon Falls
54. Brandywine Falls
55. Mamquam Falls
56. Cliff Gilker Park Waterfalls
57. Snoqualmie Falls
58. Norvan Falls
59. Niagara Falls and Trestles at Goldstream Park
60. Niagara Falls
61. Ptarmigan Ridge
62. Chain Lakes Trail
63. Cambie Creek Loop
64. Mushrooms of Norvan Falls Trail
65. Cheakamus Lake Trail
66. Panorama Ridge via Helm Creek Trail
67. Saint Mark's Summit
68. West Lion
69. Elk Mountain
70. Quarry Rock