Killarney Lake Hike on BOWEN ISLAND, BC

Killarney Lake on Bowen Island

If you're looking for an outstanding day trip from Vancouver that includes an easy, scenic hike, then Killarney Lake on Bowen Island should be at the top of your list.
Bowen Island is but a mere 25km from Vancouver and is accessed by a short, 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Before you even reach the quiet island destination, you've already been treated to stunning views of Howe Sound courtesy of BC Ferries.

The ferry ride brings you to Snug Cove on Bowen Island (seriously, how can you not want to visit a place called Snug Cove?). If you're on foot and keen to start your walk right from the ferry, one of the many entrances to Crippen Park is a very short distance away.

As you walk away from the ferry, take an immediate right onto Cardena Road. Walk about 25 meters, and you'll see prominent Crippen Park signage and a trail leading into the woods. You can't get much easier than that.
    
The trails in the park are very well marked, and kiosk signage is found at many heavily trafficked junctions.
    
If you head down Alder Grove Trail toward the lake, you may catch glimpses of Deep Bay and the mountains through the trees. Further along the trail, just before crossing Miller Road, it is worth checking out the fish ladder at Bridal Falls.When you get to Miller Road, you can either go right onto Miller for 25m to get to the small parking area and the start of Killarney Creek Trail, or, you can cross Miller Road and continue along Hatchery Trail.
    
Following Hatchery Trail will bring you to Meadow Trail, which is a nice open trail leading through a, um... meadow. There is an off-leash dog area just off Meadow Trail.
    
Meadow Trail meets up with Killarney Creek Trail, and you now have the option of heading back toward Snug Cove or moving on towards Killarney Lake Loop.
    
The hike around Killarney Lake is considered by many to be a relatively easy, scenic walk. Expect to encounter joggers, dog walkers, and other hikers along your way. The loop can be done in either direction.
    
The trail around the lake itself is varied. There are some wider, more groomed sections, but also some rocky and hilly and muddy sections. You'll cross several boardwalks and bridges.There is a parking area and a popular picnic site at the south end of the lake. You'll find outhouses here as well.
    
When you've completed the loop, head back to Snug Cove taking either the same route you used to get to Killarney Lake or one of the comparable variations.
 
If you're up for sticking around on Bowen a bit longer, be sure to check out Snug Cove or make your way up to Artisan Square.
    
Finally, as you wait for the ferry to arrive that will return you to Horseshoe Bay, start planning your next trip to Bowen. There are many other trails and activities to check out!

Directions to Killarney Lake trail head

Click the map below to see directions to the Killarney Lake trail head on Google Maps from your loacation