hike
Killarney Lake Hike on BOWEN ISLAND, BC
If you're looking for an outstanding day trip from Vancouver that includes an easy, scenic hike (and a ferry ride!), then Killarney Lake on Bowen Island should be at the top of your list.
The Killarney Lake Loop Trail itself is about 4km.
Many visitors like to hike to the lake itself via many of the other paths that run throughout Crippen Park.
Round trip from the ferry is about 7.5 to 9-km depending on the trails you take.
Overall, this is an easy trail. There are a handful of mildly steep and/or rocky sections around the lake.
From the ferry, the 7.5 to 9km round trip takes approximately 2-3 hours.
The Killarney Lake Loop itself is a little under 4km and takes roughly 1 hr.
If coming from the ferry, the overall elevation gain is about 73m.
The maximum slope you will encounter is approximately 30%.
The average slope is about 6% (easy peasy).
The high point of the hike is only about 73m.
This trail is typically accessible year-round.
Dogs are permitted on leash.
Map of Killarney Lake Trail on Bowen Island
Killarney Lake Trail Map
Killarney Lake Trail on Google Maps
Click the map below to see the trail on Google Maps
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
[convertkit form=5025864]
Need more inspiration? Check out some of our latest...
Tenquille Lake (Branch 12 Trail) – Pemberton, BC
This moderately difficult, 12 km (return) hike takes 5-7 hours. Expect to be dazzled by expansive alpine meadows, stunning views of the Pemberton Valley and the crystal clear, sub-alpine Tenquille Lake.
Read More
Crooked Falls Hike near Squamish, BC
This moderately difficult, 6.4 km hike is the perfect short yet challenging adventure. You’ll experience stunning views of the Squamish River Valley and of the spectacular Crooked Falls.
Read More
Sea to Summit Trail near Squamish, BC
This steep and challenging 7.5 km (one way) hike brings you to the stunning views at the top of the Sea-to-Sky Gondola. Give your knees a break and take the gondola down.
Read More
Mount Gardner Hike on Bowen Island
This moderately difficult, 8.3 km (return) hike takes 4-5 hours. Expansive views of the Sunshine Coast, downtown Vancouver, UBC, Mt. Baker, Howe Sound.
Read More
Joffre Lakes hike near Pemberton, BC
This moderately difficult, 9.4 km hike takes 4-6 hours and offers stunning views of the turquoise-blue Joffre Lakes, the Matier glacier, and surrounding mountains.
Read More
Garibaldi Lake Hike near Whistler, BC
This moderately difficult, 18 km return hike takes 5-6 hours. Garibaldi lake is a show-stopper turquoise lake ringed by showy glaciers, alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains.
Read More
Sea to Sky Trail – Brandywine Falls to Whistler Bungee Bridge
This easy, scenic, 5.4 km return trail is open to bikers and hikers. Expect a packed gravel surface and mostly gentle grades with the occasional steeper switchback.
Read More
Killarney Lake Hike on Bowen Island
This easy, scenic 7.5-9km (return) hike from the ferry in Snug Cove takes about 2-3 hours and has minimal elevation gain. It is accessible year round.
Read More
At Outdoor Therapy, we aim to be a source of inspiration, information and motivation for people who want to improve their lives by playing outside.
Join the Community!
Disclaimer: All information presented on this website is for informational purposes only. Outdoor Therapy does not bear any liability for the information presented here. All outdoor activities involve a certain element of risk and weather, and other forces may change trail routing and/or other conditions. The information presented here is meant to serve as a guide only. It is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the user of this information to determine which activities are appropriate to her skills and fitness levels and it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the user to be aware of changes and hazards that may have occurred since the posting of the material.