Howe Sound Hiking

Highline Trail

at the top of sea to sky
june 2018

I wanted more after hiking the sea to summit trail.

1.4km loop
30-45minutes if you don't miss the trail head and walk 20 minutes the wrong way.
steep with areas with loose gravel and dirt.

tips: don't miss the trail head.

bowen island day trip

Left Richmond at 730am, 930am ferry
$19 all day parking, $10 dollar round trip ferry ride, 30 minute ferry from horseshoebay
45 minute walk to trail head
17km and 719m elevation gain
5.5 hours
Steep incline climbs
two helicopter pads, views of the north and south.
follow the right trail markers, don't get lost for 20 minutes in the forest
stopped at Rustique Bistro for a late lunch.
415pm ferry back, home just before 7pm.

tips: pack snacks and lunch, plan time to hang out at the peak, trail is not marked well. watch the ground for man-made arrows with sticks. trail head into the trees/forest is not noticeable. do not follow the pipe on the ground for too long.

hike on the side of the highway.

8km and 650m elevation gain
trail head on the side of the highway
first part of the hike is steep with loose gravel and dirt
second half is easier with flat switch backs.
views of howe sound and islands

tips: go early, parking may be hard to find, no longer allowed to park on the side of the highway.

my favourite hikes in the area that is a half day trip.

7.5km and 918m elevation gain
first part is the same as the chief trail
good amount of incline, decline and flat
quiet and not a lot of people
challenging and technical
wander and explore more at the top
enjoy coffee, food at the top
suggested to not hike down but i wonder if that is just a way to make money. $15 to take the gondola down

tips: don't forget money, more easy and back country trails at the top, lots of bugs at the top, get there early, the parking lot fills up.

i've done this hike multi times since 2011, i've hiked it in the summer and winter. it use to be one of my favourite hikes before i discovered the sea to summit. it has become so popular that it's way too busy for me.

11 km and 650m elevation gain
3 different peaks, three trails
first part is all stairs
popular and busy.
trail is mainly covered by trees, and mountain side.

tips: go early, it can get super busy, bring a snack for the top, you can do all three peaks you want, there is only snow at the top in the winter

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