Classic Hikes & Scrambles Above the Stunning Howe Sound

The spectacular range of Howe Sound offers numerous spectacular hikes and scrambles all within a 30-minute drive of Vancouver.

Tam McTavish

Images

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The trail to Tunnel Bluffs Creative Commons: No Derivatives

by Dan Bunter

by Dan Bunter

by Dan Bunter

by Dan Bunter

by Dan Bunter

by Dan Bunter

by Dan Bunter

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The view of the Howe Sound and the lions from the summit Creative Commons: No Derivatives
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Great views of the lions on the way up Creative Commons: No Derivatives
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The service road up to the trail head Creative Commons: No Derivatives
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The alpine meadows with beautiful views of Howe Sound Creative Commons: No Derivatives
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Coming back from the summit Creative Commons: No Derivatives
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Looking up at Strachan from near the base of the gully

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Looking down the lower section of the gulley. The tree section is lookers right from this viewpoint. Creative Commons: No Derivatives
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The trail along towards St Marks.

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Downclimbing the gully is just bellow freezing conditions

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Easy scrambling to the top of Strachan. Creative Commons: No Derivatives
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Looking at Strachan from the subpeak

by Tam McTavish

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T-33 plane crash on the side of Strachan.

by Tam McTavish

Creative Commons: Attribution
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Approaching the summit in the mists.

by Tam McTavish

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Walking through the scrub on the trail to Tunnel Bluffs

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The summit ridge

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Looking out towards the summit ridge.

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Looking down the loose part of the trail.

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Misty woods high on the flanks of Mt Brunswick

by Tam McTavish

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There is often small snowslopes well into July.

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Walking through the woods up the hill

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Most of the route in view from the ridge.

by Tam McTavish

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Exiting the thick forest into the alpine.

by Tam McTavish

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On the upper sections just beneath the summit

by Tam McTavish

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Going up the gulley to the 5th class step Creative Commons: No Derivatives
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Crossing the upper crux

by Tam McTavish

Creative Commons: Attribution
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The lower crux slab section. While there are paint splotches heading climbers left avoid these as they quickly get quite a bit more challenging

by Tam McTavish

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Description

The Howe Sound Crest is spectacular. Even when viewed from a distance, it is a remarkable towering wall of green. The peaks are abrupt, rising and falling in very tight concentration, giving them a unique aesthetic.

But this is challenging terrain. All of the routes require a lot of ascent, so aside from Tunnel Bluffs and St. Marks, these routes are best for intermediate hikers. In recent years this area has become very busy. The small trailhead parking lot is quickly filled up by 7:30 am on the weekend. The Elementary School lot closer to the highway is available on weekends. There is also a pull out at Brunswick Road that connects to the main routes via a lovely trail through the woods. Be sure to stay well clear of the road, or they will tow vehicles.

Tunnel Bluffs is the one hike that is a great choice for those with only a couple of other hikes under their belt. St. Marks is also a great option as it is well marked, and much of the ascent is removed due to the Cypress trailhead being high up already.

The Howe Sound Crest Trail runs along the ridge crest from Cypress, and runs between all the peaks mentioned. It is often done as a multi-day route with a few summits tagged along the way. But the route involves some tricky scrambling, so packing light is highly recommended.

Strachan and Harvey are great introductory scrambles. They both have very little exposure, and some good terrain to test one's abilities. Once you’ve tried those, you can work towards Mount Brunswick, and one of the more challenging routes in the area, the West Lion.

These routes all have spectacular views stretching out across the Howe Sound, Sunshine Coast, and out towards the Island. The hikes are tough, but rewarding, and well-worth trying.

Adventures

St Mark's Summit

This is a great hike which is a part of the Howe Sound Crest trail. At the top you are rewarded with great views over the Howe sound. Be prepared for crowds, leave early and beat the crowds.