Saint Mark’s Summit Hiking Trail
Length: 11 km
Elevation Gain: 533 m
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Saint Mark Summit is in Cypress Provincial Park. The trailhead starts from Cypress downhill parking lot.
When I last hiked this trail in the middle of May 2021, there was still a fair bit of snow all the way from the bottom to the summit. Micro-spikes are highly recommended, along with poles. I also recommend downloading the offline map and route. The reason is that directions and markers on this trail are hard to see in some sections, probably due to the snow. You also need to pay attention to where you place your steps, which might cause you to miss some markers as well. I know I did. Micro-spikes and poles make descending a lot easier.
I also did another hike on January of 2024. There was snow all the way from Bowen lookout to the Summit. For some sections I had to use snowshoes. For other sections, especially the steep down hill sections, I switched to micro-spikes. You may encounter more or less snow than me so be prepared either way.
There are not many technical sections along the route. For a more longer hike and a bit of different scenario view, you can make a detour at the beginning to the Bowen lookout.
The views from the summit are great reward for all the hard work. In addition to Howe Sound and the surrounding area (islands like Bowen Island and Gambier Island), you can also see the Lions (the twin sisters, two mountain peaks) near the summit. If you timing is good, you can see ferries coming in and out of nearby horseshoe bay ferry terminal.
