Howe Sound Crest Trail - a magnificent day hike from Cypress Bowl to Porteau Cove

[@danfine]

That was an awesome video. Exactly what I needed to see the trail before attempting it. Thank you.

[@timtwoface]

I'm looking forward to doing this hike from Cypress Bowl to the Lions and back one day. Google maps suggests it would take 3 hours to go that far (one way), and boy does that trail look rough in some areas...but the views look amazing!

[@MYMUKMUK2010]

I really like the details of each stop/lookouts! Hubby and I are going to hike the trail tomorrow. Your video has really helped us with the planning. A big thanks, Barry! 👍

[@barryd2193]

MYMUKMUK2010 Glad you liked the video. Hope your hike was a success!

[@jeffwerstuik7330]

This is a day hike for very fit people. 2 day hike for average and 3 day hike for people wanting to do it casually. When I did it with average equipment we camped right between the lions and at Deeks Lake before descending down to Porteau Cove. Trail gets easier right before the Meadows as is pretty much flat or downhill after that. There is little water sources from Cypress to Magnesia Meadows. So if you do it, pack enough water.

[@barryd2193]

Jeff Werstuik Agreed. Don't do the full HSCT as a day hike unless you're up for it in all aspects. But if you are, it's one of the most challenging & rewarding outings in the area.

[@Taykoe69]

Haha when I got to Brunswick lake there was some jack Daniel's in the emergency shed

[@brucetaverner6784]

Great video!

[@barryd2193]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brucetaverner6784]

@@barryd2193 best hiking video i have come across. Got any more?

[@trevorcockett6376]

Great video! This hike has been added to my to do list

[@nwdixieboy]

Good video but the music was 3 times too loud compared to your narration.

[@WanderingSoleTV]

Nice. Great video!

[@barryd2193]

Wandering Sole Images thanks!

[@shmish]

Very nice, it looks like you had a great day. I see a GoPro in your future.

[@marielcmlr]

I've been watching and reading about this hike and I noticed people always end their hike at either Porteau Cove or Lions Bay. We were thinking of maybe camping in the Lions area (8:34) or Enchantment Lake.. Is it not possible to head back down to Cypress Bowl coming from there??

[@barryd2193]

Hi. You will have to start your hike at Cypress Bowl or Lions Bay. Then work your way up to the views of Howe Sound & The Lions. There are a few small but scenic spots you can camp before/after the Lions, for example at Unnecessary Mountain south summit. Bring water unless you want to filter puddles! Not sure if there is camping at Enchantment Lake - it’s difficult to access. The best camping is at Magnesia Meadows & Brunswick Lake (both have water). For a thru-hike you would proceed to Porteau Cove, but the last 3.5 km are reportedly currently closed (private land), so you will either 1. back-track to exit, or 2. take the rather steep but doable downhill route back down to Lions Bay from the Brunswick Mountain junction. Basically research the Lions Bay to Brunswick Mountain Hike & do it in reverse from where it intersects the HSCT. Good Luck, Happy Trails!

[@hoverbotfpv1425]

Nice first person take on the hike. Is there a trail over to the lion's and what would the time be? back country familiar if no trail.

[@siamakaghazeinali]

very accurate video

[@CanadianSkylights]

so confused how you did the part from the lions to davids peak in under two hours. All my other times for you trip were very accurate except both times ive done that section its taken me 3+ HAHA. Maybe its the one part of the trail that gets me. Second time I did it was overnight so maybe it was the lack of lighting! overall amazing video. Also, any clue if there are any spots to camp at Enchantment Lake? would love to check that one out.

[@barryd2193]

CanadianSkylights Yes, the section from the Lions to Davids Peak is very tough & technical. This video shows 11:30 to 1:54, so just over 2 hours. But I did it a few days ago a bit faster from 10:30 to 12:20, so under 2 hours. I've posted that HSCT hike as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3-3dIeIrMx3sMk

[@barryd2193]

CanadianSkylights And not sure about camping at Enchantment Lake. Looks like it would be a steep scramble to get down there.

[@victoriaw9093]

Loved every bit of this video! I'm planning on doing the HSCT this summer while I'm staying in Vancouver for an internship. May I ask how you arrange transportation back from the end of the trail?

[@barryd2193]

Victoria W Glad you liked the video. If you’re hiking in a group with multiple vehicles, leave one at the Porteau Cove/Deeks Lake trailhead before beginning the hike at Cypress Bowl. Or if solo, you’ll need a good friend to pick you up at the end (Porteau Cove/Deeks Lake trailhead) and shuttle you back to your car parked at Cypress Bowl.