www.willhiteweb.com - Hiking, Climbing and Travel
Soames Hill Park - Gibsons BC
The best route from the ferry is on the map at the bottom, print it. Take 101 up the hill after getting off the ferry. Hwy 101 turns south, then when at the junction with North Road, turn left. Go right on Chamberlin, then left after 200m on Bridgeman or Esperanza a bit further along Chamberlin. Both have parking trailheads.
Directions to the trailheads:
Soames Hill
Trail in the trees at the base of Soames Hill
From near the Langdale BC ferry dock
Bridge inside Soames Hill Park
Stairs climbing Soames Hill
Climbing Soames Hill...a walk in the park
More stairs
Trailhead sign
These maps are near every trail split inside the park
Harbour on Keats Island
Keats and Bowen Islands
Strait of Georgia
Town of Gibsons from Soames Hill
Gibsons Harbour
Looking out to the Strait of Georgia
Every town has it's local high point hike. For Gibsons, Soames Hill ("The Knob" as they call it), is the mountain everyone does at least once. You can easily recognize it as the ferry boat arrives in Langdale. Soames Hill is a short but steep hike, 1 km (0.6 miles). Much of the route has been made easier by a series of steps, at least 200 that I counted. There are also boardwalks and some handrails. There is two trails up to the summit area with access reached by at least three different trailheads. Maps at most intersections help direct you but you still need to pay attention to where you are at each split. There are several trails that stick to the easier terrain below the peak. The top of Soames Hill is the park highlight because the views over the water is spectacular. You'll see Howe Sound, Keats Island, Bowen Island, Gibsons and the Georgia Strait. (Note: the access trail from Marine Drive may be closed due to hazards).
Topo map of the area
Area map (not to scale)