Trek It Now

Deep Cove Quarry Rock Trail / Indian Arm Lookout Hiking Guide

2011-02-03T19:38:00.000-08:00

Deep Cove Quarry Rock Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Total Distance: 4.2 km
Elevation Gain: 163m
Give yourself: 2h return
Our Hiking Time: 2h 30min return (with a 4 1/2 month pregnant wife)
Highest Point: 165m
Trail head Location: 49.330059°, -122.949790°
Dogs: Yes
Parking: Fee
Public transit: Yes

Deep Cove Quarry Rock Trail Overview

The Deep Cove Lookout hike has many names depending on which book, website or sign you are looking at: Quarry Rock Hike, Grey Rock Trail, or Indian Arm Lookout Trail. Each is just another name for the east portion of the Baden Powel Trail that goes from deep cove to a lookout rock. The lookout provides a great view of deep cove and Indian Arm. Dogs are welcome on the trail without a leash and it can be hiked year round. The lookout point can be seen from deep cove and the hike is easy compared to many on the north shore. Due to its ease and proximity to Vancouver, the trail gets very busy on weekends.

The hike starts off Panorama drive and there is free parking in a lot about five minute walk from the trail head. This parking lot fills quickly on weekends and many people end up parking along Panorama drive once it is full.

From the parking lot you can find the trail head left down the sidewalk. Look for a sign to the Baden Powel trail then follow Panorama drive and the trail head on the left hand side of the road. The trail is well marked with many new bridges and steps so it would be difficult to get lost (but I am sure some have found a way). The initial portion of the hike is slightly steep and all the elevation gain occurs within the first kilometer.

The second kilometer of the hike levels out while crossing multiple bridges and creeks. The forest along the trail is typical for the north shore until arriving at the lookout. The first lookout has a great view of deep cove and Indian arm. For another view, continue up the trail to the left of another large rock then follow the BC Hydro pole to power line rock.

There is no loop for this trail so you need to follow the trail back to the parking lot. There is a washroom near the parking lot and many small little shops and restaurants in nearby downtown deep cove. I recommend replacing the calories you burn on the hike with a good ole fish n’ chips.

Deep Cove Quarry Rock Trail Photo Slideshow

Hanes Valley Hike

2011-01-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

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Hanes Valley Trail Guide

Difficulty: Difficult
Total Distance: 14.8 km
Hanes Valley Official Website
Trail head Location: 49.361549°, -123.028111°
Dogs: On leash
Parking: Yes
Public transit: Yes

Hanes Valley Trail Overview

This challenging day trail offers a variety of attractions and terrain types, from the touristy Lynn Canyon Suspension bridge and top of Grouse Mountain to the back country Hanes Valley route. This is a perfect hike for visitors to Vancouver who are interested in catching the “regular tourist sights” but also want to experience the natural beauty of Vancouver’s nearby mountains without crowds of fellow tourists.

The Hanes Valley trail is a one way 15 km (9 mile) hike between Lynn Valley and the top of Grouse Mountain. The hike can be done both ways but this guide describes starting a Lynn Valley which is the uphill route. Experienced hikers should allow 8 hours for this hike but less experienced hikers should allow for more time. The trail is best done in late season because it traverses creek crossings and alpine slopes that are snow covered most of the year, so be sure to check trail conditions on the trail head boards before heading out.

Although there is a quicker way to get to the trail head via Lynn Valley road this guide suggests taking the Varley trail to the trail head via Lynn canyon park. Since this is a one way trail it is best to take public transit to and from the trail head.

Take the 228 to Lynn Valley and get off at the Peters Road exit. Buses leave from Londsdale Quay every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 early in the morning and late evening, At Peters Road follow the signs to Lynn Canyon Park.

At Lynn Canyon park take some quick snapshots of the suspension bridge while crossing over. After the bridge turn left and follow the trail along Lynn Creek, until another less impressive bridge. Cross the bridge to find the trail head for the Varley trail which takes you along the West side of Lynn creek to the Lynn Valley headwaters regional office and the trail head.

After arriving at the regional office take the bridge across the creek to the the hiker information and registration board. From the trail head follow the Lynn Loop trail for 1.8 km to the Cedars mill / headwaters trail junction. After this junction the trail narrows and is marked with yellow markers until the bottom of the scree slope below the crown pass.

The hiker can choose either the Cedars Mill trail which follows the historic road to the site of Cedar Mill or the slightly more challenging Headwaters trail which is only 200 M (650 ft) longer. This guide follows the cedar mill trail but both trails arrive at 3rd debris chute.

After the 3rd debris chute the trail inclines away from Lynn creek until arriving at the turn off for Coliseum mountain. Fewer tourists pass the third debris chute so the trail is more natural and it is common to see bear droppings and deer (as we did while researching this guide) along the trail .

A five minute walk after the trail fork for Coliseum mountain is a metal suspension bridge and a trail to Norvan falls. Norvan falls is about a ten minute walk and offers good photo opportunities and a place snack before continuing down the trail. After viewing the falls backtrack to the bridge then continue down the trail on the other side of Norvan creek.

After crossing the bridge the trail winds through Hanes Valley where it is easy to image the forest before loggers arrived in the early 1900s because many of the old growth tree stumps are visible. Continue until reaching the junction for the Lynn Lake trail and turn left down to a natural creek crossing. The trail then ascends over small creeks and small avalanche tracks to a helicopter landing site at the bottom of the steep rock scree that goes up 490 m (1600 ft) to the crown pass.

After a long steep climb on boulders and loose rocks is the crown pass, here follow the trail left towards goat mountain. The trail continues to be challenging but chains have been added in steep areas assist hikers. Follow the signs to Grouse mountain unless you have enough energy and time for a short trek to the goat mountain peak to enjoy the view of the mountains (not included in this guide).

The trail markers end at the hiker information board which is where the trail starts from the Grouse mountain end. Follow the road down the hill to the Grouse mountain lodge where you can enjoy dinner with a view of the entire city of Vancouver.

The Grouse Skyride can be taken down the mountain for $10 (they recently raised the price from $5) or it is possible to walk down via the Grouse Grind trail. At the bottom of Grouse Mountain take the 236 bus to Londsdale Quay then the 228 bus back to Lynn Canyon park if the vehicle was left there.

Hanes Valley Hiking Tips

Bears also use this trail so bring bear bells and bear spray
Black flies and mosquitoes can be a problem so bug spray is a must
Save you knees and bring $20 or a credit card to buy a ticket to take the Skyride down Grouse mountain
Bring exact change for the bus, $2.50
Park your car at Londsdale Quay and take the buses from there, this shortens the return trip back to the car after the hike.
Make sure to check for the latest bus routes and times
The Lynn Canyon parking lot closes at 9:00 pm

Mount Seymour Trail

2011-01-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

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Mount Seymour Trail Guide

Difficulty: Average
Total Distance: 9 km
Elevation Gain: 451m
Give yourself: 5 hours
Our Hiking Time: 5h 20min
Highest Point: 1452 metres

Mount Seymour Official Website
Trail head Location: 49.367313° -122.948902°
Dogs: On leash
Parking: $3
Public transit: No

Mount Seymour Trail Overview

On a clear day this 8 km round trip trail offers hikers stunning views of the lower mainland and the surrounding mountains. The trail traverses three peaks ending at Mount Seymour Summit which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the area. This is a great day hike for those looking for something well marked but less touristy than the Grouse Grind or Lynn valley.

The trail starts at the Mount Seymour Ski area at the last parking lot from the entrance. Keep driving to the end where there is a map at the trail head. During the summer parking is $3 that can be paid with a credit card or change.

At the trail head make sure to read the notices for the conditions off the trails because parts of the trail can remain snow covered into August. From the trail head you will see a number of signs to the various trails. The best path to start the hike forks left off the main road.

The trail steady inclines to Brockton point revealing the first of many spectacular views of Vancouver. The path continues upward steadily until the trail forks to Elsay Lake, make sure to follow the trail left as the Elsay Lake trail is much more challenging. Here the path winds through the rocks to First Pump Peak and is well marked, just make sure to look for the orange markers at each turn.

Many decide to turn back after first peak but those who continue to Mount Seymour peak get a much better view of the mountains to the north. Second pump peak is clearly visible from the first peak and the trail is easy to navigate.

The trail between the second peak and Mount Seymour Peak is the most difficult part of the hike as the trail cuts down northwest side of second peak. If covered in snow in snow or ice it may not be possible to pass without proper equipment.

After scrambling up the southwest side of the third peak hikers are rewarded with a spectacular view of the area. Taking some time to absorb the view then follow the same trail back to the parking lot.

Mount Seymour Hiking Tips

Trail is well marked with orange paint and markers but they are more difficult to see if snow is deep.
Hiking poles are useful for snow covered inclines
Much of the trail is open so sun screen is a good idea

Mount Seymour Photo Slideshow

The Grouse Grind Trail Map

2011-01-10T20:12:00.000-08:00

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Grouse Grind Trail Guide

Difficulty: Average
Total Distance: 7.5 km (2.9 km if only go up)
Elevation Gain: 853m
Give yourself: 3h return (2h if just going up)
Our Hiking Time: 2h 45min return (including lunch and pictures at the peak)
Highest Point: 1127 metres
Total Stairs: 2830

Grouse Grind Official Website
Trail head Location: 49.371336° -123.098218°
Dogs: No
Parking: Paid
Public transit: Yes

Grouse Grind Trail Overview

The Grouse Grind (or as it is know around Vancouver simply, “The Grind”) was first developed in 1981 and has become Vancouver’s most popular hike with more than 100 000 hikers yearly. Summer weekends see a steady stream of people “Doin the Grind” from when the trail opens till closing. With an approximate 56 per cent slope (30°) and very few flat parts this hike is often refereed to as Nature’s StairMaster. Most view the Grind as a workout as there are no viewpoints along the route and it consists of mainly stairs, thus it is primary completed for exercise. However, many tourists to Vancouver also feel obligated to make the climb if for nothing more than to say they did it and complain about the hike being to steep and crowded (which are both valid complaints).

The trail head is at the base of Grouse mountain and is found at the end of Capilano road in North Vancouver. There is ample parking near the trail head and buses run all the way to the hikes starting point (if using Google maps find directions to Grouse Mountain Skyride). To find the trail, look for the Grouse Grind sign just east of the Skyride (If coming up Capilano road the trail head is just left of the Gondola complex). Look for the notice board, clock and water vending machine then go through the gate which locks when it gets to late to start, normally around 7:00 in the summer.

Once through the gate, follow the trail over a small bridge then start ascending the mountain. You will come to a trail fork for the Baden Powell Trail, go left at the fork and continue up the mountain. If you are looking for a less busy and slightly less strenuous trail to the top of the mountain then follow the fork right and take the BCMC trail up the mountain.

The Grind is a well marked and developed trail. The hike is fairly uneventful apart from the quarterly markers measuring your progress. Each section is a constant uphill ascent of stairs both natural and man made but the third and fourth quarter are the steepest with some very steep portions.

Most will reach the peak’s plateau in around 1.5 hours with Vancouver elite “Grinders” completing the trail in half an hour. Once at the top, snacks, drinks and even burgers are available for purchase at the Peak Chalet.

There are also a number of tourist attractions at the top of the mountain including:

- Wildlife Refuge with two grizzly bears
- Lumberjack shows
- Eye of the wind
- Animal wood carvings
- Mountain zip lines

The tourist information center in the chalet has more information on these and other activities. The top of Grouse mountain is also the start of many other hikes into the Lynn Valley Headwaters park including the Hanes Valley Hike.

After checking out the sights and resting at the top of the mountain it is time to head back down. You can save your knees by paying $10 for the Gondola ride down. Hiking down the Grouse Grind trail is prohibited so for those interested in hiking down the best options is to follow the British Columbia Mountaineering Club (BCMC) trail down the mountain which is included in this track.

The BCMC trail starts to the right of where the Grouse Grind arrives at the mountain and is marked clearly with a red warning sign. This hike runs parallel to the Grouse Grind but is slightly less steep but longer. It is clearly marked with orange markers and meets up with the Grind near the bottom of the trail.

Although this may not be the best or most interesting hike Vancouver’s North Shore has to offer, the Grind should be on each Vancouver tourists to do list and is a great workout for those who prefer a natural StairMaster to the gym.

Grouse Grind Hiking Tips

Bring lots of water
Start early or on weekdays to avoid the crowds
Take the Skyride down the mountain to save your knees