Baden-Powell Trail
North Shore Mountains, British Columbia, Canada
The Baden-Powell Trail is a 48 km hiking route across Vancouver's North Shore, stretching from Horseshoe Bay in the west to Deep Cove in the east.…
What it's like here
The Baden-Powell Trail is a 48 km hiking route across Vancouver's North Shore, stretching from Horseshoe Bay in the west to Deep Cove in the east. Built in 1971 by Boy Scout and Girl Guide members to mark British Columbia's centenary, it winds through coastal rainforest for most of its length—moss-draped cedar, root-tangled ground, creek crossings—interrupted by sudden viewpoints onto Howe Sound, Indian Arm, and the city below. The route climbs to Black Mountain at 1,224 m, with over 2,400 m of total elevation gain end to end, making it genuinely difficult terrain in places, especially the western sections with their scree and scrambling.
Most people hike it in four separate day trips rather than one long push, though the annual Knee Knacker ultra-race does cover the full distance. The first-timer's choice is usually Deep Cove to Lynn Valley (12 km, around five hours), which includes Quarry Rock, a standout viewpoint above Deep Cove overlooking Indian Arm. Other highlights include Eagle Bluff, one of the route's finest outlooks; the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge; Cleveland Dam and Capilano River Regional Park; and old-growth forest near Hollyburn.
Access is free and open year-round, with parking at the eastern trailhead (Panorama Park in Deep Cove) more reliable than the limited spaces at the western end near Highway 1. Signage is generally clear, but junctions need attention—check markers at major forks. The trail has long stretches with no water source, so carry enough for your section. Rain makes roots and rock genuinely slick; waterproof boots make a real difference, and muddy conditions are common.
The best hiking window runs April through December, though winter brings snow at elevation. Dogs are welcome on leash. The terrain is rugged and technical in places even where elevation gain might not suggest it, so solid fitness and trail experience help. This is not a gentle forest walk but a mountain route that demands respect for weather, navigation, and your own pace.
Highlights
- Quarry Rock viewpoint above Deep Cove and Indian Arm
- Eagle Bluff, one of the finest viewpoints on the route
- Lynn Canyon suspension bridge crossing
- Black Mountain summit at 1,224 m, the trail's high point
- Old-growth forest sections near Hollyburn
Good to know
Free entry, no permits needed. Most hikers split the 48 km into four day-trips; Deep Cove to Lynn Valley (12 km) is the popular starter section. Parking is limited at the western trailhead; use Panorama Park in Deep Cove. Signage is good but junctions need attention. No water sources on long stretches—bring your own. The trail is very muddy after rain; waterproof boots help significantly. Best April to December; winter brings snow at elevation. Dogs welcome on leash. Drones prohibited in West Vancouver parks.
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Questions people ask
Can you do the whole trail in one day?
Some people do, and the annual Knee Knacker race covers it in a day, but most hikers split it into four separate day-hikes.
Which section should a first-timer choose?
Deep Cove to Lynn Valley, 12 km, which takes about five hours and includes the Quarry Rock viewpoint.
How difficult is the Baden-Powell Trail?
Sections are genuinely difficult, particularly the western end. The terrain is rugged and technical in places even where elevation gain is modest, and rain makes roots and rock slick.
Attributes & facilities
Facilities
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Last verified: September 7, 2026