Metro Vancouver Trails: Quarry Rock

There are a few photo themes you’ll come across pretty much every day when you join the popular mobile photo sharing site Instagram. Images of food, cats, feet (running shoes, heels, barefoot at the beach), airplane wings, and sunsets. In Vancouver, you can probably add Quarry Rock to that list. The main attraction of this North Vancouver hike are its panoramic Deep Cove and Indian Arm views.

Photo credit: PiscesDreamer on Flickr

Quarry Rock Trail

According to the BC Mountaineering Club this 2 hour hike is about 3.8km, it’s open year-round, it’s pet-friendly, it gains 100m in elevation and is considered “easy”. You can get to the trailhead in Deep Cove by transit and there are plenty of beaches around to cool off after your trek.

The Quarry Rock Trail is located at the start/end of the Baden Powell Trail, a 48km-long route that traverses the north shore from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove. Points of interest along the Baden Powell Trail include the summit of Black Mountain, crossing the Capilano River by way of the Cleveland Dam, the Grouse Grind, Lynn Canyon suspension bridge, and Seymour Canyon.

The start of the Baden Powell Trail begins along Panorama Drive just beyond the park area. Look for the sign on the left side of the street and walk up the edge of the driveway towards the wooden steps. The first section of the trail climbs quickly up the set of stairs and then up and over the maze of tree roots.

The terrain is typical of North Shore hikes; densely wooded areas of Douglas Fir and Hemlock trees, small creeks from mountain runoff, and the smell of fresh forest air. [Source: Vancouver Trails]

Once you’re done taking in the views from Quarry Rock, you can enjoy a free summer concert in Panorama Park or stop into one of the local cafes for a treat.

Photo credit: DTBの写真撮影 on Flickr

For more information about hikes this season, check out Tourism Vancouver’s Top 5 Easy Summer Hikes and sites like Vancouver Trails and Club Tread for detailed information.