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BC Coast :: North Shore :: Baden Powell

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Baden Powell TrailheadEast Terminus of Baden Powell in Deep Cove

Baden Powell East Trailhead in Deep Cove

Baden Powell is one of best known trails both in Canada and globally.  Built in 1971 to mark British Columbia Centennial it travels for some 48 km slopes of North Shore Mountains between Indian Arm and Howe Sound.  East end is at Deep Cove under Mt. Seymour, while west terminus is at Black Mountain trailhead just above Horseshoe Bay.  Much of the trail is below treeline, but besides spectacular old-growth rainforest there are many open viewpoints, including Eagle Bluffs -- hands down one of most awe-inspiring vistas I've ever seen.  Trail itself is a hodge-podge with many ups and downs, bringing cumulative elevation gain (and loss) to above 2700m. Combined with distance and some rough parts, it makes an unlikely candidate for day-hike -- although it is sometimes done as part of "Iron Man" challenges and charity awareness events.  At several low points trail travels briefly through residential areas which make usual start/end points for shorter day trips.  Logical partitions in west-east direction are:

1.  Horseshoe Bay to Cypress Bowl
2.  Cypress Bowl to Grouse Mountain
3.  Grouse Mountain to Lynn Valley
4.  Lynn Valley to Deep Cove

Baden Powell GAIA Map

Baden Powell Full Elevation Profile

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This section is arguably the most scenic of the 4. It is also the most demanding as it reaches the highest elevation on entire trail and has several steep and rough parts.  Eagle Bluffs are the major attraction and frequently hiked from Cypress Bowl as half-day return trip.  On this stretch you also have the only summit on entire Baden Powell -- Black Mountain.  Snowshoes will be required in winter for Cypress Bowl part, while all other sections of BP are snow free throughout the year.

Start from Black Mountain trailhead above Horseshoe Bay.  Driving west on Trans-Canada take exit 2 (not 3 which will take you to Ferry Terminal!), go around the traffic circle then watch for parking lot shortly after on the right side. There is room for 10-12 cars and surprisingly room can be found most of the time.   Trail heads steeply up, crosses under the highway, then continues on the other side up the old logging road.  Whyte Lake junction is about 30 minutes from the trailhead.  Another hour of steady but moderate hiking brings you to end of logging road and start of real trail.  It heads steeply up, crosses Nelson creek then climbs to large boulder field.  This is the most challenging part of entire BP trail.  When snow covered or wet it can be very tricky, specially on descent.  Carefully climb up the boulders, then towards the top angle right in order to pick up the trail again.  Several rough parts ensue and you have to use your hands to pull yourself up several short bluffs.  Eventually forest starts thinning and you climb to Eagle Bluffs for well deserved break! Past the bluffs trail dips into old growth forest and heads north towards Black Mountain.  Several tarns can be found and are fantastically photogenic in right conditions.  BP  does not connect with the summit directly so you have a choice of going over the peak at signed junction or following the BP in its entirety on the east side. Both routes join again near Cabin Lake (very beautiful and well-known swim hole in late summer).  Final descent to Cypress Bowl is steep and often icy in spring.

Return options:

• Hike back the same way.  Keep in mind that descent from Eagle Bluffs will be steep and awkward.  In this case don't descend to Cypress Bowl and turn back at either Eagle Bluffs or Black Mountain
• Trans-Canada (TCT) trail.  From parking at Cypress Bowl continue south and intersect TCT below Black Mountain chairlift.  This return is mundane, but can be completed quite fast. Leave TCT once at Whyte Lake junction and hike over back to Baden Powell
• Continue on Baden Powell to Capilano Lake (Grouse Mountain) -- described here as Part 2.  Descent will take 3-4 hours. Then pick up public transport. One option is 236 to Lonsdale Quau, followed by 239 to Park Royal and 250 to Horseshoe Bay.  For more details see Translink Website

Eagle Bluffs Low clouds advancing across Strait of Georgia

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Note: Some will probably hike this section in opposite direction from the way it is presented here, but some might also descend as continuation of part 1. Thus we preserve original W -> E direction.

Although not as scenic as part 1, there are some fine viewpoints in part 2 as well -- including open views on south slopes of Hollyburn mountain, impressive old growth on descent down Brothers Creek (including pretty little waterfall -- see gallery photo), several typical North Shore tarns and finally postcard view of Capilano lake at the end.  There are many possibilities for exploration along the maze of trails in Brothers Creek vicinity as well. Technically trail is nowhere as demanding as part 1 - it is all simple trail hiking.

Tiny bit of confusion waits at the start as it is not obvious where BP starts/continues in Cypress Bowl.  From parking at end of the road head up east at right side of Strachan ski run. About 5-10 minutes in watch for familiar BP sign and trail that heads into the forest.   Trail traverses west slopes of Hollyburn mountain;  there are some rough stretches here and couple of creek crossings.  About 30-40 minutes from parking you intersect Mt. Hollyburn trail; turn right (going left will bring you to Hollyburn summit in about 30 minutes, so if you have plenty of time it is good extension!).  BP shares next section with Mt. Hollyburn summer trail, marked with orange squares. Do not follow all the way to parking lot; instead just before Hollyburn lodge go left down the powerline past couple of pretty nice tarns towards ski shelter.  There are some nice open views of Grouse mountain to the east here.  Several side trails come in here, but BP is always the widest and marked with familiar BP signs.  There are also some interesting cabins here; one is named "Doghouse"!  Trail now crosses boggy section on planks, goes past Blue Gentian lake junction and starts descent down Brothers creek.  Stay straight on BP past Crossover trail junction and descend to junction with TCT (Trans-Canada Trail); turn left.  Final stretch is shared with TCT and descends gradually in east direction. Many side trails (Lawson Heritage, Incline Railway, etc) come and go, but TCT/BP are always marked.  Past Brothers Creek canyon (great photo-op) trail emerges to British Properties.  Descend stairs to Millstream road and follow through residential for 20 minutes or so to Capilano lake and parking lot.  Note: Next section (Grouse to Lynn) continues 2km up the road.

Return options: 

• If you started from Cypress Bowl and your vehicle is there, quickest option is to simply retrace your steps
• If you started at Capilano lake you can either retrace your steps down, or descend on the other side to Horseshoe Bay (part 1, full day). Then pick up public transport:  250 to Park Royal, 239 (Capilano University route) followed by  236 (Grouse Mountain route).  For more details see Translink Website

Stretch above British properties shared with Skyline Trail

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This is the shortest and least scenic section.  BP stays low on south slopes of Grouse and Fromme mountains; most of the time is spent under tree cover. There are still couple of nice openings with views of metro-Van and Burrard strait as well as stretches of old growth forest.  In second part BP traverses "Bike Grind" -- maze of mountain biking trails, well known across Canada (and beyond!).  Section ends at Lynn valley road,  about 1km from the gate where part 4 to Deep Cove resumes.

Park at top of Grouse Mountain road.  Several parking lots fill fast and are also not free; an option is to leave the car lower down in residential area, then walk up to Skyride.  Note that approximate distance from Capilano lake parking where part 2 finished is about 2km.  Alternatively you can take public transport as Grouse Mountain is well served by Translink.  Trailhead is shared with infamous "Grouse Grind" and is usually closed during winter months.  If so, walk east on upper parking lot and simply head up into the forest at far end -- good bypass trail has developed and intersects GG/BP shortly;  turn right.  Soon the junction comes; GG goes left and uphill, while BP continues straight.  Following section is fairly rough as you gain elevation and must traverse gullies draining lower Grouse mountain.  Past junction with Larsen trail BP levels off, then starts gradual descent towards Mosquito creek.  This is also Mt. Fromme trailhead at top of Prospect road.  Cross Mosquito creek on good bridge then continue past water tank on BP.  "Bike grind" comes in and there are too many junctions to describe; also be on alert for mountain bikers as they tend to come quite fast.  Final bit descends across Mountain Highway and ends at Lynn Valley road.

Return options: 

• Quickest is probably to hike back the same way!
• You can also continue on BP to Deep Cove, then pick up public transport back to Grouse Mountain. For more details see part 4.
• Turn right and walk to Lynn gate; bus stop is nearby. One option is:  228 to Lonsdale Quau, then 236 to Grouse Mountain. For more details see Translink Website

Rough gullies on lower slopes of Grouse Mountain

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Like its west counterpart, east part of Baden Powell is also very scenic and travels through some interesting area.  Although not as high as Cypress Bowl it does rise to mid-Seymour slopes so some snow is possible in winter months.  Both ends can be very busy, but in the middle you can usually get some solitude and enjoy travel through typical old-growth forest.  Major attractions are Lynn River suspension bridge and Deep Cove lookout (Indian Arm viewpoint).  Trip ends in picturesque Deep Cove that has several nice bakeries for post-hike refreshments!

Park at one of side streets in front of Lynn Gate on top of Lynn Valley Road. There is small parking just in front of the gate, but often full.  Baden Powell resumes on the right (east) side near the gate and descends to Lynn Canyon. This part is very attractive - Twin Falls, Lynn Suspension bridge and Ecology center are some of reasons why in summer you might have to fight for elbow space on the trail. All the tourist congestion behind, BP climbs out of Lynn Canyon and crosses over to LSCR (Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve).  Cross the access road and follow markers down to bridge over Seymour River - be careful as this part is often very slippery!  At far side of Seymour bridge turn left and follow Fisherman Trail for few minutes, then head right on signed junction.   BP now rises through stretches of forest alternating with residential areas, to finally start climb to mid-Seymour past Hyannis drive. Sign informs you that Deep Cove is 8.3km away.  Most of elevation gain on this part happens here, but it is over within 45 minutes or so and you enjoy nice walk through old growth forest before starting gradual descent towards Deep Cove.  Like part 3, several bike trails intersect BP here so be on alert for fast riders coming down!  Past Old Buck junction you cross Seymour road and reach Deep Cove lookout -- couple of open bluffs with great view across Indian Arm. On the other side is Eagle Ridge / Buntzen Lake area, accessed via Port Moody, and offers some very nice hiking opportunities as well.  Last bit is actually quite rooty and rough - just to remind you this is North Shore after all. Finally you reach east terminus at base of wooden stairs -- see leading photo on this page. Congratulations - you have just hiked Baden Powell, one of premier trails on the Coast and Canada!

For return best option is to take public transport back to Lynn Gate: 212 to Phibbs Exchange, then 210 to Lynn Gate. For more details see Translink Website

Mt. Seymour mid-slopes as trail starts descent to Indian Arm