Trail Guide
Quarry Rock Hike
The North Shore's most popular trail — a 3.8 km walk through old-growth forest to a stunning viewpoint over Indian Arm.
Trail Guide
The North Shore's most popular trail — a 3.8 km walk through old-growth forest to a stunning viewpoint over Indian Arm.
Distance
3.8 km round trip
Elevation Gain
~100 m net
Time
1.5–2 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Yes — the Quarry Rock trail is open. It reopened in March 2023 after a three-year closure that began with the pandemic and was extended by Gallant Avenue construction and storm damage from the November 2021 atmospheric river. Some older pages still describe the trail as closed, which causes a lot of confusion — that information is out of date. Recent trail reports through the 2026 season describe dry, well-maintained conditions.
The trail is open year-round and there is no fee to hike it. Before heading out after a major storm, it is still worth checking the District of North Vancouver's parks notices for temporary advisories.
The Quarry Rock trail is Deep Cove's signature hike and one of the most walked trails on the North Shore. It follows a well-maintained section of the Baden-Powell Trail from the Deep Cove village to a rocky lookout perched above Indian Arm. The views from the top are spectacular — a sweeping panorama of the fjord, the distant peaks of the Coast Mountains, and on clear days, the volcanic cone of Mount Baker rising over the horizon to the south.
The trail itself is a pleasant walk through second-growth and old-growth coastal rainforest. You will pass towering Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar, cross several wooden bridges over small creeks, and wind through sections of exposed root and rock. The path is well-marked and easy to follow, though it can be slippery after rain.
You will see the elevation gain quoted anywhere from 100 to 200 metres depending on the source, which is worth explaining. The Quarry Rock lookout sits roughly 100 metres above the trailhead — that is the net gain. But the trail rolls up and down over several ridges and creek crossings rather than climbing steadily, so the total climbing you actually do adds up to around 200 metres over the full round trip. Both numbers are correct; they measure different things. In practice, most people find it a moderate walk with a few genuinely steep staircase sections rather than a sustained climb.
The trailhead is located at the end of Panorama Drive in Deep Cove, just steps from the village centre. Look for the Baden-Powell Trail sign at the east end of the parking area near Panorama Park. The trail begins with a gentle uphill climb on a wide, well-maintained path.
From downtown Vancouver, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) east to the Mount Seymour Parkway exit. Follow Mount Seymour Parkway east, then turn left on Deep Cove Road. Follow it to the end — you will arrive in the village. The drive takes about 30 minutes without traffic, but allow extra time on sunny weekends when the road into Deep Cove can back up.
Parking is the single biggest frustration people report about this hike, so it is worth planning. The main lots are at Panorama Park and Deep Cove Park, both a short walk from the trailhead. From March 1 to October 31, pay parking is in effect at $3 per hour between 8 AM and 6 PM. Outside those months and outside those hours, parking is free.
The main Panorama Park lot has a three-hour limit that is strictly enforced. That is enough for the hike itself, but not enough for the hike plus a long lunch in the village — plan accordingly or move your car. Additional parking is available on Rockliff Road, where the limit is four hours, and there is overflow at Myrtle Park.
On a sunny summer weekend, every lot is typically full by 9 AM. If you arrive at 11 AM on a July Saturday, expect to circle for a while or park well outside the village. Arriving before 9 AM or after 3 PM makes an enormous difference, as does visiting on a weekday. There is no fee for the trail itself — parking is the only cost involved in the hike.
Take the 212 bus from Phibbs Exchange to Deep Cove (the 211 express also runs from downtown Vancouver on weekdays). The ride takes about 25 minutes and drops you right in the village. Phibbs Exchange is connected to downtown Vancouver via the SeaBus and multiple bus routes. Taking transit avoids the parking headache entirely and is the recommended option on busy summer weekends — see the full getting here guide for parking and transit details.
The trail can be muddy in sections, especially early in the season. Wildflowers begin to appear in April and May. Mornings are often misty, which creates a beautiful atmosphere in the forest but can obscure views from the top. Bring a rain jacket.
Peak season. The trail is dry and well-maintained, and the views are at their best on clear days. Expect crowds, especially on weekends — arriving before 9 AM or after 4 PM gives you a quieter experience. The lookout faces roughly southeast, so morning light is best for photography.
One of the best times to hike. The crowds thin out, the temperatures are comfortable, and the deciduous trees along the lower sections put on a display of autumn colour. The trail starts getting slippery again as the rains return in October.
The trail is open year-round but expect wet, muddy conditions. Snow is rare at this elevation but does happen a few times each winter. The forest is beautiful in winter rain — quiet, green, and atmospheric. Fewer people means you may have the viewpoint to yourself.
If you want to extend the hike, the Baden-Powell Trail continues east from Quarry Rock toward Indian Arm Lookout and eventually to the Mount Seymour ski area. The trail becomes progressively steeper and more rugged beyond Quarry Rock, so be prepared for a more serious hike if you continue. The full Baden-Powell Trail spans 48 kilometres from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove, and serious trail runners complete it in a single day. For more ideas — kayaking, parks, and the village itself — see all the things to do in Deep Cove.
Yes. The trail reopened in March 2023 after a three-year closure caused by the pandemic, Gallant Avenue construction, and storm damage from the November 2021 atmospheric river. It is open year-round and free to hike. Some older web pages still list it as closed — that information is out of date.
Easy to moderate. The lookout is about 100 metres above the trailhead, with roughly 200 metres of cumulative climbing across the rolling round trip. The trail is well-maintained with wooden staircases and handrails on the steeper sections. Most reasonably active people, including older adults and children over about five, complete it comfortably. The main hazard is slippery roots and wet wooden stairs after rain.
Most people take 1.5 to 2 hours for the 3.8 km round trip, including time at the summit. Roughly 45 minutes up and 45 minutes down is typical. Fit hikers can do it in under an hour; families with young children should budget a little over 2 hours.
From March 1 to October 31, pay parking is $3 per hour from 8 AM to 6 PM at the Panorama Park and Deep Cove Park lots. Outside those dates and hours it is free. The main Panorama Park lot has a strictly enforced three-hour limit; Rockliff Road allows four hours. There is no fee for the trail itself.
Before 9 AM on sunny summer weekends, when the lots are typically full by then. After 3 PM also works well. Weekdays are dramatically easier year-round. If parking is your main concern, take the 212 bus from Phibbs Exchange instead and skip the problem entirely.
Yes, on leash. The trail is popular with dog walkers and most dogs handle it easily. Keep your dog leashed and close at the summit — the lookout is open granite with unfenced drops, and dogs have gotten stranded scrambling down onto the rocks below. There is no water source on the trail, so bring water and a bowl.
Not on the trail itself. There are public washrooms at Panorama Park near the beach and parking area, so use them before you set out. There is also no drinking water along the route — carry your own.
No. The trail has numerous wooden staircases, exposed roots, and narrow rocky sections that make it impassable with a stroller. Parents routinely carry infants and toddlers in backpack-style child carriers instead, which works well on this trail.
Yes, the trail is open year-round. Expect wet and muddy conditions from October through March. Snow is uncommon at this low elevation but does happen a few times each winter. Winter is arguably the best time to go if you want solitude — weekday visits in January can mean having the lookout entirely to yourself.
Very crowded on sunny summer weekends between 10 AM and 3 PM — it is one of the most-hiked trails in Metro Vancouver, and the summit rock is small enough that you may wait for a spot at the viewpoint. Weekdays, early mornings, evenings, and rainy days are all substantially quieter.
Have a question that is not covered here? The full Deep Cove FAQ answers more about visiting the village, swimming, dining, and getting around.
Join a guided Deep Cove tour — some include the Quarry Rock hike plus kayaking on Indian Arm, making for a full day out from Vancouver. Browse available tours on Viator.
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