Brunswick Mountain Hike, Vancouver

Brunswick Mountain is the highest mountain in the North Shore with a panoramic view of Howe Sound, Lions Bay and other peaks on the North Shore. This hike is equally difficult to Lions Binkert hike with grade 3 scrambling and vertical climbing in the last 500 meters.

Brunswick Mountain Hike Summary

  • Difficulty Rating: Difficult
  • Hiking Distance: 15 km
  • Elevation Gain: 1,543 m
  • Highest Point: 1,788 m
  • Hike Time: 7 – 9 Hours
  • Type: Out-and-back
  • Season: June to October
  • Dog Allowed: Yes
  • Est. Driving Time from Vancouver: 40 minutes
  • Parking Fee: $16 at the Parking Lot for 8 hours.
  • Washroom Facility: Available at the Parking lot
  • Dogs Allowed: No
  • Camping allowed: No

Brunswick Mountain Hike in Detail

Wide Gravel Road to Lions Fork (2 KM)

From the Sunset trailhead/ Parking lot, the hike starts on a wide gravel road. The wide gravel road is zig zag and steep starting from the beginning itself. After the first 2 KMs or approximately 35 minutes, you will reach a trail fork. There are sign plates as well at the fork. At the fork, you will have to continue straight. Right on the fork goes to the lion Binkert hike.

Fork to Magnesia Creek

From the Fork, the trail becomes flat for the next 1 KM until Magnesia creek. This trail has bushes and trees moderately grown. You will also encounter some fallen trees on the trail. You will also cross some small water streams until you reach the creek. There is a narrow bridge made up of two tree trunks on the creek.

Crossing Magnesia Creek

Crossing Magnesia Creek

In the late summer, there would not be much water in the creek, however, during the rainy season, the creek is almost full. If you are hiking in a large group, then, make sure that not many are crossing the creek at the same time to prevent it from collapsing due to overweight.

Magnesia Creek to Old Forest

Just after crossing the creek, take a left and you will enter overgrown section of the hike. This section of the hike is deep-covered under overgrown vegetation for next 2 Kms and also the hike becomes steep again after crossing the creek. The trail is overgrown and you will hardly get any clear view of the peaks around or of Howe Sound. After you cross the overgrown section of the hike, you will enter the old forest section.

Old Forest to Howe Sound Trail Junction

Old forest brings a breather as the overgrown section is passed. This part of the trail is little more open compared to overgrown section but has a lot of roots on the trail. If it rains a day before, this part can become very slippery due to steepness and muddy. The old forest continues for the next 1.5 KM until you reach the How Sound Trail Junction.

Howe Sound Trail Junction

Howe Sound Trail Junction

Howe Sound Trail Junction to Peak

From the Junction, go straight. Left from the junction goes to the deeks and Brunswick lake and Right goes to Mount Harvey. From the Junction last 500 meters is very steep and full of scrambling. The scrambling is said to be grade 3 and is exposed at certain sections. It can also become dangerous during rain and wind. So, it is advisable to attempt the hike on a clear day.

After 400 meters, you will reach Saddle, a little flat part from where the first peak is just 100 meters. From Saddle, you start getting the view of Howe Sound, Brunswick and Deeks lake and nearby peaks. From the first peak to the second peak is more exposed section and trickier one as well. Between the first peak and second peak, where you must tight rope walk across a narrow ridge with no handholds, exposed on both sides. After getting to the second peak, you will have no problem getting to the third peak. The third peak is where you finally get a true 360-degree view, but epic views start way before that. You can also read about 16 best things to do in Vancouver.

Howe Sound from Brunswick Mountain

Howe Sound from Brunswick Mountain

Brunswick Mountain First peak

Brunswick Mountain First peak

Brunswick Mountain Saddle

Brunswick Mountain Saddle

Deeks lake from Brunswick Mountain Peak

Deeks lake from Brunswick Mountain Peak

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