Forested out-and-back on the Baden-Powell Trail to a granite lookout over Indian Arm.
Quarry Rock is a granite lookout reached by a forested out-and-back section of the Baden-Powell Trail from Deep Cove in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The trailhead is at Panorama Park, 2000 Panorama Dr. Visitors can take TransLink bus 211 to Deep Cove and walk to the trailhead, while limited street parking in the village fills early on weekends. The hike is free. The round trip is about 3.8 km with roughly 100 m of elevation gain, and most hikers need 1.5 to 2.5 hours, so the route counts as easy and suits first-time hikers. The surface is packed dirt with roots, wooden stairs and a few rocky steps, and the route passes through second-growth forest of Douglas fir, hemlock and cedar that provides near-continuous shade. A small creek crossing by footbridge appears early in the climb, and the trail is well marked with the orange Baden-Powell Trail markers. The path rises gradually to Quarry Rock, a bare granite shelf with a view over Indian Arm and the village of Deep Cove. The edge of the rock drops away, so visitors should stay back from it, especially with children and dogs. The rock is the natural turn-around point, although the Baden-Powell Trail continues for those wanting a longer walk. There is no reliable drinking water or shelter on the route, so hikers need to carry their own supplies. After the hike, Deep Cove has cafes and kayak rentals near the waterfront. The trail is busy on sunny weekends, and the narrow sections can bottleneck. Wet weather makes roots and steps slick.
| Distance | About 3.8 km return |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | TransLink bus 211 to Deep Cove, then walk to the trailhead at Panorama Park; limited street parking in the village fills early on weekends; free |
| Best season | Year-round (best May-October) |
| Address | 2000 Panorama Dr, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1V7 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Deep Cove, North Vancouver
What to bring
- Hiking shoes
- Water
- Layers
Location
2000 Panorama Dr, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1V7
49.3270, -122.9528 View on map
Highlights
- Reach the Quarry Rock granite lookout over Indian Arm
- Follow orange markers on the Baden-Powell Trail through shaded forest
- Cross a small creek on a footbridge near the start
- Finish with cafes and kayaking in Deep Cove village
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early on weekends, because village parking fills and the trail gets crowded.
- Wear shoes with grip, as roots and stairs are slippery when wet.
- Stay well back from the edge of the rock, especially with children.
- Carry water, since the trail has no reliable refill point.
- Use bus 211 to Deep Cove to avoid the parking problem.
When to visit
May to October brings the driest conditions, and weekday mornings are the quietest. Sunset visits are popular but require a headlamp for the descent.
Accessibility
The trail has stairs, roots and uneven ground and is not suitable for wheelchairs or standard strollers. There is no step-free route to the lookout.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the Quarry Rock hike?
The out-and-back route is about 3.8 km and takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours with roughly 100 m of elevation gain.
Where does the Quarry Rock trail start?
It starts at Panorama Park, 2000 Panorama Dr, in Deep Cove, and is reached by TransLink bus 211.
Is Quarry Rock suitable for beginners?
Yes. The trail is well marked and the climb is moderate, though stairs and roots need care in wet weather.
Is there a fee to hike Quarry Rock?
No. The hike is free, although street parking in Deep Cove fills early on weekends.