Deep Cove Lookout via Old Buck Trail

Deep Cove Lookout via Old Buck Trail in North Vancouver is one of those hikes you do for the workout and the forest, not the grand finale. It’s an 8.4 km out-and-back with about 374 m of gain, topping out around 771 m, and most people wrap it up in just under 3 hours. The route is rated moderate, which feels about right: not technical, but you’ll know you’ve climbed something by the time you’re done.

The trail follows Old Buck through classic North Vancouver forest, with a mix of smooth gravel and more typical North Shore roots and rocks. The grade is mostly gentle and steady, with the bulk of the climb packed into the last third, so the finish can feel like a grind on the way back. The “Deep Cove Lookout” at Mount Seymour Road is more of a partial roadside opening than a big panorama, so go in expecting a quiet forest hike with a small view, not a showstopper.

Recent hikers say the trail is usually quiet early in the morning, with easy parking and a calm feel compared to busier North Shore options. Officially, Deep Cove Lookout via Old Buck Trail is hiking-only, but some people have run into rogue mountain bikers, so stay alert on corners and stand your ground if needed. This is a solid shoulder-season or cooler-day hike when you want a straightforward forest climb; in peak summer there are more scenic options around North Vancouver, but for a mellow, shaded workout, this one does the job.