Baden-Powell Trail: Horseshoe Bay to Cypress Mountain Resort

The Baden-Powell Trail: Horseshoe Bay to Cypress Mountain Resort is one of the toughest grinds on the North Shore, and it’s absolutely in West Vancouver. Over 9.2 km you gain around 1,138 m, so don’t trust that “2 h 6 min” stat unless you’re a very strong runner; most hikers report 5–7 hours door to door. This is a full-on climb from sea level up to the Cypress ski area, with huge views and a real backcountry feel despite starting almost beside the highway.

From Horseshoe Bay the Baden-Powell quickly leaves the traffic behind and climbs past Whyte Lake before tilting sharply up toward Eagle Bluffs. The section to the rock scree and talus is steep, loose, and hands-on in spots, with some exposure that can rattle people who don’t like heights. Once you hit Eagle Bluffs the payoff is huge, with sweeping views over Howe Sound, and the walk along the ridge toward Black Mountain and Cabin Lake feels like a victory lap, with quiet ponds, swim-worthy Cabin Lake, and a gentle descent into Cypress Mountain Resort.

Right now hikers report the trail as well marked and in generally good shape, but the Horseshoe Bay side is rough, with a sketchy rock section around 850 m where you’re traversing smooth slabs at about 40–45 degrees. Poles help, and you want solid footwear, good fitness, and comfort with scrambling. Aim for late spring through fall, watch for mud and slippery roots after rain, and plan your exit from Cypress Mountain Resort in advance, since you’ll likely need a shuttle, taxi, or car shuttle to get back down.