Quarry Court and Skid Road Connector Trail Loop

Quarry Court and Skid Road Connector Trail Loop in North Vancouver is the kind of route you keep in your back pocket for those “I just need to move” days. At about 4 km with 149 m of gain and a max altitude around 440 m, it’s short, punchy, and usually takes just over an hour. It’s rated easy, but expect a couple of sections that wake up the legs, especially if you’re new to North Shore trails.

The loop mixes smooth gravel, rooty patches, and a few rocky bits, with some fun little bridges and rolling ups and downs that make it great for trail runners and brisk walkers. You’re mostly in second-growth forest with no real viewpoints or big landmarks, so this is more about rhythm, fresh air, and that classic North Vancouver forest feel than “wow” scenery. With lots of intersecting routes, it’s easy to drift off-course, so keep a map or GPS open, and stay alert for mountain bikes on the mixed-use sections.

Recent reports say the Quarry Court and Skid Road Connector Trail Loop is currently wet from rain but not overly muddy or slippery, and usually snow-free unless there’s very low snow in winter. That makes it a solid cold, rainy season option when higher trails are a mess, and a good lazy-afternoon outing with friends, though some find it a bit dull in summer. Expect some steeper bits between Dempsey and the Baden Powell that don’t feel “easy” for beginners, lots of mid-morning dog walkers, and a dry creek or two late in the year; if your dog is nervous around others or you hate crowds, aim for early or later in the day.