Brunswick Mountain Trail

Brunswick Mountain Trail is one of the toughest grinds on the North Shore, and yes, it really is harder than it looks on a map. This 13.4 km out-and-back from Lions Bay, just north of West Vancouver, climbs about 1555 m to around 1780 m, so you’re basically heading straight up for hours. Expect a serious workout, real exposure near the top, and views that make your legs forgive you later.

The first few kilometres of the Brunswick Mountain Trail are in the trees and can feel a bit monotonous: rocky, rooty, and relentlessly uphill with switchbacks. Around the 5 km mark the grade kicks up “inclined as hell,” and the final 1–1.5 km is steep scrambling on rock and scree with some airy sections. On a clear day, the ridge and summit open up to huge views over Lions Bay, Howe Sound, and the North Shore peaks, but many hikers are happy stopping at the ridge if the true summit feels too sketchy.

Right now, conditions are full-on shoulder season to winter up high. Snow is starting around 1300–1350 m, with icy, exposed sections and a steep snow crux near 1500–1550 m; people are turning back without poles, axe, and proper spikes or crampons. Expect wind and temps near freezing along the ridge, limited parking near the trailhead, and a long day out: most groups take 6.5–8 hours. This is not a beginner hike; start early, bring layers, 2.5–3+ litres of water, and be ready to turn around if the snow, ice, or exposure feels beyond your comfort level.