Hollyburn Fir via Brewis Trail

The Hollyburn Fir via Brewis Trail in West Vancouver is a short, steady climb to one of the most impressive trees on the North Shore. At 3.9 km with about 285 m of gain, it’s rated moderate, but most people with a bit of fitness can handle it in around an hour and a half. You don’t get big city or ocean views here; the payoff is the forest itself and standing at the base of that massive old-growth fir.

The trail starts gently, then settles into two main stretches of uphill as you work your way up the Brewis Trail toward the Hollyburn Fir. The forest is classic West Vancouver: mossy, damp, and quiet, with a few small viewpoints at the beginning before you head fully under the canopy. Follow the orange markers and keep an eye at the start of the second climb, where an easy-to-miss junction can lead you too far left if you’re zoning out.

Recent hikers report the main Hollyburn Fir via Brewis Trail route as shown on most maps is in decent shape, though some side routes like Skyline and sections near washed-out bridges are rough, overgrown, or still snow-covered in season. Expect fallen trees to climb over or under, a few muddy spots after rain, and some old bridges in varying condition, but nothing outrageous if you stay on the standard line. In late fall through spring, snow and ice linger near the top, so bring solid hiking boots and consider poles once winter hits; from about April to November, it’s usually a straightforward forest hike with a big-tree reward at the end.