Hollyburn Peak Trail

Hollyburn Peak Trail in West Vancouver is one of those hikes that doesn’t sound like much on paper, then totally wins you over. The 7.9 km out-and-back with about 432 m of gain feels very doable, but still gives you a solid workout and a real summit. Most people clock it in around three hours, and the payoff at roughly 1324 m is a wide-open view that surprises a lot of first-timers.

The route starts on the Baden Powell with a fairly level wander through thick forest, but don’t underestimate it: this lower section is rooty, muddy after rain, and can be slick enough to demand your full attention. Once you hit the junction and head up the actual Hollyburn Peak Trail, the character changes for the better, with a clearer path, easier footing, a few short steep pushes near the top, and some light scrambling with chains that most people barely touch. On clear days you’ll get big views over Vancouver, English Bay, and back to the North Shore mountains, plus curious Canada jays often hanging around the summit.

Recent hikers report classic Hollyburn conditions: lots of roots, frequent mud, and in shoulder seasons, snow and icy patches from early on, so good boots and optional microspikes are smart. Expect wet, slippery sections after any rain, flooded bits and rock-hopping creek crossings in fall, and spider webs and mosquitoes in summer if you’re first on trail. In winter and early spring, this West Vancouver favourite turns into a snowy hike with firmer tracks and busier weekends, but it’s still considered moderate as long as you’re comfortable with a few steeper pitches near the top and take your time on the descent.