West Knob via Baden Powell

West Knob via Baden Powell is a solid grind right on the edge of West Vancouver, with way fewer people than the more famous North Shore hikes. It’s a 9.3 km out-and-back with about 700 m of elevation gain, so expect a steady climb that takes around four hours for most hikers. The payoff is a mix of quiet forest, a rewarding stop at Whyte Lake, and big views from the knobs if you time the weather right.

The trail climbs quickly from the Baden Powell, winding through classic West Vancouver forest and following Whyte Creek before heading up toward the East and West Knobs. The East Knob view is the real highlight here, with more open sightlines than West Knob and a better feel for the surrounding mountains and water. Past West Knoll the route gets steeper and less rewarding, with no real view at the very end where many GPS tracks stop, so most locals turn around at West Knoll or after enjoying the East Knob outlook.

Recent hikers report mostly dry tread with only compact snow patches in cooler months, very little mud, and not many people even midweek afternoons. Some sections are faint and can be tricky to follow, especially on the way down, so keep an eye on the West Knob via Baden Powell track and watch for occasional flagging. The descent off the back side of the knob is a bit sketchy but manageable for experienced hikers; just take your time, and be aware of a reported wasp nest on the south face around 500 m elevation. This one is best from late spring through fall, though it’s hikeable most of the year with proper gear, and Whyte Lake makes a great quick break spot on your way back.