Quarry Rock hike is a very popular hike in North Vancouver. It is relatively easy for regular hikers, and you will see many people on the trail, including families and runners. The trail starts just off Panorama Drive in Deep Cove, North Vancouver, and it traverses through Cove Forest. There are many steps, boardwalks, and bridges, which make the trail family-friendly. On my route today, I took the regular trail to the viewpoint at Quarry Rock, but then on my return, I took a trail north to Indian River Drive, where it then turns west. Most people will follow the same path back, and that is just fine. The trail I took on my return is not very busy and less marked.
Overall, this is a great little hike, especially for families. The parking and crowds would be the only problems I see with this hike.
Interesting Facts
- Quarry Rock is literally named for its history — Deep Cove became a popular summer resort in the 1910s, and logging and granite quarrying were both part of the local industry at the time. The granite outcrop you stand on at the viewpoint is a remnant of that quarrying activity
- This trail follows a section of the historic Baden-Powell Trail, a 48 km route built in 1971 by Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, linking Deep Cove all the way to Horseshoe Bay
- The granite platform at Quarry Rock is only big enough to comfortably fit about a dozen people at a time, which is part of why it can feel crowded on busy weekends. Locals who want it to themselves tend to go before 8 a.m., when it’s mostly just trail runners, dog walkers, and the occasional wildlife photographer hoping to catch eagles over the inlet
Trail Stats
Here are the stats for the loop (which I took) and the back-and-forth on the same trail route:
| Same Trail Return | Loop | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 4 km | 5 km |
| Low point | 9 m | 9 m |
| High point | 130 m | 222 m |
| Elevation gain | 121 m | 213 m |
| Cumulative elevation gain | 325 m | 411 m |
Trailhead: 49° 19′ 48.4″ N, 122° 56′ 59.4″ W (Google Map)
The Route
The actual GPS track from this hike (the loop route), drawn on the map below. Green marks the start, red marks the end. Use the layer control in the top right to switch to a satellite view.
Photos
Here are some photos from the viewpoint:
Bridge and boardwalk:
Bridge over creek:
Stairs:
Steps on trail:
Trail pics:
Before You Hike
Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan (route details and estimated return time) with someone you trust.
Bring your smartphone, fully charged, and put it in airplane mode while hiking. I always bring backup battery packs for extra peace of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS device. I use my smartphone with a GPS app (Backcountry Navigator). The GPS will work in airplane mode. Learn how to use it before your hike.
For anyone new to hiking, there is a rule that hikers follow called “Leave No Trace” or LNT. The concept is generally to pack out what you pack in and respect nature, so all future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed. To learn more about LNT, please check out this blog by a certified LNT Trainer.
