Quarry Rock Vancouver
A popular, beginner-friendly hike in Deep Cove offering stunning panoramic views of Burrard Inlet.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Quarry Rock Vancouver
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A popular, beginner-friendly hike in Deep Cove offering stunning panoramic views of Burrard Inlet.
"Accessible even for beginner hikers or those just looking for a short but scenic getaway from the city."
🎯 Go early to snag parking
Parking is scarce on weekends. Arrive before 9 AM or consider transit. :car:
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
The trail has stairs and roots; good footwear is essential for a pleasant hike. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Quarry Rock Viewpoint
Deep Cove
Panoramic views of Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm await at this iconic lookout. A true 'wow' moment!
Forest Trail
Trail to Quarry Rock
A peaceful, well-maintained path through lush forest with charming bridges and streams.
Waterfalls and Streams
Along the trail
Discover small, picturesque waterfalls and babbling streams that add to the trail's charm.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Parking Pointers & Transit Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go early to snag parking
Parking is scarce on weekends. Arrive before 9 AM or consider transit. +1 :car:
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
The trail has stairs and roots; good footwear is essential for a pleasant hike. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring water and snacks
Stay hydrated on this rewarding hike, especially on warmer days. :water_wave:
🐶 Dog-friendly trail
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great outing for furry friends too! :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go early to snag parking
Parking is scarce on weekends. Arrive before 9 AM or consider transit. +1 :car:
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
The trail has stairs and roots; good footwear is essential for a pleasant hike. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring water and snacks
Stay hydrated on this rewarding hike, especially on warmer days. :water_wave:
🐶 Dog-friendly trail
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great outing for furry friends too! :dog:
📱 Use AllTrails app
Trail markings can be minimal; the app helps navigate turns. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Quarry Rock is a highly accessible and scenic hike near Vancouver, praised for its breathtaking views and beginner-friendly trail. While parking is a significant challenge, the well-maintained paths and rewarding vistas make it a popular choice for families and casual hikers. Some visitors note the crowds can detract from the experience, especially on weekends.
"It’s a very easy hike. The first 5 minutes have the steepest incline, but overall it’s simple and not too demanding. The whole out-and-back takes no more than about an hour and a half. New wooden stairs and paths were added last year, so the trail is well organized and easy to follow. It’s dog-friendly and definitely kid-friendly too. Parking is available near the lake (mostly paid), but spots fill up quickly on weekends — best to head out in the morning."
K I
"The highlight is definitely the Quarry Rock viewpoint at the end of a roughly 50 minute hike (roughly 40 minutes on the way back since less ascent). The trail is well maintained and there are a number of streams on the way. The primary negatives are parking and popularity, which detracts from the overall experience."
Daniel Silver
"Accessible even for beginner hikers or those just looking for a short but scenic getaway from the city. Make sure to bring a comfortable shoe and a bottle of water. Excellent place to get detoxed. There is no other half day hiking place better then this I can think of."
Adam Chaudary
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take public transit to Deep Cove. Buses like the 210 or 211 from downtown Vancouver will get you close to the trailhead. Be prepared for potential wait times, but it's often less stressful than finding parking. +1
Parking is extremely limited, especially on weekends. Try parking at Deep Cove Park, Cove Cliff Elementary, or Myrtle Park. Arriving very early is your best bet. +1
Yes, public transit is a viable option. Buses from Vancouver can take you to Deep Cove, which is a short walk from the trailhead. +1
Parking is available near the trailhead, but spots fill up extremely quickly, particularly on weekends. Paid parking is also an option in some areas.
Some users have mentioned a short trail from the Deep Cove North Shore Marina & Rentals parking lot, but access can be restricted and it's not always clearly marked. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Quarry Rock is a public trail and does not require an entrance fee or tickets.
While there have been past reports of temporary closures or access limitations, the trail is generally open. It's always a good idea to check recent local advisories if you're concerned. +1
As an outdoor trail, Quarry Rock is accessible at all hours. However, for safety and enjoyment, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
The trail is generally open year-round, but conditions can vary with weather. Winter hikes are possible but may require extra caution.
While there have been past discussions about visitor limits, there are typically no official caps on the number of people hiking the trail. Popularity can lead to crowds, however.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is typically 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, covering about 3.8 km. The ascent to the viewpoint takes around 45-50 minutes. +1
It's considered an easy to moderate hike, perfect for beginners. There are some stairs and roots, but it's generally not too demanding. +1
Yes, it's very kid-friendly. The well-maintained trail and moderate length make it a great option for families.
Absolutely! Quarry Rock is a dog-friendly trail, so you can bring your leashed canine companions along.
The viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of Burrard Inlet and the surrounding mountains, making the hike well worth it.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful, but be mindful of crowds. Midday can be harsh, but the views are still impressive.
Yes, the forested trail itself offers lovely shots with its bridges, streams, and lush greenery.
Expect stunning wide-angle shots of the inlet, islands, and distant mountains. It's a classic PNW landscape.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive views from the viewpoint. A standard zoom lens will also work well.
Drone usage is generally restricted in many parks and natural areas to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Quarry Rock Trail Experience
While the ascent can be a bit of a workout with its stairs, the overall effort is rewarded by the stunning payoff at the end. The trail is also dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their leashed pets along for the adventure. Many visitors recommend using the AllTrails app for navigation, as trail markings can sometimes be sparse, especially closer to the viewpoint.
The primary draw is the Quarry Rock viewpoint, which offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Burrard Inlet and the surrounding coastal mountains. This iconic spot is perfect for photos and a moment of reflection. However, its popularity means it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
Navigating Parking and Transit
To avoid the parking hassle, public transit is a highly recommended alternative. Buses from downtown Vancouver can take you to Deep Cove, and from there, it's a relatively short walk to the trailhead. While this might involve a longer travel time and potential wait for buses, it significantly reduces stress.
If you do opt to drive, Redditors suggest looking for parking at nearby schools like Cove Cliff Elementary or at Deep Cove Park and Myrtle Park. However, even these spots can be full. Some parallel parking is available along the road approaching Deep Cove, but it's clearly marked and can be scarce.
The Quarry Rock Closure Rumors
Despite these reports, many visitors have still managed to access the viewpoint, sometimes by using alternative routes or by noting that the closure signs were not always consistently enforced or visible from all access points. Some locals have expressed a desire to keep the area closed to manage tourism impact.
It's important to note that while the trail may be technically open, respecting any posted signs and local advisories is crucial for preserving the area and ensuring responsible tourism. The popularity of Quarry Rock means that managing its impact is an ongoing consideration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit