Quarry Rock Hike (Deep Cove) (2026)

The Quarry Rock hike is Metro Vancouver’s most beloved short hike — a 3.7 km return trail starting in Deep Cove, North Vancouver, climbing to a granite outcropping with panoramic views over Indian Arm and the Coast Mountains. The hike takes 60-90 minutes return, gains about 100 m of elevation, and rewards hikers with one of Metro Vancouver’s most photographed viewpoints. Combined with Deep Cove village’s famous Honey Doughnuts post-hike, Quarry Rock has become a Vancouver weekend ritual.

This guide covers everything Quarry Rock-related in 2026 — the trail, what to expect, when to go, etiquette at the busy summit, and how to combine with other Deep Cove activities.

Quarry Rock: Quick Facts

• Distance: 3.7 km return
• Elevation gain: 100 m
• Time: 1-1.5 hours return at moderate pace
• Difficulty: Easy-moderate; family-friendly with school-age kids
• Trailhead: Northeast end of Deep Cove village (Panorama Drive)
• Cost: FREE
• Best season: Year-round; spring-fall optimal
• Famous for: Panoramic Indian Arm views from granite summit

The Trail Itself

Trail features:

• Mostly forested route through Western hemlock and Douglas fir
• Some root and rock sections
• Well-marked with signs
• Wooden boardwalks and stairs in some sections
• Final ascent steeper than the first half
• Granite slab summit at the end

Trail surface: Forest dirt path with roots, rocks, occasional stairs. Not paved.

Trail conditions: Can be muddy after rain; slippery on roots when wet. Trail running shoes preferred to road shoes.

Trailhead: Located at the northeast end of Deep Cove village. Look for “Quarry Rock” signs from Gallant Avenue.

Difficulty & Time

Fitness baseline:

• Casual walker comfort with moderate uphill
• Hiking shoes (not flip-flops or basic sneakers)
• Ability to handle 100m elevation gain over 1.85 km

Time benchmarks:

• Brisk hiker: 25-30 minutes up; 25 minutes down
• Average pace: 35-45 minutes up; 30-35 minutes down
• Slow pace with stops: 60+ minutes up; 45+ minutes down
• Total round-trip with summit time: 1-1.5 hours

Compared to Grouse Grind: Quarry Rock is significantly easier. About 1/8 the elevation gain in similar distance.

Getting to the Trailhead

By car: Lions Gate Bridge or Second Narrows Bridge → Mount Seymour Parkway → Deep Cove. About 30-45 minutes from downtown.

Parking:

• Limited free street parking near trailhead (often full weekends)
• Paid parking at Deep Cove Community Park lot (C$1.25/hour)
• Better strategy: park at Deep Cove Community Park, walk 5 min to trailhead

By transit: SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay; bus 211 to Phibbs Exchange; transfer to bus C15 to Deep Cove. About 75 minutes total.

By bike: Lions Gate Bridge bike lane + Mount Seymour Parkway. About 25 km one-way; substantial hills.

Best Times to Visit

Best season: Year-round; April-October ideal.

Best time of day: 6-8 AM weekdays for fewer crowds; 7-9 AM weekends. Sunset is dramatic but requires headlamp for descent.

Worst times:

• Saturday-Sunday 10 AM-3 PM: Trail crowded; summit full
• Heavy rain: Slippery roots; views obscured
• After major rainfalls: Muddy trail conditions

Sunset/sunrise advice: Stunning at both. Bring headlamp for descent if hiking sunset. Sunrise (especially summer) requires very early start (5 AM at trailhead).

Views from the Summit

From the granite summit you can see:

• Indian Arm fjord stretching north: 21 km of protected fjord with mountainous shores
• Mount Seymour to the west: Coast Mountains in foreground
• Belcarra Regional Park across the inlet: Eastern shoreline
• Coast Mountains beyond: Distant snow-capped peaks on clear days
• Deep Cove village below: Sailboats, marina, harbour

What you can’t see: Downtown Vancouver (different angle); the Pacific Ocean (you’re inland).

Best photo angle: Stand at the eastern edge of the granite slab looking north up Indian Arm.

Photography Tips

Equipment:

• Wide-angle lens (16-35mm equivalent) captures the full panorama
• Mid-tele (70-200mm) compresses Indian Arm into more dramatic compositions
• Tripod helps for sunset/sunrise long exposures
• Polarizing filter for water reflections and sky depth

Best times for photos:

• Sunrise: First light on Indian Arm; misty fjord on cool mornings
• Sunset: Golden hour on water; mountains silhouetted
• Blue hour: 30 min after sunset; deep blue water with city lights twinkling
• Overcast: Atmospheric drama; less harsh shadows

Composition tips:

• Use the granite slab as a foreground element
• Include a person at the edge for scale
• Look for sailboats moving up the inlet
• Consider portrait orientation for vertical fjord shots

Summit Etiquette

Quarry Rock summit can fit 30-40 hikers comfortably; weekend mornings can hit capacity.

Summit etiquette rules:

• Stay on the rock; don’t venture onto unstable cliff edges
• Don’t crowd the central summit slab — share with other photographers
• Wait your turn for the iconic photo spot
• No trash or food wrappers — pack everything out
• Don’t blast music; respect quiet enjoyment
• Don’t bring large groups (10+) without coordinating with the group
• Pets okay on leash; don’t allow off-leash pets on cliff edges
• Wait politely for sunset/sunrise photographers to finish

Best stay duration: 15-30 minutes. Don’t camp at the summit when others are waiting.

Quarry Rock with Kids

Best ages: School-age 6+. Toddlers can manage with patience but the 100m elevation gain is challenging.

Family considerations:

• Steeper sections in last 200m may require breaks
• Bring water and snacks (Honey Doughnuts at the village!)
• Encourage kids with games or scavenger hunts
• Allow extra time (1.5-2 hours total)
• Consider Sunday morning when crowds are smaller

Kid-friendly distractions on the trail: Spot wildlife (squirrels, woodpeckers); identify trees; watch for ferry boats below; spot mushrooms (don’t touch).

Stroller question: Not stroller-friendly. Roots, rocks, and stairs make a stroller dangerous.

Post-Hike: Honey Doughnuts

Honey Doughnuts & Goodies: The post-Quarry Rock ritual. Located on Gallant Avenue in Deep Cove village.

The famous honey doughnut:

• Yeast-raised doughnut dipped in honey-cinnamon glaze
• Made fresh daily; sells out by mid-afternoon
• Cost: C$5 each; C$25-30 for a dozen
• Recommended order: 2-3 per person

Hours: 8 AM-5 PM most days; 9 AM-4 PM Sundays.

Lines: Saturday-Sunday 9 AM-noon can have 30+ minute waits. Best timing: hit Quarry Rock 7-9 AM, get to Honey Doughnuts before lines build.

Other Deep Cove options: Beach House at Deep Cove (proper meal), Caffè Artigiano (specialty coffee), Mount Currie Coffee.

Trail Extensions: Baden-Powell

For more ambitious hikers, Quarry Rock connects to longer trail systems.

Baden-Powell Trail (full): 48 km long-distance trail traversing the entire North Shore. Quarry Rock is on this trail.

Quarry Rock + Mount Seymour extension: Continue past Quarry Rock for additional 5-8 km of mountain hiking, reaching Mount Seymour summit area.

Difficulty extension: Significantly more strenuous; requires proper preparation, water, and time.

For most visitors: Quarry Rock alone is the headline experience.

Quarry Rock Hike FAQs

How long is the Quarry Rock hike?
3.7 km return; 1-1.5 hours at moderate pace.

How hard is the Quarry Rock hike?
Easy-moderate. About 100 m elevation gain. Family-friendly with school-age kids.

Where is the Quarry Rock trailhead?
Northeast end of Deep Cove village, Panorama Drive.

Is Quarry Rock free?
Yes — completely free. No admission, free parking nearby (sometimes paid in busy lots).

Are dogs allowed on the Quarry Rock hike?
Yes, on leash. Don’t allow off-leash dogs on the granite summit.

Can I do Quarry Rock with kids?
Yes — school-age kids 6+ generally manage well. Allow extra time and bring snacks.

What time is the trail busiest?
Saturday-Sunday 10 AM-3 PM. Weekday mornings are quietest.

Quarry Rock Permits & Closures

The Quarry Rock trail is generally open year-round but has specific considerations.

Trail status: Open year-round during daylight hours. No permits required.

Closures (occasional):

• Bear or cougar activity (rare; trail closes briefly)
• Storm damage (after major rain or snow events)
• Trail maintenance (typically 1-2 days during shoulder seasons)
• Wildfire risk (very rare)

Where to check trail status:

• Mount Seymour Provincial Park website
• Vancouver Trails website (vancouvertrails.com)
• AllTrails app for user-reported conditions
• Deep Cove area Tourism Visitor Centre

Daylight hours considerations:

• Sunrise to sunset is the ideal hiking window
• Hiking after dark requires headlamp
• Park officially closes at sunset; some restrictions on evening hiking
• Sunset hikes are popular but require careful descent timing

Special events that may impact:

• Honey Doughnuts long lines on weekend mornings (more parking demand)
• Wedding ceremonies occasionally at the summit
• Photo shoots (occasional commercial filming)
• Summer holiday weekends (peak crowds)

Bear and cougar safety:

• Bears most active April-October
• Cougars rare on this trail
• Make noise on trail (talk, sing)
• Carry bear spray (optional but recommended)
• Don’t approach wildlife
• Leave food in pack, not exposed

Best Photo Compositions at Quarry Rock

Quarry Rock summit has multiple compelling photo compositions.

Composition 1: Person on rock with Indian Arm

• Position: Have person stand on the granite slab
• Use wide-angle (16-24mm) for full panorama
• Person should be slightly off-center (rule of thirds)
• Capture the inlet stretching north into mountains

Composition 2: Indian Arm fjord telephoto

• Position: Eastern edge of summit looking north
• Use mid-tele (70-200mm) to compress mountains
• Boats and sailboats on water add scale
• Rule of thirds — water occupies bottom third, mountains middle, sky top

Composition 3: Sunrise/sunset golden hour

• Position: Western edge of summit at sunrise; eastern edge at sunset
• Wait for golden-hour light (30 min before sunrise/after sunset)
• Long exposure (1-2 seconds) to smooth water
• HDR capture (multiple exposures merged)

Composition 4: Aerial-style overhead

• Position: Hold camera above head looking down
• Capture summit pattern with people scattered
• Nice abstract composition
• Best with overcast soft light (no harsh shadows)

Composition 5: Foreground rock + background mountains

• Use texture of granite rock as foreground
• Mid-ground: Indian Arm water
• Background: distant Coast Mountains
• 3-layer composition creates depth

Composition 6: Black and white

• Convert sunset shots to B&W for dramatic mood
• Emphasizes texture of rock and mountains
• Removes color distractions

Equipment:

• Wide-angle lens (16-35mm)
• Tripod (essential for sunset/sunrise long exposures)
• Polarizing filter (cuts water glare)
• ND filter for very long exposures
• Headlamp for sunset descent

Indian Arm Wildlife from Quarry Rock

Quarry Rock summit is excellent for wildlife observation.

Marine mammals visible from summit:

• Harbor seals (year-round; common)
• Sea lions (less common; seasonal)
• Orcas (rare but documented)
• Porpoises (occasionally)

Birds visible from summit:

• Bald eagles (year-round; common)
• Various raptors (golden eagle rare)
• Common loons
• Marbled murrelets (offshore)
• Cormorants
• Great blue heron
• Various gulls

Trail wildlife:

• Black-tailed deer (occasional)
• Coyotes (occasional)
• Black bears (April-October)
• Squirrels and chipmunks
• Stellar’s jays
• Pileated woodpeckers
• Various songbirds

Wildlife observation timing:

• Dawn and dusk best for mammal activity
• Bird migration peaks April-May and September-October
• Marine mammals year-round
• Bears active April-October

Wildlife photography:

• Long telephoto (300-600mm) for distant marine mammals
• Mid-tele for birds in trees
• Patience essential — wait for natural behavior
• Don’t approach wildlife

Wildlife identification resources:

• BC Field Guide apps
• Audubon BC website
• Local birding hotlines
• Vancouver Aquarium marine mammal information

Connecting to the Baden-Powell Trail

Quarry Rock is on the Baden-Powell Trail, a 48 km long-distance trail traversing the entire North Shore.

The Baden-Powell Trail:

• Total length: 48 km
• Western terminus: Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver)
• Eastern terminus: Deep Cove
• Through: Cypress Bowl, Capilano River area, Lynn Headwaters, Mount Seymour, Indian Arm shore
• Multiple segments accessible via Quarry Rock

Quarry Rock as starting/ending point:

• Most popular short-out-and-back: Quarry Rock summit
• Day-trip extension: Continue 5-8 km to Mount Seymour area
• Multi-day section hike: Quarry Rock → Lynn Headwaters → Cypress (3-4 days)
• Weekend trip: Quarry Rock → Deep Cove (return)

Best Baden-Powell extensions from Quarry Rock:

• 3 km: Continue past Quarry Rock toward Mount Seymour
• 8 km: Quarry Rock → Indian Arm shoreline
• 15 km: Quarry Rock → Lynn Headwaters
• 30 km: Quarry Rock → Capilano (Lynn Loop area)

Backpacking on Baden-Powell:

• Wilderness camping permitted in some sections
• Multiple regional park camping areas
• 3-4 day section hikes possible
• Weather/water/route planning essential

Resources for Baden-Powell:

• Vancouver Trails website
• Baden-Powell Trail Society
• BC Outdoor Recreation Council

Common Quarry Rock Mistakes

Most Quarry Rock attempts have specific avoidable mistakes.

Mistake 1: Wearing wrong shoes. Sandals, basic sneakers, or flip-flops fail in roots and rocks. Trail shoes or hiking boots minimum. Slippery wet conditions especially dangerous in wrong footwear.

Mistake 2: Going at peak crowd time. Saturday-Sunday 10 AM-3 PM is brutal. Early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) much better.

Mistake 3: Not bringing water. 100m elevation gain plus 1.85 km uphill demands water. Bring 1L minimum.

Mistake 4: Underestimating descent. Going down is harder than going up on knees. Take it slow; use trekking poles if available.

Mistake 5: Trying summit photos at peak time. Saturday afternoon: 30+ people on small summit; impossible to get clean shots. Off-peak gets you the magazine-cover shot.

Mistake 6: Standing close to cliff edges. Some Quarry Rock edges are unstable. Stay back; don’t lean over.

Mistake 7: Hiking with disagreeable dogs off-leash. Some dogs aren’t safe at busy summit. Keep aggressive or excitable dogs on-leash.

Mistake 8: Not bringing snacks. Even 90-minute hikes benefit from quick energy. Trail mix, energy bar, banana.

Mistake 9: Skipping Honey Doughnuts. Post-Quarry Rock Honey Doughnuts is the Vancouver ritual. Allow 30 min for the experience.

Mistake 10: Trying to descend in the dark without headlamp. Quarry Rock summit can lure photographers to stay too late. Bring headlamp; descend before complete darkness.

Mistake 11: Not respecting the granite slab. Avoid jumping or running on summit; granite is slippery when wet.

Mistake 12: Underestimating crowds. Solo or quiet hikers may be disappointed Saturday afternoons. Time your visits for solitude.

Going to Quarry Rock with Friends & Groups

Quarry Rock with friends or family groups requires planning to keep everyone happy.

Group sizes work well:

• 1-2 people: Most enjoyable; flexible pace
• 3-4 people: Good companionship; manageable
• 5-8 people: Need to coordinate; pace becomes important
• 9+ people: Consider splitting into smaller groups

Pace coordination:

• Match pace to slowest hiker
• Take regular breaks for slower members
• Faster hikers can wait at quarter markers
• Keep group together; don’t let stragglers fall too far behind

Fitness disparities:

• If group has very different fitness levels, slowest will struggle
• Strong hikers should set easy pace, not push
• Plan extra time (20-30 minutes more than for fastest hiker)
• Consider splitting into ability-based groups

Photography in groups:

• Designate a primary photographer
• Group photos on summit slab (need someone to take)
• Don’t crowd small summit during photos
• Wait turns at iconic spots

Family considerations:

• Kids 6+ generally manage
• Allow extra time
• Bring substantial snacks
• Plan post-hike Honey Doughnuts as motivation
• Watch for tired kids; turn back if needed

Group dining strategy:

• Pre-plan post-hike meal
• Reserve table at busy times
• Beach House at Deep Cove is family-friendly
• Honey Doughnuts works for all ages
• Coffee at Caffè Artigiano

Group photography session at summit:

• Find clean composition spot
• Use timer or ask other hikers
• Multiple shots — group shot, individual, scenic
• Don’t overstay welcome at busy summit

Bring extra:

• Extra water (for slower hikers)
• Extra snacks
• First-aid basics
• Headlamp (for late descent)
• Phone with offline trail map

Fitness Preparation for Quarry Rock

Quarry Rock requires moderate fitness — preparation makes the experience much better.

Fitness baseline for Quarry Rock:

• Walk briskly for 30+ minutes without stopping
• Climb 10 flights of stairs without distress
• Have basic lower-body strength (squat, lunge bodyweight)
• Comfortable on uneven terrain (roots, rocks)

Pre-Quarry Rock training (2-3 weeks before):

• 30-minute brisk walks 3-4×/week
• Stair climbing daily (10+ flights)
• Bodyweight squats (3 sets of 12)
• Lunges (3 sets of 10 each leg)
• Calf raises (3 sets of 20)
• Core work (planks, leg lifts)

Day-of preparation:

• Sleep 7-9 hours night before
• Eat substantial breakfast 2 hours before
• Hydrate 1-2 hours before
• Stretch dynamically before starting
• Allow extra time for slower pace if unfamiliar

Common fitness issues:

• Out of breath: Slow pace; rest at quarter markers
• Burning legs: Build up over training period; foam roll afterward
• Sore knees: Use trekking poles for descent; avoid going down too fast
• Headache: Hydrate; eat snacks; usually mild altitude effect

What to bring:

• Sturdy walking shoes (trail shoes ideal)
• 1L water (more on hot days)
• Trail snacks (banana, energy bar, trail mix)
• Layered clothing
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
• Camera or phone
• Trekking poles (optional but helpful for descent)
• Bug spray (summer)

What NOT to bring:

• Heavy backpack (3-5 kg max)
• Glass containers
• Excess water (1L sufficient)
• Audio at high volume
• Pets if not comfortable on busy trails

Recovery after Quarry Rock:

• Stretch hamstrings and calves immediately
• Rehydrate (especially in summer)
• Light meal at Deep Cove village
• Honey Doughnuts as reward
• Hot shower or bath later helps muscle recovery
• Sleep adequately — strenuous hike requires recovery

Related reading: Pair this with our Deep Cove day trip, Grouse Grind, and easy hikes.