Summit Mount Brunswick

The highest peak and one of the steepest hikes in the region, gaining 1550 meters in 7.3 kilometers, Mount Brunswick is a beast that offers some of if not the most rewarding views in the region.  

If you are coming from Vancouver and meeting up with friends, consider starting your day by meeting up at St. David's Church in West Vancouver.  It is a convenient meetup on the way for pretty much everyone and is very close to the highway.  Parking at the trailhead is limited so you should probably carpool, especially on the weekend.

The Trailhead is located in Lions Bay.  The first section of the trail is an old logging road and fairly easy to navigate.   Bear right at the first fork and continue on the trail as it slightly narrows but remains fairly straight.  You will come to a creek that must be crossed using large tree that has been turned into a bridge to span the creek.  There is a rope that connects multiple pegs in the tree to use in assistance when crossing the log.  After crossing the creek, the trail narrows and leads into a series of switchbacks up the mountain.  

3/4 of the way up the Mountain, you will come to the intersection of the Howe Sound Crest Trail, a 29km trail you can learn more about here.  The last section of trail is about 1km of class 3 scrambling.  This section of the trail is very steep and contains a lot of loose rock, it is NOT RECOMMENDED you attempt to scramble this section of trail to the top in bad weather.  Visibility is extremely poor in bad weather and makes it almost impossible to navigate the terrain, leading to a potentially fatal situation. 

On the other hand, in good weather this last section will take you to the very top of the mountain, offering absolutely stunning views of the region and a great spot for lunch.  The true summit lies a short scramble further, requiring you to cross "the saddle" to the old landing pad.  Attempting this last scramble is not recommended unless you have prior scrambling experience and are comfortable in dangerous situations: one step the wrong way and there is a several hundred metre cliff waiting for you.

All in all, Mount Brunswick is a fantastic hike to do with good company and a physically challenging hike that will reward you with breathtaking views (literally).