Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinWe used to dread hiking. Every time we hit the trails, we’d end up exhausted and covered in mud. Our legs would feel like lead, and we’d question why we ever thought hiking was a good idea.
But despite our initial struggles, we’ve become an avid hiker (mostly true) with a passion for exploring new trails (definitely true).
We’ve traversed many paths, but Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge hold a special place in our hearts. So join us as we share the best tips and highlights of these incredible trails, so you can enjoy them as much as we did.
- Best Time to Go to Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge
- Things to Know about Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge
- How long is Murrin Park Loop trail?
- Where to Stay near Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge Trail
- Where to Eat near Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge Trail
- What to Do in Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge Trail
- Apps to Download for a Trip to Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge Trail
Best Time to Go to Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge
The best time to go to the Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge Trail is in spring or fall (March to December) as the park is less crowded. However, the park is great to visit all-year round.
Things to Know about Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge
Route Information
The Jurassic Ridge trail starts from the Murrin Provincial Park parking lot near Squamish. The trail kicks off by skirting the north side of Browning Lake, passing the picnic area where anglers gather.
Soon, you’ll spot the Murrin Loop trail veering right into the forest. Joining this loop, you’ll encounter a junction where you can opt to go clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Choosing the latter makes the ridge at the top easier to tackle. The trail quickly gets steep and rugged, with an average gradient of 33% over 300 meters.
Wooden or rock steps help navigate the steepest sections, but the path remains technical, with slippery dirt and roots.
Once past this challenging section, the hike’s major elevation gain is behind you, with the rest of the trek being more mellow. Keep an eye out for a junction leading left to one of the best viewpoints over Howe Sound.
Returning to the loop trail, you’ll soon reach another junction where going right leads to Jurassic Ridge. The trail here is even more rugged, often along rock faces, and the ridge travel can be slippery.
Along the way, you’ll encounter viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the mountains and Howe Sound. Eventually, you’ll reach a final viewpoint on a pointed rock, where the trail isn’t obvious.
Continue southwest from the rock, and you’ll soon encounter a roped section for assistance down a rock face. The descent continues in a technical manner, with careful navigation needed around slippery rock faces.
The remainder of the trail descends steeply back towards Browning Lake, rejoining the Murrin Park Loop trail. From here, it’s a forested journey back to the parking lot.
Hike Statistics
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 3.20Km
- Elevation Gain: 180m
- Highest Elevation: 293m
- Average Gradient: 11.25%
- Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
- Dogs Permitted?: Yes
- Season: Year-Round
Parking
If you’re driving from Vancouver, you’ll make a left turn into the parking lot. Parking is free, but the gates are only open from 7 am to 11 pm.
The lot tends to fill up fast since it’s quite small. Alternatively, there’s another parking lot further down the highway, towards Vancouver, but you’ll need to walk about 1 km along a trail beside the Sea to Sky Highway to reach it.
Are dogs allowed at Murrin Park?
Dogs are allowed at Murrin Park, as long as they are on leashes. However, they are not to be taken to the main beach and picnic area.
How long is Murrin Park Loop trail?
The Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge Trail offer a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience with stunning views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains.
It serves as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, providing an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy breathtaking vistas.
The Murrin Park Loop trail is a short 1.5-mile loop with a moderate elevation gain of 130m. Despite its brevity, the trail can be steep, boasting an average gradient of 11.25%, offering hikers a quick but challenging adventure.
Where to Stay near Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge Trail
Porteau Cove Olympic Legacy Cabins
Address: Porteau Cove (British Columbia), BC V7G 1L3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-9371
Pricing: $$
Porteau Cove Olympic Legacy Cabins are right by the ocean, near the beach where scuba divers enter. These cabins, crafted by Pioneer Log Homes, are beautifully constructed.
Built for BC Parks for the 2010 Winter Olympics, they are true works of art, complete with intricate hand carvings.
The campground by the water is right next to the cabins, offering nice and spacious sites. The real highlight here is the view. The smell of the water, the beautiful forests, and the sound of sea lions make it a dream location.
Horseshoe Bay Motel
Address: 6588 Royal Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2B6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-913-6588
Pricing: $$
Located in scenic Horseshoe Bay Village, the Horseshoe Bay Motel is affordable. Inside are warm, simply furnished rooms, with some having fireplaces.
They offer free WiFi and self-parking, which is a nice bonus. All 23 rooms are cozy, with fireplaces and free WiFi.
The views are absolutely stunning! Plus, it’s very accommodating for scuba divers, with a great shower and an outdoor hose for rinsing equipment.
North Vancouver Hotel
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Address: 1800 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3B6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-987-4461
Pricing: $
Situated at the foot of Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, North Vancouver Hotel is a boutique hotel offering a fantastic location and affordable rooms.
The rooms feature deluxe King or two Queen Select Comfort beds with cozy, high-thread-count linens. They also offer rooms with kitchenettes, one-bedroom suites, pet-friendly options, and accommodations for special needs.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites
Address: 1748 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3B4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-337-8393
Pricing: $$
Many rooms at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites feature full and partial kitchens, along with one and two-bedroom suites. The open-air access is perfect for longer stays and families.
This hotel is great for a one or two-night stay. It’s basic but offers excellent value, with amenities including a seasonal outdoor pool, a hot tub, and complimentary passes to a nearby fitness center.
SureStay by Best Western
Address: 1634 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3B4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-987-8185
Pricing: $
SureStay by Best Western offers basic rooms, but its convenient location makes it a great choice for those driving to downtown Vancouver or catching the Horseshoe Bay Ferries.
You’ll appreciate the convenience of having your own door to the outside, and there’s a restaurant right on-site. Plus, two convenience stores and several restaurants and pizza places are within walking distance.
Where to Eat near Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge Trail
Chatterbox Cafe
Address: 150 Copper Dr, Britannia Beach, BC V8B 1J1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-896-2233
Pricing: $
This awesome cafe is the perfect pitstop along the Sea to Sky Highway for a coffee break or grabbing a bite with their soups, paninis, and snacks.
Plus, they’ve got this cool collection of autographed photos from the Britannia Mine Museum, showcasing the history of movies and TV shows filmed there.
OUTBOUND STATION
Address: 27400 Sea-to-Sky Hwy, Britannia Beach, BC V0N 1J0, Canada
Pricing: $
This cozy craft burger shop and café offers an amazing view of the lake and mountains. It’s unbeatable, especially when you’re enjoying one of their pour-overs—definitely some of the best coffee we’ve had!
We tried the spinach quiche, and it was delicious with a generous portion that kept us full for three hours. The burrito was tasty too.
Sea to Sky Restaurant at Furry Creek
Address: 150 Country Club Rd, Furry Creek, BC V0N 3Z2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-896-2224
Pricing: $$$
Perched above the 18th green, the Sea to Sky Restaurant offers stunning views over the treetops to the beautiful Howe Sound. They serve delicious Italian cuisine, including a crowd favorite—fresh, homemade pasta.
The lobster carbonara spaghettini and Cornish game hen are both very tasty. It’s a great stop between Whistler and Vancouver, with glorious views to enjoy over lunch.
Unique Slow Rise Bakery
Address: 36583 Darrell Bay Rd, Squamish, BC V8B 0A6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-902-3870
Pricing: $$
Unique Slow Rise Bakery boasts a fantastic location with amazing views of the falls. The food menu is quite limited, which makes sense given its distance from Vancouver.
We tried their breakfast combo (2 baked goods and a drink) and lunch combo (2 dim sum choices and a drink). The spread included delicious soup dumplings, bean curd roll, pineapple bun, and egg tart, paired with a Spanish Latte and Ube Latte.
What to Do in Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge Trail
Hike the Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge Trail
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Address: Browning Lake Trail, Britannia Beach, BC V0N 1J0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-9371
This steep trail takes you up to Jurassic Ridge and the Quercus Viewpoint, offering breathtaking views over Howe Sound. Though it’s a short hike, it’s rated Intermediate because of the steep ascent.
At the Quercus Viewpoint, you’ll enjoy an incredible panorama of Howe Sound, with Browning Lake below and the region’s majestic mountains in the distance.
Check out the Lake
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Address: Browning Lake Trail, Britannia Beach, BC V0N 1J0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-9371
Apart from the hiking trail, Murrin Park is also a perfect day out, with a small lake ideal for swimming and fishing. Browning Lake is a charming spot that has an easy path that circles the lake.
Across the lake from the highway, there’s a small beach area with several picnic tables. It’s a great spot to relax, have a picnic, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Go Rock Climbing
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Address: Browning Lake Trail, Britannia Beach, BC V0N 1J0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-9371
This park is a hit with rock climbers and folks who just want a quick nature walk. With over 250 climbing routes, there’s something for everyone, no matter your skill level. The different rock faces and climbing angles keep things interesting and challenging.
Make a Pitstop at Britannia Mine Museum
Address: 150 Copper Dr, Britannia Beach, BC V8B 1J1, Canada
Phone: +1 800-896-4044
Here, you’ll dive into the material and social history of mining in British Columbia. It kicks off with a 10-minute video at the visitor center, explaining the mine’s significance until it closed in the 70s.
Next, you’ll take a 5-minute ride on the mine train into the mountain, seeing how early miners worked with simple tools to the introduction of haulage train cars.
The tour wraps up at the BOOM tower, showing how rocks were broken down to copper concentrate.
Engage in Recreational Water Activities
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Address: Browning Lake Trail, Britannia Beach, BC V0N 1J0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-9371
Aside from swimming, you can also canoe and kayak at Browning Lake. It’s a small lake, so in the summer, you’ll probably see more inflatable toys than boats. The lake is stocked with fish, so you might even get lucky and catch something.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge Trail
Spyglass: advanced compass and GPS navigation app for outdoors and off-road navigation.
Maps.me: access offline maps and receive turn-by-turn navigation instructions.
All Trails: online topographical map of over 50,000 trails in Canada and the USA.
PeakFinder: offline app that uses an elevation model to identify mountain peaks.
