Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinDid you know that logging in the Brother Creek area started in the 1870s? It’s true! You can even pass by what remains of an old 1900s sawmill here. In this article, we explore this historical trail in Vancouver.
If you find yourself looking for an adventure or a glimpse into the past, this trail is the perfect choice. If you’re up for a hike that combines nature and history, keep reading as we take you on a journey through the Brothers Creek Loop Trail.
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (UTC-8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Brothers Creek is early June, as the weather is usually warm and sunny, perfect for hiking and enjoying the lush greenery.
Additionally, early June is before the peak tourist season, so you can avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience in nature.
Things to Know
Brothers Creek Loop Map
The Brothers Creek Loop Trail kicks off around the 1100 block of Millstream Road. It’s a pretty steady climb along Brothers Creek, nothing too crazy though. There used to be this bridge halfway through, but it’s under construction right now.
So, when you hit that spot, you’ve got a couple options: keep on truckin’ past the bridge and finish up the longer route like they lay out, or just turn around and head back to where you started once you hit the broken bridge.
Brothers Creek Loop Difficulty
The hike at Brothers Creek Loop Trail is kind of in the middle in terms of difficulty. You’re looking at about 10 km of trekking with a climb of 475m. The terrain keeps a steady incline throughout.
Before hitting the wrecked Brothers Creek bridge, the west side of the trail is your typical BC forest scene – you know, lots of rocks, roots, and all that jazz. But once you cross that bridge, things get a bit more rugged.
There are these narrow, twisty paths, tricky stream crossings, and even though they mark the trail well, you might still find yourself scratching your head a bit with navigation so it’s a good idea to bring an offline map.
Brothers Creek Loop Length
The Brothers Creek Loop clocks in at about 3.8 miles, which should take you roughly 2 hours and 16 minutes to finish up. It’s a hot spot for both hikers and runners, so expect to bump into some fellow outdoor enthusiasts along the way.
How to Get to Brothers Creek Loop
By car: Cross the Lions Gate Bridge towards West Vancouver. After Capilano Bridge, take the first right onto Taylor Way and go up the steep hill. Keep straight through a series of roundabouts.
Turn left onto Southborough Drive, then shortly after, take the first left onto Highland Drive. Go uphill for about a kilometer until you hit a stop sign at Eyremount Drive. Turn left and soon after, turn right onto Crestline Road.
Take the first left onto Henlow Road, then right onto Millstream Road. Just ahead, there’s a short stretch of road veering off to the left – that’s where the Brothers Creek Loop starts.
By public transit: get to downtown Vancouver and hop on the 250 bus to Horseshoe Bay. Once you cross the Lions Gate Bridge, get off at the Park Royal Shopping Center, and board the 254 bus across the street.
Get off the bus at the top of Chartwell, at the corner of Chartwell Drive and Eyremount Drive. From there, the trail is a 10-minute walk. Turn left onto Eyremount Drive, then take the first right onto Crestline Road and head uphill.
When you reach the first left, turn onto Henlow Road. At the peak, turn right onto Millstream Road and go a little way until you see the road split. Take the left fork and walk up the short section until you hit the fence marking the beginning of the trail.
Where to Stay near the Brothers Creek Loop Trail
SureStay
Address: 1634 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3B4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-987-8185
Pricing: $$
This hotel with a two-star rating has laid-back rooms that come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, along with coffee and tea-making gear.
You can park for free here. Plus, they’ve got a relaxed restaurant and a pool that’s open seasonally. They’ve also got a business center and meeting rooms available for guests.
Crystal’s View Bed & Breakfast
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Address: 420 Tempe Crescent, North Vancouver, BC V7N 1E6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-987-3952
Pricing: $$
This bed and breakfast in North Vancouver sits in a peaceful neighborhood just off the Trans-Canada Highway. Positioned on the mountain, it offers stunning views of the garden, bay, and city through large windows.
You’ll find beautifully decorated rooms, a delicious breakfast, and a charming garden with a gazebo perfect for relaxing.
Rosellen Suites At Stanley Park
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Address: 2030 Barclay St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1L5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-689-4807
Pricing: $$
Located snugly in Vancouver’s West End, booking a stay at Rosellen Suites places you close to the Lions Gate Bridge and just a quick 15-minute jaunt to the Brothers Creek Loop Trail.
The rooms here have a cozy vibe, boasting full kitchens equipped with granite countertops. Additionally, guests have access to a nearby fitness center and pool.
Times Square Suites Hotel
Address: 1821 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E4, Canada
Phone: 604-684-2223
Pricing: $$$
The Times Square Suites is timeless. It’s got that Victorian charm (the building has a clock tower) and apartment-style studios that are ideal for families and big groups.
Up on the rooftop, you’ll find a patio decked out with comfy loungers and picnic tables, complete with several BBQs for grilling. And don’t forget to take in the panoramic city views while you’re up there.
The Westin Bayshore
Address: 1601 Bayshore Dr., Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-682-3377
Pricing: $$$
Nestled on the shores of Coal Harbour, the Westin Bayshore is quite the luxurious option. It has an upscale rotisserie restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, a 24/7 exercise room and a spa.
Inside, the rooms boast class, with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious bathrooms, and modern amenities. The hotel also offers stunning views of the harbor and mountains.
Where to Eat near the Brothers Creek Loop Trail
Cliff House Restaurant & Bar
Address: 3755 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4H9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-985-7474
Pricing: $$
Perched atop the Capilano Canyon, the Cliff House Restaurant boasts a laid-back atmosphere and a menu influenced by the flavors of the West Coast. Expect seafood dishes paired with local BC wines and regional craft beer on tap.
A must-try is their pulled pork sandwich – the sauce and meat hit the spot just right. And don’t overlook the fries; they’re cooked to perfection.
Loggers Grill
Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4H9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-985-7474
Pricing: $$
At Loggers’ Grill, you can dive into barbecue classics like certified Angus beef burgers, gourmet dogs, as well as Beyond Meat options for both burgers and dogs.
And here’s the deal: they’re generous with their portion sizes, especially when it comes to the fries that come with your burger or hotdog.
Just a heads up, though, you’ll find Loggers’ Grill nestled within the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, so keep in mind you’ll need to pay the park’s entrance fee to enjoy their delicious offerings.
Bufala Edgemont
Address: 3280 Edgemont Blvd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 2P2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-770-2822
Pricing: $$
At this Italian eatery, you’ll indulge in authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas crafted from scratch and cooked flawlessly in their 800-degree stone oven. Alongside pizzas, they offer a delightful array of Italian-inspired dishes.
The flavors are spot-on, with a thin crust that hits the spot and potatoes that add a fantastic textural contrast. And let’s talk portions – they’re generous and totally justify the price tag.
De Dutch
Address: 1634 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3B4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-985-0328
Pricing: $$
De Dutch is your go-to spot for all-day breakfast and lunch, featuring classic favorites such as sausage hash, pancakes, ham, bacon, and Smoked Wild BC Salmon.
But here’s the real kicker: their pannekoekens are downright scrumptious, and the best part is they can whip them up gluten-free! If you’ve never tried them before, trust us, it’s an experience worth having!
Capilano Market
Address: 1847 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3B5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-971-5999
Pricing: $
Capilano Market is your ultimate destination for mouthwatering paninis and organic coffee. Picture a sun-kissed patio setting, making it the perfect spot to unwind with a cozy drink and a delightful sweet or savory treat.
When it comes to recommendations, we highly suggest trying out the Happy Italian subs. The meat is preservative-free and incredibly fresh, and paired with the fresh bread and vegetable toppings.
What to Do in the Brothers Creek Loop Trail
Hike along the Trail
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Address: West Vancouver, BC V7S 2C8, Canada
Email: [email protected]
The Brothers Creek Loop Trail offers a serene stroll through the woods, making it an easy hike with gentle inclines and declines. As you wander along, you’ll be greeted by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of rushing waterways never far away.
This picturesque singletrack trail begins its ascent from the helipad, leading you up to the bridge at the summit of Brothers Creek.
Along the way, you’ll encounter a breathtaking waterfall cascading down into the canyon below. After passing the waterfall, you’ll reach the former location of the Brothers Creek Bridge.
Capture the Beauty of the Natural Landscape
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Address: West Vancouver, BC V7S 2C8, Canada
Email: [email protected]
There are plenty of opportunities to see lush forests, flowing creeks, and diverse wildlife along the trail. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning views and serene surroundings that make this hike so special.
Wander through Groves of Douglas Fir and Western Cedar
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Address: West Vancouver, BC V7S 2C8, Canada
Email: [email protected]
The Brothers Creek Loop Trail is lined with Douglas Fir and Western Cedar trees, providing a lush and peaceful environment for hikers to enjoy.
In the lower section of the trail, you’ll find a blend of second-growth Douglas-fir and Western Hemlock trees adorning the landscape. As you ascend higher, the predominant species shifts to Western Red Cedar.
Many of these trees appear quite old, reaching possibly up to a century in age; it’s worth noting that forestry experts typically don’t classify Douglas-fir, Western Hemlock, and Western Red Cedar aged 100 years as old-growth.
Take the Forestry Heritage Walk
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Address: West Vancouver, BC V7S 2C8, Canada
Email: [email protected]
The Forestry Heritage Walk kicks off at the fire protection road next to 1121 Millstream Road, leading you through a forest that was logged back in the early 20th century.
As you stroll along, you’ll notice sizable stumps left behind by loggers, with many bearing the telltale signs of charring from the forest fires of 1916 and 1920.
Take a Dip
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Address: West Vancouver, BC V7S 2C8, Canada
Email: [email protected]
The amount of water in the fall varies depending on the time of your visit. Once you arrive at the falls, you can go for a refreshing swim in the pool below or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Brothers Creek Loop Trail
PayByPhone: cashless parking app that lets you register and pay for parking in Vancouver.
GasBuddy: locates gas stations near you and displays prices, sends price hike alerts, and notifies you of deals.
Waze: online navigation app that provides turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and user-generated reports on accidents, hazards, and road closures.
AllTrails: a running and hiking app with over 400,000 trails, trail information, maps, detailed reviews, and photos.
