Archie MontroseWhy don’t rocks at Quarry Rock ever get lost? Because they always follow the “trail” mix! But seriously though. We huffed and we puffed and we were blown away by the views here at Quarry Rock.
It’s got a stunning view of the Indian Arm and Belcarra that left us in awe while chewing on our secret stash of trail mix.
Ready to experience the adventure of Quarry Rock? Dive into our guide for the best places to stay, eat, and everything you need to make your hike unforgettable!
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Quarry Rock is any time of the year. However, if you want to dodge the crowds, you’d avoid sunny summer weekends when the trail and village get really busy.
Another tip is to get there early; starting around 7am should ensure you find parking and enjoy a mostly quiet trail.
How long does it take to walk Quarry Rock?
Quarry Rock in North Vancouver offers stunning panoramic views of Indian Arm and Belcarra.
It’s a popular hiking destination, drawing locals and tourists alike for its natural beauty and accessible trails. The hike provides a refreshing escape into nature, making it a cherished spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Quarry Rock hike takes around 1.5 hours. If you choose to do the hike from the Panorama Drive parking lot, the hike spans 3.6km round trip with a 100-meter elevation gain.
Quarry Rock Hiking Route
The Quarry Rock hike, also called Grey Rock or Indian Arm Lookout Trail, begins at Panorama Park parking lot.
Keep an eye out for a sign by a driveway with stairs marking the trailhead. Follow the Baden-Powell Trail markers (orange “BP” logos) through the forest.
Get ready for some uphill climbs and rooty paths. After about 20 minutes, you’ll spot Cove Creek bridge; just keep going straight. Watch for wooden stairs and emergency markers numbered 1 to 12.
Cross Francis Creek bridge and continue uphill to Quarry Rock. Take in the breathtaking views of Indian Arm and the mountains. You might want to check out another lookout point nearby, too!
Quarry Rock Hike Statistics
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 3.8km
- Elevation Gain: 100 meters
- Highest Point: 123 m
- Time: 1.5 hours to 2 Hours
- Type: Out-and-back
- Season: Year-round
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Driving Time from Vancouver: 30 min
- Trailhead Coordinates: 49.330205 -122.949835
Directions and Parking
Starting from Vancouver, drive north on Highway #1 over the Ironworkers Memorial bridge. Take exit 22B for Mount Seymour Parkway.
Turn right onto Mount Seymour Parkway and continue for about 5 kilometers until you reach Deep Cove Road. Turn left onto Deep Cove Road and follow it until you reach Deep Cove.
At the 4-way stop, turn left onto Panorama Drive. You’ll find a parking lot for Panorama Park immediately on your right.
Parking is free but limited, especially on sunny days. Additional street parking is available on Rockcliff Road or near Cove Cliff Elementary School. From there, it’s a short walk to the trailhead.
Consider taking the bus to Deep Cove: the 211 from downtown or the 212 from Phibbs Exchange. Parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends after 9 am, so don’t expect to find a spot easily.
Where to Stay near Quarry Rock
Holiday Inn & Suites
Address: 700 Old Lillooet Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 2H5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-985-3111
Pricing: $$
Nestled in the North Shore mountains’ foothills lies the Holiday Inn & Suites North Vancouver, delivering on its full-service commitment.
You can enjoy complimentary perks like parking, an indoor pool with a hot tub and sauna, a fitness center, and onsite dining. While rooms are simple, the value matches the price.
Atrium Inn Vancouver
Address: 2889 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 2A1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-254-1000
Pricing: $$
Located in East Vancouver, the Atrium Inn Vancouver sits in a charming neighborhood close to thrilling theme parks.
Alongside cozy accommodations, you can indulge in an onsite pub/restaurant and access to a fitness room for added convenience. Plus, it’s only 17 minutes away from Quarry Rock.
Accent Inns Burnaby
Address: 3777 Henning Dr, Burnaby, BC V5C 6N5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-473-5000
Pricing: $$
A stone’s throw from downtown Vancouver, Accent Inns places you in the heart of the action, surrounded by eateries and shops within walking distance.
Their rooms feature mini-fridges and kitchenettes. Inside, they have a country-style restaurant, a hot tub, and a gym. Plus, there’s a coin-operated laundry on-site.
Coast Metro Vancouver Hotel
Address: 2950 Boundary Rd, Burnaby, BC V5M 3Z9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-438-3451
Pricing: $$
Situated in Burnaby’s core, Coast Metro Vancouver Hotel is just a 17-minute drive to Quarry Rock. The hotel boasts a charming wooden exterior, radiating a cozy ambiance.
While you may occasionally hear sirens or traffic horns from the nearby intersection, it’s mostly a gentle background noise.
Executive Suites Hotel
Address: 4201 Lougheed Hwy., Burnaby, BC V5C 3Y6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-298-2010
Pricing: $$
This all-suite hotel and convention center offers spacious rooms equipped with a mini fridge, microwave, kettle, coffee maker, plates, and bowls, it ensures all your needs are met.
Amenities here include a sports bar and a casual restaurant serving West Coast fusion cuisine.
Where to Eat near Quarry Rock
Arms Reach Bistro
Address: 4390 Gallant Ave #107c, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-929-7442
Pricing: $$
At Arms Reach Bistro, you can indulge in Pacific Northwest dishes infused with a Mediterranean twist in a relaxed, contemporary setting overlooking the cove.
We highly recommend trying the spicy spaghetti with wild Argentinian prawns – it’s one of the most flavorful pastas we’ve ever tasted! Just remember to give it a good stir before digging in!
Dip Co. Sandwich
Address: 4381 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-988-0378
Pricing: $
This deli-market offers a fantastic selection of sandwiches for vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers alike. What’s impressive is that their food is imported from Europe!
The focaccia bread stands out, being incredibly soft yet crunchy, with fresh ingredients. While prices may be a bit higher, it’s well worth it.
Deepwater Micro Eatery
Address: 4369 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-770-0280
Pricing: $$
Located on Deep Cove’s main street, Deepwater Micro Eatery serves up healthy beach classics like tacos, fish and chips, and good old-fashioned beer.
Our advice? Try the truffle fries with aioli—they’re amazing! We loved our meals, which included prawn tacos, cod fish tacos, and a chicken burrito.
DeepCove Osaka Sushi
Address: 4355 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7G 2C1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-929-5033
Pricing: $$
This casual eatery offers sushi, teriyaki, rice and noodle dishes, plus sake, beer, and wine. It’s truly a lovely little sushi spot in town, with a Japanese inspired ambiance like paper lanterns and bamboo accents.
We were amazed by the quality and freshness of the tuna and salmon sashimi. The thick, tender slices were simply divine and melted in our mouths.
Honey Doughnuts & Goodies
Address: 4373 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-929-4988
Pricing: $$
Honey Doughnuts & Goodies is a charming donut shop and cafe serving breakfast and lunch, with a cozy patio. It’s a great spot for any meal, and they serve breakfast until 4 PM.
Our favorite donut was the cinnamon sugar, followed by the original and the maple. They even offer to heat them up for you!
What to Do in Quarry Rock
Walk to the Quarry Rock Lookout from Deep Cove
Media credit: tashiblahblah
Address: Baden Powell Trail, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1V6, Canada
The hike starts from Panorama Drive—look for the Baden Powell Trail sign and turn left. The trail winds through a dense, peaceful forest, crossing several bridges over small creeks and waterfalls.
The scenery is beautiful, with lots of steps and a mostly steady uphill climb, though there are some flatter sections. For someone with average fitness, it’s a moderately challenging trail and a great leg workout.
The trail ends at an open rocky area on the edge of a cliff with incredible views. The initial section is challenging with what feels like endless steps, but after that, the hike is very manageable, ending with a fantastic view of Deep Cove.
Bring Your Furry Friend
Media credit: doodsherlock
Address: Baden Powell Trail, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1V6, Canada
This relatively short hike is compact yet rewarding, featuring wooden stairs, bridges, and well-trodden paths perfect for your pet’s paws.
As you ascend, the fresh cedar-scented air fills your lungs, while your dog enjoys a variety of earthy scents. Upon reaching the rock, the expansive lookout provides an ideal spot for a rest and a water break with your furry friend.
Dogs are allowed to be off-leash but under control at all times. The trail is meticulously maintained and its popularity speaks to its ideal conditions for both experienced hikers and first-time furry companions.
Traverse the Stairways
Media credit: edwardolobo
Address: Baden Powell Trail, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1V6, Canada
The hike is well-marked with many, and we mean many wooden stairs. While it’s not overly difficult, the incline and numerous stairs can leave you breathless.
The initial stair climb eventually transitions into a pleasant temperate rainforest walk. There are several boardwalks and stair sections, but overall, the trail is mostly flat and very picturesque.
Cool Off in the Streams
Media credit: mocha_jelly_
Address: Baden Powell Trail, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1V6, Canada
The Quarry Rock trail is filled with steps and bridges that cross over waterfalls and streams, making them great spots to cool off and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Take in the View on Top of Quarry Rock
Media credit: clemtse
Address: Baden Powell Trail, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1V6, Canada
The view from Quarry Rock is breathtaking! You can see Indian Arm and Deep Cove. On sunny days, the scenery is especially stunning. You’ll see a mix of morning fog and breaking sunshine.
Arriving early ensures a peaceful experience, but the rock does fill up later. Take your time to soak in the scenic vistas of Burnaby Mountain, Deep Cove, and the Eagle Ridge and Belcarra mountains. It’s absolutely beautiful!
Apps to Download for a Trip to Quarry Rock
AllTrails: custom route planning app with fitness activity tracker and reviews from fellow hikers to help you plan your outdoor adventures.
Gaia GPS: paid hiking navigation app, road trip planner, and backcountry navigator
Relive.cc: a free tracking app that records a video of your route and waypoints, as well as showing the elevation profile and stats.
GasBuddy: locates gas stations near you and displays prices, sends price hike alerts, and notifies you of deals.
