Archie MontroseAt the summit of Eagle Bluffs, we sat down to catch our breath and joked, “I think I’ll cancel my gym membership and just hike Eagle Bluffs every day instead.”
Kidding aside, this hike was not only a physical challenge but also a mental escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
So, if you’re ready to take on Eagle Bluffs, keep reading as we share the best places to stay, dine, and things to do on this awesome trail.
Best Time to Go
Eagle Bluffs is a great hike year-round. During winter, the top turns into a bit of a winter wonderland. In the summer, it’s advisable to aim for higher trails.
If you’re heading up in the winter, you can snowshoe here, but microspikes are a must, and gaiters will likely be helpful, too.
How long does it take to hike Eagle Bluffs?
North Shore’s Eagle Bluffs in Vancouver offers breathtaking views of the city, mountains, and ocean. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a refreshing escape from urban life.
This hike typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours, including a break at the bluffs. It’s moderately challenging and popular for hiking and running, though you can still find solitude during quieter times.
Directions and Parking
You can reach Eagle Bluffs two ways, but the easiest is from the Cypress Mountain ski area. Drive on Highway #1, take Exit #8 to Cypress Provincial Park, and merge right onto Cypress Parkway.
Follow it up the mountain, stay left when you see the ski hills, and continue to the end of the parking lot. The trail begins just beyond the lodge near a large wooden sign with a map of the trails.
For free parking, you need to park in Lot 3b on Cypress Bowl Road. It’s the first lot after the junction to Hollyburn Nordic Area, and it’s the furthest from the ski lodge.
Eagle Bluffs Route Information
This trail starts at Cypress Creek Lodge. Walk towards the information sign for the ski runs, then go left towards the Eagle Express ski lift. Just before the lift, take the small trail on the right, then immediately turn left onto the Yew Lake Trail.
After about 100 meters, take the trail going up Black Mountain. This is where the steep part begins, starting moderately but getting steeper as you walk beside a ski run. After a few hundred meters, you’ll hit a very steep section with switchbacks.
After around 1.8 kilometers, the trail splits. Left goes to Eagle Bluffs, skipping Cabin Lake and Black Mountain, while right goes to both. We recommend going right to see them on the way out, making the return hike easier.
Right after turning, you’ll reach Cabin Lake. Continue on, and after about 100 meters, you’ll reach the summit of Black Mountain. It’s the highest point but not the most interesting, so most people head straight to Eagle Bluffs for better views.
From Black Mountain, the rest of the hike to Eagle Bluffs is downhill, though you’ll have to climb back up on the return. Then, you’ll reach a junction where the trail rejoins those who skipped Cabin Lake and Black Mountain. Go right there.
The remaining 2 kilometers take you past lakes like Owen and Cougar and across several streams. The final part of the trail goes through dense forest before opening up onto Eagle Bluffs ridge.
The view is expansive, overlooking Bowen Island, Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, and even Mount Baker on clear days.
On the return, you can choose to go left to head back up Black Mountain/Cabin Lake or right to return via Sam and Theagill Lake. Go right, as you’ve already seen Black Mountain and Cabin Lake, and it reduces the climb slightly.
Where to Stay near Eagle Bluffs
Horseshoe Bay Motel
Address: 6588 Royal Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2B6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-913-6588
Pricing: $
This motel really takes you back in time with its vintage decor and retro furnishings, but it still has all the modern comforts like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs in every room.
You get what you pay for with rooms offering views of the village, mountains, and ocean, plus free self-parking. It’s also just a few minutes away from restaurants, parks, galleries, and right next to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites
Address: 1748 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3B4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-337-8393
Pricing: $
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on Capilano Road is an older hotel that’s well-maintained and a great option if you’re looking to save on accommodation costs.
It offers free parking, breakfast, coffee, and a charming courtyard. The rooms are decent, and its convenient location puts you close to Eagle Bluffs.
SureStay by Best Western
Address: 1634 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3B4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-987-8185
Pricing: $$
SureStay by Best Western provides basic rooms, but its location is perfect for those driving to downtown Vancouver or catching the Horseshoe Bay Ferries.
You also get the perk of having their own door to the outside, and there’s a restaurant right on-site.
Capilano River RV Park
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Address: 295 Tomahawk Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7P 1C5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-987-4722
Pricing: $
Capilano River RV Park is in an awesome spot by the ocean and river, close to downtown, beaches, Stanley Park, and Eagle Bluffs. Sure, it’s not a fancy hotel, but it offers a unique camping experience with beautiful natural surroundings.
The park has 205 premium sites, including options for tenting. Each site is surrounded by nicely landscaped lawns and comes with its own picnic table.
Where to Eat near Eagle Bluffs
The Good Karma Cafe
Address: 6750 Keith Rd, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2V1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-926-5164
Pricing: $$
Tucked away in the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, The Good Karma Cafe dishes out organic pizzas, wraps, and teas. It’s a delightful little food truck-esque spot, perfect for grabbing a healthy bite before hitting the trails.
Their coffee is something else. We’re convinced it’s the best brew in the lower mainland. We loved it so much that we splurged on a five-pound bag to savor at home.
Fresh Bay Pizza
Address: 6382 Bay St, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2G9, Canada
Phone: +1 778-279-4360
Pricing: $$
Fresh Bay Pizza is your go-to Italian-style fast-food joint, serving up delicious chicken wings, pepperoni, and salads. Their bubble tea takes your meal to the next level – you’ll be craving more in no time.
We loved their Hawaiian Pizza. It’s bursting with spectacular flavors, with a crust that’s just perfect. And that sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese is just absolute perfection.
Bay Sushi
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Address: 6371 Bruce St, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2G5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-913-8973
Pricing: $
Bay Sushi is your spot for top-notch sushi, sourcing high-quality products locally and internationally. Their Sushi Grade selections feature Atlantic Salmon, Local BC options, Unagi, and much more.
We highly recommend trying out their salmon avocado roll and the spicy tuna roll – they’re absolute winners. And don’t miss out on their freshly brewed green tea; it’s a perfect 10/10 in terms of taste.
C-Lovers Fish & Chips
Address: 6640 Royal Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2B8, Candaa
Phone: +1 604-913-0994
Pricing: $$
C-Lovers is the go-to spot for the tastiest fish and chips in town. They pride themselves on using hand-selected Alaskan halibut and locally grown Kennebec potatoes, ensuring freshness in every bite.
We also gave their halibut burgers and cod a try, and they were all fresh and flavorful. And don’t even get us started on their tartar sauce – it’s seriously good stuff.
Pudgie’s Pizza
Address: 6620 Royal Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2B9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-921-6866
Pricing: $$
Since 1988, Pudgie’s Pizza has been a Horseshoe Bay favorite, serving up traditional pies and pastas made with local ingredients, alongside specialty sodas.
We’ve noticed that Canadian pizza can often be thick and heavy, but Pudgie’s bucks that trend with their thin base and reasonable toppings, not to mention their fantastic dough.
What to Do in Eagle Bluffs
Follow the Baden Powell to Eagle Bluffs from Horseshoe Bay
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Address: Eagle Bluffs, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-926-5612
If you want to reach Eagle Bluffs from Horseshoe Bay, you can take the Baden-Powell trail. It’s much steeper, though—11 km with a 1000m elevation gain. You’ll need snowshoes and good navigation skills.
The section of the Baden Powell trail between Whyte Lake and Eagle Bluffs is particularly challenging. It keeps getting steeper, and there is a tough slope with loose rocks. Even after the slope,
it gets more steep climbing until you finally reach Eagle Bluffs. The view makes it all worth it, though.
Visit the Black Mountain North Summit
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Address: Eagle Bluffs, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-926-5612
The view from Black Mountain is nothing short of gorgeous. We highly recommend checking out the Black Mountain North Summit as it offers great views looking north and is an easy addition to the hike.
Some even say the views from there might be even better than from the bluffs themselves.
Combine Eagle Bluffs with Bowen Lookout & Yew Lake
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Address: Eagle Bluffs, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-926-5612
The hike kicks off with a leisurely stroll along a smooth gravel path to Bowen Lookout. From there, you’re treated to stunning views westward of Gambier Island and Bowen Island.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife too—gray jays and chipmunks are often spotted at this viewpoint.
Yew Lake boasts an easy walking path that’s perfect for all skill levels. The highlight here is the impressive old-growth forest, complete with informative signs to enhance your experience.
Hike on the Backcountry Access Corridor
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Address: Eagle Bluffs, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-926-5612
To hike on the Backcountry Access Corridor (BAC), head to the Black Mountain Lodge first. There, grab a yellow Liability Waiver sticker from a small room on the left just before the bathrooms—it’s like a free ticket.
Once you have it on your jacket, follow the green round signs marked “BAC.” These will lead you past the chairlift (Eagle Express Quad) to the trailhead.
The first part of the hike is a steep climb to near the top of Black Mountain, taking about 45 minutes. You’ll mostly follow the ski trails.
When you reach the top, you’ll see a sign marking the Black Mountain loop trail. Turn right for a slight uphill to the peak, or left for a longer climb winding through a creek area.
For the quickest route to Eagle Bluffs, turn right at the sign. At the peak of Black Mountain, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Howe Sound and be greeted by lots of Whiskey Jacks.
From here, you can either continue the loop and head back down (a 7km roundtrip to the base) or head towards Eagle Bluffs.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Eagle Bluffs
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.
Maps.me: detailed, offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation for driving, hiking, or biking to a selected location.
