Robert WebbWe bet you pronounced Mount Strachan wrong. That’s alright; we got it wrong the first few times, too. Gather ’round, teachable moment! It’s pronounced “strawn.”
Now, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, our comprehensive guide will help you conquer Mount Strachan with confidence.
Ready to take the first step? Read on for valuable tips on trail difficulty, the best times to visit, and the stunning views you can expect at the summit!
Best Time to Go to Mount Strachan
The best time to visit Mount Strachan is late spring (May), summer (June), or early fall (September).
During this time, most of the snow has melted, and the trails are clear, offering ideal hiking conditions before the snow returns.
Where is Mount Strachan?
Mount Strachan, a prominent peak in the North Shore Mountains near Vancouver, offers stunning hiking trails and panoramic views.
Its accessibility and natural beauty make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, tourists, and locals alike, seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery just a short drive from the city.
Mount Strachan is located north of Fording River Pass, spanning the Continental Divide, delineating the Alberta-British Columbia border. Locating the Mt. Strachan trailhead is effortless; it’s situated at Cypress Mountain Resort in West Vancouver.
Named in 1918 after Lt. Henry Strachan, VC, a Canadian army officer of Scottish descent, its historical significance adds to its allure for visitors and locals alike.
An Overview of Mount Strachan
The hike to Mount Strachan starts at the downhill ski parking lot and towards Cypress Creek Lodge. Follow signs for Yew Lake trail, keeping right beyond the lodge.
Look out for markers as you wind through the forest to reach the Howe Sound Crest Trail. At junctions, go left, following signs for Howe Sound Crest Trail.
Once you hit an old logging road, turn left and cross a wooden bridge. Keep climbing, passing through switchbacks until you reach Bowen Lookout, a short side trip with amazing views of Howe Sound and Bowen Island.
Back on track, head uphill until you hit a junction by a wooden map board for Howe Sound Crest Trail. Go left here, staying on the trail, which is pretty flat through the forest.
About 1km later, you’ll spot two small wooden bridges in Strachan Meadows. Look for a trail on the right between them, then scramble up rocky creek beds, staying left.
Once over a big rock, a clearer trail appears, leading through trees and over fallen logs. Keep following markers and rocks until you reach the top between Mount Strachan’s north and south summits.
Things to Know about Mount Strachan
Hike Statistics
Mount Strachan offers a moderately challenging hike that typically takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete. This 10.5 km loop hike reaches its peak at 1,440 m above sea level, providing hikers with rewarding views of the surrounding landscapes.
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Type | Loop |
| Distance | 10.5 km |
| Elevation Gain | 590m |
| Highest Elevation | 1,459m |
| Highest Point | 1,440 m |
| Time Needed | Slow: 4.5 – 6 Hours Moderate: 3.5 – 4.5 Hours Fast: 2.5 – 3.5 Hours |
Directions and Parking
To begin your hike to Mount Strachan, head to the parking lot at Cypress Mountain Resort. From Highway #1 West, take Exit #8 onto Cypress Bowl Rd.
Continue along this highway for approximately 15 km until you reach the downhill ski parking lot where you can park.
Where to Stay near Mount Strachan
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites
Address: 1748 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3B4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-337-8393
Pricing: $
The Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on Capilano Road is an older yet well-kept hotel, perfect for travelers on a budget. Guests can take advantage of a complimentary basic breakfast featuring juice, coffee, and pre-packaged muffins.
Amenities include free parking, breakfast, coffee, and a delightful courtyard. The rooms are comfortable, and the hotel’s convenient location offers easy access to St. Mark’s Summit.
SureStay by Best Western
Address: 1634 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3B4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-987-8185
Pricing: $$
SureStay by Best Western provides basic accommodations, but its prime location is perfect for those heading to downtown Vancouver or catching the Horseshoe Bay Ferries.
Each room features an exterior door for easy access, and there’s a restaurant on-site. Within walking distance, you’ll find two convenience stores along with several nearby dining options, including restaurants and pizza places.
Seaside Hotel North Vancouver
Address: 125 Victory Ship Way #130, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0G5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-973-1473
Pricing: $$$
Seaside Hotel Vancouver offers an incredible waterfront location in the acclaimed Shipyards District on Vancouver’s North Shore. The hotel is renowned for its third-floor spa, where you can unwind while enjoying stunning sea views.
The rooms feature reclaimed wood decor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and marble bathrooms. Additional amenities include an on-site restaurant and a cycling studio, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious stay.
Horseshoe Bay Motel
Address: 6588 Royal Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2B6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-913-6588
Pricing: $
This motel combines a nostalgic ambiance with vintage decor and retro furnishings, alongside modern conveniences like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs in every room.
You’ll enjoy rooms offering views of the village, mountains, and ocean, along with complimentary self-parking. It’s also conveniently situated just minutes from restaurants, parks, galleries, and right next to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal.
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 offers a prime location near the ocean and river, conveniently close to downtown, beaches, Stanley Park, and Eagle Bluffs.
While it may not provide the luxuries of a high-end hotel, it delivers a unique camping experience amidst breathtaking natural surroundings.
The park features 205 premium sites, including options for tents. Each site is surrounded by well-maintained lawns and comes with a picnic table.
Where to Eat near Mount Strachan
Troll’s Restaurant
Address: 6408 Bay St, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2H1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-921-7755
Pricing: $$
Troll’s, a family-owned and world-famous fish and chip restaurant in Horseshoe Bay, is renowned for its delicious comfort food and classic Canadian fare. The expansive patio provides a perfect spot to enjoy their specialties.
Their fish and chips, especially the Halibut, are outstanding. We also enjoyed their classic Caesar salad with chicken, which featured a wonderful dressing.
JJ’s Kitchen
Address: 5775 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2S1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-926-4523
Pricing: $$
Nestled in West Vancouver’s Eagle Harbour, JJ’s Kitchen is a hidden gem that offers a delightful dining experience. Live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays adds to the charming ambiance.
Their Seafood Linguine and Truffled Spaghetti & Meatball pastas are both outstanding and reasonably priced for the quality. The interior is tastefully decorated, and you must try their signature “Lambourgini” Coffee!
Casa Mia Cucina and Mercato
Address: 2215 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1K5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-281-3313
Pricing: $$
Casa Mia Cucina and Mercato is a laid-back Italian kitchen and market, offering homemade pastas and rustic pizzas inspired by various Italian regions.
We highly recommend trying the Margherita and Fungi pizzas. Both were among the best we’ve ever had, featuring generous, fresh toppings and an oven-baked crust that was crispy on the outside and perfectly chewy on the inside.
The Beach House Restaurant
Address: 150 25th St, West Vancouver, BC V7V 4H8, Canada
Phone: +1 604-922-1414
Pricing: $$
Situated in Dundarave, West Vancouver, The Beach House offers delectable West Coast cuisine, featuring seafood, steaks, and regional wines, all with a patio that boasts stunning views of Howe Sound.
Happy hour specials add an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit. The calamari was delicious, the wine was divine, and the half-off bottles on Wednesdays made the experience even more delightful
Salmon House On The Hill
Address: 2229 Folkestone Way, West Vancouver, BC V7S 2Y6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-926-3212
Pricing: $$
Perched like an eagle overlooking downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park, Salmon House On The Hill is celebrated as ‘Vancouver’s Original Seafood Grill Restaurant.’
The Salmon House Sampler was beautifully presented. The Sweet Soy Prawn Spring Roll was perfectly crispy with a hint of ginger, and the accompanying apple slaw was a delightful pairing.
What to Do in Mount Strachan
Take the Colin’s Run Up the Mountain
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Address: West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-926-5612
We recommend taking the Collins ski run on your ascent. While it’s steep, it offers a shorter route to the summit.
The trail follows service roads for the ski hill, which are smooth and offer expansive views. The breathtaking vistas from the summit make this challenging climb entirely worthwhile.
Go Snowshoeing
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Address: West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-926-5612
During winter, the Mount Strachan South Peak via Collins trail transforms into a downhill ski run. Though short and steep, the route lacks clear markings.
Despite this, reaching Mount Strachan rewards climbers with breathtaking views, especially during sunset. While its non-snowy condition remains uncertain, the snowy trail offers a rewarding workout with stunning vistas at its summit.
Take in the Views
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Address: West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-926-5612
From the summit of Mount Strachan, the panoramic views span 360 degrees. To the north, the majestic Lions and Unnecessary Mountain dominate the landscape. To the east, Crown Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Cathedral Mountain are visible.
The southern vista reveals the southern summit of Mount Strachan and the cityscape of Vancouver. Towards the west, Howe Sound, Black Mountain, and Bowen Island complete the breathtaking scenery.
Media credit: grahamb
Address: West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-926-5612
The Royal Canadian Navy T-33 training jet was flying in bad weather when it slammed into the dense forest of Mt. Strachan, in what is now the Cypress ski resort.
It’s a point of interest along the trail, where several pieces of the aircraft still rest today.
A small metal plate affixed to a nearby tree solemnly declares: “These are the remains of a Canadian Armed Forces T 33 Trainer which crashed on Nov 23, 1963, killing 2 — Do not take anything.”
Take a Detour to the Bowen Lookout
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Address: West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-926-5612
Tucked near the Cypress Mountain ski area, Bowen Lookout presents a mesmerizing panorama of Howe Sound, extending towards Bowen Island.
Hikers en route to Mount Strachan should seize the opportunity for a detour here, ideally at the outset of their journey.
The sweeping ocean vistas and island vistas from Bowen Lookout offer a serene respite from urban clamor, inviting moments of tranquility amidst nature’s grandeur
Apps to Download for a Trip to Mount Strachan
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.
