Brunswick Mountain

5/31/2026

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This was a memorable day-hike of a prominent peak in the North Shore Mountains near Vancouver with awesome views of Howe Sound and the surrounding peaks.

Cool trees

After doing a couple errands in the city, I drove out to Lions Bay, foolishly expecting to be able to park at the trailhead. Little did I know, half of the metro area seemed to be hiking to Tunnel Bluffs that day, so I ended up having to park a good distance away from the official trailhead on a residential road.

Most folks hiking to Tunnel Bluffs take the standard road trail, but to escape the crowds, I found solitude and some beautiful forest on the side trails. I took Missing Link > Trudi’s Trail > Sleepless Nights and was pleased I did. After a thigh-burning climb up the Sleepless Nights trail, I ducked back on to the crowded thoroughfare. The crowds spread out quickly, though, and I really enjoyed the mostly flat traverse to the start of the Mount Brunswick climb.

Eventually I came to the signed intersection and began my way up. The lower parts of the trail were well-graded and surprisingly not too steep. At about 3500’ that changed dramatically, and the wide switchbacks were abandoned for a straight-up climber’s path. The trail was full of eroded roots and rocks and didn’t relent as I pushed higher.

The Sleepless Nights trail was a thigh-burner

I eventually intersected with the Howe Sound Crest Trail – a must do at some point – and continued upwards into increasingly rockier and more alpine terrain. After some light class 2 scrambling I came up to a small pass and could see the surprisingly dramatic-looking final bit to the summit. Views down to Howe Sound were already incredible at this point, and I could see down to the vibrant Brunswick Lake in the steep valley below.

The scramble to Brunswick's false summit

Looking back at the false summit with the short downclimb visible

The hardest scramble move - easily bypassed on the right

Beautiful lake basin with the Tantalus Range and Garibaldi in the distance

The scramble to Brunswick’s high point was a lot of fun! It was class 2 with maybe a class 3 move thrown in to the false summit, followed by a short downclimb and then a bit more scrambling on the other side. Everything was straightforward class 2-3 in my opinion, but it might feel different to others. I met a few people who did not want to continue to the true summit.

Near the true summit. I loved the view down to the saltwater

Great view of The Lions and Metro Van far below

Needless to say, the views were great. It was amazing to be in a rugged alpine environment and be able to look straight down on a saltwater inlet with islands and boats far below. I am very inspired to keep exploring the Coast Range. The views of The Lions and Mount Tantalus were particularly inspiring.

Mount Harvey and Howe Sound

Heading down with another hiker about to crest the ridge

Hat Mountain with Tantalus in the rear. Note the weather station on top of Hat!

Another view of Hat

Steep section on the descent

On my way down I made sure to savor the Howe Sound view as much as I could before disappearing back into the trees. I took the same side trails on the way down as I did on the way up and was happy with that decision again. After getting back to my car I drove straight down to the nearest shore access on the sound and threw myself in the water – a great end to a fun hike.

Pretty forest on the hike out

My swim spot on Howe Sound to complete a fun day

Final Stats: 8.6 miles / 5149 feet of gain

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