The rocky trail to Lynn Peak in North Vancouver

Located in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park in North Vancouver, the trail to Lynn Peak offers a great cardio workout on par with the Grouse Grind, a scenic city view from the top, all without the crowds. The hike is also accessible by transit by taking the Seabus from Downtown Vancouver and then the bus to the top of Lynn Valley Road from Lonsdale Quay.

From the parking lot area, walk across Lynn Creek and go right along the gravel road until you reach a sign on the left pointing the direction to Lynn Loop. Immediately, the trail begins to climb through the dense forest setting covered with green moss and lichen from all the precipitation the north shore mountains receive year-round. After a short climb, you reach a sign marking the start of the trail to Lynn Peak.

Lichen hangs from the trees in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

Much of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park was logged up until the early 70′s and hikers can often find remnants of the logging operations such as pipes, tools, metal buckets, and even parts of an old vehicle. Notches cut from stumps were once used by loggers to place planks on to make it easier for them to cut down the trees. These notches are still visible in many of the stumps alongside the trails.

Follow the steep, rocky trail as it ascends towards Lynn Peak. There are a few smaller viewpoints along the trail of Mount Seymour but the best view is from the Peak where you can see across the city and as far as the US border on a clear, sunny day. They rocky outcrop is a great place for lunch before making your way back down and into the city.

The view from the top of Lynn Peak

For those looking for a less intense hike but with the beauty of the Vancouver rainforest, continue along the Lynn Loop route as it meanders through the park on a 1.5 hour loop before following Lynn Creek back to where you began.