Hiking Trail Review: Lynn Peak, North Vancouver, BC

August 5, 2022

Location: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park
Park here: Lynn Headwaters Entrance Parking Lot
Public Transport: Bus # 210 from downtown Vancouver

Hike Distance: 8.8 km roundtrip
Hike Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 720 m
Difficulty: Challenging
What makes it challenging? Significant elevation on a steep and rocky trail.

Park website: Click here

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Lynn Peak is a rugged uphill slog through trees to a 992-metre-high lookout with sweeping views over the Vancouver area. It’s not a classic peak with 360-degree vistas—to reach that, you’ll need to hike several kilometres farther up the ridge to The Needles.

I recently did Lynn Peak for the second time on a hot, hazy afternoon in late July. While the trail is marked as challenging on park maps, it doesn’t penetrate deep into backcountry and there’s no tricky scrambling involved. To me, it’s more like an elongated version of the Grouse Grind without the tourists.

Finding the Trailhead

I got a bus from central Vancouver to the End of the Line Store in suburban North Van. The store’s attached cafe is my favourite place to carb- and caffeine-load before any Lynn Headwaters excursion (their cinnamon buns have fuelled me through many a backcountry adventure). From there, I walked 1.5 kilometres along Lynn Canyon Road to the regional park’s entrance parking lot.

Brendan Sainsbury

Lynn Peak shares the same trailhead as Norvan Falls and the Lynn Loop. The path starts on the east bank of Lynn Creek next to a large signboard.

Brendan Sainsbury

The Hike Itself

The first part of the route follows the Lynn Loop in a counter-clockwise direction and is refreshingly easy. Think of it as the calm before the storm!

Brendan Sainsbury

Turn left at the first junction, continuing to follow the Lynn Loop as it gradually curls uphill.

The Lynn Peak route branches off the Lynn Loop after 1.2 kilometres. I immediately noticed the jump in difficulty both in the steepness and quality of the path.

Brendan Sainsbury

The official park map labels the first section of the Lynn Peak trail as ‘intermediate’ and the rest as ‘challenging.’ With its ubiquitous roots and rocks, I would rate it all of it as relatively challenging. In fact, some of the upper portions are a little easier in terms of grade.

Brendan Sainsbury

The path becomes narrower and less distinct as you hone in on the summit, although you won’t need any advanced route-finding skills. Just look for yellow markers on trees.

Brendan Sainsbury

Just before the ‘summit,’ you’ll see a signpost—the first in 3.2 kilometres—directing you to the right. You’re practically there!

Brendan Sainsbury

When I arrived, someone had strung a line of prayers flags along some bushes.

Brendan Sainsbury

Lynn Peak is less of a summit and more of a lookout. The trees give way and you’re treated to an expansive view of the Lower Mainland looking wonderfully peaceful in the haze.

Brendan Sainsbury

Before You Go:

This is a long grind with no water sources beyond Lynn Creek. Pack extra hydration.
You’re sharing the forest with bears. Make noise and carry bear spray.
There’s a lot of loose rock underfoot. Running shoes are fine for the sure-footed, otherwise wear hiking boots.