Trailhead: Pullout on Sea to Sky Highway (Hwy 99), ~10 km north of Lions Bay
Distance: ~11–12 km round trip
Elevation Gain: ~533 m
Duration: 3.5–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Route Type: Out & Back
Best Season: Spring to Fall (avoid icy conditions in winter)
Trail Overview
Tunnel Bluffs is one of the most popular viewpoints along the Sea to Sky corridor, offering expansive vistas over Howe Sound, Bowen Island, and the Sunshine Coast. Starting from a trailhead along Highway 99, this hike takes you through a mix of gravel access roads and lush forest trails, with a steep early ascent rewarded by a panoramic lookout that’s hard to beat—especially at sunrise or sunset.
Trail Description
Trailhead to Viewpoint Junction
The trail begins at a roadside parking area along Highway 99, just north of Lions Bay. Be extremely cautious when parking and crossing the highway.
The hike begins steeply, following a service road that climbs relentlessly for the first 2 km, gaining most of the elevation early on. This section is shaded by second-growth forest and can be quite muddy in spring or after rain.
At about 2.5 km, you’ll reach the junction where the Tunnel Bluffs trail forks off to the right from the Brunswick Mountain trail.
📍 Pro Tip: Take a short break here before continuing. You’ve already completed the toughest part of the ascent!
Junction to Tunnel Bluffs Lookout
From the junction, the trail flattens out significantly and meanders through mossy forest and rocky outcrops. The final kilometer is gentle and scenic, with glimpses of the ocean between the trees.
I had to cross to bridges like this.
As a compensation, you get a good few, how the river is falling down.
As you approach the bluff, the forest opens up suddenly, revealing one of the most iconic views in the region: a sweeping panorama of Howe Sound, with the islands dotting the deep blue water and coastal mountains rising beyond.
🪧 Lookout Info: The main viewpoint is wide and open, with plenty of space to sit, snack, and take photos. Be cautious near the cliff edge—there are no railings.
Return Route
Return the same way you came. The descent can be hard on the knees due to the steep gravel section at the start—trekking poles are highly recommended.
Tips
• Footwear: Wear hiking boots with good grip. The trail can be slippery after rain.
• Parking: Roadside parking is very limited. Arrive early, especially on weekends.
• Navigation: Trail is marked, but the initial section overlaps with other trails—watch for the Tunnel Bluffs sign at the fork.
• Sunrise/Sunset: This bluff is a favorite for sunrise and sunset—just be sure to bring a headlamp if you’re hiking in the dark.
• Dogs: Allowed on leash.
• No Facilities: After 200 m there are the only toilets, no water sources—pack everything in and out.