Tunnel Bluffs

The hike to Tunnel Bluffs climbs steeply from Lions Bay before briefly following the Mount Brunswick Trail and branching off and following an old logging road to the viewpoint. On a sunny day, the incredible view looks out towards Bowen Island and the Sunshine Coast as well as south to Horseshoe Bay and along the Sea To Sky Highway.

From the parking lot at the Sunset Trailhead in Lions Bay, begin your hike following the service road as it climbs steeply at the first switchback. The first section of this hike on the road is the steepest and it continues until you reach the Brunswick Mountain junction after 6 switchbacks (at the 7th switchback). Continue uphill and pass the water reservoir on your right. When you reach what looks like a junction, go right and follow the rocky road as it climbs quickly.

At the 7th switchback, and after hiking for about 30-40 minutes up the road, watch for signs on a tree on the left next to a trail that leaves the road. Go left and leave the road, following the Mount Brunswick Trail (continuing uphill will take you to the Lions Binkert Trail).

Most of the uphill has been completed and the trail is either flat or has minimal elevation gain as you begin to cover distance and make time quickly. Carefully cross the wooden log bridge across Magnesia Creek and continue until you reach a junction with two blue signs. Go left to Tunnel Bluffs (the trail to the right goes up to Mount Brunswick).

The trail continues through a long flat stretch, eventually crossing a small creek, followed by another flat stretch, and then crossing another creek with a log bridge. Not far after the bridge, you reach a junction with the old Tunnel Bluffs route that begins at Tunnel Point along the Sea To Sky Highway. Continue straight and go left at the Hat Mountain junction and continue along the flat trail to Tunnel Bluffs.

As you get close, the trail climbs up over some rocky sections as it wraps around, before making the final descent to the viewpoint. On a clear day, the views are outstanding looking out to Bowen Island, Keats Island, and the Sunshine Coast. Pleasure craft cross Howe Sound and the ferries can be seen arriving and leaving Horseshoe Bay in the distance.

After enjoying the view, walk back along the trail, following the same route you took earlier. Make sure to go straight at the junction to Lions Bay as you make your way through the forest and eventually return to the service road. Follow the steep service road back down to the Sunset Trailhead parking lot.