Tunnel Bluffs Trail (Lions Bay) How To Hike
The Tunnel Bluffs hike is a moderate hike that provides epic views of Howe Sound and the surrounding islands. We are blown away by the view everytime we come up here! This is an incredible day out from Vancouver.
Tunnel Bluff Views
Once you reach Tunnel Bluffs you can see 180 degree views of the Sea to Sky Highway, Bowen Island, Keats Island, the Sunshine Coast, Lions Bay, and the ferries coming in and out of Horseshoe Bay. There is a large rock plateau at the viewpoint with ample space to get your own lookout spot.
Tunnel Bluffs Hike Info
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate – Trail is well maintained
- Elevation gain: 550m
- Distance: 11.5 km round trip
- Time Needed: 3-5 Hours depending on hike speed
- Best Time To Go: Hike is doable all year we prefer summer
- Dog Friendly – Tunnel Bluffs is dog friendly – please leash
- 4 x 4 – Not required parking area is paved
Start Point & Parking For Tunnel Bluffs
The new trail start point is on Sunset Drive it is no longer the Tunnel Viewpoint pullout on the Sea to Sky highway.
Where To Park For Tunnel Bluffs
The new start of the trail is on Sunset Drive in Lion’s Bay. I have attached the google link to your map point below. There is pay parking here at 3$ an hour but only about 15 spots by the trailhead. Because of the limited parking availability you want to get here earlier rather than later. You can pay for the parking using the Paybyphone app.
If the upper spots are full there is another lot opposite the trail head and more spots down the road all the way to the elementary school. We arrived at 9 am on Sunday and had to park all the way down by the school!
The cell reception in Lion’s Bay is not great so I would recommend getting this downloaded and set up before you leave. The parking people are very vigilant so make sure you get your ticket sorted out before you start hiking.
Tunnel Bluffs Hike Directions
When you are ready to start hiking head uphill on the old service road. The beginning of the hike is steep so prepare yourself for a bit of a grind.
After a couple switchbacks you will see a water treatment area, you want to continue past the water reservoir keeping it on your right.
When you reach a fork after this stay to the left and follow the path. Pretty soon after you will reach a cool log bridge crossing a creek. If you stop and look there is always a sign showing the way. Almost all of the climbing is done on the logging road so it goes by pretty quickyl.
When you get to this point the majority of your uphill is over.
This bridge was kind of neat.
Go left at the signed junction here and head towards Tunnel bluffs.
From here on It is all fairly well signed and has good traffic so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding the way!
The views start opening up as you approach the lookout!
First views of the lookout
Even mid day there were lots of spots to sit. The view over Howe Sound is truly impressive. You can see so far in each direction.
The water was such a cool shade of blue green in the mid day sun.
More than happy with our hike choice and views! From here we had a long lunch and jogged down which took about an hour.
Tunnel Bluffs by Public Transit
From Vancouver / Horseshoe bay
This hike is totally possible by public transit it just adds an extra 1.5km each way. You want to get yourself to Horseshoe Bay (257) from Vancouver. Once here transfer to the (262) and continue to Lions Bay getting off at the NB Crosscreek Rd@Oceanview Rd stop right beside the Lions Bay general store.
From there just walk up Bayview Rd until you reach the Sunset Drive public trailhead and hike start point.
Make sure you turn left when you first see Bayview Rd, if you see Bayview Pl you have gone the wrong way.
Tunnel Bluff Hike Tips
As always in Canada bring warm clothes, water, bear spray and extra snacks. The trail is fairly well worn in but there are some slippery sections and a log crossing so you need good footwear. You never know when the weather might turn or you have to spend longer outside than you planned.
Make sure you pack all your garbage out sadly there was a bit of garbage left at the lookout. Please follow the leave not trace principles and leave this beautiful places the same as you found them.
If you are parking arrive early to avoid an extra 1km walk uphill.
If you have the time why not check out some of the other amazing hikes in the area! we really enjoyed Panorama Ridge, and Joffre Lakes.
Tunnel Bluffs Old Route In Winter
Check out our old photos and directions below to see what you can expect hiking Tunnel bluffs in February!
This is a pretty moderate hike that took us about 3 hours to do. It is 4km to the top of the trail and it is quite steep for the first half of the hike where you gain almost 500m elevation in 2km.
There are several viewpoints along the way on little rock bluffs, so if you need a break there is a lot of scenic stops. The trail was mainly through the forest and in the winter when we went it was very icy. There were even sheets of ice walls blocking some of the trail!
The trail is kind of hard to see from the road, but you will notice a slight opening in the bushes and you will see a map of the area on the side of the trail. There are yellow markers all the way along the trail, so if you ever get disorientated just make sure you can find a yellow marker.
There are not many signs along the hike but after completing about 2km you will come to a junction that has a trail map of the area.
You will then go left on the logging road and continue on the trail, if you go right this will lead you up Brunswick Mountain.
The next junction you will also turn left, and it leads you up to Tunnel Bluffs where you can enjoy and relax before heading back down the trail.
A little slippery but overall a very manageable trail.
You get the place all to yourself in winter!
Tunnel Bluffs Drop Off Parking
If you have someone that can shuttle you can take the much shorter original trail on the Sea to Sky highway. The parking here is 30 minutes max and is monitored closely. Sadly many people have been towed so I would only use this access if you have someone who can drop you off.
If you are lucky enough to have a drop off you can head up the original trail and return via the Sunset Drive trailhead in Lions Bay.
Old Tunnel Bluffs Parking Directions
The old trailhead to Tunnel Bluffs is right on the east side of the Sea To Sky Highway near Lions Bay. You just have to park at the Tunnel Point parking lot at the base of Mount Brunswick. The trail is directly across the street from the parking lot.
NOTE: be really careful crossing the street because there is no crosswalk and there is oncoming traffic in both directions with limited visibility.
Tunnel Bluffs FAQ
The Tunnel Bluffs hike takes about 11km and 550 m of elevation. The takes most people around 4 hours.
Tunnel Bluffs are located in Lions Bay halfway between Horseshoe bay and Squamish on the sea to sky highway.
Dogs are allowed on the trail but it should be noted there are some log bridge crossings and steep sections that may be difficult for pups.
Camping is not officially allowed but if you are respectful and wait until the area is clear to set up your tent you shouldn’t have any issues. Pack out what you pack in!
Yes you can! The hike is usually snow free year round but I would bring microspikes and poles in winter because sections can get icy
The sunsets at Tunnel Bluffs are amazing, this is one of the best sunset spots close to Vancouver! Bring a headlamp so you can find your way back in the dark. If you start hiking 2.5 hours before sunset you should arrive in time.
Due to the location on the Sea to Sky the hike is sun shielded until about 11 am. If you would like bright blue water, noon and early afternoon is a great time. For softer lighting sunset is great.
Absolutely the hike offers amazing panoramic views of Howe Sound, Bowen Island and the entire Sea to Sky area. This has a great effort to view ratio.
These are both amazing hikes that are worthwhile. With similar difficulty St Marks has a higher total elevation giving you a wider view of Howe sound. Tunnel Bluffs has a slightly less wow views but is also usually far less busy. If you want the best views hike St Marks; If you want less traffic hike Tunnel Bluffs.
Tunnel Bluffs has become quite popular and gets very busy on weekends. I would plan on arriving before 8:30 am if you want to get upper parking. Weekdays are far less busy.
Although there is lot of bear activity in the Sea to Sky area you are unlikely to run into bears on the well trafficked Tunnel Bluffs trail.
The hike is steep in sections but they are mainly on a well trafficked logging road.
If you are hiking in good weather you should be fine with trail runners or good shoes. Anything you are comfortable walking 11km in will be fine.
Yes the hike is beginner friendly if you are comfortable walking 11km and a great way to get into Vancouver hiking.
Yes there is a row of porta potties available near the start of the trail.
Other Great Hikes In The Vancouver – Whistler Area
Panorama Ridge – One of the most scenic hikes in Canada and maybe the world
Joffree Lakes – World famous lake with neon blue water, easy access
Golden Ears – An epic hike / journey up one of the iconic peaks of the lower mainland
