Brothers Creek Loop Trail, West Vancouver

The Brother’s Creek Loop trail in West Vancouver on the North Shore is a perfect hike for in-between seasons.

One of the popular fall hikes near Vancouver, I’ve done this hike several times now as it’s a great route for accessing the quieter hiking trails in Cypres Mountain as well as for parts of the Baden Powell Trail.

When I hiked this one spring, it was a bit snowy towards the top.

However, you can turn back whenever you need and I think it’s great for when you just need to enjoy some forest hiking.

There’s no amazing viewpoint but the old-growth trees, waterfalls, and lakes within Cypress Provincial Park and it’s a great transit friendly hike in Vancouver too.

Brother’s Creek Loop hike

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a loop hike! It’s just so much more appealing to walk new terrain the whole way than retrace your steps!

Below you’ll find the trail stats, packing lists, and how to get to the Brother’s Creek Loop trailhead if you’re looking to do this awesome hike near Vancouver. 

How to get to the Brother’s Creek trailhead

There is no designated parking for Brother’s Creek, instead, you work your way through the British Properties in West Vancouver that sit at the foot of Cypress Mountain.

If you’re coming from downtown Vancouver take the West Vancouver Exit and loop around towards the bridge across the Capilano River.

Take Taylor Way and head up the steep hill, underneath the highway, going straight at the roundabouts.

Turn left onto Southborough Drive and left again onto Highland Drive. Turn left again at Eyremount Drive then right onto Crestline Road.

Make another left onto Henlow Road, then right on Millstream Road. You should see a short paved old fire road leaving Millstream Road to the left. That’s where the trail begins.

Brothers Creek Loop Parking is free but be mindful of the fact that it’s a residential area and don’t block driveways. 

What to know before hiking the Brothers Creek West Vancouver

• Best time to hike the Brother’s Creek Loop Trail: You can hike this trail year round though please pack microspikes when hiking in winter as there may be snow/ice on the trail. In the fall and spring this hike can get very muddy – be prepared!
• Be adventure smart: Remember to respect the terrain, environment, and other users while you are enjoying the trails. Follow the three Ts—trip planning, training, and taking the essentials. AdventureSmart is a great resource to help you get informed before heading outdoors
• Remember to leave no trace
• This trail is dog friendly 

Brother’s Creek loop trail hiking guide

Since the removal of the Brothers Creek bridge crossing the creek, the top of the loop is inaccessible.

You can still complete a loop by hiking further uphill into the Cypress Provincial Park boundaries and walking around Lost Lake and Blue Gentian Lake before joining back up with the Brother’s Creek Trail.

Also, if the river water is low enough as it often is in lake summer, you can cross over where the bridge once was pretty safely.

Using a navigation app like AllTrails (my Brothers Creek loop map is linked below) will help keep you on track.

Once you’ve parked up, follow the small paved road towards a yellow gate. Walk past the gate and begin walking on the forest trail.

There are some beautiful houses on your right-hand side! 

After a short hike, you’ll see a Baden Powell Trail on your right – save this hike for another time! – and continue past the sign to walk up a rough road.

When you reach another junction, take the right path and follow the Brother’s Creek Fire Access Road uphill. 

Continue hiking along this path until you reach a sign for the Crossover Trail.

You can take this route if you’re looking for a shorter hike, but this guide follows a different route, so carry on the way you are going.

When you reach a picnic bench go straight to join the Crossover trail. 

Take the Crossover trail for 200 m or so uphill and then make a right-hand turn onto the Brother’s Creek trail.

At this point, you’ll be walking alongside the river on your right. Keep your eyes open for the waterfalls! 

When you reach the next intersection, take the left turn and head uphill until you come out at a lake. This is Blue Gentian Lake and is part of Cypress Provincial Park. 

Walk around the lake to the right, sticking to the trail, until you come to a junction for the Baden Powell. Take the trail to your left which heads downhill crossing over Lawson Creek.

This trail is the Baden Powell trail and is well signposted as you head downhill. 

Take the Baden Powell all the way downhill until you can see a gravel/access road.

Then make a left to stay on the Baden Powell and walk parallel to the access road which will be on your right. 

You’ll soon come to the Brother Creek Fire Access Road that you passed early. Carry on downhill until you reach the gate and the trailhead. 

Brothers Creek Loop trail stats

• Time: 2.5-4 hours
• Distance: 8.4km
• Elevation: 440m
• Brothers Creek loop difficulty: Intermediate to Difficult. Some steep sections and trickier terrain
• Trailhead: Just off Millstream Road
• Brothers Creek loop camping: Not allowed
• Distance from Vancouver: 30 mins
• Brothers Creek trail map

What to pack for the Brothers Creek hike

What to pack for this hike depends on what season you’re hiking in.

• Check out my day hike packing list here.
• If you’re hiking in summer you should pack sunscreen, sunglasses, layers, water and bug spray as well as everything in the 10 essentials for hiking list.
• Here is what to wear hiking in hot weather
• Check out this post on the best leggings for hiking or what to wear hiking in summer for more details and my gear recommendations.
• If you’re hiking in winter after the snow has started falling you’ll need microspikes at the very least. If there is a lot of snow you will probably need snowshoes.
• You should also take plenty of layers including a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are also necessary as well as a good backpack to keep everything in.
• You should also pack water and some snacks too to keep you going as they’re part of the 10 essentials for hiking!
• Planning a hiking date? Check out what to wear on a hiking date but still look cool.

Final thoughts on hiking the Brothers Creek Trail

The Brother’s Creek Loop hike is a great way to get out in nature on some dog friendly trails on Vancouver’s North Shore.

Even though there’s no bridge now, you can still enjoy the full loop by picking a slightly different trail to extend your hike in this beautiful forest.

If you’re looking for more hiking guides, be sure to check out my guides to the best hikes in Vancouver in spring, or these awesome Vancouver winter hikes.

Looking for more things to do in Vancouver and nearby? Check out my Vancouver travel guides which are full of information on the best things to do in Vancouver, the best Vancouver restaurants, and detailed guides for each of the main neighborhoods.

Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Hannah