West Knob Trail, Hikes near Vancouver

The West Knob hike near Vancouver is a little-known hike that’s something of a secret known only to peak baggers of Vancouver looking to tick off all the possible peaks on the North Shore.

If you’re in Vancouver without a car it’s also a great option for Vancouver hikes on transit, since you can get the bus from downtown to Horseshoe Bay.

This trail in West Vancouver starts along the Baden Powell trail before splitting off and heading up to a rocky outcrop above Horseshoe Bay with a view of Howe Sound.

It’s a lesser-known hike with a decent amount of elevation gain and some views without the crowds!

Though it’s not the best hike in Vancouver for views, it’ll give you a workout and there are rarely any crowds. Plus, if you’re doing the Eagles Bluff hike from Horseshoe Bay, or the Baden Powell Trail from Horseshoe to Grouse, then you may as well add this peak onto your journey.

Ultimate Guide to the West Knob hike West Vancouver

I’d never heard of the West Knob hike until my friend signed me up for the Peak Baggers’ Challenge this summer where you try and hike as many North Shore peaks as you can in one season.

One of the peaks is West Knob and so she took me on the hike to bag my first peak of the challenges. 

I’ve hiked a lot of the North Shore Peaks before but this one had passed me by. 

While the views aren’t as good as they are on nearby peaks such as Eagle Bluffs and Black Mountain or Mount Seymour, you still get some and don’t have to battle for a spot to take in the view either. 

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

West Knob trail hiking guide

The West Knob trail starts by hiking up on a wide gravel path through the forest. Soon you come to a bridge which you’ll walk under as you cross underneath the highway. 

After the bridge, bear left and walk parallel to the highway (there are big concrete walls so you don’t feel close to the cars!). 

As you bear right away from the highway you’ll start to climb up through the forest. 

Continue on until you come to a junction. Turning right will take you to Whyte Lake which makes a nice side visit but continue straight on, following the Baden Powell trail to head to West Knob. 

A few hundred meters more and you’ll come to another junction where you’ll take the left path and hike up steeply.

Keep your eyes open for the Baden Powell markers on trees as the route finding can get a little tricky through here.

In spring and fall, you might have to navigate some stream crossings but they were dry when I hiked this trail.

You want to take the paths to the left each time (but look for markers to make sure!) and soon you’ll get to the final steep climb before arriving at a rocky outcrop and the West Knob viewpoint! 

The real peak is a little further uphill still but this is where the viewpoint is and it makes a great spot to sit for a while. 

West Knob trail stats

• Time: 2.5-4 hours
• Distance: 9km
• Elevation: 655m
• Trailhead: Junction 2 on Hwy 1
• Distance from Vancouver: 30 mins

How to get to the West Knob trailhead

Take Highway 1 heading northbound towards Whistler and come off at Exit 2.

Go straight over the roundabout and drive alongside the lines for the ferry.

Soon there’ll be a small parking lot on your right and the start of the trail. 

What to know before you go

• Best time to hike the West Knob: 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
• Pack your 10 essentials 
• Remember to leave no trace
• This trail is dog-friendly where dogs are kept on leash

What to pack for hiking near Vancouver

• Backpack: Preferably one with comfortable straps and good weight distribution.
• Hydration: Water bottle or hydration bladder filled with water.
• Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, dried fruits, and nuts -or lunch
• Communication: Fully charged mobile phone and a portable power bank or better yet, a Garmin InReach Mini
• First Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, tweezers, pain relievers, and any personal medication.
• Appropriate Hiking Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer.
• Footwear: Hiking boots or trail running shoes
• Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket and pants.
• Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30+), and a wide-brimmed hat or cap.
• Bug Protection: Insect-repellent and/or insect-resistant clothing.
• Beat Spray
• Headlamp
• Multi-tool: For general utility and emergency situations.

Final thoughts on the West Knob Trail

This hike near Vancouver gives you some views without the crowds that you’ll find on the likes of Eagle Bluffs and Black Mountain or St Mark’s Summit.

If you’re looking for hikes near Vancouver for winter this one is a great option as it rarely has snow.

Similarly, it’s a great hike in the fall near Vancouver, and a good option for Vancouver spring hikes.

If you’re visiting Squamish, take a look at these awesome Squamish hiking trails, as well as these easy walks and hikes in Whistler BC.

For more hiking guides across British Columbia and Europe check out my hiking trail guides and be sure to take a look at my Vancouver travel guides for other fun things to do in Vancouver when it rains, the best Vancouver summer activities, and more.

Last Updated on December 29, 2023 by Hannah