North Shore · Challenging · out-and-back

tunnel bluffs

A hard out-and-back hike to a big view, with water along the way. A real workout, with about 700 m of climbing over 9–10 km. Plan on 3–4 hours and pack the Ten Essentials.

Challenging · 9–10 km out-and-back · +600–700 m climb · 3–4 hours · Dogs: on leash

Not yet verified against an official source. Figures are approximate; check the park page before you go. · Sources · Cite this page

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CHALLENGING
Difficulty 3 of 4
JFMAMJJASONDAPR–OCTSEASON
Spring to fall

quick facts

Distance
9–10 km
Elevation gain
600–700 m
Typical time
3–4 hours
Route
out-and-back
Dogs
On leash
Drive from downtown
~40 min
Trail ticket

your trail ticket

Hike Vancouver · Trail ticketNo. 021

tunnel bluffs

North Shore · ~40 min from downtown

Trailhead
Lions Bay (Sunset Dr area)
Difficulty
Challenging
Hiking time
3–4 hours
Suggested start
Before 11 am
Distance
9–10 km
Climb
+600–700 m
Season
Spring to fall

Figures approximate. The suggested start helps you finish in daylight. Check Village of Lions Bay / Crown land before you go.

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elevation profile schematic

+700 m0 km10 km

Schematic: an illustrative shape drawn from total distance and gain, not a GPS trace. Real ups and downs will differ.

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trail facts

RegionNorth Shore
DifficultyChallenging
SeasonSpring to fall
TrailheadLions Bay (Sunset Dr area)
Parking & transitLittle or no transit; plan to drive.
Permits & passesLions Bay parking is limited and paid.
DogsOn leash
Kid-friendlyBetter for older, fit kids or adults
HighlightsViews, Lakes & water
CrowdsModerate
Managed byVillage of Lions Bay / Crown land

safety notes

Steep with some exposure at the bluffs. Unofficial sections.

Numbers are approximate. Check Village of Lions Bay / Crown land for closures and the AdventureSmart trip plan and Ten Essentials before you go. Tell someone your plan.

questions

How long is Tunnel Bluffs?

About 9–10 km (out-and-back) with roughly 600–700 m of elevation gain. Most people take 3–4 hours. Figures are approximate; check Village of Lions Bay / Crown land before you go.

Are dogs allowed on Tunnel Bluffs?

Yes, on leash.

Do I need a pass or permit for Tunnel Bluffs?

Lions Bay parking is limited and paid.

Can I get to Tunnel Bluffs by transit?

Not easily. Plan to drive or carpool.

sources

See also: Dog-friendly hikes · Hikes with the best views · Lake hikes · Hikes for April · Hikes for May · Hikes for June · Hikes for July · Hikes for August · Hikes for September · Hikes for October · North Shore hikes · Dog-friendly hikes · Guides

Cite this page

Hike Vancouver. "Tunnel Bluffs." Updated October 24, 2026. https://hikevancouver.ca/trails/tunnel-bluffs/

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nearby in north shore

Cam Appleton, Vancouver real estate agent, climbing the side of a downtown tower at sunset with the North Shore mountains behind
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good to know cam

Hi, I'm Cam Appleton. I love Vancouver and I love getting out on its trails. When I went looking for a simple, easy hiking guide for around here, I couldn't find one I liked. I also really like helping people, so I built this one.

My day job is real estate. I help people buy, sell and lease. I hope you're enjoying the start of Hike Vancouver. If you're thinking about living closer to trails like this one, I'm happy to talk.

Cam signature logoCam Appleton
Commercial & Residential Real Estate · Coldwell Banker Prestige Realty