Hiking Mount Harvey near Lions Bay
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Mount Harvey Hike Information
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Distance: 12.1Km
Elevation Gain: 1,420m
Highest Elevation: 1,652m
Average Gradient: 23.47%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 7 – 9 Hours
– Moderate: 5 – 7 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 5 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: ~July – October
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: Very steep throughout, short scrambling section at the very end with some slight exposure.
Mount Harvey Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°28’15.0″N 123°14’03.6″W
Mount Harvey Overview
Mount Harvey is a summit named after Captain John Harvey, the commander of HMS Brunswick (which spurred the name Brunswick Mountain), a Royal Navy vessel that fought in the Battle of the Glorious First of June. It’s a summit located in the North Shore mountains, with the trailhead beginning from the ever popular Lions Bay.
Mount Harvey is a much less popular hike than both Brunswick Mountain and the Lions and when I did it, I didn’t see a single person all morning. My only guess is because Brunswick Mountain is the highest North Shore peak, while the Lions is an iconic hike on most Vancouverites to-do list, so people tend to gravitate towards these two. Well, they’ve missed a trick as Mount Harvey is just as good if not better than both of these hikes.
This is a major bonus as the views from Mount Harvey are absolutely amazing, with incredible views over the Howe Sound, of Brunswick Mountain, the Lions and Unnecessary Mountain, to name a few. All combined with the lack of crowds makes Mount Harvey one of my favorite hikes on the North Shore.
Unfortunately Mount Harvey is no walk in the park. With 1,420m elevation gained over just 12.1km this is one of the steepest hikes you will likely complete in SWBC. Mount Harvey is predominantly a summer hike, though people do complete this hike in winter if they are experienced and well equipped.
It should be noted that there is a moderate amount of scrambling near the summit of Mount Harvey, though it is not exposed and fairly straightforward.
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Is Mount Harvey worthwhile?
Due to the lack of people and incredible view at the summit, a hike up Mount Harvey is one of the best, offering truly remarkable 360 degree views from the summit. Some people might argue that Brunswick Mountain is higher and offers “better” views, but this is all personal opinion and I found the views from Mount Harvey to be just as good if not better. You get much better views of the Lions and insane views of Brunswick Mountain itself.
How difficult is the hike to Mount Harvey?
Based on the stats this is a very difficult hike and one of the steepest you will likely encounter. Fortunately the hike isn’t very long at just 12.1km so, while steep, it is fairly short and can be completed somewhat quickly if you’re fit. I actually managed to complete this hike in under 4.5 hours car to car, including breaks, though most take 6 – 8 hours it seems.
Technically speaking the hike is also somewhat difficult with incredibly steep terrain in parts and a small amount of scrambling to reach the summit. This is simple scrambling on solid rock with little exposure, though you’ll still need a head for heights somewhat.
Mount Harvey Route Information
Similar to many popular hikes in the area, the hike to Mount Harvey begins at Lions Bay on the Magnesia Creek Trail. You can park at Sunset Trailhead parking lot, which charges a fee in the peak season. Do not park in the village of Lions Bay as this is all permit parking and you will likely get ticketed or towed. You can also park at Lions Bay Elementary School but this will add a decent amount of distance and elevation to your already difficult hike. There are very few parking stalls at the Sunset Trailhead parking lot (maybe ~15), and many trails starting from here, so get there very early!
As noted several hikes start here so if you have hiked either of Brunswick Mountain, the Lions or Tunnel Bluffs you will be familiar with the start of this trail.
For those new to this area, the trail begins on an old logging road, winding through the forest and getting gradually steeper for the first 2km or so. This part of the trail is a bit rocky but otherwise uneventful, so as always I try to go as fast as possible since the terrain is simple and the only thing slowing me down is my own cardio.
After 2km you’ll come to a fork where the trail splits, with a trail to the left going to Brunswick Mountain and Tunnel Bluffs. You’ll just continue on the same trail. Thankfully the gradient now eases off significantly and the next 500m or so is a nice stroll, allowing you to catch your breath a bit before the grind begins.
After these 500m the junction to Mount Harvey will appear, though it is very easy to miss so make sure to keep an eye out for it (preferably on your downloaded map!). The next 500m will continue to be somewhat mellow, ascending fairly gradually into the forest. Don’t get comfortable though, the fun is about to start.
By now you’re 3km or so into this hike and the remaining 3km of ascending takes you from around 700m elevation to 1,652m. That’s an average gradient of 31.73% for the remainder of this hike to the top, which is incredibly steep over a sustained period.
For the next 700m the ascent will be barbaric and the trail a mess of roots and dirt. I hope it’s a dry day as otherwise this part would be hellish. Thankfully this is where you now get your first view, a peek out over the Howe Sound that will at least motivate you for what’s to come, and provide some much needed respite from the relentless climb.
Carrying on, the next 600m don’t get any easier, remaining farcically steep with an average grade knocking on 50%. There’s nothing to do now but push through this part in the knowledge that the views are around the corner and absolutely worth the effort.
At the top of this grind you’ll break out into an opening with some even better views than before. The trail from here isn’t super obvious so check your map, but you’ll essentially be taking a left and working your way onto the Mount Harvey ridge.
Mercifully the trail now eases off the higher you climb, eventually becoming a nice stroll along the ridge leading up to Mount Harvey. The views to your left will be getting better, though still partially blocked by trees for the time being. As you continue along this ridge Mount Harvey should come into view. At this point I had thought the ascent was behind me, but alas it was not. Fortunately it’s not too much more elevation, 150m or so more.
The gradient will again increase as you approach the summit, eventually requiring you to scramble towards the summit. Thankfully it’s an easy scramble, short with little exposure and solid holds. The views now will be incredible behind you of the Howe Sound and the Lions. As you crest over the summit the views to the north will open up with the picturesque Brunswick Mountain now in full view.
At the top the views are 360 degrees of Brunswick Mountain, the Lions, Unnecessary Mountain, the Howe Sound, Vancouver Island, David Peak, James Peak and many more. You’ve definitely earned a break so make sure to spend a good while enjoying the views from this one. There are tons of photo opportunities in every direction so if you’re like me you’ll run around the (spacious) summit taking photos from every angle. Sadly I went alone without my tripod so I don’t have any photos of myself on the summit but I do have a lot of nice photos nonetheless.
After a good long rest you simply head back the way you came. The descent on this hike is obviously difficult as well but as long as you’re careful you’ll be fine.
When should I hike Mount Harvey?
Similar to most 5* hikes you want to save this for a prime time slot in the middle of summer on a blue sky day. Since this hike ends with a bit of a scramble I wouldn’t advise doing this when there is snow on the summit, though it’ still perfectly doable if you’re comfortable with that (people even snowshoe to the top of Mount Harvey).
Top Tip
If you have any issues with knees you might want to skip this hike or at the very least poles are highly recommended. This is a brutal hike on the knees due to the gradient, especially coming down, so keep that in mind.
If you really want you can actually descend via the back of Mount Harvey, connecting with the Howe Sound Crest trail, and link this hike with a hike up Brunswick Mountain. That would be a much longer and steeper day though so I’d only suggest that for the fittest of hikers.
