Mt. Brunswick Scramble

A steep climb with an short, but thrilling narrow exposed ridge to a beautiful summit.

Hiking Extreme

Distance: 14 km
Ascent: 1.7 km
Descent: 1.7 km
Duration: 5-6 hrs

Low Point: 48 m
High Point: 1.7 km
Gradient: 25˚

Mt Brunswick is a classic entry-level scramble. Like most North Shore peaks it's a steep climb that levels off slightly near the summit.

Approaching the summit in the mists. Photo: Tam McTavish

Walking through the scrub on the trail to Tunnel Bluffs

Looking down the loose part of the trail.

Misty woods high on the flanks of Mt Brunswick Photo: Tam McTavish

There is often small snowslopes well into July.

Summit during a long high pressure and low avy risk day in January Photo: Tam McTavish

A less lovely day in winter along the summit ridge

Using the ridge route to avoid the avalanche risk in the gulley

Crux moves. Partner refused to wear a helmet with an ice axe, highly unsafe. Photo: Tam McTavish

Ascending steep section. Again, no helmet with ice axe=foolish

Steep gulley that can be climbed in summer, but is a classic avalanche slope and terrain trap. Photo: Tam McTavish

Description

From the Lions Bay parking lot take the trail upwards for the Lions/Mt. Harvey/Mt Brunswick. The trail connects with the service road that switchbacks up Mt. Harvey. At the final switchback there is a narrower trail traversing north towards tunnel bluffs. Follow this trail into the valley and up the flank of Brunswick where a trail branches off heading uphill. This trail rapidly gets quite steep and narrow. It's quite vertical and climbs more like stairs for much of the elevation gain. The trail levels off slightly and cuts across the Howe Sound Crest Trail.

Continue straight up through gradually thinning trees. Eventually the trail leads to shale like loose rock. It's not steep, but the footing is mediocre. There are generally still trail markers here. Head for the largest gaps between trees if you are unsure, trending climbers right ever so slightly. Once passed the trees the col can be seen between the sub-peak of Brunswick and the main ridge. Gain the ridge, and head eastwards towards the summit. There is 50m section of narrow exposed ridge here. For those not used to heights this may be quite exhilarating. The rock offers good footholds all at least a foot wide, with ample holds if folks are feeling insecure. Beyond this the terrain gets less exposed, and less of a scramble. It's a short jaunt to the summit.

Difficulty

Extreme

Scrambling up mountains and along technical trails with moderate fall exposure. Handholds are necessary to navigate the trail in its entirety, although they are not necessary at all times. Some obstacles can be very large and difficult to navigate, and the grades can often be near-vertical. The challenge of the trail and the steepness of the grade results in very strenuous hiking. Hikes of this difficulty blur the lines between "hiking" and "climbing".