By Gian Singh Kotli
Hike to the top of Quarry Rock in Deep Cove, North Vancouver is deemed one of the most charming and healthy hikes in Greater Vancouver. It has great attraction for tourists and adventure enthusiast. Interestingly this 2 KM hike through centuries old Douglas, Fir and Hemlock trees, is the easternmost section of the widely known Baden Powell Trail. It is also known as Quarry Rock Hike, Grey Rock Trail, or Indian Arm Lookout Trail. Deep Cove city itself is a very beautiful coastal city having nice pier and marina to wander around.
If you love your health and like to enjoy this nature’s wonder then spare time to go to this beautiful Deep Cope town and ask anybody about it. He will nicely guide you to the Panorama Drive from where the wooden steps start upwards to the tree laden mountain for your enjoyable and healthy hike. You may drive your car or for more convenience take bus number 212 from Phibbs Exchange, North Vancouver.
Like other trails this trail is also well marked and wooden steps are provided to facilitate the winding ascent and descent at several places. Several bridges on 8 creeks also provide soul soothing and blissful music of the murmuring crystal clear water drifting playfully beneath them through the stones and rocks. At every step you can see and feel the freshness of the soothing power of nature’s beauty.
Little kids and dogs in plenty also make your time more enjoyable. Amazing maze of tree roots here and there and fresh forest air may also provide you added enjoyment With a feeling of tiring less and refreshing more you reach the top of a big rock facing the Indian Arm (ocean) and bordered from all side by the age old trees.
This is Quarry Rock. Far below is the sea called Indian Arm. Here there and everywhere the enthusiasts who ventured to reach the top relax nicely with any space available on this one piece large dry rock hardly of the size of a Tennis-Court with least in mind that they are perching on the risky edge. The lookout down below provides a panoramic view of the Deep Cove city, two tiny islands and Indian Arm where boats of fascinating colors are rippling the blue waters.
After this lookout if you like to view another charming rock then hike further left on Baden Powell Trail about 100 meters or so to the BC Hydro Poles and then climb to the top of hill and enjoy the artistry of nature in complete solitude. Here I found a most loving and amazing thing during my lone adventure on April 11, 2016. I found a 9 inch memorial plate fixed on the top of the rock having the least chance of being seen by casual visitors. The plate contains the following very lovable and heart rendering words.
“IN LOVING MEMORY OF
JANKA DUDASOVA
1977-2000
ONE WE ARE GONE OUR DREAMS
WILL LIVE FOREVER IN THE HEARTS
OF THOSE LEFT BEHIND
LOVE YOU FOREVER
FAMILY AND FRIENDS ”.
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Photo: 1 Grand view below from the top of Quarry Rock.
2. Memory plate on Quarry Rock top.
Gian Singh Kotli, The Link contributing writer is always proving us such interesting writing and photos.
