Opinion: A great destination when short of time, Hollyburn is ideal for a quick workout and I think it has some of the nicest trees on the North Shore when they're covered in snow. Heading up later in the day avoids the crowds too. Fact We had no issues parking along the road leading to … Continue reading Hollyburn Mountain, 18 Feb 2023
Welcome to a new year! 2022 seemed to pass so quickly... Hope you all had a peaceful and relaxing holiday season and that 2023 brings many great adventures! If we were being outdoors today I'd be looking longingly at the North Shore mountains as it's been a few weeks since we were last up there … Continue reading Being Outdoors, January 2023
Opinion: It's only been a fortnight since we were last up here but a lot can happen in that time in winter. Fresh snow always transforms even a familiar hike into a fun adventure. Early starts are mandatory for optimum peace and the best snow, although we got lucky today with our more leisurely timing … Continue reading Hollyburn Mountain, 11 Dec 2022
Opinion: Possibly my least-favourite North Shore hike, at least in the summer. But when the snow is right and the weather isn't good enough to tempt you up to a better summit, it can be a fine way to get some fresh air and exercise with a pretty good view at the end. However, I … Continue reading St Marks Summit, 29 Jan 2022
Opinion: Another sunny morning, another early dash up Hollyburn to feel alive. We didn't even mind the extra walk from the backcountry parking lot, although it turned out to be unnecessary. Fact: Let's start by clarifying the parking situation. Parking is free along the Cypress Bowl Road, where there is just enough space to pull … Continue reading Hollyburn Mountain, 7 Feb 2021
Opinion: What, Hollyburn again? What can I say? It's a nice little hike, not too long and not too tough, and easy to keep your distance from potential disease carriers. Parking is terrible unless you go early or late: there have been long line-ups to get up to the ski resort on recent fine days. … Continue reading Hollyburn Mountain, 24 Dec 2020
Opinion: While the direct (and quite steep) approach isn't as much as fun as the old trail (from over a decade ago now - am I stuck in the past or what?) the loop around the plateau is simply delightful in fresh snow. Easy snowshoeing and simple fun even without any views. Fact Of course, the downhill … Continue reading Black Mountain, 13 Dec 2020
Opinion A nice easy peak for a quick spot of winter exercise, with plenty of space for people to spread out, which was invaluable as it was extremely busy! Just don't expect solitude and know that the whisky jacks are a serious nuisance. Get there before 10 am to be sure of getting a parking … Continue reading Hollyburn Mountain, 5 Dec 2020
Opinion Today confirmed why I enjoy this hike: superb views from the summit, plus a thoroughly enjoyable climb up Christmas Gully. The descent was crappy as usual, and made worse by all the ice, but somehow it didn't bother me too much today. Fact Sunny weather brings out the hikers! The uppermost parking lots were … Continue reading Mount Strachan, 8 Nov 2020
Opinion A very enjoyable hike on a misty day, Hollyburn remains one of our favourite go-to hikes on the North Shore even when the views are non-existent. It's not too long or difficult and the trail is mostly quite decent, at least by local standards (which means there's still mud and plenty of roots to … Continue reading Hollyburn Mountain, 12 Oct 2020
Being. Outdoors. 