Description:

An awesome day trip, easily accessible via Lions Bay. Sustained uphill snowshoeing (steep in some sections) will lead us to the main ridge where we should be greeted with great views of Howe Sound and the backside of the Lions. Final push up steep snow to make the main summit. Participants should have some experience or knowledge in the use of an ice axe and basic snowshoe travel.

Mount Harvey is one of the huge, visible and hikeable summits in the North Shore mountains.  It is located on the Howe Sound Crest Trail in Cypress Provincial Park near The Lions.  Reachable via the Howe Sound Crest Trail or by its own trailhead in Lions Bay.  The same trailhead used for The Lions, Brunswick Mountain and Mount Hanover.  There are no trail use fees, parking fees or camping fees from this trailhead.  The trail is challenging, though not out of technical skill but due to its steepness of the trail.  You gain 1400 metres in just 6.5k.  The final scramble to the summit can be dangerous in poor weather, but generally not too difficult (Vancouver Hiatus, http://vancouverhiatus.com/hiking/mount-harvey.html).

Ascent Route:

Starting from the trailhead carpark up the road from Lions Bay, we will follow the main trail, turning off at the Mt. Harvey junction. The route is straightforward up to the ridge, and further onto the summit.

Stats:
• Distance: 13km
• Elevation Gain: 1465 m
• Time Required: 5-7 hours (est.)

Schedule:
• Saturday, March 24:

8am: Party meets at St. David's church (1525 Taylor Way, West Vancouver). Drive to Lions Bay trailhead, start hiking by 830am

Expect time to summit of approximately 2-4 hours, depending on group fitness. If good weather, spend some time on summit and then return to cars. Expect to be back in Vancouver by 3 pm.

The following is required of all participants:
• Snowshoes (heel lifts will help for uphill snowshoe travel)
• Ice axe, microspikes/crampons
• Waterproof footwear, compatible with microspikes/crampons. Gaitors may be helpful, expect deep snow!
• Water and lunch, and any other gear you need to be comfortable for a day hike

Emergency Contact: If you haven't done so, please add it to your BCMC account by clicking on "My Account" in the top-right corner of our club website, then select "Edit Emergency Contact" under "Manage My Account" in the left column.

Waiver and Medical: Every participant must have read, agreed and signed the club's online Waiver.