Prospect Point Climb is the most challenging portion of the Stanley Park loop. The climb extends for 1.3 kilometers and features an average grade of just over 4 per cent.
Situated halfway through the park, Prospect Point Climb follows Stanley Park Drive up to the Prospect Point Lookout, right by Lions Gate Bridge.
The climb begins where Pipeline Road meets Stanley Park Drive. The first section averages 2 to 4 per cent, and it is an excellent opportunity for riders to drop to the small chain ring if they want to make the climb easier for themselves.
Riders then make their way around the first hairpin and up the main stretch of the climb. The grade consistently hovers around 4 per cent for this portion.
A second hairpin is followed by the final stretch, which takes the riders to the lookout.
The climb can be challenging for new cyclists, but it is certainly conquerable by all. Caution around the hairpins is warranted as the grade can pitch into the double digits – alarming but momentary.
All in all, the climb should take a couple of minutes (2-5 minutes is the usual time range), and riders will pocket about 50 m of elevation.
Notes:
- After finishing the climb, riders should be careful by the lookout. Cars cross the bike path to access the parking lot, and they often do not check their side view mirror/shoulder check before turning.
- The lookout is an excellent stop point for riders. There is a water fountain and public washrooms available.
- Right after the second hairpin, there is an exit that riders can take to access the northbound Stanley Park Causeway Bike Route. This will take riders onto the Lions Gate Bridge and over the North Shore.
- There is a fun descent after the climb. Consider it your treat for an effort well done.
Brian Lim likes to ride bikes (sometimes with his camera). He's a complete and consummate amateur - both in cycling and in photography, and says he doesn't take himself seriously - and neither should you. Lim wants to share his love of cycling, so please reach out if you want to talk! You'll find him on Instagram at @wheelsandwhisky.
