Suspension Bridge and trees, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (MedioImages/Getty Images)

NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. -- In Vancouver, it's often said the Coast Mountains are practically on your doorstep. Rising just north of the city, they are so close you don't even need a car to reach some amazing day hikes -- you can just hop on a bus.

One hiking route that is particularly well served by transit is the Baden-Powell Trail.

REMAINS PASSABLE

Traversing the southern slopes of the North Shore mountains, the B-P Trail -- built by Boy Scouts and named after the founder, Robert Baden-Powell -- extends 42 km from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Deep Cove in North Vancouver.

The trail is also noteworthy because much of it remains passable for the majority of the year, unlike the many other trails in the area that lead up to the often-snowy mountaintops.

Due to its length, most hikers choose to divide the B-P Trail into smaller day hikes. A good place to start is the 12-km section between Lynn Canyon and Deep Cove, which is not difficult but is steep at times.

The hike begins by crossing the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. From Lynn Canyon Park, the undulating route takes you through the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve and Mount Seymour Provincial Park.

Blue markers bearing the Scout fleur-de-lis lead the way, and maps are occasionally posted. In some parts, the trail skirts residential areas and even crosses roads, while, in others, it heads deep into the temperate rainforest.

The payoff lies near the B-P Trail's eastern terminus. From Quarry Rock, a bluff overlooking Deep Cove, the satisfying view encompasses the islands of Indian Arm and the summits of Eagle Ridge, as well as suburban Burnaby.

When you get there, you're also within sight of another reward -- the delicious doughnuts and ice cream of Deep Cove.

GETTING THERE

Take bus 28 from Joyce-Collingwood or Gilmore SkyTrain station, or drive to the park 'n' ride at Phibbs Exchange (Oxford St. at Trans-Canada Hwy. 1 off-ramp, North Vancouver). Bus 229 brings you to Lynn Canyon Park. From Deep Cove, bus 211 or 212 gets you back to Phibbs. Allow 4-5 hours for the hike.

ON THE WEB

Lynn Canyon Park, dnv.org/ecology/. Deep Cove info, deepcovebc.com. TransLink, translink.bc.ca.