Quarry Rock remains closed to the public, whether you can find your way to the top or not.
That’s the message from the District of North Vancouver after the warm weather has brought out more hikers who are jumping the fence or accessing the top via other trails.
Although no fines have been issued, park rangers and bylaw officers have issued verbal warnings more than 500 times since the district closed the trail at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A search of Instagram finds there are still folks making the climb to post inspirational quotes and photos of their yoga pants-clad selves looking contemplatively out on Indian Arm.
Several acknowledge the uber-popular hiking trail is closed but suggest no rules were broken because they reached the rock via routes other than the main trailhead on Panorama Drive.
“Yes the access in Deep Cove is still closed but... if you’re a local, you already know how to get there a different way. :)” one recent message read.
“Don’t worry, we didn’t break any province rules to get here 😉” said another.
But that’s not the case, according to the district.
“Quarry Rock will remain closed. This is due to both the narrowness of the trails in some spots and crowding on the rock lookout itself, which makes proper physical distancing challenging,” said Cassie Brondgeest, district spokeswoman.
The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge remains closed for the same reason, Brondgeest added.
District park rangers and bylaw staff do drop in on Quarry Rock, and staff will be enforcing “local traffic only” restrictions on side streets in the Deep Cove neighbourhood, including Indian River Drive.
“There are many other trails in the District of North Vancouver that people can visit and remain safe. Our priority continues to be the health and safety of the community,” Brondgeest added.
In her most recent update to the public, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said everyone should keep to their immediate neighbourhood, unless for essential purposes, to help get the third wave of COVID-19 under control.
