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shipyard - titanic trail

The Shipyard-Titanic Trail is a fascinating geological wonder located at the base of Babcock Mountain, offering visitors a truly unique experience. This site features an incredible series of gravity-defying rock towers, unlike anything else in the world. Among them, the magnificent Titanic rock formation is a must-see, resembling the iconic sinking ship. The breathtaking views from the top of these rock formations will leave you feeling like you're on top of the world. The Tarn and Towers Trail provides a much shorter option and leads past a couple of attractive tarns and ends at a viewpoint below the towers of Armada Ridge.

Distance | Time:
3 km return (0.5 km for Tarn)
2-3 hours (0.5 hours for Tarn)

Elevation Gain: 50 m

Trail Rating:
Moderate - Steep and rock
in places.

Features:
Phenomenal views of rock scenery,
mountain goats often visible.

Trails

The Shipyard-Titanic trail is rated as moderate difficulty. The 4 km round-trip route has a few short but steep hills. Use caution on rock sections as there can be loose rocks and trip/fall hazards. See the WNMS Hiker’s Guide for more information.
Snowshoeing

The Shipyard is a spectacular snowshoeing destination during the winter. Please note that the road to the trailhead is NOT plowed which adds 3 km of extra distance. Using a snowmobile or ATV with tracks to get to the trailhead is a great option. Check with local tour operators.
Rock Climbing

Shipyard is a favourite climbing destination in the Tumbler Ridge area. Craig Waters has led the climbing initiative here and at Boulder Gardens, and has opened up numerous challenging routes.
Trip Link

The Tarn and Towers Trail, which starts just meters from the Shipyard trailhead provides a much shorter option, just 250 m long and fairly level. It leads past a couple of tarns and ends at a viewpoint below the towers of Armada Ridge.
The Shipyard-Titanic Trail is often planned at the same time as exploring Boulder Gardens and Babcock Falls.
Wildlife

Keep an eye out for mountain goats – there is a herd of about 50 in this area that enjoy the exposed cliffs above. Listen for the song- birds characteristic of this elevation and terrain, such as Hermit Thrush, Wilson's Warbler, Fox Sparrow, and Golden-crowned Sparrow.
Caution

There are large and abrupt cliffs and drop-offs on some areas.. Children and pets should be supervised at all times. These routes are in bear country; travel in groups and make noise. Please pack out what you packed in.

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD

From Tumbler Ridge, drive south on Hwy 52 (the Heritage Highway, locally known as the Boundary Road). The paved road passes the turnoff to Kinuseo Falls at km 12.7. Keep going straight on the Heritage Highway for 6.8 km to a right turn (signposted “Shipyard & Titanic”) onto the Core Lodge Road. This road is radio controlled - watch for industrial traffic. At 12.5 km, there is a fork. Take the right fork, following the sign saying “all other traffic” (the left fork is for mine traffic only). Take the next right fork, signposted as the West Core Lodge road, and follow this road up the flanks of Mt Babcock for 3 km. On the way, you will pass the Boulder Gardens trailhead. The Shipyard–Titanic and Tarn and Towers trailheads are in the curve of a switchback, along with an outhouse.