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Cranbrook Hill
aka Forest for the World Lookout
Prince George, B.C.
July 28, 2025
Distance: 5.1 km (3.2 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 116 m (381 ft)
Forest for the World is a demonstration forest with 15 kilometres of hiking trails. Of these, Dinah and I were interested in the one going over Cranbrook Hill. According to ehcanadatravel.com, “The Upper Lookout at the top of Cranbrook Hill provides a good view of the Prince George community, the surrounding valley and the many blocks of farmland.” Unfortunately, and like Pilot Mountain, trees have grown to obstruct the views. Pine trees grow about 2-3 ft a year and now surpass the little lookout rebuilt 23 years ago.
The shortest hiking loop for the lookout is 2.3 km, but Dinah and I added a trail around Shane Lake. From the parking lot, we walked the short trail through the forest to the lake. After gazing at the lake from the lower lookout, we continued a clockwise loop.
The area around Shane Lake is home to amphibians. Whenever the trail passed a swamp, we paused to take a closer look. We spotted frogs and toads, but unfortunately, no salamanders.
Eventually, the trail reached the top of Cranbrook Hill, and we saw the lookout in a clearing. Having seen recent photos on the Internet, we knew not to expect any views, but we climbed it anyway. Bagging a small hill added an extra layer of enjoyment to our pleasant hike in Forest for the World.
Starting up the trail
A sign informs hikers about amphibians
After walking for a few minutes, we reached Shane Lake
View of the lake from the lookout
Continuing along the path
We saw our first toads and frogs in the ditch beside the road
Western Toad
Columbia Spotted Frog
Whenever we passed swamps like this one, we looked for wildlife
Solitary Sandpiper. Is that rock or an animal bone in front of it?
Dinah stops on a boardwalk to look around
Song Sparrow
We turned onto Otway Trail
The trail runs over a rise. I was hoping to find a view of the lake, but there was none.
We turned onto the trail going to the lookout. The sign indicates the forest is home to several animals including moose, bears, red foxes and porcupines, but we didn't see any.
On our way to the lookout
The lookout
Plaque in a rock by the stairs
There was nothing to look out at
