June 7th to June 15th 2025
For the final challenge of Queen and King of the Hill, we’re sending you up the legendary Teahouse segment on Lady MacDonald. This is no ordinary climb—this is THE classic.
This trail has seen it all: dawn patrols, lung-busting pushes, and enough sweat to water a forest. It's where countless local runners have forged their uphill firepower, chased PRs and ghosts of past efforts.
This is your moment to join that legacy. One final ascent. One last showdown. Climb like you mean it—there’s royalty on the line.
Getting There
Parking is available in the lot along Cougar Creek by the roundabout at the entrance of Eagle Terrace. The trailhead to Mount Lady Macdonald is accessible directly from the path along the creek. There is a protective construction fence along this section, and you will want to stay to the left once you reach the fence. The first part of the trail is a flat section that follows the Cougar Creek Route for about one kilometre before splitting and turning left.
The Route
The Lady MacDonald ascent trail starts gently from Cougar Creek before switching gears into a relentless climb that doesn’t let up. It’s rocky, rooty, steep, and oh-so-satisfying. You'll weave through forest before breaking into alpine terrain, with the bench now replacing the old Teahouse platform your finish line. Expect loose footing, burning lungs, and epic views if you have the energy to look up.
Start your watch at the first "Area Closed" sign that marks the start of the ascent.
Stop your watch when you reach the “teahouse” bench.
- Distance: 3.4 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 860 meters
- Where to Park: Cougar Creek Trailhead
- Surface: Technical Trail
- GPX Track
- Strava Segment