Photo: Taryn Eyton/Happiestoutdoors.ca
Head to Mount Seymour Provincial Park to experience the beauty of Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains. The hiking trails range from easy forest walks to challenging summit climbs. You can also have a picnic, ride your bike and enjoy the view. Use this guide to help you plan your trip to Mount Seymour Provincial Park this summer.
How to Get to Mount Seymour Provincial Park
Take the Mount Seymour Parkway exit from Highway 1. At Parkgate Village Mall, turn left onto Mount Seymour Road. Follow the road as it switchbacks up the mountain. There are several different parking areas along the way or you can park at the ski area parking lot at the top.
Tips for Visiting
- Use the park map to find your way around.
- Dogs must be on leash in the park.
- Smoking, vaping, cannabis, drones, alcohol, campfires, and collecting plants are not allowed.
- There are toilets at most parking lots in the park.
- Some of the park has no cell phone service.
- Be bear aware. The park is home to lots of black bears. Learn about bear safety before you go.
- Be safe in the park. AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every hike. Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for the weather. Leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.
Enjoy the View
Take a break on your drive up the mountain to enjoy the view from the Deep Cove Lookout. It’s a roadside viewpoint with a great view of Indian Arm and the Fraser Valley.
Take an Easy Hike to Sub-Alpine Lakes
If you want to get a taste of the sub-alpine without too much effort, take an easy hike on the Flower Lake Loop or Goldie Lake Loop. These short trails start near the first aid building at the ski area and circle around tiny lakes and ponds. Download the Goldie Lake Interpretive Trail guide to learn about history, plants, and animals along the way.
Goldie Lake Interpretive Trail map. Photo: Mount Seymour Resort
Have a Picnic
Bring your lunch and have a picnic at Mount Seymour Provincial Park. There are two formal picnic areas with tables in the park. Find them at the far end of the ski area parking lot and at the Vancouver Picnic Area on the second switchback of Mount Seymour Road.
Road Bike Up Mount Seymour Road
The challenging ride up Mount Seymour Road is a favourite with local cyclists. The 12 kilometre route gains 893 meters with an average grade of 7.3% but some sections reach grades over 10%. The route is one of our picks for the best hill climb cycling routes in Vancouver.
Climb a Mountain
The signature hike in the park is the trail to the summit of Mount Seymour. It’s a tough route but the views from the top are incredible. Use our Mount Seymour hiking guide to plan your trip. If you’re looking to climb an easier peak, check out Dog Mountain. The trail rambles through the forest with only a few small hills and ends at a great viewpoint overlooking the city.
Photo: David Luecke/AllTrails
Explore the Quiet Lower Mountain Trails
Most visitors to Mount Seymour Provincial Park head to the upper mountain. That means that you can find solitude lower down the slopes. An extensive trail network winds through the forest past rushing creeks. It’s a great option for rainy days or during hot weather when you want shade. There are dozens of trails to choose from, but the Old Buck Trail or Baden Powell Trail are both great places to start.
Go Mountain Biking
The entire lower section of the park is crisscrossed with mountain bike trails and is one of the most popular places to mountain bike in Vancouver. Many of the steep trails are best left for experts but there are a few blue- and green-rated trails too. Use an app like Trailforks to find your way around.
Mountain biking on Mount Seymour. Photo: Trailforks
