Mount Seymour
| Mount Seymour | Region | South Coast |
|---|---|---|
 View of the Lower Mainland from Mount Seymour's "Pump Peak" |
Elevation | 1449 m (4754 ft) |
| Coordinates |
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| Quick Info | Mount Seymour is a triple peak overlooking Greater Vancouver and Indian Arm. The mountain is a very popular destination with hikers and is easily accessed from the Mount Seymour ski hill. Although a well-marked trail runs along all three summits, many rescues have been performed on this mountain. The most common scenarios involve people slipping down snow-filled couloirs or getting lost during poor visibility. |
Introduction
A popular and often busy trail, the hike to Mount Seymour's peak is a short day hike that begins most of the way up the mountain. The trail accesses two smaller summits before reaching the final (and highest) peak. The first peak (called "Pump Peak" after a handle like tree that used to be on the summit) offers views of Vancouver just as spectacular as those from the peak, so the hike could be made easier by stopping there instead. A great trail for that friend visiting from out of town who's not so big into hiking (or anyone who appreciates an amazing view of Vancouver, for that matter!).
Although not at Grouse Grind level crowdedness, it's possible to never be out of sight of other hikers on this trail. Don't be surprised to see things such as tiny dogs, flip flops, venti Starbucks drinks, and varying degrees of unpreparedness (dogs are allowed on-leash, not that this rule is observed, but the latter three aren't recommended).
Route Info
- Mt. Seymour elevation: 1,449 meters
- Trailhead elevation: ~ 1,000 meters
- Trail length: 4.4 km one way (to peak)
- Time to complete: 3-4 hours, dependant on party speed
- Difficulty: easy ~ moderate
- Technical difficulty: trail can be mildly steep, otherwise very easy
Directions
From Vancouver get yourself to the north shore, it doesn't matter if you take the Lions Gate or the Second Narrows bridge (although the Second Narrows is probably the better option). Take the upper levels highway (going east if you took the Lions Gate) and get off at Mount Seymour Parkway (the exit is close to the Second Narrows bridge). Go east on the Parkway until you reach Mt Seymour road, and make a left. Follow this road up the whole mountain, watching for cyclists on the shoulder. Park in the day lot at the very end, next to all the ski resort buildings. Parking costs $3 for the day, overnight parking is only allowed at a slightly lower lot. The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot.
Translink can get you as far as the intersection of Mount Seymour Parkway and Mount Seymour Road, and biking to the top would be long but possible (Mount Seymour is a popular downhill mountain biking destination and there are many cyclists who bike up, albeit not to the very top of the road where the trail starts).
Trail Description
Right after the trailhead the hiker is confronted with a choice. They may either follow the signs which take you onto the actual trail (to the left and through the trees), or follow the road that goes up under the chairlift. Either option is fine as they meet up 1 km later. Most people seem to choose the road, although many are probably not aware of the choice. The road is well kept and easy to walk on, although some attention is needed to make sure you go the right way (there are several forks, none of which have signposts). Initially follow the more gentle road that zig-zags back and forth up the mountain. Eventually you should come across the signpost (on the left) where the trail through the trees rejoins the road. 100m or so after this stay left at the next branch; if you take the right you will find yourself at the top of the chairlift, in which case you should retrace your steps down to the last junction. Leave the road when you come across the next signpost, next to a small pond.
This map may help keep you on track should you take the roads.
After leaving the road and climbing through the trees the trail passes under a cliff face. Eventually you reach the junction with the Elsay Lake trail. At roughly this point the trail begins the climb to the first peak. Eventually you reach a signpost where the trail either continues on to the second and third peaks (you may also see the second peak referred to as "Second Pump" on signage) or branches to the left to ascend Pump Peak (only a very small detour; also called "First Pump" on signage). The trail to the second peak is easily visible, and the local summit here is only a 25m detour from the trail. From the second peak the final peak (and the trail reaching it) are visible. The first peak and final peak offer great views of the city (the second peak is a bit too treed to do so), while the second peak and final peak have good views of the mountains to the north and east.
