Mystery Lake
A serene, family-friendly lake escape near Vancouver, offering a refreshing swim and a scenic forest hike.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Mystery Lake
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, family-friendly lake escape near Vancouver, offering a refreshing swim and a scenic forest hike.
"Absolutely worth the easy 35-40 minute hike! Beautiful and peaceful lake with almost no crowds."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail can be rough and snowy, even in summer. Good hiking shoes are a must!
🎶 Respect the Quiet
Some visitors find loud music disruptive. Be mindful of others seeking a peaceful nature experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mystery Lake
Mount Seymour, Greater Vancouver
A serene, family-friendly escape with cool, refreshing waters perfect for a dip after a short, scenic hike.

Abundant Salamanders
Mystery Lake
Discover a variety of salamanders in and around the lake, adding a unique element of nature to your visit.

Scenic Forest Hike
Trail to Mystery Lake
An enjoyable, shaded forest walk with occasional challenging sections and beautiful views, sometimes above the clouds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail can be rough and snowy, even in summer. Good hiking shoes are a must!
🎶 Respect the Quiet
Some visitors find loud music disruptive. Be mindful of others seeking a peaceful nature experience.
🐻 Wildlife Awareness
Keep an eye out for local wildlife like black bears. Maintain a safe distance and never feed them.
💧 Bring Swim Gear
The lake water is cool and refreshing, perfect for a swim on a warm day.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail can be rough and snowy, even in summer. Good hiking shoes are a must!
🎶 Respect the Quiet
Some visitors find loud music disruptive. Be mindful of others seeking a peaceful nature experience.
🐻 Wildlife Awareness
Keep an eye out for local wildlife like black bears. Maintain a safe distance and never feed them.
💧 Bring Swim Gear
The lake water is cool and refreshing, perfect for a swim on a warm day.
⬆️ Follow Orange Markers
Orange squares nailed to trees mark the trail, especially important if you park at the ski lift.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mystery Lake is praised for its beautiful, peaceful setting and the refreshing swim it offers after a relatively easy hike. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and the chance to see wildlife like salamanders. However, some find the trail can be rougher than expected, and occasional crowds with loud music can detract from the serene atmosphere.
"Very nice hike. Simple walk, like 35-45mins. Nice shade. Lake is a nice escape from Van. Lots of salamanders around. Cool water, perfect to cool off after the walk."
Daniel Poon
"Absolutely worth the easy 35-40 minute hike! Beautiful and peaceful lake with almost no crowds. Perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature."
Fhm
"Very nice lake and we saw a Black Bear on the opposite side of the lake. Check the photo. To get to the lake we parked at the ski lift parking place and followed the orange squares nailed on the trees. The trail can be very demanding sometimes. It is a very rough trail, however it is a beautiful trail and we passed another tiny lake on the way."
Daniel Dumont
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mystery Lake is located at Mount Seymour in the Greater Vancouver area. You can drive to the ski lift parking lot and follow the marked trail. The hike is approximately 35-45 minutes one way.
While specific public transport routes directly to the trailhead might be limited, you can explore options to reach the Mount Seymour area via bus and then potentially a short taxi or rideshare. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Parking is available at the ski lift parking area at Mount Seymour. From there, you'll follow the trail marked with orange squares nailed to trees.
The hike is generally considered easy to moderate, taking about 35-45 minutes. However, some sections can be rough and demanding, and weather conditions can impact difficulty.
The trail is a shaded forest walk, sometimes described as rough and demanding. Be prepared for varied terrain and potential snow, even in warmer months.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to access Mystery Lake. It's a natural attraction within Mount Seymour.
There are no entrance fees for Mystery Lake itself. Parking at Mount Seymour may have associated fees depending on the season or specific area, so it's good to check local park regulations.
Mystery Lake is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, the trail conditions can vary, so it's best to visit during safe daylight hours.
Yes, swimming is possible in Mystery Lake. The water is cool and refreshing, and some visitors find it surprisingly warm in August.
While not explicitly stated in the provided information, it's generally recommended to check local park regulations regarding pets on trails. Many natural areas encourage responsible pet ownership, but leash laws often apply.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake itself offers beautiful reflections and serene natural beauty. The surrounding forest and potential cloud inversions above the trees also provide stunning photographic subjects.
Absolutely! With its diverse flora, fauna like salamanders, and scenic views, Mystery Lake is a great spot for nature photographers.
A versatile camera with a good lens for landscapes and close-ups of nature would be ideal. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for the lake and forest, and a macro lens if you're interested in photographing salamanders.
The shoreline of the lake provides excellent vantage points. For more dramatic shots, consider hiking slightly higher for views above the trees, especially if there are clouds.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. However, the moody atmosphere with clouds can also be very photogenic.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
Visitors have reported seeing salamanders in and around the lake, and one reviewer even spotted a black bear on the opposite side. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
While some visitors find it peaceful with almost no crowds, others mention that it can get crowded, especially on weekends. Visiting on a weekday morning is recommended for a quieter experience.
Mystery Lake is a natural attraction, so amenities are minimal. There are no facilities like restrooms or picnic tables directly at the lake. Come prepared.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic by the lake. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to keep the area clean.
Yes, Mystery Lake is considered a family-friendly destination. The hike is relatively short and manageable for kids, and the lake offers a fun place to cool off.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Vancouver
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystery of the Lake
The lake itself is a highlight, offering cool, clear waters that are perfect for a dip on a warm day. Some reviewers found the water surprisingly warm in August, making it an enjoyable swimming spot. Beyond the refreshing water, the lake is also known for its abundant salamander population, adding a unique element of wildlife observation for nature enthusiasts.
While the natural beauty is a major draw, it's worth noting that the experience can be impacted by crowds and noise. Some visitors have expressed disappointment with inconsiderate music from other groups, suggesting that weekday mornings are the best time to visit for a more peaceful and serene experience. Despite these potential drawbacks, Mystery Lake remains a beloved spot for its natural charm and accessibility.
Navigating the Trail and Weather
Appropriate footwear is non-negotiable. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip are recommended to navigate the rough and potentially slippery terrain. Visitors have shared experiences of unexpected snow, making the hike more adventurous but also requiring caution.
Beyond the trail itself, the surrounding environment can be unpredictable. While Vancouver might be sweltering, the higher elevation of Mount Seymour can mean cooler temperatures and different weather patterns. Being prepared for dry conditions, mud, and snow ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone exploring this beautiful natural area.

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