Mystery Lake - Image 1
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Mystery Lake

4.5
·65 reviews·, Canada

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Mystery Lake - Image 1

Mystery Lake

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(65 reviews)

"Absolutely worth the easy 35-40 minute hike! Beautiful and peaceful lake with almost no crowds."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mystery Lake

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

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

Scenic Forest Hike

Trail to Mystery Lake

An enjoyable, shaded forest walk with occasional challenging sections and beautiful views, sometimes above the clouds.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds by visiting Mystery Lake on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends can get busy, and some visitors note inconsiderate music can detract from the peace. Arrive early for the best experience.

Trail Preparedness

While often described as an easy hike, the trail to Mystery Lake can be demanding and rough in sections. Be prepared for varied weather conditions, including snow even in August, and wear appropriate footwear. Orange markers guide the way.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
August afternoons
Why
Water is surprisingly warm
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Wow this was a wild ride! We are getting close to finding this family! #photography #art #vintage #35mm #nostalgia #mystery
@shotandforgot
108.4K likes • 1.8M views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The trail can be rough and snowy, even in summer. Good hiking shoes are a must! Reddit

🎶 Respect the Quiet

Some visitors find loud music disruptive. Be mindful of others seeking a peaceful nature experience. Reddit

Mystery lake Follow @urban_america_horror in @instagram and share with your friends #usahorrorstory #gost #gostes #explain #urbanlegend #urban #urbanjapan #japan #scaryvideos🎬🎥🎃👻 #scarystories #scaryfact #scary #hunted #horrorfan #horrifying #horror
urban_america___
144 likes • 5.5K views
📍Mystery Lake Track (via Lake Clearwater), Hakatere Conservation Park, NEW ZEALAND. #MysteryLake #HakatereConservationPark #AshburtonLakes #MidCanterby #SouthIsland #NewZealand #purenewzealand #earthpixnz #gonz #southislandnz #wanderlustofnz #newzealandwithme #newzealandguide #explorenewzealand #explorelocalnz #travel #travels #beautifuldestinations #wanderer #nomad #globetrotter #wanderlust #worl...
myksantosyambao
16 likes • 265 views

🐻 Wildlife Awareness

Keep an eye out for local wildlife like black bears. Maintain a safe distance and never feed them. Reddit

💧 Bring Swim Gear

The lake water is cool and refreshing, perfect for a swim on a warm day. Reddit

Mystery Lake at Mount Seymour has officially become a family favourite — and it’s definitely worth sharing! 🌲✨ One of the best things about living in the Greater Vancouver area is how many beautiful adventures are just a short drive away. Today, four families (with kids ages 4 to 9) enjoyed this easy, kid-friendly hike. We reached the lake in about 35 minutes — and that included two little breaks...
vancouver_kids
84 likes • 4.1K views

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! Reddit

🎶 Respect the Quiet

Some visitors find loud music disruptive. Be mindful of others seeking a peaceful nature experience. Reddit

🐻 Wildlife Awareness

Keep an eye out for local wildlife like black bears. Maintain a safe distance and never feed them. Reddit

💧 Bring Swim Gear

The lake water is cool and refreshing, perfect for a swim on a warm day. Reddit

⬆️ Follow Orange Markers

Orange squares nailed to trees mark the trail, especially important if you park at the ski lift. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(65 reviews)

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

Beautiful and peaceful lake
Refreshing swim
Easy, scenic hike

What People Dislike

Crowded on weekends
Inconsiderate music
Rough trail sections

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to access Mystery Lake. It's a natural attraction within Mount Seymour. Instagram

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. Instagram

Yes, swimming is possible in Mystery Lake. The water is cool and refreshing, and some visitors find it surprisingly warm in August. Reddit

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. TikTok

Absolutely! With its diverse flora, fauna like salamanders, and scenic views, Mystery Lake is a great spot for nature photographers. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🌲 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mystery Lake is a fantastic family-friendly destination in the Vancouver area. The hike is relatively short, making it manageable for children aged 4 and up, and the promise of a refreshing swim at the lake is a great motivator. Instagram The trail, while sometimes rough, offers an engaging walk through the forest. Remember to pack snacks and water, and be prepared for varying weather conditions. The abundance of salamanders is also a big hit with curious young explorers! Reddit

🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers

For those who love the outdoors and capturing its beauty, Mystery Lake is a gem. The serene lake setting and the surrounding lush forest provide ample opportunities for photography. Keep an eye out for the salamanders that inhabit the area, offering unique close-up photo subjects. TikTok The changing light throughout the day, especially during golden hours, can create stunning scenes. Be prepared for potential wildlife sightings, like the reported black bear, and always maintain a respectful distance. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers from Vancouver

Mystery Lake is an ideal day trip from Vancouver, offering a quick escape into nature without a long drive. The 35-45 minute hike is perfect for those looking for a moderate activity. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake and take advantage of the refreshing swimming opportunities. Reddit Visiting on a weekday is highly recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mystery of the Lake

Mystery Lake, nestled within the scenic Mount Seymour area of Greater Vancouver, offers a refreshing escape from the city. The hike to reach it is often described as an easy to moderate 35-45 minute walk, making it accessible for many. However, don't let the 'easy' label fool you entirely; the trail can be rough and demanding in sections, requiring sturdy footwear and preparedness for varied weather conditions. Visitors have noted that even in August, the trail can still be snowy, leading to fun slides and tumbles. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit Despite these potential drawbacks, Mystery Lake remains a beloved spot for its natural charm and accessibility.

Navigating the Trail and Weather

The journey to Mystery Lake is part of its charm, but it also requires a bit of preparation. The trail is marked with orange squares nailed to trees, a helpful guide for hikers. Reddit Parking is typically available at the Mount Seymour ski lift area. It's crucial to be aware of the trail's condition, which can vary significantly. Reports of snow even during summer months highlight the importance of checking weather forecasts and dressing in layers. Reddit

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. Reddit

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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