Mount Seymour Provincial Park Vancouver
Vast park with diverse trails for hiking, biking, and skiing, offering breathtaking views of Vancouver and the North Shore mountains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, stunning snowscapes
Mount Seymour Provincial Park Vancouver
Best Time
Crisp air, stunning snowscapes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast park with diverse trails for hiking, biking, and skiing, offering breathtaking views of Vancouver and the North Shore mountains.
"Stunning views and accessible trails make this a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers."
📲 Download AllTrails App
Essential for navigation and checking trail conditions. Many trails are well-marked, but it's a great backup.
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Muddy in summer, icy in winter. Microspikes are often needed for winter hikes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dog Mountain Trail
Mount Seymour Ski Resort parking lot
Breathtaking panoramic views of Vancouver and the surrounding mountains. Perfect for sunrise or sunset hikes.
Mystery Lake
Parking Lot 4
A tranquil pond with a wooden boardwalk, accessible via an easy to moderate forested hike. Dog-friendly!
Pump Peak (First Peak)
Mount Seymour Ski Resort parking lot
The first of Mount Seymour's three peaks, offering rewarding views after a climb. Accessible with microspikes in winter.
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Park Pass Early
Gear Up for All Seasons
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📲 Download AllTrails App
Essential for navigation and checking trail conditions. Many trails are well-marked, but it's a great backup.
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Muddy in summer, icy in winter. Microspikes are often needed for winter hikes.
🚗 Park Pass Ready
Print your day pass or have the QR code handy for rangers. Passes are released daily at 6 AM.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Many trails, like Mystery Lake and Dog Mountain, welcome leashed dogs.
Tips
from all over the internet
📲 Download AllTrails App
Essential for navigation and checking trail conditions. Many trails are well-marked, but it's a great backup.
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Muddy in summer, icy in winter. Microspikes are often needed for winter hikes.
🚗 Park Pass Ready
Print your day pass or have the QR code handy for rangers. Passes are released daily at 6 AM.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Many trails, like Mystery Lake and Dog Mountain, welcome leashed dogs.
🥾 Consider Snowshoes/Spikes
For winter, microspikes are usually sufficient, but snowshoes might be needed for fresh powder. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning views and accessibility of Mount Seymour Provincial Park, especially for its hiking trails. The ease of obtaining parking passes and the well-maintained ski resort facilities are frequently praised. Some mention the need for proper gear in different seasons and the importance of booking day passes in advance.
"Getting the parking pass was easy, but I recommend printing it to leave on the dash so you don't get asked for it by others. Otherwise, just have the QR code ready. We went up today for the AM parking, and we were surprised at how few ppl were up on the Dog Mt snowshoe trail. It didn't need anything more than micro spikes as the trail was very hard packed. No spiked would work, too, with some slippery spots. No view today due to a lovely gentle snowfall.... which is better in my mind! Always recommend enjoying the outdoors in a free provincial park!"
Margaret Shuttleworth
"Excellent ski destination. Had to avail of the ski patrol for our son. Thank goodness they were there. What a professional team. The communication skills on top of their medical training is excellent. 5 stars."
Simon Fleming
"Very accessible via a great shuttle service well organized operations team easy online pass purchase - testament to a family field nice work team Seymour - some of the best views around from this ski area!"
Simon D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Seymour Provincial Park is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. You can drive directly to the ski resort parking lot, which serves as a trailhead for many hikes. Public transport options are limited, so driving or using a ride-sharing service is recommended.
Yes, there is parking available at the Mount Seymour Ski Resort, which is the main access point for many popular hiking trails like Dog Mountain and Pump Peak. Parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Public transport to Mount Seymour is challenging. While buses serve the North Shore, direct routes to the park's trailheads are infrequent. It's best to check current TransLink schedules or consider ride-sharing services.
While challenging, it's possible. Some users suggest looking into services like ParkBus, which offers transportation to various North Shore hiking spots. Otherwise, relying on ride-sharing is an option. +1
The Dog Mountain trailhead is accessed from the Mount Seymour Ski Resort parking lot. It's a short hike from there, and the area is well-signed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, many popular hikes in Mount Seymour Provincial Park now require a day pass. These free passes are released daily at 6 AM and are essential for accessing trails like Dog Mountain and Mystery Lake.
Day passes for Mount Seymour Provincial Park are available for free each morning at 6 AM. It's highly recommended to book yours online in advance through the BC Parks website or app.
Mount Seymour Provincial Park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like the ski resort have their own operating hours. Hiking trails are accessible during daylight hours.
The park itself is free to enter, but a day pass is required for many popular hiking trails, especially during peak seasons. The ski resort area also has its own fees for skiing and snowboarding.
While the park is free, a day pass is required for many hikes. It's best to secure your pass online in advance. Having a printed copy or the QR code ready on your phone is recommended for rangers.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
For beginners, Mystery Lake and Dog Mountain are excellent choices. They offer rewarding views and are relatively short and well-marked. Avoid attempting all three peaks of Mount Seymour on your first visit. +1
Generally, yes. Trails like the main Mount Seymour hike and Dog Mountain are well-marked and popular, making them easier to follow. However, always have a map or navigation app as a backup.
Wear sturdy hiking boots. In summer, expect mud and wet conditions. In winter, microspikes or crampons are crucial due to snow and ice. Layers are always a good idea.
Yes, many trails in Mount Seymour Provincial Park are dog-friendly, including Mystery Lake and Dog Mountain. However, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
The views from Mount Seymour are spectacular. Dog Mountain offers panoramic vistas of Vancouver, while other peaks provide stunning mountain and forest scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
Dog Mountain is a prime spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset, offering incredible city and mountain backdrops. Mystery Lake provides serene, reflective shots.
Absolutely! Dog Mountain is particularly renowned for its sunset views, offering a magical golden hour experience over Vancouver.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. For sunrise/sunset, a tripod can help with low-light conditions. Don't forget a protective case for your gear, especially in wet or snowy weather.
The wooden boardwalk at Mystery Lake offers a unique perspective. In winter, the snow-covered landscapes and icy trees create dramatic photographic opportunities.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset are ideal for dramatic lighting. Midday can be harsh, but offers clear views of the landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1For families with slightly older children or those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Dog Mountain trail offers incredible views that will impress everyone. Remember to secure your day pass in advance, as it's required for many popular trails.
🐶 Dog Owners
+1Remember that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure the safety of other visitors and wildlife. Always carry waste bags to clean up after your pet. The park's natural beauty provides a wonderful environment for dogs to explore, but always be mindful of trail conditions and other hikers.
Budget Travelers
Securing a free day pass online is crucial, so plan ahead. Pack your own food and water to save on costs. The stunning natural beauty and hiking opportunities offer immense value without a hefty price tag, making it a perfect day trip from Vancouver.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Winter Adventures at Mount Seymour
When venturing out in winter, always check avalanche conditions and weather forecasts. The park can receive significant snowfall, and conditions can change rapidly. It's advisable to go with a buddy and inform someone of your hiking plans. The ski resort also offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails.
Remember that even short hikes can be challenging in snow. Proper footwear, warm clothing, and navigation tools are essential. The views, however, are often spectacular, with snow-dusted peaks and a serene, quiet atmosphere.
Hiking for Beginners
+1Dog Mountain is another highly recommended trail for beginners, especially for its incredible views. While it involves some elevation gain, the payoff at the summit is immense, offering panoramic vistas of Vancouver. It's a popular spot for sunrise and sunset hikes.
It's crucial for beginners to understand the importance of day passes, which are now required for many hikes. Booking these in advance is key. Additionally, wearing appropriate footwear and checking trail conditions are vital for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Capturing the Views: Photography Tips
For capturing the best shots, consider visiting during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise or before sunset. This is when the light is soft and warm, enhancing the landscape's beauty. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive vistas.
+1Don't forget to explore other scenic spots like Mystery Lake, which offers a more tranquil and reflective photographic subject with its calm waters and surrounding forest. In winter, the snow-covered landscapes provide a completely different, yet equally stunning, photographic experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit