What is a UNESCO Global Geopark,
And Why You Should Visit This One?
Learn about Tumbler Ridge, one of five Global Geoparks in North America and the only one in western Canada.
Visible from the city of Vancouver, Mount Seymour Provincial Park is one of the many peaks that make up the North Shore Mountains of British Columbia. It may not be striking to look at or exceptionally high but it has never disappointed me when I’ve visited it, and I’ve visited it many times.
I often recommend to people that if they only have a short amount of time in Vancouver, then hiking to the summit of Mount Seymour is the one hike they should do before they leave. The reason being is that the hike to the summit is varied and reasonably short with not too much uphill, as the road to the trailhead climbs to over 930 m (3,051 ft) above sea level. It also offers some of the best panoramic views of the area compared to its neighbour peaks which are considerably more difficult to reach.
I’ve snowshoed here, hiked here, hung out in an igloo here, practiced my mountain skills here. I’ve been here on clear days and socked in cloudy days and loved each the same. I haven’t skied here yet, but I will. Visit the sub-summits along the ridge, take in the views of Vancouver, the surrounding mountains and the immense Mount Baker on the horizon.
Here’s some of our photos taken on various explorations to Mount Seymour over the past few years. While it may be Spring-like conditions at the moment, the spectacular views are available year-round. Hopefully they inspire you to come visit the park for yourself!
The view out from the sub-summit of Mount Seymour.
A rime encrusted summit pole on one of the sub-summits of Mount Seymour.
Looking out towards Mount Baker on the horizon.
Catching the Moon after a day exploring Mount Seymour.
The trees becoming snow statues while looking down from the second peak of Mount Seymour.
Having lunch near the summit of Mount Seymour.
We almost always stay until sunset and hike out using headlamps. The sunsets on Mount Seymour are amazing.
Practicing our self arrest technique on Mount Seymour.
Hiking out at sunset after exploring Mount Seymour Provincial Park for the day.
Know Before You Go:
Mount Seymour Provincial Park is located a 45-minute drive from downtown Vancouver near the community of Deep Cove in North Vancouver. You can find out information about this park including a trail map here: Mount Seymour Provincial Park.