Mount Seymour

Distance: 9km round-trip

Elevation gain: 577m

Time required: 3.5-4.5 hours total

I generally don't like repeating hikes (I usually have a strict 2 year policy for repeating any given hike). However, Mount Seymour is the hike that I've done the most amount of times over the years (7 as of writing in 2024!). This is because it's an excellent mountain to introduce friends to hiking. It has great views, several route options, a little bit of elevation gain, and really fun, diverse terrain. It's also a great mountain to snowshoe. I actually prefer going in the winter over the summer.

Mount Seymour contains three peaks. The first peak is known as Pump Peak. A lot of beginner hikers only go to this summit. It has great views of the city and surrounding areas. It will take a person anywhere from 1-1.5 hours to reach depending on their fitness level. Overall, the trail is not that hard nor long.

Summer trail conditions. Seymour has excellent granite which makes for fun scrambling and exploring.

An alternate route to Mt Seymour is via Mystery Lake trail. Beautiful little lake to swim in.

Looking up towards Pump Peak (aka the first summit) in the winter

Overlooking the Burrard Inlet and surrounding cities from Pump Peak

Lower Mainland on a cloudier day

Looking at Tim Jones Peak (aka 2nd peak) from below Pump Peak

Me and my friends' camping spot below Pump Peak at the end of June. We hadn't been expecting snow.

Nighttime shot of the cities from below Pump Peak

From Pump Peak (the first peak), it's only about 20 minutes to the second peak, officially known as Tim Jones Peak.

Looking towards Mt Seymour summit (on the left) from Tim Jones Peak

Mt Seymour summit from Tim Jones peak in June

View of the Indian Arm from Tim Jones Peak

From Tim Jones Peak (the 2nd peak), it's about 25-30 minutes to the final Mount Seymour summit. In the winter, a lot of people don't go all the way because from Tim Jones Peak, you have to laterally cross a steep slope. It can be sketchy at times, especially if the snow is icy.

The Indian Arm from Mt Seymour peak (final summt!)

Seymour river valley

Seymour river valley in June. Cathedral Mountain really sticks out in the background.

Looking north towards Runner Peak (snowy hump in foreground) and Mount Elsay (on left)

Same view but in Jun. Mount Bishop can be seen clearly behind Mt Elsay. The ridgeline extending to the right is Klegg Peak and Bishop Bump.

Behind me is Mount Burwell and Cathedral Mountain. This was in June 2022.

I have now completed my goal of hiking every trail and exploring every inch of the Mount Seymour backcountry area. I can confirm its beauty and rewarding views for those who seek adventure.