Suicide Bluff and De Pencier Bluff

June 7, 2024

Distance: 5km round-trip (for both)

Elevation gain: 140m (Suicide), 275m (De Pencier)

Time required: 2hrs (for both)

I've been to Mount Seymour dozens of times. It's one of my most frequented parks. But I had never actually been to these two well-known rock bluffs.

Even though it is currently sunny and hot, the snowline is currently sitting at around 1100m elevation. This means that most of Mount Seymour Provincial Park (beyond the parking lot and lower areas) is still covered in snow.

Both of these hikes start from the main parking lot. I started with Suicide Bluff, which follows the main Mount Seymour trail before diverting west after about 20 minutes. Although the trails to either rock bluff are not maintained, they are well-frequented and well-marked, making following the trail fairly easy. I wore microspikes which worked well for spring snow conditions.

After about an hour, I reached Suicide Bluff.

Overlooking the Seymour valley. You can just see Mount Cathedral on the far right.

Looking towards the peaks of Seymour. First pump is in the middle, Mount Seymour is on the far left.

Looking towards Burnaby and Vancouver

From Suicide Bluff, I went directly to De Pencier Bluff. This involved walking on the exposed ski run and then onto a short trail at the Brockton chairlift that led to the base of the bluff and finally a short scramble/climb up.

View of the Indian Arm from De Pencier Bluff

A different view of First Pump (on the right)

You can make De Pencier Bluff a loop so that you return via Mystery Lake trail. Mystery Lake is only just beginning to melt. It would have made an excellent cold plunge had it been more melted.

Mystery Lake just beginning to melt

These two rock bluffs make an excellent day hike when you only have half a day but want to get into the mountains. The elevation gain is not very significant but just enough to provide a short, fun workout.