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 'summits.' The first summit 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.

What the terrain and trail is like. 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.

Sign marking Pump Peak (first peak)

My first selfie from my first time doing Mount Seymour in 2018. It was quite smoky that day.

Overlooking the Burrard Inlet and surrounding cities from Pump Peak in 2020

Better view of the Burrard Inlet and cities in 2021

A self-explanatory picture of Tim Jones Peak (aka 2nd peak) from below Pump Peak in 2021

Me and my friends camping spot below Pump Peak at the end of June 2022. 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 from Tim Jones Peak in 2021 (furthest back left)

Mt Seymour summit from Tim Jones peak in June 2022

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 descend and traverse laterally across a steep slope. It's easy for an experienced hiker but can be nerve-racking for inexperienced travelers.

The Indian Arm from Mt Seymour peak in 2021

Seymour river valley

Seymour river valley in June 2022. Cathedral Mountain really sticks out in the background.

Looking north towards Runner Peak (snowy hump) and Mount Elsay (further peak in foreground)

Same view but in June 2022. 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.