Mount Seymour Provincial Park

Day-Use / Picnicking

Mount Seymour Provincial Park offers five attractive day-use and picnic areas in various locales:

Old Buck Trailhead
This is not a picnic area. This day use area provides parking for the lower mountain trails. It is a popular spot to go on a mountain bike ride or walk your dog. Trails from this spot are varied in length and continue to the top of the mountain. A pit toilet is provided as well as an information board, park map and park brochures. It is located near the park entrance on the west side of the road.

Baden Powell Trailhead
This area provides parking for about 7 vehicles to access the Baden Powell Trail. There are two picnic tables located under the forest canopy on the east side of the road. There is one pit toilet that is wheelchair accessible, however there is a steep incline that may require assistance. An information kiosk contains a park map and brochures.

Vancouver Picnic Area
The Vancouver picnic area is a nice spot to have an afternoon picnic. There are three tables available as well as a pit toilet and park information shelter. Access to the Mushroom Parking lot trail as well as the old buck access trail start here. Many people begin their mountain biking day from this parking lot. On a nice weekend day, this area may be very busy

Deep Cove Lookout
Deep Cove Lookout is a popular destination for great views west toward the Fraser Valley and Mount Baker. There is access to the upper mountain trails from this area via Perimeter trail as well as access to the Upper Old Buck Trail. Facilities include a pit toilet, Park information shelter and parking for approximately 15 vehicles. No tables.

Mount Seymour Trailhead
Located at the top of the mountain and end of Mount Seymour Road, this trailhead offers access to upper mountain trails. The park information kiosk contains a map, summer and winter trail updates, and in the winter Avalanche Advisory bulletin. As you are in the base area of Mount Seymour Resorts, flush toilets are available as well as a cafeteria, telephone, and change rooms. In the summer months picnic tables are set in a grassy area just north of the parking lot. In winter, our snowshoe and ski trails begin at the kiosk and are free of charge. Visitors who are planning to stay overnight in the backcountry must leave their cars in parking lot #2, between the overnight parking signs.

Return to Mount Seymour Provincial Park.

BC Parks Winter Trails:

Between mid-December and March 31st each year, BC Parks put out two backcountry ski trails within the park. Both trails begin at the park kiosk located at the North end of parking lot #4 nearest Mystery Peak Chairlift. At the kiosk, the latest trail conditions and Avalanche Hazard ratings are posted. Snowshoers, backcountry skiers, snowboarders and hikers use the backcountry trails throughout the season. Passes or permits are not required to use the BC Parks Backcountry access.

The Mount Seymour Backcountry Access trail takes you to the saddle between 1st and 2nd pump and offers great views. Trail length is 7 km return. Trail rating is moderate to difficult depending on snow conditions. Return time - 3 hrs on skis, 4 hrs on snowshoes.

The First Lake trail has very little elevation gain, and loops out to the lake, then intersects with the Mount Seymour trail to bring you back down to the parking lot. This trail is rated easy to moderate depending on snow conditions. Return time - 1.5 hrs on skis, 2 hrs on snowshoes.

General precautions when using the backcountry: Backcountry travelers are encouraged to follow the bamboo marker poles with orange paint on top. Follow safe practices and carry appropriate gear at all times, including:

• first aid kit
• matches and candles
• extra food, full water bottle
• signal whistle
• flashlight and spare batteries and bulb
• space blanket or large garbage bag
• rain gear
• warm clothing
• a map and compass.

In addition to the above, each party member should carry a shovel, probe, and avalanche beacon; and be familiar with how to use.

There is no registration system with BC Parks or Mount Seymour Resorts. Trip plans should be left with family friends.

Backcountry Hazards:

Icy Conditions: Winter rains often occur on the north shore mountains. With freezing temperatures at night of with colder storm systems the top layer of snow can become like ice. When this snow condition exists, backcountry travel can be dangerous without the right equipment and the training to use it. Please use caution and good judgment.

Avalanches: The terrain of Mount Seymour can produce avalanche activity depending on snow pack and weather conditions. Currently, BC Parks ranger staff collect snow stability and weather data to prepare the North Shore Avalanche Bulletin. This report reflects the avalanche hazard up the posted date. The report is available through the link on the trail report or on the Canadian Avalanche Association (see links page).

When traveling through Avalanche terrain, travellers are encouraged to have appropriate safety equipment, such as a transceiver, probe and shovel, and the have knowledge and training to use the equipment during an emergency.

Mount Seymour Resorts Winter operations:

Seymour Mountain offers extensive winter recreation facilities, including a supervised snowplay area.
Winter backcountry travellers are requested to stay on marked access roads and should be equipped with enough supplies for an overnight trip in the event they become lost or stranded.

A private company operates skiing and other winter sports facilities and offers a variety of services for park visitors. These include four lifts, a tow, various ski slopes and runs in the alpine ski area. A ski school and ski equipment rentals are also available. A snowshoe interpretive program is offered during the winter operating season. Please check with Mount Seymour Resorts for details: (604) 986-2261. The cafeteria at Parking Lot 4 offers a selection of meals and refreshments.

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