Mount Seymour Third Peak – North Vancouver
Third Peak Hike of Mount Seymour in North Vancouver
Distance (Round-Trip): 9 km
Difficulty: Intermediate
Season: June to October
Elevation: 1,449 m (4,754 ft) Gain: 450 m
Scenery: ★★★★★
Camping: Yes
From Vancouver: 50 minutes
Public Transit: No
Dog Friendly: Yes
At about 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Mount Seymour is the go to mountain of the area. Located in Mount Seymour Provincial Park, the name is used to refer to the ridge although the main summit is one of several, and is also known as Third Pump Peak. Reaching Third Pump Peak is a round trip of between 4 to 5 hours depending on trail conditions and endurance of the hiker. On the way to the summit, the trail traverses two previous peaks, First and Second Pump, removing 30 to 40 minutes per peak to shorten the length of your hike. There is only one fearful section on the descent behind the Second Pump, otherwise the rest is smooth sailing through mederately steep, well marked terrain.
Mount Seymour Provincial Park is very dog friendly and backcountry camping is welcome in several areas. Remember to always pack the necessary gear for your day hike or even your overnight hike.
There are many alternate hikes within Mount Seymour Provincial Park, some more casual such as Brockton Point, Mystery Lake, Dog Mountain, even first and second hump or the challenging 14 km round trip hike to Elsay Lake.
VIDEOS: Here’s Why You Should Hike Mount Seymour, North Vancouver
TRAILHEAD TO MOUNT SEYMOUR THIRD PUMP PEAK
ESTIMATED DRIVING TIME FROM VANCOUVER: 45-50 MINUTES
The trailhead to the Third Pump Peak of Mount Seymour is located at the far end of the the highest parking lot at the top of Mount Seymour Road. To reach Mount Seymour road from outside of North Vancouver, take the third exit after Second Narrows bridge (Exit #22) towards Mount Seymour Parkway, continuing east towards deep cove. Once at the light of Mount Seymour Road beside Parkgate Shopping Center, take a left onto Mount seymour Road and continue straight as the road begins to climb to the top of Mount Seymour for the next 13 km.
VIEWPOINT ON MOUNT SEYMOUR: YES
The hike to Mount Seymour's third peak offer multiple viewpoints. The first being Brockton Point located just past the ski hill about 2 km into the hike. Brockton Point presents views distant views of the city and into the Seymour Valley to the West. The views only get better and better from here. On your way to the third peak, you will also encounter the first and second peak which all offer stunning 360 degrees views of the surrounding beauty, the nearby and far out mountains, the valleys, the city and the ocean all the way to Vancouver Island.
CAMPING ON MOUNT SEYMOUR:: YES
Walk-in camping is permitted in the backcountry only, North of Brockton Point. Camper must be further than 1 km from Seymour Mountain Resort Property. There are no designated camp sites and campers should choose locations carefully to avoid environmental damage. Open fires are not permitted in the backcountry.
MOUNTAINS IN MOUNT SEYMOUR PROVINCIAL PARK: YES
There are numerous mountains accessible within Mount Seymour Provincial Park, and the hike to the third peak include all three of the individually more challenging Mount Seymour Peaks.
DOG FRIENDLY ON MOUNT SEYMOUR:: YES
Keep in mind that Mount Seymour's third peak is no easy hike. Ensure that your dog is capable of executing such distances and elevation gain. Do not take them beyond their capacity and consider the many other hike options within the park to best suit your beloved pet. Dogs must be on-leash at all times in Mount Seymour Provincial Park hiking trails. There are wild animals such as bears in the park, and steep cliffs where it would be dangerous for your dog to roam free. Keep your dog under control and please pick up after your dog and dispose of all waste in designated bear proof garbage bins.
TOILETS ON MOUNT SEYMOUR:: YES
Flush toilets are located in the parking area only. There are no toilets available beyond the trailhead.
PARKING IN MOUNT SEYMOUR PROVINCIAL PARK: YES
There is a large parking area at the top of the Mount Seymour Road from where the trailhead begins. The parking area is gated and closed every night. Overnight hikers must park in the designated overnight lot on the 5th and last switch back of Mount Seymour Road. This will add roughly 4 km to your round-trip hike.