Dog Mountain – North Vancouver

Dog Mountain starting from Mount Seymour Provincial Park is one of most popular hikes of Vancouver’s North Shore. The 5 km round-trip hike takes an average of 2 hours to complete and contains minimal elevation gain. The trail is easy to follow and is accessible year-round to hiking or snowshoeing. A perfect family or casual hike with a lovely viewpoint of the surrounding mountains and distant cities. Dog Mountain is dog friendly, although they must remain on-leash at all times. At about 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Mount Seymour Provincial Park is the go to recreational mountain of the area.

Time (Round-Trip): 2 hrs
Distance (Round-Trip): 5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Season: Year round
Elevation: 1,054 m (3458 ft) Gain: Minimal
Scenery: ★★★☆☆
Camping: No
From Vancouver: 50 minutes
Public Transit: No
Dog Friendly: Yes

The trail to begins at the far end of the parking area. Follow the trail along the left side for about 100 m and take the first possible turn heading left. There will be a map board and a wooden bridge shortly after, familiarize yourself with the map prior to carrying on. Continue on the trail as it weaves through the beautiful forest while admiring the tall trees and wildlife.

Roughly 1 km into the hike, you will reach First Lake, from here you will want to follow the trail which leads to the left along the lake to continue towards Dog Mtn. Another 1.5 km of hiking along the trail, traverse over small creeks, through beautiful nature and up minimal elevation gain you will reach the Dog Mountain Viewpoint present over 180 degrees of views into the North Shore mountains and as far as Mt Baker and Vancouver Island.

Dog Mtn viewpoint is a great place to admire the views, have a picnic in the mountains, perhaps capture a few photographs and most of all, escape the city. Fun fact; despite starting in Mount Seymour Provincial Park, Dog Mountain is actually in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. Return to the parking lot the same way you came when ready.

There are many alternate hikes within Mount Seymour Provincial Park, some also casual such as Brockton Point, Mystery Lake, and some more challenging such as the 3 Mount Seymour Peaks and the 20 km round trip hike to Elsay Lake.