Trail stats
Distance: 7.1 KM (out-and-back)
Elevation gain: 474m
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Difficulty level: Moderate
Parking: Yes, lots of free parking at Mount Seymour resort – if you are doing this overnight/after-hours be sure to park in the correct parking lot! (see more info below)
Getting to the trailhead
Pump Peak is one of several hikes you can do at Mount Seymour, conveniently located just 30 minutes from Vancouver. Mount Seymour offers free parking year-round, however, in the winter you will need to book a parking pass that is reservable two days in advance due to the busyness of the ski season. You can also camp at Mount Seymour for free year-round making it a great destination for hiking, camping and skiing.
The Trail
The trail begins at the end of the parking lot by the ski lifts. You will see a sign for Dog Mountain leading to the left, or Pump Peak going straight ahead following the ski run. It is pretty easy to follow as you walk up through an open forest alongside the run for the first kilometer or so.
The views are minimal at the beginning of the hike, but as the ascent grows a little steeper, you will reach Brockton Point viewpoint that is worth stopping at. This can get pretty icy in the winter so spikes are needed. There are a number of signs on the trail to keep you on the right track, but the trail does split just after Brockton Point and you can go left or right in the summer, but only right in the winter. On a clear day, you will also catch a glimpse of Mount Baker!
The trail gets quite narrow and steep from this point forward until reaching the top. The climb to the summit is steep but short. There isn’t a lot of room at the summit, so it is best to do this either very early morning, or for sunset so you have some space to yourself. I highly recommend catching a sunset up there, it is unbelievable!!
I am yet to camp at Mount Seymour, but there are quite a few good locations to set up camp below the peak. I don’t think there is any water source so be sure to pack what you need.
You could also hike further and summit Mount Seymour which is 8.5 KM roundtrip with 577m elevation gain, so it really isn’t that much extra work. We hiked to the peak (known as Third Peak) on a day hike, but unfortunately it was too cloudy for a view. The hike itself was very enjoyable despite this, so I definitely recommend doing the full trail.
Tips / Advice
Winter overnight parking is allowed in Parking Lot 1 (P1) only
Summer overnight parking is allowed in Parking Lot 2 (P2)
The Mount Seymour Road access gate is locked nightly from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM between mid-November and mid-April, meaning you cannot drive up or exit during these hours
Check the mountain weather reports! I did this twice and while it was sunny in Vancouver and at the base of the mountain, the peak was completely clouded over and there were 0 views
Due to its popularity – it is a very busy trail all year round. In the winter, there are cross-country skiers who will be crossing your path, and in the summer it is also pretty crowded (though not as bad as Dog Mountain)
Bring a head torch if you’re doing it at sunset
Check out this post for more details of doing this trail in the winter:
