Hiking Pump Peak in Mount Seymour Provincial Park
Contents
Pump Peak Hike Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.8Km
Elevation Gain: 474m
Highest Elevation: 1,407m
Average Gradient: 13.94%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4 – 5 Hours
– Moderate: 3 – 4 Hours
– Fast: 2 – 3 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: Year-Round (Winter Preferred)
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Pump Peak Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°22’03.6″N 122°56’57.1″W
Disclaimer: Winter hiking (snowshoeing) involves significantly more risk than summer hiking. Hikers should be prepared with appropriate education, training and equipment for all possibilities, including but not limited to avalanches. A mistake such as going off trail, getting lost or injured can be far more dangerous in winter than summer. You are responsible for your own safety, and while I am happy to give my opinion on this website as to the avalanche risk of a specific hike, do not take this as fact and please do your own research. Everybody has different risk tolerances and mine might be different to yours.
Pump Peak Overview
Pump Peak, also known as First Peak (of Mount Seymour’s 3 peaks), is a very popular hike on Mount Seymour, particularly in the winter but also during the summer. As a winter objective this is a fantastic hike set in a beautiful snowy landscape, but the summer also offers pretty spectacular views for a relatively modest effort. That being said, if I had to pick one season to hike Pump Peak I would suggest doing this hike when snow is on the ground as it makes the footing, and sights, far more appealing. Luckily snow is on the ground half the year, so this shouldn’t be hard.
Pump Peak is very similar in distance and elevation gain to Hollyburn Peak on Cypress Mountain, and both of these hikes make better experiences in the winter than summer. With that, though, comes the crowds. Pump Peak is one of the most popular winter options near Vancouver as it is a very accessible hike, it’s not that difficult and the winter scenery is breathtaking.
You’ll want to get to Mount Seymour early if doing this hike in the winter, as in, as soon as the gates open, as parking on Seymour in the winter can be very difficult. In the summer it should be much easier to park as there is no skiing on the mountain, though it is still busy.
From the summit of Pump Peak you get incredible views of Vancouver, Dog Mountain, Suicide Bluffs, Mount Baker, Cathedral Mountain, Coliseum Mountain, Mount Burwell, the Indian Arm and much, much more. If you are looking for an introduction to winter hiking (snowshoeing), you can’t go wrong with a trip up to Pump Peak.
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Is Pump Peak Worthwhile?
Pump Peak is essentially Mount Seymour’s answer to Hollyburn Peak on Cypress Mountain. They’re both a similar distance and elevation gain, and both are largely manageable for all abilities.
As a winter option Pump Peak is a great outing with beautiful winter scenery and a great viewpoint at the end. The views are actually much better than Hollyburn Peak, plus you get nice views for a much larger portion of the hike. The view of Vancouver at the summit is unobstructed, unlike Hollyburn where trees block portions of the views.
Overall, Pump Peak is the best winter option on the North Shore and for that reason this is a great hike. As a summer option it’s decent as well, but I’d sooner continue on to the more impressive Mount Seymour at that time of year.
How difficult is the hike to Pump Peak?
At almost 14% gradient average, the hike to Pump Peak is no walk in the park but at the same time it can’t be considered that difficult either. The round trip is under 7km and can be completed in 3 – 4 hours at a moderate pace. The hike starts off at a consistent climb before a steep section up to Brockton Point. From there you descend for a while before a very steep climb at the end.
Technically the hike is pretty straightforward and the trail is quite easy to follow as it’s very well trafficked. It does get very steep towards the end but you should avoid having to use hands for the most part. Pump Peak does pass through some avalanche terrain towards the end and you will likely see warnings for this on the way, so please check the avalanche ratings before heading up.
Pump Peak Route Information
Depending on the time you arrive and the parking regulations Seymour are imposing (they keep changing) you could feasibly park in a variety of spots on Mount Seymour. Either way, make your way to the very northern tip of the main parking lot as this is where the trail begins, next to the information board.
From here the trail should be obvious, leading slightly downhill next to a ski run and passing a trail on your left that goes to the very popular Dog Mountain. Today’s objective is much more exciting than this though so don’t be tempted.
Continuing straight you’ll make your way up an open, wide trail through the forest. The first kilometer or so is pretty tame, rising gradually and easing you into what’s to come. You may notice several offshoot trails to your left, just ignore these.
After 1.5km you’ll reach a point where you descend quite abruptly as you pass next to a ski run, before continuing your climb on a now steeper slope. Up to now you’ve not really had any views, but they’re about to start appearing so buckle up and soldier on!
Soon you will reach a steep section of this hike, just before Brockton Point. In winter, many people who come unprepared will struggle at this section, but if you have spikes or snowshoes you should have good traction on the icy slope. While this part of the hike is very steep, it’s only brief and the payoff at Brockton Point is a pretty good view of the city. Many people stop here as it’s a worthy spot in itself, especially if you are aiming for a sunrise/sunset hike, but we have bigger goals so don’t stop for too long.
The views from here on out are pretty nice, with vast expansive views of mountain ranges to the north and east. Shortly after leaving Brockton Point you will reach a section where, in the summer at least, you have the option to approach Pump Peak either from either the east (right) or west (left). In the winter you will want to approach from the east, and I’d advise this in the summer too to be honest.
After this split in the trail you will descend quite sharply and the views here will be wide open and stunning. This is a brief descent though and a couple of hundred meters later you’ll be back on the climb, starting off tamely but soon becoming steep. You’ll pass a junction where another trail heads right to Elsay Lake. Very few people go here in the winter as it’s serious backcountry hiking in avalanche terrain, but in the summer you might see people coming and going.
Either way, you’ll now begin your grind to the top. The trail narrows significantly as you switch back on yourself up a hill. At times the gradient touches on 35% and you’ll likely be gasping for air pretty soon. Careful with your footing and handholds here. The views to the north on this ascent get better and better the more you climb. Soon you’ll reach a funnel area leading towards Pump Peak with incredible views behind you. You’re now in the avalanche risk area so don’t dilly dally too much.
Unfortunately the final climb up to Pump Peak is seriously steep and by now you’ll be pretty exhausted. You’re not far now though so keep your head down and crack on. Soon enough you’ll be on the summit of Pump Peak and you’ll be richly rewarded. The views of Vancouver are some of the best around, as well as Stanley Park, Mount Baker, Tim Jones Peak (Seymour’s second peak), Grouse Mountain and Mount Fromme.
The summit isn’t the most spacious and if you’re going on a clear sky weekend you might have quite a lot of company. After sticking around, taking some photos and having some food, head back the way you came. The descent is significantly faster (as always) and makes for good fun in the snow. In the summer? Yeah, not so much.
When should I hike Pump Peak?
I’d save Pump Peak for anytime there is snow on the North Shore mountains, typically November – April/May. During the summer this trail is much more rugged and the general views frankly are not as good. Definitely save it for a clear day as well.
Top Tip
If you don’t fancy going all the way to Pump Peak, Brockton Point is a worthy stop in its own right and avoids the worst of the avalanche terrain and steep ascent. The views aren’t as good but it’s a much easier option.
If going to Pump Peak I advise checking the avalanche ratings as this does pass through some avalanche territory. Microspikes are often enough (gaiters might be handy) but many people opt to go in snowshoes, which is fine as well.
If you are going in the summer I strongly suggest continuing on to Mount Seymour (Third Peak). The views from here are much better. Do not attempt this in the winter unless you are experienced and well equipped for winter travel. The terrain between Pump Peak and Mount Seymour is far more challenging.
