If you’re looking for a hike that is close to Vancouver, requires little effort, yet still delivers great views, then Dog Mountain might just tick those boxes for you. Located on Mount Seymour, a short drive from Vancouver, this 6-kilometer (round trip) trek lands you on a rocky lookout with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding North Shore mountains. It’s popular in all seasons, but especially in winter when the rocks and tree roots on the trail are covered in snow. It’s also a great after work hike for the long summer evenings lovers.
Here’s everything you need to know about hiking to Dog Mountain.
Planning considerations
- Round trip distance: 6 kilometers
- Elevation gain/loss: 180 meters (590 feet)
- Peak elevation: 1054 meters (3,458 feet)
- Best time to hike: All year round
- Moving time: 2 hours (moderate)
- Permits: Parking – more info below
- Dogs: Yes, but on a leash.
- Mountain bikes: No
- Toilets: In the car park, but none along the trail or at the lookout.
- Difficulty: Easy
Getting to the Dog Mountain trailhead
The hike begins at the Mount Seymour Resort parking lot, approximately 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver. There is no public transport, so the best way to get there is with your own car.
In summer, parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The non-ski months are considered ‘outside of the season’ so most facilities are closed, but the washrooms are open.
In the winter months, the road to Mount Seymour is closed at the bottom of the mountain from 10 pm to 7 am, so sunrise hikes are only possible in late December/ early January but sunset hikes are popular.
Once the ski season starts, Mount Seymour gets busy, and you may have to park on Mount Seymour Road unless you are able to reserve parking at the resort. Check the Mount Seymour website for details.
There is also a shuttle bus service during the ski season so if you don’t have a car, that’s a great option to reach the trails in Mount Seymour Provincial Park, including Dog Mountain. You can find the timetable and book your tickets here.
Dog Mountain trail overview
Starting from the parking lot at Mount Seymour Resort, head towards the gondolas, and you’ll find the trail leading to Dog Mountain between the trees on your left. There is another path here that leads to Mount Seymour and its three peaks — that’s a tougher hike, so keep an eye on the signs.
The entire hike is through the forest, but sometimes the forest feels open. About halfway, there’s an open area with a lake – perfect for a quick photo before continuing. Just double-check your path here so you don’t accidentally take a detour to Mt Seymour.
Keep walking through the forest until you reach the top of Dog Mountain. Stay here for a while to take a break, capture some photos, and enjoy a snack with a view.
Since there’s only one trail, you’ll be heading back the same way you came.
Where are the best views on the Dog Mountain trail?
If you want views, the best advice we can give you is to go on a clear day. You can also go on a partly cloudy day, so long as the clouds are not covering the North Shore peaks. If it’s cloudy full stop, it will be a long walk through the forest, and no reward at the end, which may be fine if you just want to be out in nature or take your dog for a walk (that said, dogs have to be on a leash on this trail).
There are no views along the trail until you reach the rocky lookout, and here, the views are stunning. You will see Vancouver, Burnaby and Fraser Valley on one side, and the surrounding mountains on the other.
Dog Mountain is also a great option for sunset watching, provided you have a headlamp with you.
Will I have the viewpoint to myself?
If you’re looking for an escape from crowds, this is not it. It’s an easy hike close to Vancouver so it’s VERY popular, even in winter. In fact, it’s often busier in winter because it doesn’t require snowshoes most of the time (although if you’re one of the first people hitting the trail after fresh snowfall, you may need them).
How long does it take to hike the Dog Mountain trail?
You should expect the Dog Mountain hike to take anywhere from 1.5 hours up to 3 hours, depending on your pace. We completed it in under 2 hours moving at a moderate pace, plus a 1-hour rest at the lookout point.
What is the elevation of Dog Mountain?
You will be hiking along the side of the mountain without gaining much elevation. Our watches recorded the starting elevation of 1,022 meters (3,353 feet) and the highest elevation of 1,054 meters (3,458 feet). The difference is just 32 meters (105 feet), but the total elevation gain AND loss is 180 meters (590 feet round trip) because the trail goes slightly up and down all the time.
How difficult is the Dog Mountain hike?
This is a physically easy hike and not too steep, but it’s not a walk in the park. The trail is covered in tree roots and rocks, so you’ll need to watch your footing constantly. The trail is clearly marked by reddish tags hanging on trees every few meters, and there are always other walkers and hikers around.
Do I need hiking gear?
Dog Mountain may be rated ‘easy’ but the terrain is uneven so hiking boots are a must. You will be climbing over tree roots and some rocks, and depending on the weather and time of year, the path may become slippery and muddy. Casual street shoes are simply not appropriate for this trail. It’s a quick recipe for twisted ankles, and it’s not uncommon for the North Shore Rescue to be called here for that very reason.
If you’re hiking in winter, bring microspikes. The snow is usually compacted on the trail, so you need traction to prevent slipping and falling. Microspikes are great for that. They are not very expensive, so if you want to do more winter hiking, go and buy a pair. They will make your winter hikes much more enjoyable and safer. We also highly recommend wool socks. They help keep your feet warm and free from blisters.
Apart from that, the usual preparations apply: layers so you don’t get cold at the lookout, water and/or a thermos with hot tea, snacks, an offline map, a mobile phone, and a headlamp if you decide to do the hike at sunset.
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