Mount Seymour, Goldie Lake Hike
Taking in the view at Goldie Lake, Mount Seymour
Fall Hike at Mount Seymour
The promise of a gorgeous fall afternoon had us looking for new areas to explore around Vancouver. Although we have lived in Vancouver for well over four years we had not made it to Mount Seymour yet.
I sometimes tell myself that getting into the North Shore mountains was not that urgent since we have had our fair share of experiences in the mountains, after living in the Okanagan for more than twenty years. But I am also learning that the North Shore has many hidden gems.
Truth be told there have been so many exciting new areas for us to explore since moving to Vancouver.
Goldie Lake at Mount Seymour
Arriving at Mt. Seymour, a family-run ski resort, we experienced vibes similar to the sensation we felt arriving in the Rockies after a cross-country drive in 1986. The air on this fall day was crisp, the skies were blue and the anticipation of another ski season was lingering in the air.
Although everything was closed for the summer season, crews were making preparation for the ski season. A group of young students had returned after a hike while others, including families with young children, were just setting out.
The view of Lake Goldie from the trail above
Goldie Lake Hike, Mount Seymour
At the entrance to the trails, we were met by a friendly mountain staff member who was ready with good advice. We were looking for suggestions for a scenic hike that would take us to a nice viewpoint.
She mentioned getting stunning views is tricky at Mount Seymour and getting any kind of view would involve a longer hike with more elevation gain than we were prepared for.
Instead, she suggested a 3-kilometer loop that would take us around Goldie Lake. This hike is rated “easy” with a 100 meter elevation gain but would give us a nice nature experience.
Di, walking the trails at Mount Seymour
From the village, you follow the trail downhill along the magic carpet. At the bottom of the magic carpet run, you will find a trailhead on the left. After this, it is a gradual downhill to Goldie Lake.
When you first arrive and spot the lake it would be easy to believe that there is little more to see but make sure you keep going, follow the trail markers and eventually, you will get to see the main part of the Goldie Lake. Hereafter you can take the trail that leads around it.
Blue skies and mirror-like water at Goldie Lake, Mount Seymour
We stopped for a while and enjoyed the view and decided on a route taking us around the lake. After the recent rainfall, the trails were slightly wet in sections and waterproof hiking boots/shoes are recommended.
The walk around the lake was fully worth it on this gorgeous day. While the trail is rated easy there are a few steep sections to navigate and while the elevation gain is a mere 100 meters we broke a sweat as we worked our way back to the village while enjoying the fall sun.
As a shorter one-hour hike, we can certainly recommend the Goldie Lake Trail. We came away invigorated and as a detour on our way back to Vancouver we stopped for a well-deserved cup of tea and donut in Deep Cove. The views of the cove and the Indian Arm are spectacular this time of year.
Gorgeous fall light in the trees by Goldie Lake on Mount Seymour
Driving to Mount Seymour
From Vancouver, the drive to Mount Seymour is approximately 50 minutes either via the Lions Gate Bridge or Iron Workers Memorial Bridge. Parking is free on a first-served basis. Day-use permits are not required for Mount Seymour Provincial Park trails.
For more information about Mount Seymour:
Vancouver to Mount Seymour, driving routes
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The photos in this article are made using a Fujifilm X-Pro3. Lenses: XF 35mm f/1.4 R and XF 14mm f/2.8 R (links to my camera and lens reviews). Editing was done in Capture One Express. I have used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos.
