Robert WebbHow do dogs greet each other on Dog Mountain? With a high-paw! Kidding aside, we loved this straightforward hike in Mount Seymour Provincial Park.
In fact, you can easily complete this hike within 1 to 3 hours. And best of all, there are no steep parts so no huffin and puffin!
Ready to discover the hidden gem of Vancouver’s hiking scene? Dive into our comprehensive guide to Dog Mountain!
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Dog Mountain is during the winter season (November to March). The winter scenery along the trail is stunning, offering a unique beauty you won’t find in summer.
The trail can be rough in the summer, but in winter, the smooth, packed surface makes for easier travel.
How long does it take to hike the Dog Mountain Trail?
Dog Mountain in Vancouver offers stunning winter scenery and easy accessibility, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Its significance lies in providing a beautiful, year-round hiking option with breathtaking views, contributing to the area’s outdoor recreation appeal.
It takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete Dog Mountain. This 3.6-mile out-and-back trail has minimal elevation gain, making it a manageable hike.
Dog Mountain Trail Overview
First, head to the northern tip of the Mount Seymour Resort parking lot. You’ll then come across an information board at the north end of the parking lot.
Follow the trail, and look for a sign indicating the Dog Mountain trail. Don’t go straight, as that leads to Pump Peak.
Once in the forest, you’ll descend gradually for a few hundred meters before climbing again. The trail is well-marked year-round, making it easy to follow.
Then, the trail opens up to a large area with a lake in the middle. Word of caution though. During winter, the lake will be covered in snow, with deep snow walls along the creeks.
Stick to the trail to avoid any issues. In summer, you can walk around the lake in either direction, but in winter, follow the markers, which may change each season.
Be cautious around the lake, as there are several routes, and one can lead away from the Dog Mountain trail towards Mount Seymour.
After passing the lake, you’re halfway to the summit. The trail climbs back into the forest and continues for about 1.2km with gentle ups and downs.
Eventually, you’ll emerge from the forest onto the summit of Dog Mountain, where there are multiple viewpoints.
Dog Mountain Viewpoints
The main viewpoint offers stunning views of Vancouver, Burnaby, Burrard Inlet, English Bay, and Stanley Park, with ships anchored in the water.
Behind this area, you will see Crown Mountain, the Needles, Lynn Peak, Coliseum Mountain, Mount Burwell, and Mount Cathedral, which are breathtaking in snow.
When you’re ready, just head back the way you came. Enjoy your hike!
Things to Know about Dog Mountain
Difficulty: Very Easy
Distance: 5.6Km
Elevation Gain: 165m
Highest Elevation: 1,054m
Time Needed: Slow: 2 – 3 Hours Moderate: 1.5 – 2 Hours Fast: 1 – 1.5 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: Year-Round (Winter Preferred)
Parking
In summer, parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. In winter, you’ll need to park along Mount Seymour Road since the parking lot is reserved for resort guests.
Winter vs. Summer Hiking
Basically, Dog Mountain is a much less crowded hike during the summer. However, it’s still popular for its easy access and fantastic views, despite the rough, root-filled trail.
In winter, the trail is so well-traveled that microspikes are usually enough. The route is well-marked with poles and tree markers. In summer, while the trail can be rough with many tree roots, it’s still easy to follow.
For a straightforward hike, Dog Mountain is perfect year-round. It’s ideal for newcomers to BC hiking or those interested in winter snowshoeing.
What to Do in Dog Mountain
Take in the Gorgeous Views
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Address: 1700 Mt Seymour Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-2261
Dog Mountain offers stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset, overlooking downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, and the Fraser Valley! Despite the incredible scenery, the hike is surprisingly short and easy, making it one of the best hikes on Mount Seymour.
Bring Your Dog with You
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Address: 1700 Mt Seymour Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-2261
You’ll be pleased to know that the hike lives up to its name—you can bring your dog along to hike “Dog Mountain” with you. Dogs are welcome and can even be off-leash in some areas.
Meet some Jays
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Address: 1700 Mt Seymour Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-2261
You’ll definitely see plenty of Canada Jays at the summit, looking for food. However, please resist the temptation to feed them, as it can harm the ecosystem. They are more than happy to fly over to your hand, even if you don’t have any food.
Check out the Sunrise or Sunset
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Address: 1700 Mt Seymour Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-2261
If you plan to hike at sunrise or sunset for a magical view, Dog Mountain is the perfect spot. With its close proximity to Vancouver, this hidden gem offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
The trail is relatively short and easy, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery!
Full moon winter hikes at Dog Mountain are also incredible. When you reach the clearing near the pond or lake, the moonlight is so bright that the snow glistens beautifully in your photos!
Where to Stay near Dog Mountain
Holiday Inn & Suites North Vancouver
Address: 700 Old Lillooet Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 2H5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-985-3111
Pricing: $$$
The Holiday Inn North Vancouver, situated at the foot of the North Shore Mountains, is just a 21-minute drive from Dog Mountain.
Amenities here include a family restaurant, an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, exercise room with yoga mats, spa, 5 meeting rooms, and free parking.
Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier
Address: 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-7437
Pricing: $$$
Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier, nestled on North Vancouver’s waterfront in the historic Shipyards district, offers cozy and lavish rooms.
Inside are amenities like a gym, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, yoga studio, and free loaner bikes. Wedding and conference facilities are also available.
Seaside Hotel North Vancouver
Address: 125 Victory Ship Way #130, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0G5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-973-1473
Pricing: $$$
Seaside Hotel Vancouver, situated in the heart of Vancouver’s North Shore Shipyards District, offers stunning waterfront views and modern, inviting suites. Some suites feature breathtaking views of the waterfront and Vancouver skyline.
The rooms have an open concept, with modern amenities like spa-inspired bathrooms, heated floors, walk-in rainfall showers, and freestanding soaker tubs.
Lonsdale Quay Hotel
Address: 123 Carrie Cates Ct 3rd Floor, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-6111
Pricing: $$
Located above Lonsdale Quay Market by Vancouver Harbour, this modern hotel is a 3-minute walk from Lonsdale Quay SeaBus terminal and just 26 minutes from Dog Mountain.
Enjoy breakfast in the 3rd-floor lounge and take advantage of amenities like a gym, badminton court, ballroom, and coin-operated laundry facilities.
Crystal’s View Bed & Breakfast
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Address: 420 Tempe Crescent, North Vancouver, BC V7N 1E6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-987-3952
Pricing: $$
Nestled in the heart of North Vancouver near Lonsdale Avenue, Crystal’s View B&B offers a tranquil stay just off the Trans-Canada Highway. Rooms are cozy, with sitting areas and en suite bathrooms featuring soaking tubs.
Upon check-in, you can enjoy complimentary coffee and snacks. Wake up to a gourmet 3-course breakfast served in the city-view dining room. Relax in the lounge or unwind in the garden with a gazebo.
Where to Eat near Dog Mountain
The Lynn Canyon Cafe
Address: 3690 Park Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 1Z1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-984-9311
Pricing: $
Located at the entrance to Lynn Canyon Park, Lynn Canyon Cafe is the perfect spot for a refreshment and snack before your hike to Dog Mountain.
Get the burger and fries. Every strip of fry boasts a satisfying crunch without being greasy. Even the bottom ones stay dry and crispy! The burger is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Romers Lynn Valley
Address: 1199 Lynn Valley Rd #148, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3H2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-990-8880
Pricing: $$
Famous for their burgers, Romers Lynn Valley has won the Georgia Straight’s Golden Plate Awards for the last 7 years. So it’s safe to say their burgers are a local favorite.
Tucked within an abstract mural, guests are embraced by romantic lighting and surrounded by a breathtaking BC mountainscape.
Delany’s Coffee House
Address: 1277 Lynn Valley Rd #169, North Vancouver, BC V7J 2P2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-980-3399
Pricing: $$
Delany’s Coffee House is a fantastic breakfast spot offering coffee and a variety of baked goods. While the Cajun rolls had a nice flavor, they could have been stronger.
However, the muffins hit the spot with just the right amount of sweetness. The coffee was served hot and delicious. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Sushi5
Address: 1199 Lynn Valley Rd #115, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3H1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-971-1811
Pricing: $
Sushi 5 delights taste buds with delicious Japanese cuisine, now available seven days a week at Lynn Valley Center Mall.
We indulged in a variety of dishes like beef udon, appetizer tempura, wild spicy salmon sashimi, and spicy chicken karaage. While everything was tasty, the negitoro roll stole the show for us.
Tommy’s Cafe
Address: 1308 Ross Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 1V2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-988-0174
Pricing: $$
Tommy’s Cafe offers a cozy atmosphere with a small patio and a menu featuring breakfast classics like waffles and eggs Benedict.
We tried the Cypress eggs Benny and a plate of waffles with sausage and pan fries, both of which were delicious. The Cypress eggs Benedict came on a multigrain English muffin with tomato and avocado, topped with the egg.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Dog Mountain
Maps.me: detailed, offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation for driving, hiking, or biking to a selected location.
AllTrails: custom route planning app with fitness activity tracker and reviews from fellow hikers to help you plan your outdoor adventures.
Gaia GPS: paid hiking navigation app, road trip planner, and backcountry navigator
Relive.cc: a free tracking app that records a video of your route and waypoints, as well as showing the elevation profile and stats.
