Dog Mountain hike

The Dog Mountain hike, while not particularly long or high in elevation, can be tricky with roots and rocks, and it can also be muddy depending on the time of year. But the hike is well worth it.

Start the Dog Mountain hike in Mount Seymour Provincial Park. Walk toward the Mystery Peak Express chairlift, where you’ll find the trailhead on your left, marked by a signpost. Simply, follow the sign for Dog Mountain into the trees on your left.

Pass by a large map placed by Metro Vancouver, towards a small bridge. Cross over onto a well-groomed, gravel trail. The path starts easy, then quickly become tricky, with big rocks and roots to keep an eye out for.

Dog Mountain is a super fun trail, as there is little elevation gain, but lots of up-and-down over hilly, challenging terrain. Carefully continue along the bumpy path, looking for orange markers on the trees along the way.

Approximately 2953ft into the trail, hang right, going up a small hill. Once you reach the top, you’ll discover a rickety, wood boardwalk, follow it as it drops down and you get your first view of First Lake.

After a short rest, follow the trail marked to the right for Dinky Peak, instead, stay straight, keeping close to the south side of First Lake, in the direction marked for Dog Mountain.

Press onwards, passing small ponds on the way, where you might spot some fowl or even black frogs hanging out in the shallow waters.

As you approach the summit, there’s a split in the trail. Hike leftward, up the final hill to the peak of Dog Mountain.

Finally, push up Dog Mountain and you’ll emerge victorious onto the rocky bluff of the summit. The path is quieter because the views are partially blocked by trees, but the vista is stunning none the less. To the west, check out the nearby peaks of Grouse Mountain, Crown Mountain, Lynn Peak, and Coliseum Mountain.

Take a rest, kicking back to enjoy the views and return along the same route when ready.