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Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve

Where is the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve?

Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve

Vancouver, B.C.

604-990-0483

Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve website

The Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve is located within North Vancouver and makes up the land between the Lynn Canyon Park in the west and Mount Seymour Provincial Park in the east.

The drive from Downtown Vancouver is very easy via the Second Narrows/Ironworkers Memorial Bridge as you exit Highway 1 at exit 22A then follow the signs to the entrance which is approximately 1 ¼ miles (2km) north of Capilano College on Lillooet Road.

There are two options for getting to the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve by Transit from Downtown Vancouver: either take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay on the North Shore, than catch bus # 228. Stay on the bus until the final stop, then walk down Rice Lake Road, over the Lynn Creek footbridge and into the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. The second option is to take bus # 210 from Burrard SkyTrain station to the last stop at Underwood. From here walk east down a narrow pathway, past the tennis court to Evelyn Street. At the end of Evelyn is Rice Lake Road which you follow into the Reserve.

Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve Attractions

The Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve was formerly known as the Seymour Demonstration Forest though the name was changed back in 1999. The area is primarily used as an important source of water for Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, however it is multi-use and hence available for the enjoyment of the public.

The area accessible to the public is a huge 14,170 acres (5,668 hectares) where you can walk, hike, mountain bike, fish, skate, canoe and kayak.

Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve Highlights

Trails

There are a range of trails at the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve ranging from paved and accessible to all, to more challenging hiking trails. The Seymour Valley Trailway is a 6 ¼ miles (10km) paved path which is particularly popular as this is also wheelchair and pushchair accessible. The scenic trail winds through forest and across creeks, and also includes 5 picnic sites with outhouses. In addition to this trail there are over 15 miles (25km) of hiking trails in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve.

Mountain Biking

The Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve has some of the best mountain biking in the Vancouver area which a wide range of different terrains to suit all levels. Biking is permitted throughout the forest though currently with the exception of three trails (Rice Lake Loop Trail, Old Growth Trail and Homestead Trail). Please check rules and regulations thoroughly before starting out.

In-Line Skating

You wouldn’t expect to have trails at the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve which are suitable for skating, but there are! This makes a great alternative to all the city trails as you get to see the forest and more as you skate along the paved 6 ¼ miles (10km) Seymour Valley Trail. Remember that this path is shared with others, and also may not be suitable for beginners as there are some hills on it.

Fishing

Although boats or other floatation devices are not allowed on the waters, fishing is permitted in Rice Lake where you can try to catch one of the 5,000 Rainbow Trout which are stocked here each year or you could also try the Seymour River for steelhead fishing.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking are permitted on the Seymour River though there are restrictions in place so be aware that you cannot simply turn up and launch. Please check the Metro Vancouver website for full details.

To find out more details about all the outdoor activities you can enjoy at the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve as well as opening hours, please visit the Metro Vancouver website.