The Lower Seymour Conservation Area sometimes referred to by locals as the Seymour Demonstration Forest, is one on Vancouver’s North Shore’s best-loved recreational areas drawing enthusiasts from around the region, and plenty of visitors too for hiking and mountain biking.
The LSCA is open 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk. Some area closures may occur for public safety reasons, so check the notice board when entering the park.
Rice Lake is a beautiful and popular spot for a walk, picnic and fishing. Rice Lake is stocked with more than 5,000 Rainbow trout each year. If you are more adventurous, you can try fishing in the Seymour River, which is one of the Lower Mainland’s best steelhead fishing rivers. Remember that all provincial fresh water fishing regulations apply in these areas.
The scenic Seymour Valley Trailway is a 10km paved path that winds through a diverse forest. The Trailway features five picnic sites with outhouses, picnic tables and garbage cans.
The Seymour Valley Trailway is a beacon for hikers, walkers, in-line skaters and road cyclists. There is also a vast network of off-road trails with a wide range of terrain from moderate to more extreme-style mountain biking. Cycling is permitted throughout the forest with the exception of Rice Lake Loop Trail, Homestead Trail, and the Old Growth Trail.
The Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve’s (LSCR) alpine meadows, forested slopes and river flood plains are within minutes of downtown Vancouver. There are hikes for all levels from a family stroll around Rice Lake to Lynn Peak, which is a great cardio alternative to the Grouse Grind.
If you are taking transit, take the 228 bus and get off at the top of Lynn Valley Road, across the street from the End of the Line General Store. You can have a coffee and pick up some food or treats for the road. You could also drive and park near the top of Lynn Valley Road & Dempsey Road.
To access the LSCR area, walk to the top of Lynn Valley Road, past the three-way stop then take a right onto Rice Lake Road. Continue down the hill, at the bottom, you will find a bridge. Cross the bridge and walk straight up the hill to the top. You are now at the entrance to the LSCR.
Check trail conditions before you go at metrovancouver.org
