Lynn Peak - Hiking trail near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - Description

Once you walk into the park, there is a board with trail maps and any park warnings in effect. Walk a little further and cross the wooden bridge off to the right. Then, follow the Lynn Loop trail (you have to walk up a gravel road for a short way first) and a little while later the Lynn Peak Trail will bear off to the right (there is a little bit of climbing involved before you get there). For the first 45 minutes to an hour it's pretty steep going, with plenty of rocks and boulders. The first lookout offers a great view of Seymour Mountain.

Once you have reached the first lookout, the really hard work is done (but not completely). From that point, you head into some fantastic old growth forest (I believe it's even called the Enchanted Forest). It is simply breathtaking and the terrain rises and falls quite gently (so your heart can slow down a bit from the big climb you just did!). This part of the hike is really fun as terrain varies quite a bit from the previous part. The trail is really well maintained and marked so it's pretty tough to get lost.

There are a few more nice lookouts along the way, but once you actually get to Lynn Peak, the view is breathtaking (Burrard Inlet and the Seymour Demonstration Forest).

Total elevation at the top is about 940 meters.

To get back, just re-trace your steps back down the trail - and watch those knees coming down!

What to bring: Water, snacks, good hiking boots with ankle support, camera, waterproofs, and layered clothing.

To get to the trail-head, take the Lynn Canyon exit just off the Upper Levels Highway in North Vancouver. Then you take Lynn Valley Road past the turn-off to Lynn Canyon Park (you have to go past it). Follow the GVRD signs into Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, turning east into Peters Rd, off Lynn Valley Rd. There is a smallish parking lot there. If it is full, go back to the overflow parking lot.