Mount Seymour climbs 7.6 miles (12.2 km) at an average of 7.3% from the junction of Mount Seymour Road and Anne Macdonald Way in North Vancouver (443 ft / 135 m) to the ski area parking lot at 3,330 ft (1,015 m). That’s 2,913 ft (888 m) of climbing with only about 30 ft (9 m) of descent on the whole route: a serious climb, just across the water from downtown Vancouver.
What the climb is like
The road runs through Mount Seymour Provincial Park and climbs through very dense forest, with four hairpins. There are no views until the top, but the grade doesn’t let up either: a fifth of the route is above 10%, the hardest 1.2 miles (2 km) climb at 9% and the steepest third of a mile (500 m) at 10.7%. When you reach the ski area the view finally opens up, with the Mount Baker volcano in the distance.
PJAMM gives 7.6 miles (12.2 km) and 2,913 ft (888 m); Climbfinder, 7.7 miles (12.4 km) and 2,953 ft (900 m), with the same finishing elevation of 3,330 ft (1,015 m). The steepest pitch is 10.9% over a quarter mile (400 m) according to PJAMM and 10.6% over 100 m according to Climbfinder.
When to go and traffic
The best time is May to October. In winter it’s the access road to the ski area and there can be snow and ice at the top, so check the weather before you go. Traffic is light. You can park at the Old Buck trailhead, next to the start. There’s no water or food on the route.
It’s an easy climb to plan a trip around: Vancouver has an international airport and there’s no altitude to acclimatize to. On the other side of the North Shore is Cypress Mountain, the city’s other classic climb.
What gearing to use
To keep your cadence up on the 9-10% stretches, a 34x30 is the safe choice. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.2 mph (10 km/h) on 9%: with a 34x30 that’s about 70 rpm. If you’re short on strength, a 34x32. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to bike up Mount Seymour?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 02 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 13 min at 2.5 W/kg and 48 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
How hard is Mount Seymour?
It's demanding: 7.6 miles (12.2 km) at 7.3% with practically no descents, a fifth of the route above 10% and 1.2 miles (2 km) in a row at 9%.
Is there water on the climb up Mount Seymour?
There are no fountains or stores on the road. Bring water and food from North Vancouver.