Mount Seymour Provincial Park

IUCN Category II - National Park

Mount Seymour Provincial Park

Mount Seymour Provincial Park is a 3,508 -hectare Provincial Park in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The park is located 15 kilometers north of Vancouver, the North Shore Mountains and is a recreational area for the residents of Vancouver. The park is adjacent to the eastern part of Indian Arm Provincial Park.

Plant

The park is accessible from North Vancouver. Its highest peaks are Mount Bishop 1509 m, the eponymous Mount Seymour with 1453 m and Mount Elsay at 1418 m. The park contains several lakes. The largest lake is Lake Elsay in the north of the park. Smaller lakes are the Pencier, Flower, Gopher and Goldie Lake, from which rivers in the eastern Indian flowing arm of Burrard Inlet. In the park is a protected area category II (National Park).

History

The Mount Seymour was named after Frederick Seymour, who was from 1864 to 1869 Governor of British Columbia. The first known ascent of Mount Seymour was made in 1908 by a group of the BC Mountaineering Club. 1929 explored members of the Alpine Club of Canada, the suitability of the site as a ski resort. The following year, the club leased the area for 21 years, but by the world economic crisis he could not use as a ski resort the area. Therefore requested the club in 1935 when the provincial government to protect the area as a park. 1936, the provincial park was established.

Flora and Fauna

Up to an altitude of 1000 meters, the park is planted coniferous forest, interspersed with old Douglas fir and Nootka false cypress. From 1000 meters to grow purple fir and mountain hemlock -. The meadows bloom numerous alpine flowers in summer.

The park is home to numerous smaller and larger mammals. Frequently seen are deer and coyotes. In the hinterland also black bears, bobcats and mountain lions live. There are also many other species such as rabbits, squirrels and pine martens. Many bird species in the park area, including the Steller, the national bird of British Columbia, Gray Jay, gold chicken or grouse. Several species of falcons can be seen on their annual migrations.

Activities

The park offers views of the city of Vancouver and the Indian Arm. In the park there are five picnic areas, the parking lot is a cafeteria and toilets. 14 marked trails of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty run through the park, most of which are used most by both cyclists as well as hikers. Only the higher paths are reserved solely for hikers. Through the park run five kilometers of the Baden- Powell Trail, a 42 kilometer-long hiking trail in the north of Vancouver. In winter, the park is a ski resort, from mid- December to late March snowshoes and cross-country trails are created. A private provider operates four ski lifts. For groups offers the park administration nature experience programs, including a Bears program.