Mount Seymour Provincial Park: Difference between revisions
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==Accidents and rescues== |
==Accidents and rescues== |
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[[File:Snowboarding1.jpg|left|thumb|Freestyle snowboarding is a common recreational activity at the park]] |
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Due to its proximity to a large metropolitan area, Mount Seymour Provincial Park attracts larger numbers of visitors and recreational users than many other rugged, mountainous areas. This in part, has led to hundreds of lost, stranded, and injured hikers, as well as many skiers and snowshoers that have required rescue, and even suffered death <ref>[http://www.charlesmontgomery.ca/blazer.html "The Blazer". W''estern Living Magazine,'' Oct. 2001. by Charles Montgomery.]</ref>. Visitors should be wary there are incidents such as in 2011, a [[longboard]]er was killed from an accident outside Mount Seymour Provincial Park<ref>http://www.navbug.com/article12748536_arch20110925/longboarder_killed_in_accident_was_accomplished_athlete_and_artist.htm</ref>. |
Due to its proximity to a large metropolitan area, Mount Seymour Provincial Park attracts larger numbers of visitors and recreational users than many other rugged, mountainous areas. This in part, has led to hundreds of lost, stranded, and injured hikers, as well as many skiers and snowshoers that have required rescue, and even suffered death <ref>[http://www.charlesmontgomery.ca/blazer.html "The Blazer". W''estern Living Magazine,'' Oct. 2001. by Charles Montgomery.]</ref>. Visitors should be wary there are incidents such as in 2011, a [[longboard]]er was killed from an accident outside Mount Seymour Provincial Park<ref>http://www.navbug.com/article12748536_arch20110925/longboarder_killed_in_accident_was_accomplished_athlete_and_artist.htm</ref>. |
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The [[North Shore Rescue]] is a Mountain Search and Rescue Team. The team consists of approximately 40 volunteers skilled in search and rescue operations in mountain, canyon and urban settings. They are often called when an individual is trapped or in danger in the park <ref>http://www.northshorerescue.com/</ref>. |
The [[North Shore Rescue]] is a Mountain Search and Rescue Team. The team consists of approximately 40 volunteers skilled in search and rescue operations in mountain, canyon and urban settings. They are often called when an individual is trapped or in danger in the park <ref>http://www.northshorerescue.com/</ref>. |
Revision as of 07:07, 3 April 2014
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Mount Seymour Provincial Park | |
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Location | British Columbia, Canada |
Nearest city | North Vancouver |
Area | 35 km² |
Established | 1936 |
Governing body | BC Parks |
Mount Seymour Provincial Park
Mount Seymour Provincial Park is a 35 km² park in Vancouver, British Columbia's North Shore Mountains. It is located approximately 15 kilometers north of Downtown Vancouver.
History and Geography
History
The park, named after Frederick Seymour, was established in 1936 [1].
Geography
Mount Seymour Provincial Park is in a mountain wilderness setting and several mountain peaks lie within its boundaries, including Mount Bishop, Mount Elsay, Runner Peak, and Mount Seymour.This park and its several mountain peaks are provincially run and operated. The highest elevation in the park is the summit of Mount Bishop at 1509 metres followed by Mount Seymour, for which the park is named, at 1449 metres [2]. The park contains several lakes, including Elsay Lake (the largest), Pencier Lake, Gopher Lake, and Goldie Lake. Many lakes within the park drain into the Seymour River, which is west of the park.
Animals and Wildlife
The Wildlife of Mount Seymour
Mount Seymour Provincial Park is a great habitat for a variety of wildlife animal and plant species. Among the bigger animals, deer and coyotes are most frequently observed near the access road, while in the backcountry, black bears, bobcats or cougars can be seen. To preserve the wildlife and to prevent attacks, the park has laws against hikers and tourists from feeding or tormenting wildlife animals [3].Groups like the Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (BC SPCA) and the Animal Advocates Society look to preserve and protect animals [4].
The park is home to much smaller animals and creatures as well.Species of birds such as the chickadee, sapsucker, grouse and siskin are commonly seen. Mount Seymour park provides an opportunity to see other birds like the Canada jay, raven, and the Steller's jay, which happens to be the official bird of British Columbia.[5]. This bird was chosen as British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment and Parks launched a three-month campaign to select a provincial bird in 1987. The campaign was tied in with the province’s celebration of Wildlife ‘87, the centennial of wildlife conservation in Canada. [6].
List of Wildlife Animals[7]
- Coyote
- Deer
- Black bears
- Bobcat
- Cougar
- Douglas squirrel
- Pine marten
- Chickadee
- Kinglet
- Sapsucker
- Grouse
- Siskin
Vegetation
Natural Vegetation
The Mount Seymour Provincial Park is 3,508 hectares with a variety of natural foliage and forest[8]. The park contains old-growth Douglas Fir trees and Western Red Cedar that cover the landscape. As well, second-growth coniferous and deciduous trees populate the park. At higher elevations of the park, we see a transition from forest to open meadows. In certain areas, it is common to see sub-alpine flowers like the Blu Clematis, Ballhead Waterleaf and the Cusicks Speedwell Flower.
Invasive Plants
Despite the many natural plants, the Provincial Park on Mount Seymour has a history of infestations of various invasive plants. Invasive Plants (also called "non-indigenous" or "non-native") outcompete native species for basic necessities, such as nutrients and space, affecting many habitats and bioregions. Mount Seymour Provincial Park is no stranger to its own share of invasive plants. There are often clumps of Japanese knotweed seen around the park [9]. It is also common to see bull thistles growing on a mound of old road and soil fines pushed up around a pullout [10]. St John’s wort, Lamium and Himalayan blackberry grow among the thicket of native flora that provide a view for occasional mountain bikers that pass by. Some of the other invasive plants inventoried by the park include:
- Lamium (yellow archangel)
- periwinkle
- yellow hawkweed
- sow thistle
- oxeye daisy
Invasive plants are often handled and dealt with by the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver (ISCMV)[11]. The ISCMV conduct inventory and both mechanical and chemical invasive species control work. Their projects and work extend across the Metro Vancouver Area. They deal with invasive species like knotweed, Giant Hogweed and selective herbicide control methods [12].
Recreational Activities
There is an extensive network of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails on the lower mountain, while the upper mountain offers picknicking, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowtubing, tobogganing, and backcountry camping. Different parts of mountain trails have different uses throughout the year.While both mountain bikers and hikers can use lower mountain trails, upper mountain trails are restricted to hikers.
Summer Season
- Hiking
Mount Seymour Provincial Park provides 14 different hiking trails varying with elevation levels and difficulties[13].
Trail Name | Difficulty | Length/ elevation | Suggested hiking time | Starting point / end point |
---|---|---|---|---|
Old Cabin | easy | 430 metres/ 25 metres | 20 minutes | Parking Lot 1/ Perimeter Trail Junction |
Dinky Peak | easy | 750 metres/25 metres | 15 minutes | Mount Seymour Trail/ Dinky Bluff |
Mushroom Parking Lot | easy | 750 metres/ minimal | 30 minutes | Vancouver Picnic Area Parking lot/- |
Old Buck Access | easy | 1 kilometre/ minimal | 45 minutes | Vancouver Picnic Area Parking lot/ junction with the Old Buck Trail |
Mystery Lake | moderate | 1.5 kilometre/180 metres | 45 minutes | North end of Parking lot 4/ chairlift right-of-way to the lake |
Perimeter | moderate | 1.5 kilometre/ 150 metres | 45 minutes | Deep Cove looktout/ Goldie Lake access trail junction |
Flower Lake Loop | easy | 1.5 kilometre/ 150 metres | - | Goldie lake Trail/ sub-alpine bog and pond community |
First Lake Loop and Dog mountain | moderate | 2 kilometres/ - | - | First lake/ Dog Mountain |
Goldie Lake Loop | easy | 2 kilometres/ minimal | 1 hour | First Aid building/ Goldie Lake |
Old Buck Trail | moderate | 2.3 kilometres,5.5 kilometres/ -,- | 45 minutes, 2 hours | - |
Horse Trail | moderate | 2.5 kilometres/ - | - | - |
Baden-Powell | difficult | 42 kilometres total/ - | - | Goldie lake Trail/ Deep Cove/ Horseshoe Bay |
Mount Seymour | difficult | 4 kilometres/ 450 metres | 2.5 hours | First lake/ North end of the top parking lot/ Pump Peaks |
Elasy Lake | difficult | 7 kilometres/ 500 metres | 9 – 10 hours | First Aid building/ -/back country shelter |
*Unclear information is marked with -
- Cycling
Mountain biking is permitted only on designated trails within the park boundary. The mountain bike restricted trails include Upper Old Buck Access Trail, Mount Seymour Main Trail, Perimeter Trail, Goldie Lake Trail, Flower Lake Trail, Mystery Lake Trail, Old Cabin Trail and Dinky Peak Trail [14]. For more details please view the table above. These trails are shown on the park brochure.There are consequences and possible fines for biking in restricted areas Cite error: A <ref>
tag is missing the closing </ref>
(see the help page)..
- Horseback Riding
Old Buck Trail is the only trail throughout the park that allows Horseback Riding [15].
Winter Season
The provincial park provides winter trails for activities like snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. These trails are open from mid-December to March 31st each year. Snowshoers, backcountry skiers, snowboarders and hikers are also allowed use of these the backcountry trails. Passes or permits are not required to use the BC Parks Backcountry access require a permit or pass [16].
- Backcountry Skiing
Trail Name | Difficulty | Length | Suggested hiking time | Starting point | View |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mount Seymour Backcountry Access trail | moderate - difficult | 7 km | 3hrs on skis/ 4 hrs on snowshoes | Parking Lot 4 | views between the 1st and 2nd pump |
First Lake trail | easy | 4 metres | 1.5 hrs on skis/2 hrs on snowshoes | Parking Lot 4 |
Mount Seymour Ski Resort
Mount Seymour Ski Area | |
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Location | British Columbia, Canada |
Nearest major city | North Vancouver, 15 km (9 mi) |
Vertical | 330 m (1,083 ft) |
Top elevation | 1,265 m (4,150 ft) |
Base elevation | 935 m (3,068 ft) |
Skiable area | 200 acres |
Trails | 23 total 22% beginner 61% intermediate 17% expert |
Longest run | 1.6 km (1 mi) |
Lift system | 5 total 1 high speed detachable quad 2 double chairlifts 2 magic carpets |
Snowfall | 1,200 cm (472 in) |
Website | Mt. Seymour |
Mount Seymour is one mountain located within the Mount Seymour Provincial Park. Mount Seymour was operated by the provincial government until 1984, when control was provided to the commercial entity and private operator, Mount Seymour ResortsLtd[17]. Mount Seymour Resorts offers extensive winter sports and activities.
The ski area of Mount Seymour Resorts has 4 ski lifts:
- the Mystery Peak Express quad chairlift,
- Brockton,
- Lodge double chairlifts,
- Goldie Lake covered magic carpet
Skiing and snowboarding are available on 39 marked trails and many unmarked routes. The privately owned area has 330 m (1,083 ft) vertical drop as well as 18 trails open for night skiing. Five additional terrain parks exist for freestyle activities.
Accidents and rescues
Due to its proximity to a large metropolitan area, Mount Seymour Provincial Park attracts larger numbers of visitors and recreational users than many other rugged, mountainous areas. This in part, has led to hundreds of lost, stranded, and injured hikers, as well as many skiers and snowshoers that have required rescue, and even suffered death [18]. Visitors should be wary there are incidents such as in 2011, a longboarder was killed from an accident outside Mount Seymour Provincial Park[19]. The North Shore Rescue is a Mountain Search and Rescue Team. The team consists of approximately 40 volunteers skilled in search and rescue operations in mountain, canyon and urban settings. They are often called when an individual is trapped or in danger in the park [20].
Preparation for the Weather
Please be mindful that the Park's backcountry can be quite mountainous and difficult. The trails should be attempted by those who have proper equipment and are well prepared for challenges. It is very important to bring essential items such as a first aid kit, matches/candle, water/extra food, pocket knife, signal whistle, flashlight, large garbage bag, rain gear, warm clothing, map and compass[21]. Also be aware of the variability of the weather at these high altitudes - one should be prepared with proper clothing and shovels in the event of snow. As well, visibility may become very difficult in this weather and can possibly cause disorientation in the event of a major snowfall.
Snow depth
Mount Seymour has three weather stations: one at the bottom of the Mystery Peak Chairlift, one near tower 9 of the Mystery Peak Chairlift, and one just below the top lift station of the Brockton Chairlift. Except for the unusually warm winter of 2004-2005, there is usually a snow depth of 500 cm (197 in) or more at the Brockton weather station.
BCRFC historical records (from 1960 to 1989) report that Mount Seymour's average snow base has been 160 cm (63 in) on January 1, increasing through winter and spring to 345 cm (136 in) on May 1st.[1]
Broadcasting & Media
Mount Seymour serves as home to many Vancouver-area broadcasters. They have their transmitters set up on the slopes of Mount Seymour, allowing it to face over the entire Greater Vancouver area. Some broadcasters include FM radio station, CFUN-FM-2 104.9 (Sonic) and CKLG-FM 96.9 (Jack FM). As well, many TV stations such as CBUT-DT (CBC): UHF 43 (digital) and CHAN-DT (Global): UHF 22 (digital) have their transmitters located on the mountain.
Appearances in Film and Television
Mount Seymour is often used as a filming location for its scenery and easy access. It is often used as a background for winter scenes with its forests and slopes. Hot Tub Time Machine and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse are some films that were shot in Mount Seymour.
See also
- List of ski areas and resorts in Canada
- Grouse Mountain
- Cypress Mountain
- Mount Seymour
- Whistler, British Columbia
Maps and Resources
External links
- "Mount Seymour". Bivouac.com.
- "Mount Seymour". BC Geographical Names.
- Mount Seymour Ski Resort Official Site
- Mount Seymour Ski Club Mount Seymour Ski Club Official Site
- Seymour Provincial Park Mount Seymour Provincial Park Official site
References
- ^ http://www.vancouverisland.com/parks/?id=108
- ^ Ministry of Environment- Mount Seymour Provincial Park History
- ^ http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/00_96488_01
- ^ http://www.spca.bc.ca/
- ^ http://www.vancouverisland.com/parks/?id=108
- ^ http://www.msacomputer.com/bc/bird/bird.html
- ^ http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_seymour/
- ^ http://www.vancouverisland.com/parks/?id=108
- ^ http://www.iscmv.ca/blog/general/king-of-the-mountain
- ^ http://www.iscmv.ca/blog/general/king-of-the-mountain
- ^ http://www.iscmv.ca/
- ^ http://www.iscmv.ca/
- ^ ["http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_seymour/hiking.html"]
- ^ http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_seymour/
- ^ http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_seymour/
- ^ http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_seymour/
- ^ http://www.mountseymour.com/
- ^ "The Blazer". Western Living Magazine, Oct. 2001. by Charles Montgomery.
- ^ http://www.navbug.com/article12748536_arch20110925/longboarder_killed_in_accident_was_accomplished_athlete_and_artist.htm
- ^ http://www.northshorerescue.com/
- ^ http://www.thedump.scoutscan.com/dumpextras/othermags/CanadianRoverEh/2002/CanadianRoverEh%20JunJul2002.pdf