Description

Day Trip (via Vicar Lake)
Cycle (11 k one way) through Lower Seymour
Demonstration forest to Seymour Dam.
Hike to Mt Bishop via Vicar lake trail.
Although Mount Bishop is very close to Vancouver,
it is seldom climbed. Via the North Shore Rescue
trail which runs up from the East side of the
Seymour Dam. This trail bring one to Vicar Lake,
then a steep climb brings the hiker up the west
ridge of the mountain to the peak. The Peak is
flanked closely by Mount Dickens on the North,
with Elsay Lake and Mount Elsay to the South. This
is rough backcountry and should be approached only
with caution and experience.
Another typical North Shore Trail, steep and
challenging ! Follow the orange tapes uphill to
the Vicar Lake area, at 950m. There are ropes on
the more difficult sections. Once you reach the
lake go around it to the left and look for the
trail up Mt Bishop which begins there. The Indian
Arm Trail shares the route from the lakes upward,
but you leave the trail in the upper meadows to
gain Bishop’s main summit. Return whence you came

This is rugged wilderness territory, so be well
prepared, be fit and know your capabilities. Many
parties will want to make this an overnight trip,
camping is permitted within the boundaries of Mt
Seymour Provincial park

The trail itself is approximately 7 km return off
of the Seymour Valley Trailway. Return distance
from the start of the trailway is estimated at
32.6 km.

Vicar Lake is the halfway point, timewise, on this
trail to Mt Bishop from LSCR. There are Mmany
fixed-ropes and steep sections. It’s well-marked
with a surprisingly well-established trailbed. At
about 20 minutes into the trail, you come upon the
grove of old growth containing The General and The
General’s wife. Just seeing these two trees is
worth the effort to get there! This is a steep and
strenuous route, and getting to the trailhead
involves a 13km walk or bike ride (one-way) from
the Rice Lake Gate.