Dinkey Peak and First Lake Loop

Dinkey Peak and First Lake Loop is a short, punchy outing on Mount Seymour in North Vancouver, not far from the popular Dog Mountain area. At 3.5 km with about 128 m of gain, it sounds easy on paper, but recent hikers say it can feel a bit tougher than expected, especially in snow or mud. If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the busier Dog Mountain trail, this loop delivers a similar vibe with fewer crowds.

The loop links the Mount Seymour trail, Dinkey Peak, and a viewpoint over First Lake, with forest walking, roots, rocks, and a few short, steeper sections. Views open up near Dinkey Peak, where you can look out toward Vancouver and the surrounding North Shore mountains on a clear day. Most people park near the Mount Seymour ski area or Deep Cove Lookout and weave this into a Dog Mountain or Goldie Lake combo for a mellow half-day.

Current conditions on Dinkey Peak and First Lake Loop are very mixed: expect hard-packed snow, ice, and sometimes deep, soft snow where you can posthole to your hips, especially on the north side and if you lose the trail. Microspikes are strongly recommended in winter and spring, and trekking poles help a lot; some hikers also bring snowshoes when the snow is fresh and not packed. Go counterclockwise to get the main elevation done early, pre-book parking on the BC Parks site, and budget extra time for the walk from the lot and for slow going in snow, mud, or heavy bugs later in the season.