When Mount Seymour’s popularity as a recreational destination burgeoned in the 1930s, avid skiers and hikers would drive their cars up Old Buck to reach the legendary Mushroom Parking Lot, the “jumping-off” point for their weekend getaway. Logging operations on the mountain, named for Frederick Seymour, second Governor of the Colony of British Columbia (1864 – 1869), had ceased by 1936 when Mount Seymour Provincial Park was established.
Today, Old Buck Trail officially begins beside the parking area off Anne McDonald Way. The trail winds through a diverse forest, and as you climb higher you will encounter a mixture of second-growth along with some old-growth Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar as this area wasn’t logged as extensively as other North Shore mountains. Dotting the west side of the lower trail is a series of white posts that identify a buried BC Hydro power line. Don't be surprised if you see a post across the trail from more than one cache!
The junction with the Baden-Powell Trail marks the unofficial halfway point, and serves as the boundary between Upper and Lower Old Buck. Unfortunately, bikes are not allowed on Upper Old Buck. Shortly after leaving the BP Trail behind, you will enter an open area under the power lines and cross the Powerline Trail. Continue carefully up the hill here as the loose rocks underfoot can be slippery, and head back into the forest. The first half of your climb will be done when you reach the bright yellow gate.
***WARNING – There is NO PARKING here! Nearest parking is the Vancouver Picnic Area (1km west)***
Use extreme caution when crossing Mt Seymour Road; cars, trucks, and even bikes can quickly appear out of nowhere. Head east about 100 metres down the road to the wooden gateway where you will resume your ascent up Old Buck. As you wind your way up the hill, you will pass the connector trail that leads to the Vancouver Lookout picnic area. Old Buck continues to carry you northeast, crossing over Francis Creek, then Ostler Creek, then down to a junction with Three Chop Trail, named for the distinctive triple hatchet blazing used to mark that route.
You are now nearing the end of your hike as Old Buck continues left (west) and up another set of switchbacks until, after nearly 5.5 kilometres and about 670 metres of elevation gain, Old Buck ends at the junction with Perimeter Trail, not far from the Deep Cove Lookout.
BC Parks suggests the hike from the trailhead to Perimeter Trail junction will take about 2 hours to complete. Allowing time to find each cache and have a rest/water break or two, you should expect to have this series done in 3½ to 4 hours. If you are caching with a group it might be more convenient to use 2 vehicles, one at each end of the trail. Remember – cyclists are welcome on Lower Old Buck, but Upper Old Buck is off limits to bikes!
We hope you enjoy your Old Buck adventure!