Elsay Lake Trail Hike

Liked: Elsay Lake views, several fine mountain and valley views, very few bugs, hut by the lake (albeit with a resident mouse).

Of Note: A very difficult long (21 km total hiking round-trip from the parking lot) trail suitable for experienced well-equipped hikers only. Several scrambling sections. Several small creek crossings. A few boulder fields. The trail is slightly overgrown in places - long-sleeved shirt and long pants are recommended. The path is very narrow at times, with steep drop-offs. The trail starts with a substantial elevation drop (much uphill hiking is required at the end of the trail on the way back). Hiking poles and boots are essential.

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Backroad Mapbook (5th edition) Trailhead Coordinates: Page 11 (North Vancouver) G6.

27. A few parts of the trail are somewhat overgrown, just like here at the 3.40 km mark. Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt would keep the scratches (and tics?) away.

Elsay Lake Trail in Mount Seymour Provincial Park

28. The toughest scrambling section arrives at 3.9 km. It's quite short, and not terribly difficult, but may prove complicated, if the stones would be wet.

Elsay Lake Hike in Mount Seymour Provincial Park British Columbia Canada

29. Cross the boulder field and re-enter the forest.

Elsay Lake Trail in British Columbia Canada

30. On of the few (for such a long trail) decent views comes at 4.35 km (slightly zoomed).

View from Elsay Lake Trail - North Vancouver Hike

31. At 4.60 km, the only sign to Elsay Lake (after the trailhead) is prominently displayed on a tree.

Elsay Lake Sign

32. Elsay Lake Trail at 5.15 km.

Elsay Lake Trail

33-34. At 5.7 km, you need to cross a boulder field above a mini-waterfall. Coordinates: N 49⁰24.695' W 122⁰55.454'. Elevation: 711 meters.

35. Here is the boulder field to be crossed.

Elsay Lake Trail in North Vancouver BC Area

36. The trail continues on the other side.

Hiking in North Vancouver Area - Elsay Lake Trail

37. A small creek crossing at 6.0 km.

Elsay Lake Trail Creek Crossing

38. Then, at 6.30km, there is a large meadow, with wood planks forming a bridge of sorts.

Elsay Lake Trail - Hiking in British Columbia

39. Elsay Lake finally arrives at 6.8 km from the trailhead. Coordinates: N 49⁰24.951' W 122⁰56.135'. Elevation: 738 meters.

40-42. Here is a view of Elsay Lake from this point. Left to right.

Elsay Lake British Columbia

43. To reach the hut, hike for another kilometer along the lake on the right side.

Elsay Lake Trail in North Vancouver Canada Area

44. Elsay Lake near the hut.

Elsay Lake in North Vancouver Area

45. The final fifty meters.

Hiking Elsay Lake Trail

46. Hello, Elsay Lake hut. Coordinates: N 49⁰25.136' W 122⁰56.266'. Elevation: 738 meters (512 meters elevation loss from the trailhead).

47. The view from the porch.

View From Elsay Lake Shack

48. Inside the hut, looking in. Beware of a mouse!

Inside Elsay Lake Hut

49. Inside the hut, looking out.

Elsay Lake Hut

50. The view upstairs.

Elsay Lake Hut Upstairs

Here is our video of Elsay Lake and the Exterior of the Hut.