Trail Notes: Overnight Backpacking at Pump Peak (Mount Seymour)
One of the best parts of working at Elios Health is that our team spends a lot of time doing the activities our patients love. Whether it's climbing, trail running, skiing, mountain biking, or backpacking, spending time outside helps us better understand the physical demands of these sports.
This weekend I headed out for an overnight backpacking trip to Pump Peak on Mount Seymour.
The route is one of my favourite "micro-adventures." It offers remarkably quick access from Vancouver while still providing the feeling of a remote backpacking experience. Camping is free, reservations aren't required, and with the right weather the views are exceptional.
Conditions were mostly cloudy during the afternoon and again the following morning, but the skies cleared overnight. We watched the nearly full moon climb over Vancouver before temperatures dropped well below what we expected. A hot water Nalgene bottle and hand warmers turned out to be some of the best pieces of gear we packed.
Finding a campsite required some patience. Recent rainfall had left many established sites covered in standing water and mud, so we spent extra time searching for durable surfaces that allowed us to camp responsibly while following Leave No Trace principles.
The mosquitoes were... enthusiastic. We'll leave it at that.
Food is always part of the adventure. I've been experimenting with dehydrating my own backpacking meals, and this trip's dinner was another successful "taco in a bag," complete with dehydrated yellow peppers, mushrooms, and other vegetables prepared at home.
From a clinical perspective, these trips are always valuable learning experiences.
Carrying a heavy backpack changes movement considerably. During the ascent, hikers rely heavily on calf endurance, glute strength, hip stability, and cardiovascular fitness. During the descent, the demands shift dramatically. The quadriceps absorb repeated eccentric loading, while the knees, ankles, and feet work continuously to stabilize uneven terrain. Many overuse injuries don't appear during the climb—they show up during the long hike back down.
As a sports acupuncturist, understanding these real-world movement demands helps me better assess and treat hikers, backpackers, trail runners, and outdoor athletes. Sports acupuncture isn't just about reducing pain; it's about helping people continue exploring the mountains safely and confidently.
We also followed proper bear safety practices by storing our food and scented items in a BearVault throughout the trip.
Final verdict?
Easy access, beautiful scenery, free camping, and an excellent overnight destination close to Vancouver.
Pump Peak earns a 10/10 from me, and I'll definitely be back.