Not only does the Seymour register just the right reading for refreshment but you are almost always assured of a constant breeze blowing through the valley to wick off moisture without need of a towel. Yet another benefit is the proximity of the GVRD's Seymour Demonstration Forest, through which much of the Seymour River flows. From the entrance to the forest, take the well-marked Homestead Trail (0.6 mile/1 km) to the river. You can hear the river to the east of the trail before you see it.

Follow north along Homestead until it comes into view, then make your way down the embankment to the river's boulder-filled channel. Although water levels in summer are at their annual lows, you'll quickly find that there are plunge pools galore; there'll be one that's just the right size for you. Remember to wear an old pair of running shoes or sandals to negotiate your way over the boulders, some of which are made slippery by algae.

You may find that you are sharing the river with the occasional group of anglers; however, the Seymour is of proportions generous enough for all. It would be surprising if, after a quick look around, you couldn't find a quiet place to yourself. After all, the Homestead Trail merges with the Fisherman's Trail and meanders upstream for almost 9 miles (15 km); somewhere along its length, there's bound to be a swimming hole with your name on it.

The Seymour River is a river of a whole different hue when comparing kayaking on the nearby Capilano River. About the only thing the two have in common is that they're both dammed. The Capilano stole the Seymour's thunder when challenges were being handed out (but don't tell that to someone learning to paddle here). There's not a canyon in sight, just a shallow boulder-and-rock garden riverbed, with a small patch of fast water just before the river passes under the Seymour Creek Bridge near its confluence with Burrard Inlet. An old weir creates a sudden drop at this point. Hang onto your paddles.

Best places to put in on the Seymour are either at Riverside Park at the intersection of Riverside Drive (East) and Chapman Way or at the west end of Swinburne Avenue off Riverside. The take out is downstream from the BC Rail bridge over the Seymour at the west end of Spicer Road off Riverside Drive (West).