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Cypress Provincial Park

Cypress mountain provides some excellent terrain for enjoying the North Shore mountains both in winter and in Summer. Hike and cycle in the warmer months and then ski all day (seriously, from opening to close at 10pm) before relaxing for some food at the base of the hill.

Where is Cypress Provincial Park?

Cypress Provincial Park is situated just north of West Vancouver on the North Shore and makes up part of the North Shore Mountains. It is easily accessible by car from Downtown Vancouver via the Lions Gate Bridge and then exit from Highway 99/Highway 1 up the winding Cypress Bowl Road.

Unfortunately because Cypress Provincial Park is out on its own there is no Transit service which goes directly to the park during the summer months. However, during the winter season there is a free shuttle bus which goes from Lonsdale Quay up Cypress Mountain for skiers and snowboarders to use.

Cypress Provincial Park Attractions

Since Cypress Provincial Park was first established as a park the area it covers has increased and the park now covers 7,530 acres (3,012 hectares). Cypress Provincial Park is open year round and is able to offer visitors quite a contrast of attractions from summer to winter, appealing to all tastes… In the summer you have many hiking opportunities, camping, cycling, wildlife watching and some great scenery, whilst in the winter the scenery remains spectacular with the added bonus of skiing, snowboarding and other fun winter activities. Please read our winter sports in Vancouver pages for further information on what you can do at Cypress Mountain during the winter months.

Cypress Provincial Park Highlights

Skiing

The ski area which is open until late in the evening on lighted runs has three chairlifts and a double rope-tow that services a range runs from green (beginner) to black diamond (expert). BC Parks maintains three back country winter trails for snowshoeing and back country skiing. There is a designated trail for snowmobile use and a ski rental facility and pro shop on the mountain and a cafeteria for filling up after a long day on the slopes.

Hiking

There are a number of hiking trails here at Cypress Provincial Park, which are of varying lengths and difficulties. These include the self-guided Yew Lake Trail and parts of the Baden-Powell Trail which, to its full extent, connects Horseshoe Bay with Deep Cove in North Vancouver. The different trails allow visitors to see a variety of landscapes and ecosystems, including marsh, forest and meadows.

Wildlife Viewing

Being a rural area there’s always the chance that you could bump into some wildlife whilst exploring the park. Some of the animals you might see include black bears, coyotes, dear and hares as well as many varieties of birds. The Yew Lake Trail has several wildlife viewing stops along the way.

Cycling

Mountain biking is permitted is specially designated areas of Cypress Provincial Park, and in addition you can cycle on the roadways, but not on any of the park trails.

Wilderness Camping

For those visitors who wish to stay a little longer at Cypress Provincial Park, walk-in backcountry and wilderness camping is permitted at higher elevations. This means that you can camp in many different places though without any facilities. Campers should also note that campfires are not allowed. Please check with the park as to current conditions regarding camping before setting out.

Picnic Areas and Day Use

There are several day use areas with picnic tables and some with barbecue attachments, plus pit toilets for visitors who are just staying for the day.

Find out more about all the facilities and attractions on offer at Cypress Provincial Park by visiting the BC Parks website.