The towering North Shore Mountains which form a backdrop to the bustling city of Vancouver have beckoned outdoor recreationists for many years. Until the opening of the Lions Gate Bridge in 1939, a fleet of ferries transported hikers and skiers across Burrard Inlet on the first leg of their journey to Hollyburn Ridge, which is now part of Cypress Provincial Park.

Bounded on the west by Howe Sound, on the north and east by the ridgetops of Mount Strachan and Hollyburn Mountain and to the south by West Vancouver, Cypress sits like a ship’s crownest high above Vancouver.

On a clear day the views are spectacular! To the south is the sprawling metropolitan area of Vancouver, while to the southeast is snowclad Mount Baker in the Cascade Mountain chain. To the west and southwest lie the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island with Georgia Strait in the foreground.

The diversity of natural features, old-growth trees and outdoor recreation opportunities both summer and winter, is due partly to the climate of coastal British Columbia. The mean annual temperature of around 9-10 degrees Celsius (49-50° F) results in many warm days for hikers and sightseers. No matter what the season or the weather, Cypress Provincial Park is an enjoyable place to be. Hiking, sightseeing, photography, wilderness camping, skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snow tubing and snowshoeing and other snow-related activities are just some of the activities the park offers.

Cypress Provincial Park, through the commercial ski area under permit within the park, “Cypress Mountain,” was the official freestyle skiing & snowboard venue for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic winter games.

Established Date: October 9, 1975
Park Size: 3,012 hectares, including the Howe Sound Crest Trail.