Cypress Mountain

Because of its proximity to downtown Vancouver, Cypress Mountain is often visited on sightseeing tours. During the summer season, many sightseeing tours of Vancouver or the scenic Vancouver area stop at Barrett’s View lookout, which offers far-reaching vistas. The park is most heavily used in winter, when its downhill runs, snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, and snow-tubing course attract locals and visitors.

• Cypress Mountain is a must for outdoorsy and active travelers.

• Snowshoes, skis, snowboards, and cross-country skis can all be rented on the mountain. Poles, boots, helmets, jackets, and pants are also available for rent, but be sure to bring your own goggles and gloves.

• Familiarize yourself with bear safety and mountain safety before embarking on a summer hike.

• Cypress Mountain’s Yew Lake trail is wheelchair accessible.

Cypress Mountain is in Cypress Provincial Park on Vancouver’s North Shore, about a 45-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Car-free travelers or those who don’t want to tackle mountain roads in winter can take seasonal winter shuttle buses from Vancouver to the ski resort area.

In summer, come during the day to fully appreciate the views from the various lookouts. In winter, the resort remains open as late as 10pm, meaning visitors can ski down floodlit runs. The winter season typically lasts from mid-November to mid-April, while hiking is best between June and October.

Hikers heading to Cypress Mountain can choose among several trail options. The flat and accessible 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) Yew Lake trail leads through meadows to Yew Lake, whose waters are framed by mountain peaks. A more challenging option is the 5-mile (8.2-kilometer) Eagle Bluff trail, which leads to viewpoints overlooking Howe Sound and Vancouver.