Hiking

Cypress Mountain is located in Cypress Provincial Park and is only 30 minutes from Downtown Vancouver with spectacular views of Downtown, Howe Sound and southwest to the gulf islands.

Cypress Mountain is made up of 3 mountains; Black Mountain, Mount Strachan and Hollyburn Mountain.

Cypress has many natural highlights. Its mountaintop plateaus and rugged peaks, sub alpine lakes, streams and meadows, ancient forest stands and second-growth forests provide a wide range of habitats for diverse flora and fauna.

Although some sections of Cypress were logged before the park was established, its remaining old growth stands contain some of the largest and oldest recorded trees for the species in BC. Many of the parks yellow-cedars (or yellow-cypress-fir; which the park is named after) are well over 1000 years old. Red and white heather, copper bush, white rhododendron and many other native shrubs and wildflowers can be seen along the wheelchair-accessible Yew Lake trail and else where in the Park.

History: The official opening of the Lions Gate Bridge linking Vancouver and West Vancouver by His Majesty King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939 signaled the end of the West Vancouver Ferry era and heralded the start of a population expansion in the city. As the population of the area increased there was an increasing necessity for more areas for skiing and hiking which resulted in the creation of the park.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT CYPRESS MOUNTAIN

Hiking: For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails, destroys plant life and soil structure.

Wildlife: A variety of large and small mammals inhabit the park. Coyotes and deer are often seen close to the access road. Black bears, squirrels, hares and weasels may be encountered in the backcountry. Adding colour and sound to the park are a variety of birds like ravens, gray jays, chickadees, warblers, woodpeckers, grouse, hawks and owls.

Cycling: Bikes are not permitted on any trails within the park. Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Pets on a Leash: Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Picnic Areas at Cypress Mountain: This park has two (2) day-use/picnic areas. The Quarry picnic area has a large grassy area with eleven (11) picnic tables. Highview has a small grassy area and six (6) picnic tables. The Highview day-use area is mainly a lookout over Vancouver, Fraser Valley and the south end of Vancouver Island. Both the day-use areas have two (2) pit toilets and picnic tables with barbeque attachments, bring your own briquettes. There are no fire rings and fires are not permitted.

SUMMER TRAIL INFORMATION:

Visit the BC Parks Website at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/cypress/