Cypress Mountain Lookout

Overview

Cypress Mountain is a provincial park on the North Shore offering hiking trails in summer and ski runs in winter, with lookout points providing some of the most sweeping panoramic views in Metro Vancouver.

Highlights

• City and Ocean Views: Views stretching from downtown across English Bay to Vancouver Island on clear days.
• Bowen Island Viewpoint: Clear sightlines to Bowen Island, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gulf Islands.
• Old-Growth Forest: Trails pass through stands of ancient yellow cedar, some over 1,000 years old.

History

Cypress Provincial Park was established in 1975 to protect 3,012 hectares of North Shore wilderness. The ski area hosted freestyle skiing and snowboard events during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Visitor Tips

• Yew Lake Trail: An easy 2-km boardwalk loop through old-growth forest, suitable for all fitness levels.
• Weather: The summit is often in cloud when downtown is clear—check conditions via webcam before driving up.
• Duration: 1–3 hours depending on trail.