4.7
(483)
7,578
hikers
12
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Cypress Provincial Park traverse a landscape shaped by glacial activity, featuring three prominent mountains: Mount Strachan, Hollyburn Mountain, and Black Mountain. The park is characterized by dense forests within the Coastal Western Hemlock and Subalpine Mountain Hemlock zones, including old-growth stands of western hemlock and Douglas-fir. Numerous wetlands and small lakes, such as Yew Lake and Cabin Lake, are scattered across the plateaus and mountain slopes, offering diverse natural features for exploration.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
3
hikers
8.18km
04:02
910m
910m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(45)
785
hikers
11.4km
04:11
490m
490m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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4.7
(19)
344
hikers
8.66km
03:18
420m
420m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(10)
207
hikers
4.49km
01:21
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(7)
131
hikers
5.53km
02:04
300m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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The views of the north shore from here are superb! You can hike here from the Cypress downhill ski area, or via the Baden Powell Trail from Horseshoe Bay. The former is easier and tends to have more parking available in the summer.
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Bowen Lookout offers sweeping views over Howe Sound and Bowen Island. The hike is short — about 4 kilometers round trip. From the lookout, you get classic coastal scenery: ocean, islands, and layered mountain ridges in the distance. It’s a popular spot to catch sunset.
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The Howe Sound Crest Trail runs high above Howe Sound. It follows the ridgeline between Cypress Mountain and Porteau Cove, with plenty of steep climbs and ups and downs along the way. You’ll move through rocky alpine terrain with big, open views of the ocean, islands, and surrounding peaks almost the entire time.
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The Sunset Trail begins just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway and stretches a little over 2 kilometers to connect with the Howe Sound Crest Trail. It’s well marked with orange diamond reflectors, making it easy to follow. Along the way, you’ll find sweeping views of Bowen Island — and as the name suggests, it’s a great spot to catch the sunset.
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Preferably early in the morning. The summit is very popular and the earlier you get there, the less you have to share it. 😉
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In summer you will find on the high plateau many native plants, u.a. Cornus canadensis and Clintonia uniflora.
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This lodge is used mainly as a ski chalet and après-ski bar in winter.
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Cypress Provincial Park offers 12 family-friendly hiking trails. These routes range from easy strolls to more moderate adventures, ensuring there's something suitable for various ages and fitness levels.
Yes, the Yew Lake area is well-known for its flat and wheelchair-accessible trail, making it an excellent option for families with strollers. It winds through meadows and showcases ancient old-growth trees.
For an easy family hike with rewarding views, consider the Yew Lake – Bowen Lookout loop from Cypress Mountain. This moderate route offers beautiful scenery and leads to Bowen Lookout, providing panoramic vistas of Howe Sound and Bowen Island.
Along the trails, families can discover diverse natural features. You might encounter the serene Yew Lake, impressive old-growth forests, and various viewpoints like Bowen Lookout and Eagle Bluffs Viewpoint. Keep an eye out for unique Alpine Flora, especially on higher plateaus.
Absolutely! The Yew Lake – Bowen Lookout loop from Cypress Mountain is a popular circular route that offers a manageable distance and diverse scenery. Another option is the Cypress Creek Lodge – Cabin Lake loop from Cypress Mountain, which takes you past Cabin Lake.
The warmer months, typically late spring through early autumn, are ideal for family hiking in Cypress Provincial Park. The coastal British Columbia climate provides many pleasant days, making trails more accessible and enjoyable for children. Some trails, like those around Yew Lake, are accessible year-round, but conditions can vary significantly in winter.
Cypress Provincial Park generally welcomes dogs, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. It's always a good idea to check the specific regulations for individual trails or areas within the park before you go, as rules can sometimes vary.
The komoot community highly rates Cypress Provincial Park, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning panoramic views of Vancouver, Howe Sound, and the surrounding mountains, as well as the well-maintained trails and the accessibility of such beautiful wilderness close to the city.
Yes, you can find the Olympic Rings, a historical landmark from the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, further up Cypress Bowl Road. This offers a unique point of interest for families to visit.
Family hikes in Cypress Provincial Park vary in length and duration. Easier routes like the Yew Lake – Bowen Lookout loop can take around 1.5 to 2 hours, covering about 4.5 km. More moderate options, such as the Cypress Creek Lodge – Cabin Lake loop, might take 2.5 to 3 hours for 5.5 km, depending on your pace and stops.
Yes, public transport options are available. During the winter season, a shuttle bus typically runs from Horseshoe Bay to Cypress Mountain. While direct public transport to all trailheads might be limited, checking local transit schedules for routes connecting to the park entrance or shuttle services is recommended.


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