scottfP3930DS
This is a Summer ReviewOK, first, as you drive up the twisting turning road that takes you to the top of Cypress Park you should be aware of the following:After you leave the highway, and take the Cypress Park Exit you will drive along until you get to:(1) The first hairpin (tight 180 degree) corner. This has a trail where Black Bears can often be seen. Make noise as you go to prevent "surprising" the Bears.(2) The second hairpin corner has a great "Lookout" spot with great views of Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and the Gulf Islands. It's more than 180 degrees of views. This is THE place for views at Cypress Bowl.When you get to the top there is a restaurant/bar with restrooms. You can hike up the ski runs higher up to get to some great views of Vancouver Island and the gulf islands.I LOVE this place. Make sure to bring a compass, a map, proper provisions (emergency overnight supplies and medical kit). I myself bring a fully loaded backpack, and even though I've never had to use emergency gear, it's always good to be prepared. Bear Spray is also a great idea.
T2641ATchrism
One of the top 10 places to go if you come to West Vancouver or the North Shore.I always bring my guests here the views are like no other of vancouver.It is a nice drive I will admit if you are not into hiking its a short trip but do take 1 hour out of your day and come.The photos of the lower mainland will be unlike anything else you will take and amaze any one you show them to.I come here 6 to 10 times a year there are several places to stop and awww at the views.Kids will love the place I do not ski but if you do this is the place to come parking is always free and only 2 minuets from your vehicle and you are skiing, tubing or what ever else you like.Don't worry if it is beautiful and no snow in vancouver drive up here in winter and several feet of snow will be yours to amaze the kids with.
MagicintheWoods77
AMAZING AMAZING VIEW of all of Greater VancouverTwo levels and a bit of a Provincial Park to take smashing photoswatch out for the deer and the bears tho lolGood Hunting for PHOTO buffs
canadiantraveller711
a wilderness resort right on the edge of the city. Great place to hike in the summer and snowshoe in the winter. Glad there is no charge for parking.
85MattG
Likes: fantastic scenic drive up to the mountain that takes you 2000 feet over the harbor. The roads really twist and turn while the trees on each side frame your drive.Once you get there you should get your camera out because this is what the west coast is about.Dislikes: not much to do if you're there in the summer.
csztova
Went on July 3rd on what was supposed to be a warm sunny day in Vancouver. It was cloudy and cold up on Cypress. The temp in the parking lot read 13 degrees celcius and it felt like it. The hike is quite difficult and rocky for the first quarter. You basically walk up one side of the mountain and come out the other side for the view point so you do up and down. Was muddy in some areas but no snow. Definitely bring a layer (or two). The view point is fantastic with UBC in front of you, stanley park off to the left and Bowen Island on your right. There are some ravens up there waiting for loose food. And lost of mountain chipmunks. Down is kind of hard on the knees so bring poles if you have them. No washrooms on the trail, just in the parking lot before you head up. The cafe is open most of the time so if you are looking for a reward after your hike you don't have to go far for ice cream. Took us 2 hours up, and 2 hours down. Spent about 30 minutes for lunch at the view point. Would have stayed longer, but then would have froze to death :)
mikefromto
We had a beautiful clear day for the drive. Definitely worth the trip. Have lots of room left on your memory card. If you have the panoramic function, this would be a place to use it.
Gauthier613
Went up the mountain at night to grab a quick night photograph. Safe place and a very nice lookout. One of the best places we found to escape the city. I would go back in a heart beat. Great place to talk. Bring a coffee or hot chocolate depending on the time you go up.
Canadoc
The drive up is tricking with current road repairs. There is a great view point part way up. At the top, the mountains are so beautiful. Parking is plentiful in the off season. Hiking trails abound. Such a nice place to spend the day. Fun to see the Olympic rings.
RWNET
Panaromic views, short hikes or extended back-country trips Cypress Provincial Park offers it all. Visitors can simply drive up to the lodge enjoying numerous viewpoints and lookouts along the way, or you can pack your back pack and tackle the Howe Sound Crest Trail to Porteau Cove. Numerous trails begin at the day lodge and offer a wide variety for those interested in exploring the North Shore Mountains. After your hike enjoy a treat at the Lodge and take a peek at the 2010 Olympic memorabilia. During our recent visit, we hiked the Howe Sound Crest Trail to St. Marks Summit. It was a wonderful hike with great views of Howe Sound. For more detailed information and pictures, please visit our blog: http://no-wrong-turns.blogspot.ca Be sure to dress for the weather and be properly prepared before venturing into the back country. The Cypress Provincial Park website provides great information to help visitors prepare for their trip. Of course in the winter months when the snow flies Cypress Mountain offers fantastic skiing, snowboarding and showshoe adventures for all skill levels. I highly recommend a visit to Cypress Provincial Park.
Chickaree
We went on a glorious sunny day in mid-July for a day-hike to Eagle Bluffs, just after Black Mountain. Start from the last parking lot in the park. The first stretch up a gravelly path along the ski lift was a little dusty but some of the glimpses of the mountain views already impressive. Take a dip in Cabin Lake, enjoy the views of the Lions. Then continue to Eagle Bluff for a fine picnic. The views of Vancouver, Bowen Island and Vancouver Island on a clear day were amazing.
Moronnie
The views as you travel up toward the mountain and down again are beautiful and we really enjoyed the snowshoeing.
SarahN805
Cypress is one of those 'local gems'. You can drive to the top of Cypress (or near the top, rather) and get the most spectacular view of Vancouver, Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and more! On a clear day, you can see Mt. Baker, a dormant volcanic mountain in Washington state and many of the gulf islands.We went at sunset to see the sun go down, although it sets a little past the mountain's edge, so we didn't see that but did get a spectacular view of the city lights. Bring a blanket if you've spent the day in the sun, as it's a few degrees cooler up top and our July trip brought us a few mosquitos and other mountain bugs, but nothing to send us away.While there are a few viewpoints, the first one is by far the best, so if you make the trip last minute, don't waste your time going beyond the first viewpoint as it is where you need to be for photographic moments.We didn't go for any hikes that day, as we tacked Cypress Mountain on to a full day of hiking in Lynn Canyon, but there are several hikes that are worth doing - just look for reviews from more recent hikers to find out what the best is for your time of year. If you are interested in other mountain activities, check out the Cypress Mountain website, and not the Parks site I have listed here. I'm only reviewing the sunset and not the hikes or other mountain outlets. While we were there hosting family from out of town, there were business people showing their clients the view as well as couples and friends - a great spot for many occasions.
clarionsite
ideal for winter skiing. ski areas are both good for alpine and cross country skiing or if you're a beginner skier. Watch out for when there's snow storm. very hard to drive up. must use 4 wheel drive.
ChrisW33
Go there for the best view of the city of Vancouver. There is a lookout car park half way up the mountain.