What Are The Best Day Hikes On Cypress Mountain?
Cypress Mountain is part of the North Shore mountains and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors in Vancouver. In just a 30-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver, you can get easy access to some of the best day hikes on Cypress Mountain and the North Shore mountains.
Over the last couple of years, I stepped on many trails on Cypress Mountain and in this article I want to share my favorite day hikes in terms of high reward to effort ratio.
Brief Intro to the North Shore Mountains
The North Shore mountains can be seen from almost everywhere in Vancouver and due to the close proximity to the city, they’re a popular outdoor playground. Overall, there are three peaks that make up the North Shore Mountains: Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour.
While in winter all three mountains are open for the ski season, in summer you can explore a dozen of hiking trails near Vancouver. Prove me wrong, but to me, there’s nothing better than finishing your workday and heading to the mountains for a sunset picnic. Well… you can do this on Cypress Mountain and any other North Shore mountain listed above.
How to Get to Cypress Mountain
To access Cypress Mountain and all the other North Shore mountains from Vancouver, there are two major access points. Two bridges connect Downtown Vancouver with North Vancouver: Lions Gate Bridge and the Ironworker’s Memorial Bridge. These are the only two options to cross the Burrard Inlet and access the mountains.
To drive to Cypress Mountain you then have to cross West Vancouver, which also makes for a perfect day trip from Vancouver.
The easiest way to get to Cypress Mountain is by car, which takes about 30 minutes. But, if you want to get there without a car, Cypress Coach Lines offers stress-free connections between Vancouver and Cypress Mountain. It takes a bit longer (45 minutes) and it costs about $18 one-way, but it’s a great option to explore car-free.
Best Day Hikes on Cypress Mountain
Cypress Mountain is one of the best North Shore mountain for hiking. It offers both beginner friendly hikes near Vancouver as well as multi-day backpacking trips. This is one of the many reasons why it’s so popular among Vancouverites.
If you’re visiting in winter, make sure you head to Cypress Mountain ski resort around sunset. Then take the lift to the top of the mountain and enjoy one of the best sunsets you’ll ever experience. What’s so special? On a snowy day, the trees are covered in a white dust, Howe Sound is in full view and you get to enjoy the best of both ocean and mountain views.
Let’s now dive into the best day hikes on Cypress Mountain. Below I share my favorite and most popular trails on the mountain, some of which are beginner friendly hikes too. In my opinion, most of the trails on Cypress Mountain have a high reward to effort ratio.
1. Saint Marks Summit
- Distance: 10 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: 570 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- Trail Info: link
Saint Marks Summit is one of the most popular day hikes on Cypress Mountain, if not even the most popular. The trail begins at the main parking lot and winds through the forest before opening up to stunning views of Howe Sound.
Also, if you’re looking for a fall hike near Vancouver, Saint Marks Summit is a perfect choice. While most of the trail follows a forested path, at the summit red and orange bushes offer a stunning display of fall colors.
2. Eagle Bluffs
- Distance: 8 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: 437 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- Trail Info: link
Eagle Bluffs is not be be confused with Tunnel Bluffs, which is located in Lions Bay. I personally really like this hike for an amazing view of Vancouver and the Inlet.
3. Hollyburn Peak
- Distance: 8 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: 424 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- Trail Info: link
If you’re new to hiking, the Hollyburn Peak trail is the perfect beginner hike. I’ve also hiked it multiple times in winter and it’s one of my favourite winter hikes near Vancouver. But you need to be well prepared when entering the backcountry at this time of the year.
In fact, not only is the terrain more challenging due to snow, but the last section to the summit gets quite steep as well. So, you’ll need to wear snow spikes, crampons or snowshoes. I recommend to always check the trail conditions before you go.
4. Bowen Lookout Trail
- Distance: 4.7 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: 150 m
- Difficulty: easy
- Trail Info: link
Bowen Lookout Trail is one of the easiest hikes on Cypress Mountain. In terms of high reward to effort ratio this trail ranks very high. In fact, at the end of the trail you get a very good view of Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast.
5. Mount Strachan Loop
- Distance: 6.8 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: 568 m
- Difficulty: moderate to hard
- Trail Info: link
Mount Strachan is a rewarding hike on Cypress Mountain, offering the option of a loop or an out-and-back route. From the North Peak, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Howe Sound, Bowen Island and the surrounding coastal islands.
The trail begins along the same path as St. Mark’s Summit, but after crossing a wooden bridge, it veers off toward Mount Strachan, climbing steadily through a short scrambling section. The panoramic views from the summit make the effort well worth it.
I especially love doing this hike in the fall, when the summit transforms into a vibrant palette of autumn colors.
Are you Looking for a Multi-Day Hike on Cypress Mountain?
One of the best backpacking and multi-day hikes on Cypress Mountain is Howe Sound Crest Trail. This challenging hike can be started from either the main parking lot on Cypress Mountain or from Porteau Cove. Keep in mind it’s a point-to-point trail, so you’ll need to arrange transportation between the two trailheads or use two cars, one at each end.
Best Day Hikes on Cypress Mountain FAQ
Where can I hike on the North Shore?
There are three main local mountain on the North Shore in Vancouver: Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour. In fact, these mountains have some of the best hiking trails near Vancouver, that can be accessed in as little as 30 minutes.
Where is Cypress Mountain?
Cypress Mountain is located about 30 minutes from Downtown Vancouver, along the Sea to Sky Highway.
Do I need a permit or day-use pass at Cypress Mountain?
No, permits are not required for hiking in Cypress in summer. But in winter parking and access rules may change due to ski resort operations.
What is the best time to hike on Cypress Mountain?
The hiking trails on Cypress Mountain are generally snow-free by end of June. So, if you want clear trails, summer (between July and October) is the best time to hike on Cypress. But, winter offers some great opportunities for snowshoeing and winter hiking. Just be prepared for changing weather and carry the right gear.
