Cypress Falls Park – Guide to Visiting

Cypress Falls Park is located in West Vancouver and features 300-year-old trees, a beautiful canyon and two spectacular waterfalls. There are several smaller falls inside the park as well.

We visited the park during one of our weekend trips from Victoria. While we walked through the beautiful forest following Cypress Creek, we completely forgot we were in Vancouver. 

Cypress Falls Hike

There are two main waterfalls inside the park. The first falls are a short and easy walk from the parking lot, and the more impressive upper falls take about half an hour to reach. We recommend visiting both of them. 

Hike Key Facts

Cypress Falls Trail

The route described below will take you to both the lower Cypress Falls and the upper Cypress Falls. However, there are multiple trails within the park, and you can take alternative routes if you wish. 

The entire course is very well marked with orange markers and easy to follow. We recommend wearing hiking shoes because the trail has tree roots and rocks, and after a rainfall, it can be muddy and slippery.

From the gravel parking lot, just above the baseball field, follow the path into the forest. The trail begins going north to your left. After a short distance, you will see a trail on your right; it is an alternate route to the lower Cypress Falls. We recommend taking this path on the way back.

The upper main trail is broader and easier to walk on. Enjoy walking through a forest full of Red Cedar and Douglas Fir trees. It takes only around 10 minutes to reach the lower Cypress Falls. 

Lower Cypress Falls

When you arrive, there are two places where you can view the waterfall. The first is from a viewing point behind a wooden railing below the main trail. From here, you can get a full view of the waterfall flowing over the edge and tumbling into the canyon below.

The second viewing area is from a platform at the top of the falls. You will get a close view of Cypress Creek, turning into a vigorous waterfall. 

The Trail to Upper Cypress Falls

There are several trails in this area, and more than one will take you to the upper falls. Stay on the main path and follow the orange markers on the trees. The creek will be on your right. As you keep walking, enjoy the fragrance of the forest, it smells so good!

After a short distance, you will see a pretty wooden bridge on your right. Do not go over the bridge, but walk up the hill and follow the orange markers. The path will eventually flatten, but there can be many tree roots and rocks in some sections. 

The creek will be on your right. From time to time, you will be able to see deep down into the canyon from the trail. Continue walking until you come to a metal fence.

Here is the boundary of Cypress Falls Park. There is a warning sign, but you can enter through the gate and continue uphill towards the upper falls. It is only a short distance to the falls. As you get closer, the roaring sound of water will get louder and louder.

Upper Cypress Falls

There are several spots from where you can view the waterfall. There are no fences here, and we recommend staying away from the canyon edges. The cliffs are high, and slipping or making a wrong step could be very dangerous.

The canyon’s depth is impressive, and seeing the powerful waterfall pounding down makes you admire nature’s beauty and splendour. 

After you get enough of views, retrace your steps back to the parking lot where you started. You could also continue to the other side of the falls and then down and make a loop. You will end up crossing over the wooden bridge that we mentioned previously. 

Why Should You Visit Cypress Falls Park?

Cypress Falls Park is located only about a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. A walk through the park takes you among some of the oldest giant trees in British Columbia. The lush green forest and the impressive waterfalls make this an ideal place to visit if you need to recharge and reconnect with nature. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Cypress Falls Park?

Spring or after heavy rainfall is a perfect time for visiting Cypress Falls. During springtime, the melting snow turns the waterfall into torrents. The park is also a good place to visit during an overcast or rainy day if you want to go for a walk and enjoy some fresh air. The trail might be slippery, though. 

We explored the park towards the end of May, and there was still a huge amount of water, and the waterfall was impressive. During summertime, there will not be as much water flowing over the cliffs.

Can I Visit Cypress Falls Park in Winter?

The Cypress Falls Park is an excellent place to visit in winter when many other trails at higher elevations are buried in deep snow. Because the park sits at a lower elevation, it is accessible year-round, and the forest stays green and beautiful even in the winter.

How Long Does It Take To Hike to Cypress Falls?

Cypress Falls is a short and easy walk, suitable for all ages. It is a 2.7 km out-and-back hike with an elevation gain of 124 meters. Walking the trail takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your speed and the time spent at the falls. 

We recommend wearing proper footwear. Some sections of the trail have tree roots and rocks and can be muddy. 

How Popular Is Cypress Falls Park?

The trail is very popular, and you will probably meet many other hikers. We also saw quite a lot of people with dogs. If you are visiting Vancouver and are looking for a beautiful park with large trees and a waterfall, we recommend putting this hike on your list.

Should You Bring Kids and Dogs?

If you are looking for an easy kid’s hiking trail near Vancouver, this is one of them. You can reach the lower fall within 10 to 15 minutes of walking from the parking lot, and it is a good destination if you are hiking with young kids. The trail up to this point is wide and well-groomed. 

If you want to go for a longer walk, you can continue to the upper falls. The trail gets more technical, rooty and rocky, but it is not difficult.

Cypress Falls Park is a designated off-leash area where well-behaved dogs are free to roam. As this is a wilderness park, be mindful of bears in the area. If you decide to visit the nearby Cypress Provincial Park, you must keep your dog on a leash.

What Kind of Wildlife Can I Spot in the Park?

Cypress Falls Park is close to civilization, but it is a wilderness park, and you might even see a bear. It is not very likely, though, because bears visit this area very occasionally. Mostly in autumn, when they are looking for food before hibernating. The park is also home to squirrels, frogs, owls, jays and other kinds of birds.

How to Get to Cypress Falls Park

Cypress Falls Park is located around 20 kilometres from downtown Vancouver. The easiest way to get there is by car. If you are visiting, you can rent a car in Vancouver. We recommend Rental Cars and Discover Cars; they are search engines with many good deals.

Depending on traffic, getting to Cypress Falls Park takes around 30 minutes by car. By bus, it will take you approximately 1.5 hours. 

Getting to Cypress Falls Park by Car

To get to Cypress Falls Park, take Highway 1 westbound from Vancouver. Take exit 4 and turn right onto Woodgreen Drive. Turn right onto Woodgreen Place.

You will find a parking lot at the end of the road on the left side. The hike begins from here. Parking is free but limited, so come early if you plan to visit on the weekend. Otherwise, during busy days you might have to park along the sides of nearby roads.

Getting to Cypress Falls Park by Bus

The hike is accessible by public transit and takes about an hour from downtown Vancouver. Take bus 250 from West Georgia Street & Seymour Street towards Horshoe Bay. Get off at Park Royal, then switch to bus 253. 

Get off on Woodgreen Drive at Woodgreen Place, bus stop #54727. There is a gravel parking lot at the end of Woodgreen Place from where the hike begins. You will also see a sign that will point you in the right direction.

Things to Do Near Cypress Falls Park

The nearby Cypress Provincial Park has excellent hiking trails to mountain summits. We recommend St.Mark’s Summit; the views from the top are stunning. During wintertime, you can enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing inside the park.

Would you like to take a beautiful scenic drive? The Sea to Sky Highway is a route from Vancouver to Whistler that offers awe-inspiring scenery, with the sea on one side and steep mountainsides on the opposite. It is considered one of the best Canadian Road trips.

Visit the Lighthouse Park

The Lighthouse Park is a natural paradise and is one of the most amazing scenic places you will see on the West Coast. You can walk through acres of first-growth Douglas Firs and Red Cedars and enjoy beautiful coastal views.  

The park is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Vancouver as it is a National Historic Site of Canada. It is located 3.3 kilometres or a short 7-minute drive from Cypress Falls Park.

Snorkel and Kayak Near Seals

During this half-day Eco Adventure Boat Tour, your guide will transport you towards the Howe Sound’s Pam Rocks seal colony, where you will dive in for a close-up experience with seals. Snorkel gear and a wetsuit will be provided. Light refreshments and snacks are also included.

You can switch between kayaking and snorkelling or simply stay on the boat and watch the show. Admire Vancouver’s coastal scenery of Howe Sound. No snorkelling or kayaking experience is necessary. The tour departs from Horseshoe Bay. >>Book your Snorkel and Kayak Boat Tour here

Drive to Cypress Mountain Viewpoint

From the Cypress Mountain viewpoint, you will get an uninterrupted panorama of Vancouver. It is a fantastic place to visit during the day or evening when thousands of lights illuminate the city. The viewpoint is 11 kilometres from Cypress Falls Park; driving there takes around 11 minutes.

Drive on the Trans-Canada Highway 1 towards Whistler and exit eight onto Cypress Bowl Road. As you drive up the Cypress Bowl Road towards Cypress Mountain, you will see the viewpoint on your right-hand side before one of the switchbacks.

Hike St. Mark’s Summit

St. Mark’s Summit hike is hugely popular due to its proximity to the city, moderate difficulty and panoramic summit views. It is situated in a nearby Cypress Provincial Park. The hike is 10.5 kilometres out and back and is not too strenuous, with only 587 meters of elevation gain. The trail takes around 3.5 to 5 hours to complete. 

From the summit, you can see the Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast and even Vancouver Island. To get to the trailhead from Cypress Falls Park, drive 21 km to the Cypress Mountain parking lot; it takes around 20 minutes. 

READ MORE: Beautiful St.Mark’s Summit Hike 

Best Places to Stay Around Cypress Falls Park

Do you need accommodation for your trip to Vancouver and would like to stay close to Cypress Falls Park and other beautiful nature spots? We recommend choosing a place in West Vancouver. The drive to Cypress Falls park takes around 20 to 25 minutes from the hotels mentioned below.  

West Vancouver is home to many restaurants and shops, and the beautiful Stanley Park is nearby. It is also a quick trip to downtown Vancouver.

Luxury Hotels

• Shangri-La Vancouver: Great location, close to the beach and Coal Harbour. It offers easy access to shopping and restaurants. Comfortable and luxurious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. The service is exceptional, and the food is fantastic. The hotel features a full-service spa, outdoor pool and a fitness centre. >>See prices and availability for Shangri-La Vancouver

Mid-Range Hotels

• West End Guest House: Built-in 1906, this historic bed and breakfast is located 11 minutes walk from the beach and 1 km from downtown Vancouver. The rooms are spotless and are full of character; you will feel at home. During your stay, you can relax inside a private garden. A full breakfast is served each morning, and complimentary snacks and drinks are always available. >>See prices and availability for West End Guest House 

• Blue Horizon Hotel: This contemporary Vancouver hotel is situated directly on Robson Street near shopping and restaurants. It features an indoor pool, a hot tub and a steam bath. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the beds are very comfortable. The top floor offers spectacular views. >>See prices and availability for Blue Horizon Hotel

Read More Travel Guides

We hope you enjoyed our guide on Cypress Falls Park. Let us know in the comments below. Here are a few of our favourite articles to inspire your travels around Vancouver.

• 27 Best Things to do in Vancouver
• Alexander Falls – Everything You Need to Know
• Our Guide to False Creek – Vancouver, BC

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