Cypress Mountain is Vancouver’s premier ski and snowboard area and also one of North America’s biggest Nordic cross-country skiing areas. The area has 53 named alpine ski runs, 19 km of cross country trails, and a large Snow Tube Park. In addition, Cypress is home to the official Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding venue of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The Hollyburn Nordic Area in West Vancouver, located at the base of Hollyburn Mountain, is a great place for snowshoers to get out into the fresh air and enjoy some of the beautiful natural surroundings that West Vancouver has to offer. The trails are well-maintained, easy to navigate and suitable for all skill levels of snowshoers and cross-country skiers.

Take in the Views

Hike up to the top of Hollyburn Mountain for a great view of the city and surrounding area. You’ll see Vancouver, Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge, Cypress Bowl and Howe Sound. You’ll also be able to see Grouse Mountain, and even the Gulf Islands!

It’s a good idea to plan ahead so that you don’t have to worry about traffic on your way up. It’s also a good idea to buy a ticket ahead of time so that you don’t have to wait in line when you arrive.

You can park at the BC Park information kiosk at the Hollyburn Nordic Area’s parking lot (just follow the directions to the Nordic ski area). Head west from the parking lot and then take the Burfield Trail to the Baden-Powell Trail, heading past First Lake for about 500 metres until you reach the West Lake Trail junction. From there, head to Blue Gentian, following it east until you reach Lost Lake and then descending on the Brother’s Creek Trail back to the Baden-Powell Trail.

Don’t forget to grab a picnic! After all, you’ll want to stay warm and hydrated throughout the hike.

Aside from being a wonderful way to spend some quality time in nature, hiking is an excellent way to exercise and release some of the pent-up energy that often builds up during the day. Depending on the conditions, you can expect to be on your feet for around an hour.

The Hike to Hollyburn Mountains

Starting at the Cypress Mountain Hollyburn Nordic Area in West Vancouver, this 3.5 km hike to the top of Hollyburn Mountains will give you some spectacular views. As you walk up the hill, you’ll be able to see Cypress Bowl, Howe Sound, the Georgia Straight, The Lions, and Grouse Mountain.

The forest that surrounds Hollyburn Mountain is a mix of coastal Douglas fir and western hemlock, with a variety of evergreen trees like vine maple and cedar. The understory is dominated by ferns and huckleberries, as well as some red and white heathers. Be mindful of bears that may be filling up on berries during the late summer and early fall, before they start to hibernate for the winter.

The hike to Hollyburn Mountain is a great way to take in the natural beauty of Cypress Provincial Park while getting some much-needed exercise. The views are breathtaking and you’ll be able to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.