Cypress Lookout Vancouver
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Vancouver, Howe Sound, and mountains from Cypress Lookout, a must-visit viewpoint.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Cypress Lookout Vancouver
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Vancouver, Howe Sound, and mountains from Cypress Lookout, a must-visit viewpoint.
"The view from Cypress Mountain offers a stunning perspective of Vancouver city and Burnaby."
🎯 Book Coaster Tickets Ahead
Purchase Cypress Eagle Coaster tickets in advance to avoid disappointment and long waits. :ticket:
🚗 Drive Safely on Mountain Roads
Be cautious of corners and cars when driving or cycling up Cypress Mountain. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City & Ocean Views
Bowen Lookout
Stunning vistas of Vancouver, Howe Sound, and surrounding mountains. Breathtaking at sunset.
Cypress Eagle Coaster
Cypress Mountain
A thrilling alpine coaster with speed control, offering fun for all ages with mountain views.
Sunset Spectacles
Bowen Lookout
Experience some of the most elite sunset views in Vancouver, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Getting to Cypress Lookout
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Coaster Tickets Ahead
Purchase Cypress Eagle Coaster tickets in advance to avoid disappointment and long waits. :ticket:
🚗 Drive Safely on Mountain Roads
Be cautious of corners and cars when driving or cycling up Cypress Mountain. :car:
👟 Wear Appropriate Footwear
For winter hikes, microspikes are recommended for better grip on icy trails. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Pack for Descent Temperature
Bring a warm, wind-breaking jacket for the descent, as it can get quite cold. :cloud:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Coaster Tickets Ahead
Purchase Cypress Eagle Coaster tickets in advance to avoid disappointment and long waits. :ticket:
🚗 Drive Safely on Mountain Roads
Be cautious of corners and cars when driving or cycling up Cypress Mountain. :car:
👟 Wear Appropriate Footwear
For winter hikes, microspikes are recommended for better grip on icy trails. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Pack for Descent Temperature
Bring a warm, wind-breaking jacket for the descent, as it can get quite cold. :cloud:
📱 Check Traffic Before You Go
Bridge traffic can be significant; check conditions before heading to Cypress Lookout Vancouver. :traffic_light:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cypress Lookout Vancouver for its stunning, easily accessible views of the city, ocean, and mountains, especially during sunset. While the lookout itself can get busy, the surrounding Cypress Mountain offers additional activities like the Eagle Coaster. Some find parking limited and bridge traffic a concern.
"This is the best location enjoying the amazing view of Vancouver for free.
It only takes less than an hour getting here from anywhere of the city. Please check the traffic before you go since the traffic crossing the 2 bridges is a big problem.
If you are going to this lookout, you should drive up to the Cypress Mountain since they have some summer fun activities like coaster. Please check their website for the hours of operation.
If it's a clear day, you may see Mt Baker as well."
wah chi yip
"It's my second time here, but today i am visiting in the morning time to compare with Day view and night view, but according to me, the night view is slightly better than day view if you only want see a ships then you must come in the morning time, but if you wanna see a city view then you definitely come at night because in the night you can see a downtown lights bridge lights they are more attracted you. In the end, this place is very calm and breathtaking"
Ammy
"Good spot and certainly worth a stop if driving just outside of Vancouver. Great views of the city, though not too much space for many people to view from."
Ethan Kang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While driving is easiest, you can take the Cypress Mountain Express shuttle from the Vancouver Art Gallery on weekends. Alternatively, public transit to Park Royal and then a hike up Chippendale Rd is possible but requires caution and bear bells.
The drive is generally considered easy, but be mindful of winding roads and other vehicles, especially during peak times. +1
The Cypress Mountain Express shuttle runs on weekends from downtown Vancouver to the ski area, providing access to the trailhead.
Yes, many people bike up the mountain roads. Some routes can avoid the highway entirely, but may be steeper.
It typically takes about 30-45 minutes to drive from downtown Vancouver to Cypress Lookout Vancouver, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to Cypress Lookout itself is free. However, if you plan to ride the Cypress Eagle Coaster, you will need to purchase tickets, ideally in advance.
Summer activities like the Cypress Eagle Coaster have specific operating hours. It's best to check the official Cypress Mountain website for the most up-to-date information.
Cypress Provincial Park, where Cypress Lookout is located, generally does not have an entrance fee for day use.
It's highly recommended to book your Cypress Eagle Coaster tickets ahead of time, especially during peak season or weekends, to secure your spot.
Parking at Cypress Mountain is typically free for visitors accessing the lookout and trails.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers dramatic lighting and vibrant colors, making it ideal for photography.
You can capture panoramic shots of Vancouver, Howe Sound, Bowen Island, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
While a good smartphone camera can capture stunning images, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens can enhance landscape photography.
Generally, there are no specific photography restrictions for personal use at Cypress Lookout.
Arrive early to secure a good spot, use a tripod for stability in low light, and experiment with different compositions to include the landscape.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
You can ride the Cypress Eagle Coaster for a fun alpine adventure, or explore nearby hiking trails like the one to Saint Mark Summit.
The Bowen Lookout trail is considered relatively easy, a 4-4.7km round trip with moderate elevation gain, suitable for most fitness levels.
Yes, there are a couple of washrooms available on-site at Cypress Lookout.
Bring water, bug spray, and sunscreen for summer hikes.
Yes, the lookout offers stunning views accessible to all, and the Cypress Eagle Coaster is family-friendly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The main attraction for many families is the Cypress Eagle Coaster, a thrilling ride that kids (and adults!) will love. Consider visiting during daylight hours for the best visibility of the scenery. Packing snacks and drinks is always a good idea for family outings. If visiting in winter, ensure everyone is dressed warmly and consider the need for appropriate footwear for any short walks around the mountain.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Vancouver
+1 The Bowen Lookout offers a quick way to experience stunning natural beauty without a strenuous hike, perfect for those short on time. Combine the lookout visit with a ride on the Cypress Eagle Coaster for an added dose of fun. Be mindful of potential traffic delays, especially when crossing bridges into North Vancouver.
🌄 Sunset Chasers
Arrive at least an hour before sunset to secure a good vantage point, as this is a very popular time. Be prepared for crowds during sunset hours. Weekdays offer a slightly less crowded experience than weekends.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Cypress Lookout Views
+1 The accessibility of these stunning views, just a short drive from the city, makes it a prime destination for both locals and tourists seeking natural beauty. Many visitors highlight the sunset experience as a must-do. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky often erupts in a spectacular display of colors, casting a magical glow over the landscape.
This makes it an incredibly popular spot for photography and a romantic evening out. However, due to its popularity, especially for sunsets, the lookout can get crowded, so arriving early or visiting on a weekday is often advised for a more serene experience. Beyond the main lookout, the surrounding Cypress Provincial Park offers opportunities for more extensive exploration. Trails like the one to Saint Mark Summit provide a more challenging hiking experience with rewarding views, showcasing the diverse natural beauty of the region.
Adventures at Cypress Mountain
While the coaster is a summer highlight, Cypress Mountain is famously a winter sports destination. Skiing and snowboarding are popular activities during the colder months, with opportunities for afternoon and night skiing that allow visitors to enjoy the mountain scenery and even catch sunset views while on the slopes.
For those seeking a more strenuous outdoor pursuit, hiking is a significant draw. Trails range from accessible lookout paths to more demanding routes like the hike to Saint Mark Summit, which covers a considerable distance and elevation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit