All free TD Cypress Express seats are curerntly sold out for the general public. Are you part of a non-profit or a settlement agency based in Vancouver? Please contact us extra buses may be available for your group as part of our NatureLink program
Bounded on the west by Howe Sound, on the north and east by the ridgetops of Mount Strachan and Hollyburn Mountain and to the south by West Vancouver, Cypress sits like a ship's crownest high above Vancouver, offering stunning vistas and plenty of hiking opportunities.
30 km From Vancouver
45 minutes
school bus
Ticket Prices
- Regular rate$0
- Students / Seniors $0
- Children$0
- Regular rate$0
- Students / Seniors$0
- Children$0
$45 refundable deposit required. Important: this is NOT a guided trip.
WARNING!
If you miss the return bus, you may become stranded in an area with no cellphone reception and will be responsible for arranging alternative transportation. We are unable to follow up on missing passengers - be sure to leave your trip plan with someone who will raise alarm if you get stranded in the wilderness. Review our Safety Page before booking your trip.
One of the local favourites and the freestyle skiing and snowboarding venue for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Cypress Provincial Park is a beautiful place to spend your day! Surrounded by the Howe Sound, Mount Strachan, Hollyburn Mountain, and West Vancouver, Cypress has an abundance of hikes that offer spectacular views. Please be advised that most of the trails in the area are of moderate difficulty so please ensure you have done your research on the trails and evaluated your own skill level.
Some of the hikes such as ones along the Howe Sound Crest Trail enters Cypress' backcountry and should only be attempted if you are well prepared and come equipped with proper attire for the conditions. If you are looking for a shorter hike with great views of Bowen Island the Howe Sound, the 4km roundtrip Bowen Lookout hike is a good choice. To start this hike, walk past the downhill ski area, past the lodge, and towards the trail map where you will keep to the right that winds through gravel paths. From there, follow the sign pointing towards the Howe Sound Crest Trail East that takes you through a series of uphill switchbacks to the top. The hike takes about 2 hours for the average hiker and 110m to the summit. Once your reach the lookout, the beautiful views waiting for you up there will make you forget you’re so close to the city!
Another hike in the area that offers fantastic views of Vancouver and the Howe Sound is Eagle Bluffs. It is a 4 hour hike that is 10km roundtrip. Begin from the parking lot and follow the trail that is closest to the ski left on the left. The trail will say 'Black Mountain'. From there, follow the uphill ascent for about 30 minutes. Once at the top of the hill, you can choose to view Yew Lake or Cabin Lake which are two alpine lakes along the trail. If you do check those out, come back onto the main trail afterwards to continue going to Eagle Bluffs. At the summit, take in the views of the entire Lower Mainland! Once you’re done, take the same trail back down to the parking lot.
Stops in Cypress Provincial Park
Black Mountain Lodge
The bus will drop you off right at Black Mountain Lodge, at the end of Cypress Bowl Road. There are plenty of hiking options accessible right from there. For more information on hiking trails in the area click here.
11:00 AM
03:00 PM
Pickup Locations In Vancouver
MEC Vancouver
MEC Vancouver is located at 130 W Broadway, and the bus will make a pickup right in front of the store!
09:40 AM
04:20 PM
1025 Dunsmuir St (Vancouver)
Our buses stop outside Bank of China, near Burrard Skytrain Station, at 1025 Dunsmuir Street!
10:00 AM
04:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
We have a non-profit group - can we take advantage of the service?
Yes! We have more seats available for non-profit groups. Please contact us for more info.
Who funded this service anyways?
The service is funded primarily by TD Bank Group as part of their TD Common Ground project. If your organization is interested in becoming a sponsor to help us extend this important service beyond 2019, please get in touch!
The bus is sold out on my preferred date, what can I do?
There are usually a few cancellations 2 days before the trip (cancellation with no penalty cut-off period) so if you check back right before the trip, you are likely to find some more seats.
Can I purchase food or get water in the park?
Cypress Mountain resort will have the Crazy Raven open (at the Cypress Creek Lodge). However, we highly recommend that you bring your own food (and especially water) in case the restaurant is not open. Furthermore, there are no facilities for food or water on trails - which means you must be completely self-reliant while hiking.
What do I need to bring with me?
In addition to food, water and snacks, we recommend that you bring what you need to spend the day outdoors, dress for the weather and wear closed toed footwear. Check the weather forecast before you come and consider bringing rain gear with you just in case.
Can anyone board the bus for free? Is it possible to reserve seats in advance?
Seats can be reserved online with a credit card. $35 seat deposit is required and will be withheld if you do not show up.
Can I cancel the ticket without incurring no-show penalty?
Yes, you can - no penalty will be incurred as long as you cancel your trip at least 48 hours prior to the trip.
Are your buses wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately not currently due to costs - accessible vehicle are significantly more expensive, which would only allow us to offer one third of the dates we can currently offer with a school bus. We may offer a special run for persons with limited mobility by chartering an accessible vehicle if there is interest. Please contact us if you think you would benefit from this service.
What kind of buses do you use? Is there is washroom / AC on board?
We use school buses for this route, which have no washroom and no AC. While they are less comfortable than motorcoach buses , they also cost a fraction of what a motorcoach does cost, allowing us to triple the number of days of operation available.
Is this a guided trip?
No it is not. You must be completely self-sufficient, and be able to plan your own trip.
Are pets allowed on board?
Pets are not allowed on this route.
Can we bring bikes or strollers?
We use a school bus for this route, and unfortunately there is no space for bikes. Folding strollers may work, if they fold really well - if you are coming with a folding stroller, be sure to show up early to be the first one on the bus.
