City Name
Temperature
Home » Recent posts » Preserving Wilderness: A Guide to Cypress Falls Park

Preserving Wilderness: A Guide to Cypress Falls Park

Guide to Cypress Falls Park in Vancouver
We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

Cypress Falls Park has two majestic waterfalls, 300-year old trees, and a gorgeous canyon tucked in an ancient rainforest. We’ll explore this impressive park in West Vancouver in this article.

If you’re looking to embark on an adventure but don’t want to get too far from the city, Cypress Falls Park is the perfect destination for a day trip. Read on as we let you in on the best places to stay, dine, shop, and things to do in the park.

Time Zone

Pacific Standard Time (PST) (UTC-8)

Best Time to Go

The best time to go to Cypress Falls Park is during Spring, as this is when the snow starts to melt, and it turns the waterfall into torrents. 

However, it’s a good idea to show up early if you want to snag a parking spot and dodge the crowds on the trail.

Things to Know

Currency: Canadian Dollar

Language: English

Calling Code: +1  

How to Get to Cypress Falls Park

By car: take Highway 1 westbound from Vancouver. From there, take Exit 4 and take a right onto Woodgreen Drive. Next, take your third right onto Woodgreen Place. Finally, keep driving until the end of the road until you reach a gravel parking adjacent to a baseball diamond. 

By public transit: get on the 250 or 250A bus to West Vancouver. Once you get off at Park Royal, switch to bus 253 and get off on Woodgreen Drive. From there, the park is one block away.

How long is Cypress Falls hike?

How long is Cypress Falls hike

Cypress Falls Park offers a serene retreat with picturesque waterfalls and lush forests, providing locals and tourists a tranquil escape into nature. 

Important for its natural beauty and recreational trails, it fosters appreciation for wilderness and outdoor exploration, enhancing the well-being of visitors and the community alike.

The Cypress Falls hike takes at least 57 minutes to complete its 1.7-mile trail and is considered a moderately challenging route. This hike follows the banks of Cypress Creek to reach two waterfalls.

Where to Stay near Cypress Falls Park

Horseshoe Bay Motel

Address: 6588 Royal Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2B6, Canada

Phone: +1 604-913-6588

Pricing: $

Book Now

Nestled in the picturesque Horseshoe Bay Village, the Horseshoe Bay Motel offers a charming retreat by the sea. It makes a good first impression, being conveniently situated near town and just a minute’s stroll from a pub. 

Amenities include parking, showers, TV, (albeit slow) Wi-Fi, and cozy beds for a comfortable stay.

SureStay

Address: 1634 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3B4, Canada

Phone: +1 604-987-8185

Pricing: $

Book Now

Featuring a heated outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant, SureStay on Capilano Road is located at the foot of Grouse Mountain. There are also good places near by if you need to get food or snacks. 

Rooms here are quite basic, with the usual flat screen TVs, coffeemakers, and the works. But if you chip in a few more bucks, you can go for their suites, with kitchenettes and living areas with pull-out sofas.

North Vancouver Hotel

Media credit: 420sarubomb

Address: 1800 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3B6, Canada

Phone: +1 604-987-4461

Pricing: $

Book Now

Located at the base of Grouse Mountain, the North Vancouver Hotel is a pet-friendly budget option offering charming rooms and just a 10-minute drive to Cypress Falls Park.

The location is superb, and navigating Vancouver via bus is incredibly convenient. Plus, they offer a simple breakfast each morning, perfect for keeping you satisfied until brunch rolls around.

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

Address: 1748 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3B4, Canada

Phone: +1 604-337-8393

Pricing: $

Book Now

Close to the iconic Lions Gate Bridge, this modern hotel is just a quick 10-minute drive from Cypress Falls Park. The rooms feature convenient amenities such as pull-out sofas, desks, microwaves, and mini-fridges.

Inside, there’s a seasonal outdoor pool, a relaxing hot tub, and complimentary passes to a nearby fitness center.

ThistleDown House Bed & Breakfast

Address: 3910 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J2, Canada

Phone: +1 604-986-7173

Pricing: $$

Book Now

ThistleDown House Bed & Breakfast is a charming 1920 Craftsman-style heritage-listed residence, featuring exquisite antiques and artworks sourced from various corners of the globe.

You can indulge in a multi-course gourmet breakfast served in a dining room adorned with a log fireplace. Additionally, the property boasts a serene garden and a welcoming veranda.

Where to Eat near Cypress Falls Park

The Shed Coffee Bar Pizza

Address: 3757 Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver, BC V7S 3E7, Canada

Pricing: $

Website

At The Shed Coffee Bar Pizza, you’ll find a delightful combination of wood-fired pizza, gourmet coffees, and expertly crafted cocktails, all accompanied by breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains. 

While the menu might not offer a wide variety, the quality is outstanding. We opted for the prosciutto and asparagus pizza, and it truly exceeded our expectations, ranking among the best pizzas we’ve ever tasted.

JJ’s Kitchen

Address: 5775 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2S1, Canada

Phone: +1 604-926-4523

Pricing: $

Website

Nestled in West Vancouver’s Eagle Harbour, JJ’s Kitchen has a menu of flavourful comfort classics, cocktails, and wine. The food here is great, and the interior is beautifully decorated.

You really can’t make a wrong choice from their menu. We particularly enjoyed the mussels and carpaccio as appetizers, and the seafood linguine and burger as main courses. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious.

Sushi Mega

Media credit: eatwithirene

Address: 5353 Headland Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 3G4, Canada

Phone: +1 604-281-0200

Pricing: $$

Website

Nestled in the scenic Caulfield Plaza, Sushi Mega offers a delightful fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine with a hint of North American flair.

The freshness of the fish shines through in every bite, and the sushi bursts with incredible flavors. For a standout experience, we highly recommend trying the tuna roll and the avocado and yam roll.

Forecast Coffee

Address: 5365 Headland Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 3C6, Canada

Phone: +1 604-281-0167

Pricing: $$

Website

At Forecast Coffee, you’ll find a haven for specialty food and coffee enthusiasts alike. While the coffee is decent, it’s the delectable cookies that steal the show, accompanied by a subtle aroma of grilled cheese permeating the shop.

Among their offerings, the chicken and croffles stand out as a definite highlight – a must-try on every visit! With fairly priced items and pretty good coffee, it’s a spot that hits the mark for both taste and value.

Isetta Cafe Bistro

Address: 4360 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1P1, Canada

Phone: +1 778-279-8299

Pricing: $$

Website

Situated snugly between the ocean and the majestic North Shore mountains, Isetta Cafe Bistro offers a delightful selection of traditional Spanish delicacies.

The cafe exudes a charming blend of old-school diner vibes with a modern and refreshed atmosphere.  Don’t miss out on indulging in their scrumptious muffins, sandwiches, and a perfectly crafted latte.

What to Do in Cypress Falls Park

Hike to the Waterfalls

Media credit: lilytorok

Address: Woodgreen Pl, West Vancouver, BC V7S 2V6, Canada

Phone: +1 604-925-7275

Website

The hike starts at the forest entrance on Wood Green Road, where you’ll immediately find yourself immersed in a lush canopy of trees and foliage, following a clearly defined trail.

Within a brief stroll from the parking area, you’ll encounter the first falls, easily accessible and a sight to behold. 

Continuing onward, it takes roughly half an hour to reach the upper falls, but the journey is well-rewarded by the captivating scenery awaiting you there.

Spot Wildlife

Media credit: summersh1004

Address: Woodgreen Pl, West Vancouver, BC V7S 2V6, Canada

Phone: +1 604-925-7275

Website

Keep an eye out for the cheerful chirping of sparrows, the lively squawks of jays, and the bustling activity of squirrels. 

If you’re lucky, you might even spot soaring eagles overhead or catch a glimpse of a bear roaming through the wilderness. 

Marvel at Old-Growth Trees

Media credit: c_frankie_c

Address: Woodgreen Pl, West Vancouver, BC V7S 2V6, Canada

Phone: +1 604-925-7275

Website

As you traverse through shaded paths of the ancient forest, you’ll spot a lot, and we mean, a lot of old-growth trees. Remarkably untouched by logging, the area boasts towering Douglas Fir and Red Cedar that lend a sense of magic to the atmosphere.

Step Right Up the Lookout Areas

Media credit: markova_lv

Address: Woodgreen Pl, West Vancouver, BC V7S 2V6, Canada

Phone: +1 604-925-7275

Website

While most of the falls feature lookout areas for optimal viewing, it’s important to note that, except for one of the smaller lookouts, there are no fences or railings in place to prevent accidental falls over the edge.

Drop by the Park in Winter

Media credit: alexzarueva

Address: Woodgreen Pl, West Vancouver, BC V7S 2V6, Canada

Phone: +1 604-925-7275

Website

Cypress Falls Park is a fantastic winter destination, offering a unique experience compared to trails buried under deep snow. 

Thanks to its lower elevation, the park remains accessible and inviting throughout the season. Despite the chill, the forest retains its vibrant greenery, providing a picturesque and enchanting backdrop for winter adventures.

Where to Shop near Cypress Falls Park

The Village at Park Royal

Address: 925 Main St, West Vancouver, BC V7T 2Z3, Canada

Phone: +1 604-925-9547

Website

The Village at Park Royal offers a diverse array of shops, restaurants, markets, and coffee shops, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From upscale brands to charming boutiques, the retail selection is outstanding.

Nestled within a picturesque tree-lined corridor, the Village boasts tastefully designed retail, commercial, and professional spaces, adding to its vibrant and inviting atmosphere.

Caulfeild Village Shopping Centre

Address: 5375 Headland Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 3H2, Canada

Phone: +16046021887

Website

Caulfield Village Shopping offers a convenient array of diverse and helpful shops, making it a one-stop destination for all your needs. 

This modern and charming village has it all, from dry cleaning services and pet care to a liquor store, fast-food options, coffee shops, and much more. 

Marilyn’s

Address: 5363 Headland Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 3C7, Canada

Phone: +16049254110

Website

Marilyn’s is the destination for high-end clothing of exceptional quality. Featuring an exquisite selection of renowned brands like Luisa Cerano, Riani, Wayne Clark, and Save the Queen.

With sizes ranging from 2 to 20, Marilyn’s caters to every body type and style preference. From lingerie to casual wear to elegant evening gowns, they provide a comprehensive range of wardrobe essentials.

Fisherman’s Market

Address: 5349 Headland Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 3C5, Canada

Phone: +1604-281-2000

Website

The Fisherman’s Market is a great place to buy fresh fish and seafood on the north shore. Whether it’s Halibut or fresh sushi grade Ahi Tuna , you can find a wide variety of options to choose from at affordable prices. 

Additionally, don’t miss out on the unique offerings like squid salad and candied smoked fish, exclusive to British Columbia.

GPSmyCity: Self-guided walks over 1,000 cities in Vancouver, with built-in GPS navigation functions. Works both online and offline.
iOs | Android

Vancouver Travel Guide: Interactive city guide with tourist info on all must-see attractions in Vancouver.
iOs | Android

Vancouver Transit Live: Live bus schedules that use your GPS location to get the times of TransLink bus stops.

iOs | Android

Paybyphone: Pay for meter parking with the touch of a button, set text reminders, and have your receipts emailed to you.
iOs | Android


Sign Up for Our Newsletter

The Best Vancouver expert reviews directly to your inbox (and absolutely no spam!)