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Cypress Hills

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Cypress Hills (Canada)

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The Cypress Hills are a unique geological formation straddling the border between Alberta and Saskatchewan, rising prominently above the surrounding prairies. Reaching a maximum elevation of 1,468 meters, they represent the highest point in mainland Canada between the Rocky Mountains and the Labrador Peninsula. Geologically, the hills are a plateau that remained unglaciated during the last ice age, functioning as a nunatak that preserved ancient flora and fauna. This isolation allowed for the survival of species like the lodgepole pine, which are typically found only in much higher mountain environments. Historically, the area is significant due to the 1873 Cypress Hills Massacre, an event that directly led to the formation of the North-West Mounted Police and the establishment of Fort Walsh. Today, the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is Canada's first interprovincial park and is recognized as a Dark Sky Preserve. The landscape is an ecological oasis, characterized by dense forests, fescue grasslands, and steep coulees in the heart of the Great Plains.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-8-8-2410152018124-2-7
Rain mm212023376080344036292219

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The interprovincial park is easily accessible by paved highways from both Saskatchewan and Alberta. Well-maintained internal park roads connect the various viewpoints, lakes, and main campgrounds.
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Best season
Summer is convenient for hiking, camping, and enjoying outdoor recreation. Winter brings heavy snow, transforming the higher plateau area into a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
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Terrain & paths
The unique landscape features rolling grassy hills, lodgepole pine forests, and steep coulees rising prominently above the plains. Trails range from paved, accessible paths to uneven backcountry routes.
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What to bring
Standard hiking attire, sturdy walking shoes, and windbreakers are suitable for most trails. If visiting in winter, ensure you have appropriate thermal layers, insulated boots, and cold-weather gear.
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Parking
Ample parking is available at the central visitor centers, trailheads, campgrounds, and scenic lookouts. The park infrastructure is well-developed, making it very accommodating for larger RVs and trailers.
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Safety
Be aware of changing weather conditions on the elevated plateau, which can differ significantly from the surrounding plains. Keep a safe distance from wildlife, including moose and cougars, in the area.
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Time needed
Visitors can enjoy a scenic drive and short walks in a half-day, or spend several days camping and exploring. The extensive trail network and historical sites easily offer enough activities for a long weekend.

Geography

Coordinates
49.60000, -109.90000

Facts

  • The highest point in the Cypress Hills is 1,468 meters above sea level.
  • The plateau remained unglaciated during the Wisconsin glaciation period.
  • The 1873 Cypress Hills Massacre prompted the creation of the North-West Mounted Police.
  • Fort Walsh was established in 1875 to serve as a regional police headquarters.
  • Cypress Hills became Canada's first interprovincial park in 1989.
  • The area was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve in 2004.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cypress Hills (7)

Hidden Conglomerate Cliffs🌿 nature

The Hidden Conglomerate Cliffs are a viewpoint in the Cypress Hills area.

Cypress Hills Provincial Park🌿 nature

A provincial park in the Cypress Hills, known for its forested plateau and wildlife.

Conglomerate Cliffs🌿 nature

The Conglomerate Cliffs are a viewpoint in the Cypress Hills area.

Cypress Hills Massacre National Site🏺 historical

A national historic site in the Cypress Hills commemorating the 1873 Cypress Hills Massacre.

Simons/Noble Cabin🏺 historical

A historic cabin in the Cypress Hills, once used by early settlers.

Fort Walsh National Historic Site🛡️ fortress

Fort Walsh National Historic Site is a fort in Cypress Hills that was a key post of the North-West Mounted Police.

Fort Walsh🛡️ fortress

Fort Walsh is a fort in Cypress Hills that was a key post of the North-West Mounted Police.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Cypress Hills?
It is the highest point in Canada between the Rockies and Labrador.
Are they in one or two provinces?
They span the border between Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Why were they not covered by glaciers?
They remained as a nunatak above the ice sheet during the last ice age.
Are there forests there in the prairie?
Yes, they form a forested oasis in the middle of the dry grasslands.
Can you go stargazing there?
Yes, it is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, first-rate for stargazing.
Cypress Hills: where is it located?
Cypress Hills is located in Canada.
Cypress Hills: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hidden Conglomerate Cliffs, Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Conglomerate Cliffs.
Cypress Hills: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Cypress Hills: why is it worth visiting?
The Cypress Hills are a unique geological formation straddling the border between Alberta and Saskatchewan, rising prominently above the surrounding prairies.
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Nearby cities

Prince Albert — Cypress Hills (Canada)
Prince Albert
The third-largest city in Saskatchewan, the 'Gateway to the North'.
Moose Jaw — Cypress Hills (Canada)
Moose Jaw
A city in Saskatchewan known for its tunnels and murals.
Lloydminster — Cypress Hills (Canada)
Lloydminster
Lloydminster is a border city that sits directly on the line between Alberta and Saskatchewan.
North Battleford — Cypress Hills (Canada)
North Battleford
A city on the North Saskatchewan River.
Swift Current — Cypress Hills (Canada)
Swift Current
Swift Current is a prairie city in southwestern Saskatchewan on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Yorkton — Cypress Hills (Canada)
Yorkton
A commercial hub in eastern Saskatchewan with strong Ukrainian roots.

History & landmarks

Saskatchewan Legislative Building — Cypress Hills (Canada)
Saskatchewan Legislative Building
A monumental Beaux-Arts style building located in Regina.

Nature

Lake Athabasca — Cypress Hills (Canada)
Lake Athabasca
A large lake in Saskatchewan and Alberta, known for its sand dunes and uranium mining.
Churchill River (Saskatchewan) — Cypress Hills (Canada)
Churchill River (Saskatchewan)
A historic river with countless lakes and rapids, a major route for canoeists.

More places

Prairie Canola Fields — Cypress Hills (Canada)
Prairie Canola Fields
The Canadian prairies transform into a sea of brilliant yellow canola flowers during the summer.
Saskatchewan Potash Mining — Cypress Hills (Canada)
Saskatchewan Potash Mining
Saskatchewan's potash industry is one of the world's most important fertilizer supply chains.
Saskatchewan Uranium Mining — Cypress Hills (Canada)
Saskatchewan Uranium Mining
Saskatoon is a service and corporate centre for Saskatchewan's uranium industry.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo — Cypress Hills (Canada)
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
A combined zoo and botanical garden in Saskatoon that showcases animals from various habitats.
Battle of Batoche — Cypress Hills (Canada)
Battle of Batoche
The site of the decisive 1885 battle that ended the North-West Rebellion in Saskatchewan.
🗺️
Saskatchewan Cranberry Farms
Though unexpected, northern Saskatchewan has commercial cranberry cultivation in bogs.
Esterhazy Flour Mill — Cypress Hills (Canada)
Esterhazy Flour Mill
A rare example of a wood-framed flour mill representing early 20th-century agriculture in Saskatchewan.