8km
Distance
430m
Gain
3h
Time
About this Trail
An 8 km round-trip moderate hike to the 1,326m summit of Hollyburn Mountain in Cypress Provincial Park. One of the North Shore's most popular year-round trails, especially beloved in winter for its magical snow-laden forest. Summit panorama spans West Vancouver, Georgia Strait, and the Coast Mountains.
Best Suited For
The Crowd
- 🥾Hikers
- 🔹Snowshoers
- 🔹Winter Hikers
- 🔹Families With Older Kids
- 🔹Fitness Seekers
- 📷Photographers
- 🐕Dog Walkers
The Occasion
- 🔹Summit Hike
- 🔹Snowshoeing
- 🔹Photography Trip
- 🏃Exercise
- 🔹Nature Escape
- 🔹Weekend Adventure
- 🔹Sunset Hike
Highlights
-
Historic ski cabin heritage and subalpine meadows
-
Summit views of Metro Vancouver, Howe Sound, and the Gulf Islands
-
Hollyburn Lodge — a rustic 1920s ski cabin open in winter
-
Wildflower meadows and alpine lakes along the route
Route Details
A well-established trail climbing from the Nordic Ski Area through subalpine forest to the Hollyburn Peak summit (1,325m). The first half is a gentle climb through snow-laden forest (spectacular in winter). A steep section midway tests fitness. The summit offers views of Vancouver, the Strait of Georgia, and surrounding peaks.
The Route
-
Nordic Ski Area trailhead km 0.0
900m elevation
-
Gentle forest climb km 1.0–2.0
-
Steep section km 2.5–3.0
steepest part
-
Subalpine zone km 3.5
trees thin out
-
Hollyburn Peak summit km 4.0
1,325m, panoramic views
-
Return via same route km 8.0
Along the Way
Hollyburn Peak summit (1,325m) with alpine panorama
Winter wonderland forest — one of the most beautiful winter hikes in Metro Vancouver
Subalpine meadows with wildflowers in summer
Views of Vancouver, Georgia Strait, and Coast Mountains from summit
Well-established, popular trail with good foot traffic year-round
Practical Tips
Best Times to Visit
Insider Tips
- 💡
Visit Hollyburn Lodge in winter for a magical experience — hot drinks by the fire
- 💡
Snow lingers until late June — check conditions
- 💡
Can be combined with Black Mountain loop for a longer day
What to Bring
Accessibility & Facilities
Ice in winter — Winter day-use conditions may apply -- check BC Parks for current notices.
Not Available
Not accessible. Trail surface is dirt, rock, and roots with steep sections and 430m of elevation gain. Not suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or strollers.
History
Hollyburn Peak (1,325m) has a rich skiing history dating to the 1920s when the first ski lodge was built. Hollyburn Lodge, a rustic cabin near the peak, is one of the oldest continuously operating ski lodges in BC.
Source · hollyburn.org
Location
Getting Here
🚌 Transit
Cypress Coach Lines shuttle from downtown Vancouver to the Nordic Ski Area. Check schedule and pricing at cypresscoachlines.com.
🚗 Parking
Paid parking at Hollyburn Nordic Ski Area (NOT the downhill ski area -- separate lot). Limited capacity. Overflow parking along Cypress Bowl Road. Lot fills quickly on winter weekends and sunny summer days. Arrive early.