Description
Spanning the Saskatchewan/Alberta border, Cypress Hills became the first “Interprovincial Park” in Canada in 1989 when Sask Parks and Alberta Parks formally agreed to work cooperatively on the management of the unique ecosystem and visitor experience offerings. Fort Walsh/Parks Canada became an official signatory to the partnership in 2000. The towering hills, lush forest and fescue prairie in Cypress Hills provide breathtaking views. The park offers several campgrounds, including an equestrian campground in the rustic West Block wilderness area. In addition to front-country camping, the Centre Block of the park features exceptional amenities including a resort, swimming pool, hiking trails, ziplining and one of the largest Dark Sky Preserves in the world. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is the perfect year-round destination that the whole family can enjoy.
Geography:
The Cypress Hills rise dramatically above the elevation of the surrounding plains of southwest Saskatchewan, and are the highest point of land in Canada between Labrador and the Rocky Mountains. The elevation of the Cypress Hills aids in supporting a unique ecosystem in the context of Saskatchewan, which includes the only Lodgepole Pine forest to be found on the prairies in Canada.
Recreation:
The Centre Block offers a wide range of visitor activities including; camping, hiking, picnic areas, an outdoor swimming pool with hot tub & sauna, interpretive programming, boat rentals, bicycle rentals, horseback riding, ziplining, segway tours, food services, golf, mini-golf, in-park radio station, and a resort hotel with a restaurant and lounge. Towering hills, lush forest and fescue prairie provide breathtaking views. In the winter the Centre Block offers snowmobiling, cross country ski trails, a toboggan hill, and snowshoe trails.
The West Block offers rustic camping as well as an equestrian campground. The conglomerate cliffs, the hidden conglomerate cliffs and hiking are popular in the West Block.
Facilities:
Campgrounds with varying levels of utility service, shower houses, firewood, day-use sites, visitor centre, amphitheatre, observatory, community centre (rec hall), beach, fuel, laundromat, grocery store, and resort hotel with conference capacity.
Nearby Attractions:
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is located within the Cypress Hills – Grasslands Destination Area which offers a wide range of visitor experiences within the immediate vicinity of the park. Some highlights include the Maple Creek Heritage District, Fort Walsh National Historic Site of Canada, and the T.rex Discovery Centre. For more information about area attractions, please visit: www.VisitCypressHills.ca
