Alberta's Cypress Hills Provincial Park is 65 km south of Medicine Hat on Highway 41/Buffalo Trail. This drive takes less than one hour.
To access the park from Saskatchewan, take the Trans-Canada Highway from Swift Current to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park-Saskatchewan. The access point is about 180 km from Swift Current, a 2.5-hour drive.
At the Park
The Cypress Hills gently rise 600 metres above the surrounding prairie. Various birds and mammals and plants live in the park, making it a wonderful place for wildlife watching even in winter!
Nestled in the park, the small community of Elkwater has amenities (including restaurants and a lodge) to support exploring this recreation destination.
Every season has unique discoveries to be found in this mix of prairie and montane environments. However, winter in Cypress is not to be missed! With 30 km of groomed cross-country ski trails and more in the backcountry, this unique and scenic park is a "must-ski".
At Cypress Hills, make a new tradition with our annual Christmas Tree Cutting. Cut your own Christmas tree in this beautiful setting.
Don’t miss WinterStart - also in December. Celebrate winter with family activities all afternoon including cross-country skiing, crafts, fat biking and more!
Cross-country skiing is just the beginning at Cypress Hills! Our winter wonderland includes classis experience like snowshoeing, sledding and skating.
Our snow luge and ice skating trail will make your trip an unforgettable experience. Borrow a disc toboggans from the Park to fly down the snow luge. Be sure to bring skates to venture out on the beautiful 1.5 km skating trail.
Try something new with fat biking (snow mountain biking) or kicksledding, a fun ski/sled activity you can rent at the Visitor Centre!
You can also try your luck ice fishing on Elkwater Lake, Reesor Lake, and Spruce Coulee Reservoir. You may catch perch, pickerel, or trout!
For downhill skiers, Hidden Valley Ski Resort is located in the park. The resort offers rentals and lessons during the December-March ski season.
The Visitor Centre rents cross-country skis, snowshoes, kicksleds and GPS units.
Stay
Embrace the season with winter camping! Winter camping is available at Elkwater and Spruce Coulee campgrounds, and in the backcountry area at Reesor Dock.
The town of Elkwater, located on the Alberta side, is the main service centre for the park. Elkwater has restaurants and services stations (check for seasonal availability) to make your trip comfortable. Elkwater Lake Lodge and Resort provides accommodations with many amenities year-round.
