Recreation | Summer Recreation | Winter Recreation | Water Sports

The Cypress Hills are an oasis to be explored every season.  There is no better way to enjoy the Cypress Hills than in the serenity of the golden aspen leaves in fall, the white blanket of winter, or the fragrant wildflowers of spring.  Any season is a great time for outdoor recreation in the hills.

Photography

The best way to preserve your visit to Cypress Hills is through photography.  Capture spectacular sunsets, playful wildlife, and budding blossoms onto film.  Panoramic shots of the coulees and valleys are a scenic photographer's dream.

Wildlife Viewing

The off seasons of spring and fall are often the best time for wildlife viewing.  In the spring you can catch a glimpse of the new born Mule deer or Moose.  In fall listen to the bugle of the Elk.  But no matter the season, wildlife is always abundant in Cypress Hills.  Please remember that the wildlife are wild and should be viewed from a safe distance.

The park's varied plant communities provide homes for many animals. Elk were re-introduced in 1938 to replace the original population which had been hunted to extinction in the area by 1909.  Moose and Red squirrels were brought to the area in the mid-1950s.  Wild turkeys, though not native to the hills were introduced in 1962.  Pine marten were also introduced here in the late 1980s.

Birds are numerous in the Cypress Hills; more than 200 species have been sighted.  Some of these are found on the prairie surrounding the hills.  Others, such as the Dark-eyed junco and Yellow-rumped warbler, breed primarily in the Rocky Mountains or the forests of northern Canada, but have isolated populations in the park.  Northern saw-whet owls, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Ruffed grouse live in the coniferous forest.  The Cypress Hills are one of Alberta's prime wildlife-viewing sites.

Bird and mammal checklists can be downloaded.  For viewing advice, please contact the Park Office or Visitor Centre.

For more information regarding Cypress Hills
please contact Parks Webmaster.

For more information regarding Cypress Hills, please contact
Parks Webmaster.