Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan, is the highest elevation in the prairies, offering a unique mix of rolling hills, open grasslands, and pockets of trees. The area is alive with prairie grasses, wildflowers, and scattered groves of poplar and aspen that shift in color with the seasons.
Wildlife is abundant here, and it is a place where you can often spot deer grazing quietly, foxes weaving through the grasses, and a variety of birds including hawks, meadowlarks, and the occasional prairie chicken. This diversity makes every walk or hike a chance to notice something new and quietly remarkable.
Many families and travelers return year after year, drawn by the gentle rise of the hills and the sense of space and freedom they offer. When I wander the trails, I always carry my ThermoFlask water bottle to stay hydrated and refreshed. I also like to take out my travel journal to note the small, memorable moments, the scent of the grasses, the songs of birds, and the patterns of wildflowers across the hills, so that the experience lingers long after I leave.
Things to do in Cypress Hills
There are many activities to enjoy while visiting Cypress Hills, ensuring that every visit feels full and engaging, no matter how long you stay. Whether you are wandering the trails, observing wildlife, or simply pausing to take in the rolling hills, each moment offers something new to notice and appreciate.
Treeosix Adventure Park
Experience the zipline tour at Cypress Hills, which includes six zip lines ranging in length from 100 feet to 600 feet. In addition to the zip lines, you can cross an 80-foot-long sky bridge, enjoy three short nature hikes, and navigate several exciting transitions from one zipline platform to the next. The tour is a fun way to feel the energy of the hills while noticing the small details of the surrounding forest and landscape along the way.
Mini Golf
While you are visiting Cypress Hills swing by Lone Pine Pizza and Mini Golf with your friends and family to try a round of mini golf, don’t forget to enjoy some good food and tasty treats from Lone Pine Pizza.
Cypress Hills Pool
On a warm summer day, apply some sunscreen and make your way to the Cypress Hills outdoor pool. It is a wonderful place to cool off, enjoy the sunlight, and take a few peaceful moments for yourself. Whether you choose to swim, relax by the water, or simply soak up the summer warmth, it provides a refreshing break during your visit.
Hiking & Bike Trails
Be sure to explore some of the many trails in Cypress Hills. They offer a variety of scenic lookout points and provide a chance to observe different plants and animals in their natural habitat, allowing you to move at your own pace and notice the small details of the landscape.
Whispering Pines Trail takes you through a mature lodge pole pine forest. The trail departs from the picnic shelter at the north end of Loch Leven. It is a 2.7-km loop that takes an average of 39 min to complete.
The Native Prairie trail is located 500 m south of Bald Butte turn-off and is approximately 2 km in length. and takes about 30 min. to complete.
Highland trail is located near the south end of Loch Lomond and follows the shoreline of Lonepine Creek. Interpretive panels speak to the variety of ecosystems and vegetation of the Cypress Uplands. Allow 45 minutes to enjoy this trail.
The Windfall trail starts at the main beach parking lot and follows the first portion of the Woodlands campground access trail. This path passes through a marsh area where an abundance of birdlife can be spotted.
Explore Flicker trail this 1.9-km out-and-back trail near Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 35 min to complete.
Look Out Point & Bald Butte
Be sure to visit two popular scenic lookout spots, Lookout Point and Bald Butte. Bald Butte is the highest point in the Center Block of Cypress Hills. These lookouts are about one kilometre apart, and both offer visitors spectacular views throughout the year. Keep in mind that winter conditions can affect accessibility, so it is always a good idea to check road and weather status before heading up. Pausing at either spot is a chance to take in the sweeping landscape and notice the quiet details of the hills, the grasses, and the sky above.
Ice Cream & Food
You can also stop for a tasty snack, treat, or beverage at Dar’s Little Dipper concession. It is located just past the entrance gate to the right, near the Park Administration Office, making it an easy and welcoming spot to pause and enjoy a small moment before continuing your exploration.
Trail Rides
You can also embark on horseback to explore the scenic landscape of Cypress Hills. As you ride, you are surrounded by captivating nature, rolling hills, and wide-open views that invite quiet observation and a sense of connection with the land.
Contact Cypress Hills Riding Academy to Book your riding time. Phone: 306-662-3512
Geocaching
Geocaching is a fun way to connect with nature while staying active, exploring new areas, and enjoying a sense of discovery. You can stop by the visitor centre to learn more about guided and self-guided activities and find out how to make the most of your adventure.
Lake Activities
Enjoy some time on the water by renting a canoe, paddle board, paddle boat, or kayak at Loch Leven Marina. Gliding across the still surface of the lake is a beautiful way to slow down and take in the peaceful rhythm of nature. The gentle sound of paddles dipping into the water and the cool breeze off the lake create the kind of calm that stays with you long after you’ve come back to shore.
Star Gazing
Look up at the stars or catch a glimpse of the northern lights at the Dark Sky Observatory. Spending time under the night sky is a wonderful family activity that allows you to slow down and simply enjoy the quiet beauty of the universe. Cypress Hills provides an ideal setting for this experience, far from city lights and distractions.
Flora and Fauna
Cypress Hills is home to at least 729 flowering plants, more than 220 bird species, 47 mammal species, and several species of reptiles and amphibians. Take some time to appreciate the beauty of the plants and animals as they live and grow in their natural environment, noticing the small details that make this landscape so unique.
Cypress Hills Camping
Cypress Hills Center Block offers over 600 campsites to choose from. Some sites are more rustic, while others provide full services, so no matter your camping style, you can find a spot that feels right for you. Spending a night under the stars here is a wonderful way to connect with the natural surroundings and experience the quiet rhythm of the hills.
Terrace Campground
The sites at Terrace Campground are well-spaced, quiet, and fairly private. It is one of the furthest from Loch Leven, although Lone Pine Pizza and Mini Golf are very close.
Rainbow Campground
The sites in Rainbow campground are very similar in appearance to those in Terrace but it is a bit closer to the action approximately 5 minutes closer to Loch Leven on foot and because of this it tends to fill up quicker.
Warlodge Campground
Another good choice that looks a lot like Terrace but is a little farther away from the busiest roads, Warlodge has large, nice spaced sites that work well for RVs and is also suitable for tent camping.
Deer Hollow Campground
Deer Hollow is to Terrace campground and Lone Pine Pizza, this tiny, single loop campground is very compact, tenting only, non-electrified sites. Good choice for a smaller camping area.
Meadows Campground
This campground has a nice variety of different sites that have both tents and RVs. Meadows campground is open year round for rustic camping and by appointment in winter.
Things to Do Near Cypress Hills
Maple Creek Bakery & Farmers Market
Stop by Maple Creek Bakery and grab some tasty treats to take along with you to enjoy while you are camping. Check out the farmers market put on in Maple Creek it showcases unique products and fresh produce, it’s a great way to support the community.
Grotto Garden
Enjoy some time in nature with your family and friends at Grotto Garden. This farm has all types of fun like goat yoga, a petting zoo, hanging basket classes and different themed activities throughout the year. It is located just off of Hwy 21 South of Maple Creek, Saskatchewan.
Trex Discovery Center
Trex Discovery Center is located in Eastend Saskatchewan in the Cypress Hills region, the discovery center this home to Scotty, the world’s largest T. rex skeleton.
Fort Walsh National Historic Site
Fort Walsh is hidden away in a scenic valley next to Battle Creek in southwest Saskatchewan. Your experience there will take you back in time and teach you about the early history of Saskatchewan.
Contact Cypress Hills
Cypress Hills Saskatchewan offers most necessary services, including food, gas and a full service convention hotel. For park specific information, Visitor Center 306-662-5437 summer, Administration office 306-662-5411 year round.
Cypress Hills is more than just a destination. It is a place to slow down, notice the small details, and feel connected to the natural rhythms of the prairie landscape. Whether you are walking the trails, spotting wildlife, or simply taking a quiet moment under the sky, the hills invite you to pause, reflect, and carry a sense of calm and wonder with you long after your visit.
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