The Canadian Explorer
The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond
The Canadian Explorer
The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond
Cypress Hills Provincial Park (Alberta)

Alberta Parks

Cypress Hills Provincial Park (Alberta)

Alberta Est. 1951 200 km²

A pine-forested plateau rising 600 m out of the shortgrass prairie — a Dark-Sky Preserve.

Overview

Cypress Hills is a geological oddity — an unglaciated plateau higher than Banff townsite, wrapped in lodgepole pine and dotted with lakes. It straddles the Alberta-Saskatchewan border and is Canada's only interprovincial park. The Alberta side (Elkwater) offers serviced camping, a beach, and one of Canada's best Dark-Sky Preserves. The Saskatchewan side (Centre Block and West Block) is quieter, wilder, and equally starry.

  • Canada's only interprovincial park
  • Elkwater beach and lakeside camping
  • Dark-Sky Preserve — best stargazing on the Prairies
  • Rich Cypress Hills Massacre and NWMP history

Quick facts

Size (AB)
200 km²
Elevation
1,466 m (higher than Banff)
Dark-Sky Preserve
Yes
Established
1951

Things to do

  • Elkwater beach and boat rentals

  • Stargazing at Reesor Lake

  • Elk viewing on Horseshoe Canyon Rd

  • Winter ski at Hidden Valley

Camping

Reservations: Recommended · Frontcountry: Yes · Backcountry: Yes · RV: Yes · Glamping: Yes

  • Elkwater (main), Beaver Creek, Reesor Lake, Spruce Coulee campgrounds
  • Yurts and equipped tent rentals at Elkwater
  • Winter camping at Elkwater

Campgrounds in and near this park

Hiking

  • Horseshoe Canyon

    Moderate · 5 km

    Rim walk into a hidden canyon with elk sightings.

  • Old Baldy

    Moderate · 3 km

    Short steep hike to the plateau's high point with prairie views.

  • Beaver Creek Interpretive

    Easy · 4 km

    Family loop through beaver ponds and old-growth pine.

Wildlife

Common

Elk, Mule deer, Wild turkey, Beaver

Signature

Trumpeter swan, Moose, Great horned owl

Viewing tips

Elk visible at dawn on Horseshoe Canyon Road year-round.

Safety

Ticks common May-July — check after every hike.

Photography

  • Milky Way over Reesor Lake
  • Elk herds on Horseshoe Canyon Road
  • Aspen gold at Old Baldy (late Sept)
  • Elkwater beach sunset

Best time to visit

spring

May: elk calving, ticks active.

summer

Jul-Aug: warmest swimming and prime family season.

fall

Late Sept: aspen colour, quiet campgrounds.

winter

Hidden Valley ski + backcountry nordic trails.

Peak: July through Labour Day · Shoulder: June, September

Family & accessibility

Family

  • Elkwater beach with lifeguards
  • Interpretive centre with dinosaur fossils
  • Junior Ranger program

Accessibility

  • Accessible sites at Elkwater
  • Paved beach access at Elkwater main beach

Reservations

Book through Alberta Parks Reserve — opens 90 days ahead of arrival.

Reserve now

Suggested itineraries

  • family

    Elkwater Beach Weekend

    Two nights at Elkwater, beach day, Horseshoe Canyon hike, stargazing at Reesor Lake.

  • photography

    Dark-Sky Weekend

    New-moon weekend at Reesor Lake for Milky Way and prairie sunrise.

FAQ

Is this the same as the Saskatchewan side?

Yes — one interprovincial park with two provincial administrations. Passes are separate.

How dark are the skies?

Bortle 2 — among the darkest accessible skies in Canada.

Is winter camping open?

Yes at Elkwater, with heated washroom access.

Nearby

Nearby cities

Plan this trip with a human

Our Travel Concierge builds custom itineraries around Cypress Hills Provincial Park (Alberta) — permits, campsites, driving times, and shoulder-season strategy included.

Talk to the Concierge