Cypress Hills Provincial Park

Cypress Hills

The highest point in Saskatchewan offering scenic hills, forest trails, and panoramic views across the prairie. Popular for hiking, camping, and enjoying cooler alpine conditions.

Things to do

• Hiking to Conata Lake — A moderate 5 km round-trip trail through forested terrain leading to a scenic alpine lake surrounded by spruce and pine trees.
• Climbing to Head-Smashed-In Lookout — Ascend to Saskatchewan's highest point at 1,468 metres for panoramic 360-degree views across the prairies and into Alberta.
• Camping at Cypress Lake Campground — Stay overnight at the main campground offering full facilities, hiking access, and opportunities to experience the cooler alpine environment.
• Forest ecology trail walk — Explore interpretive trails that showcase the unique transition forest ecosystem between prairie and boreal forest zones.
• Horseback riding through valleys — Guided trail rides through forested valleys and meadows offer a different perspective of the park's diverse landscape.
• Picnicking at scenic overlooks — Multiple pullouts and designated picnic areas provide stunning vistas over the prairie landscape below the hills.

Food to try

• Prairie bison burgers — Local restaurants and park lodges serve locally-sourced bison meat prepared as hearty burgers, reflecting the regional ranching heritage.
• Saskatoon berry pie — A signature prairie dessert made from wild saskatoon berries that grow throughout Saskatchewan, often available at local establishments near the park.
• Pickerel from regional lakes — Fresh-caught northern pike or pickerel from Saskatchewan lakes is a traditional local protein prepared grilled or pan-fried at park lodges.
• Wild mushroom dishes — Forest mushrooms foraged from the Cypress Hills area are featured in seasonal preparations at local dining establishments.

Local customs & good to know

• Check weather conditions before visiting — The elevated terrain creates rapidly changing weather and cooler temperatures year-round, so bring layers and verify conditions before hiking.
• Respect Indigenous heritage sites — The hills hold significant meaning for Indigenous peoples including the Blackfoot Confederacy; approach historical sites with reverence and follow posted guidelines.
• Prepare for limited services — The park is remote with minimal services beyond the main lodge and campground, so stock supplies in advance and fill fuel tanks before arrival.
• Peak season is summer months — July and August bring the most visitors and warmest weather; shoulder seasons offer solitude but shorter daylight hours for hiking.

Nearby

• Fort Walsh National Historic Site — 66 km
• Grasslands National Park — 153 km
• Lake Diefenbaker — 245 km
• Moose Jaw — 294 km