Hollyburn Hiker's Access

Hollyburn Hiker’s Access in West Vancouver is a solid winter workout with a straightforward goal: steady climb, big views, and easy access right from the Cypress Mountain area. This 7.6 km out-and-back gains about 424 m to around 1325 m, so it feels like real effort without being a sufferfest. Most hikers wrap it up in just over two hours, but snow and ice can slow things down a lot.

The trail kicks off near the power lines from the main Cypress parking lot, then punches up a fairly steep hill for the first half hour. After that, Hollyburn Hiker’s Access settles into rolling terrain past creeks and small lakes, crossing other winter routes as you head toward the open viewpoints. On a clear day you get big looks over Vancouver, Howe Sound, and the North Shore peaks, though some locals say you’ll get a slightly wider panorama at nearby Pump Peak.

Right now, expect a lot of snow and a route that can be hard to follow about halfway up, so download the map and keep an eye on the red poles rather than wandering onto ski slopes or orange-marked side loops. The snow is soft in spots, with hikers reporting post-holing even in boots, so microspikes are strongly recommended and snowshoes are helpful if you leave the packed track. Go early for parking, wear waterproof boots for the wet and muddy lower section, and be ready for icy, slippery stretches near the top; this one is best from late fall through early spring for those looking for a reliable North Shore snow hike close to Vancouver.