Yew Lake Trail

Yew Lake Trail at Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver is one of the easiest true “alpine feeling” walks you can do near the city. This 2.3 km loop is flat to gently rolling, mostly smooth gravel, and usually takes around half an hour, so it’s a solid choice for families, visiting relatives, or anyone easing into hiking. It’s also stroller and wheelchair friendly in good conditions, which is rare for a trail sitting around 945 m in elevation.

The loop winds past marshes, a small old-growth pocket, and Yew Lake itself, with several viewpoints and picnic tables along the shore. The lake isn’t dramatic, but the mix of subalpine forest, open boggy sections, and constant interpretive signs makes it feel more like a nature walk than a workout. If you want to add a bit more effort and bigger views, Yew Lake Trail links up easily with the route to Bowen Lookout from the Cypress Mountain trail network.

Because Yew Lake Trail is high on Cypress, conditions swing fast: in summer and early fall it’s an easy gravel loop; from late fall through spring expect snow, ice, fog, and chilly wind. Recent hikers report packed snow, slippery sections, and occasional need for microspikes and poles, plus the odd bear sighting, so proper footwear and awareness are important even on this “very easy” trail. Parking at Cypress can fill up on nice weekends, so go early, check current conditions and seasonal closures on BC Parks, and don’t assume the word “easy” means running shoes are always enough.