6 reasons to visit Cypress Hills this summer
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Itinerary - Biking, boating and camping in Cypress Hills
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A ZenSeekers' road trip isn't complete unless the destinations include outdoor adventures, and culinary, learning and cultural experiences. Create your #BucketlistAB itinerary in Southern Alberta..
Bike, camp, and canoe in one of Alberta’s most well-kept secret parks.
A ZenSeekers Expedition: #BucketlistAB
Read all about biking in Cypress Hills here.
Getting To Cypress Hills
Drive from Calgary: It’s about a four-hour drive east on the Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 E.
Drive from Edmonton: It’s about a six-hour drive south on the AB-36 S.
Drive from Regina: It’s about a five-hour drive west on the Trans-Canada Hwy/SK-1 W.
Day One
Morning – Bike Old Baldy Trail
Rent a bike right in the park and start your camping adventure off with a 1 km bike ride to the top of Old Baldy Trail. The summit is surrounded by a lush thicket of trees and overlooks the gorgeous Elkwater Lake.
Afternoon – Comfort camping at Firerock Cabin
Head back on Firerock Trail to find Firerock Cabin, a comfort camping destination located in the trail’s backcountry along the shore of Elkwater Lake. The charming rustic wood cabin is well-equipped with modern conveniences like electricity, an electric fireplace, and cosy bunk beds. Just bring food, cookware, and your sleeping bag.
Evening – Sunset watching around the campfire
Unwind in the evening around the campfire. Outside Firerock Cabin is a fire pit where you can keep warm and roast marshmallows. Take in a beautiful candy-coloured Alberta sunset and prepare for a busy second day of camping.
Day Two
Morning – Stand up paddleboarding on Elkwater Lake
Get an exciting start to the morning by renting a paddleboard from the aquatic rental centre by the lake. Whether new or well-versed in the watersport, this is a perfect spot to paddle around and explore.
Mid-morning – Canoeing on Elkwater Lake
Trade in your paddleboard for a canoe (also rented from the aquatic rental centre) and explore the marshy areas of the lake. Catch a glimpse of the many geese, ducks, and shoreline birds in the area.
Afternoon – Disc-golf on the lakefront
After a busy morning of watersports, relax with a fun game of nine-hole disc-golf by the lakefront. The sport is like golf with frisbees and is a great way to spend the afternoon before heading back to pack up your campsite. A disc set of a driver and putter can be rented for $5.
If you go:
The mountain bikes, canoes, and paddleboards, including lifejackets and oars, can be rented from the park’s boat and bike rental booth.
Check into Alberta Parks to start planning your beer tour and other activities in the area.
Travel Alberta also has lots of great information about things to do and places to see in Elkwater, Cypress Hills Provincial Park.
Learn more about BucketlistAB here.
Read all about biking in Cypress Hills here.
Hit the road to explore Alberta's South along Highway 3 this month and be sure to share your discoveries on social media with the hashtag #BucketlistAB and #ExploreAlberta - you could be featured on our social media channels. Check out www.BucketlistAB.ca for itineraries, stories and lots more video on Southern Albertan experiences.
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