The Cypress Hills gently rise 600 metres above the surrounding prairie landscape of Southeastern Alberta, making it the highest point between Newfoundland & Labrador and the Canadian Rockies.
Whether you’re a solo traveler or with friends and family, find which spots are perfect for you.
When on the trails, make sure to bring plenty of water, bug spray, and bear spray (there are no bears in the area but carrying bear spray is a good hiking practice).
Hiking
Family-Friendly Trails:
Lakeview Trail
Bringing a complete view of Elkwater Lake, this flat pathway is paved and is the only wheelchair friendly trail in Elkwater, Alberta.
Firerock Trails
Near Firerock Campground, these family-friendly trails are encompassed in the forested rolling hills.
Horseshoe Canyon Trail
A slightly more adventurous trail with an incline to the viewpoint, this hike is approximately 2-3 hours with a family.
“The trail system never ends here. It’s a looped system, so you can hike as many trails as you’d like during one trip. You can start simple on the trails, and gradually get more and more difficult, while still being very close to the town site.” - Mike Ractliffe, Medicine Hat local.
Challenging Hikes:
Spruce Coulee Trail System
Going from Reesor Lake Viewpoint to Battle Creek Campground, this trail is about 25-kilometres one way.
Mystery Trail
A longer trail with more of an incline, this hike is close to the townsite.
Beaver Creek
Reach the viewpoint at the top, and then loop down on Horseshoe Canyon Trail, or another trail that connects downwards.
Spring Creek
A nice trail system that includes equestrian riding.
“While hiking, mountain biking, or equestrian riding, the biggest thing you’re going to find is the diversity of terrain. It feels like you’re in a mountain environment. You’d never know you’re in the middle of the prairies.” - Mike Ractliffe, Medicine Hat local.
CAMPING
Close to Elkwater Townsite with Amenities:
Rustic Camping:
Spruce Coulee Campground (walk in tenting only site)
Cypress Hills is one of those places where, because of the environment and climate and diversity in the campgrounds, trails, and wildlife, it’s the perfect place to develop your camping skills and enjoy time spent with friends and family.
“You can find walk-in tent sites, which are next to a lake with minimal cell service. They’re nice, quiet, and secluded. A complete escapism. And then there’s the sharing with friends and family-style, full-service campgrounds, with playgrounds, amenities, and washrooms.” - Mike Ractliffe, Medicine Hat local.
Find more specific information and book your campsite here.
PADDLING
Elkwater Lake
Elkwater Lake brings beautiful views of the rolling hills and open sky. It is located on the beach, where paddlers can float and swim the body of water. It’s an easy spot to hop off when you’re hungry, and hop back on when you’re ready for more. Swirls Ice Cream is located on a beach for a nice, cold sweet treat.
There are motorized boats who also use the lake, so be sure to wear a bright lifejacket and always sit up on your paddle board to increase visibility.
Elkwater is a busier space, used for beach lounging, swimming, boating, and paddling.
Spruce Coulee
Spruce Coulee is snug in the forest, with views of lodgepole pine and aspen trees and wildlife.
It’s a great spot for beginner paddlers, and is narrower than Elkwater Lake. Because the space is enclosed by forest, it brings protection from the wind.
This body of water is closed to motorized boats, so you will only see other paddlers and fisherpeople. Even when it gets busy, you can usually find your own corner where it’s just you, the water, the trees, and the hills.
Swimming is not recommended in this lake.
Safety Tips & Tricks
Always wear a bright lifejacket.
Bring a whistle for emergencies.
Wear sun protection. Cypress Hills feels cooler than Medicine Hat, but the sun rays are still strong.
Always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
Put a phone in a waterproof case with a lanyard, so it’s always accessible and safe.
Paddling Rentals are available at the Cypress Hills Visitor Centre.
Call 403.893.3833 for more information.
“My favourite part about paddling Cypress Hills is the peace you feel. I have a three year old now, and this past summer we paddled together. Being able to share that with him and watch him be so excited about how nice it is out here is so amazing,” says Jen Maheux, Cypress Hills local and co-host of the Outdoor Mama Podcast. “One day we watched a mama duck feed her babies; Cypress Hills is a really special place.”
