The 3,012-hectare (7,440-acre) Cypress Provincial Park northwest of downtown Vancouver [1] encompasses a high alpine area in the North Shore Mountains. To get to the park, take the TransCanada Highway 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) west of Lions Gate Bridge and turn north onto Cypress Bowl Road (Exit 8). Even the park access road up from the TransCanada Highway is worthwhile for the views.
At the second switchback, the Highview Lookout provides a stunning panorama of the city, with interpretive panels describing the surrounding natural history. There’s plenty of hiking in the vicinity—from the main day lodge, well-marked hiking trails radiate out like spokes.
One easy trail leads under the Black Chair (to the left as you stand in front of the day lodge) and passes a small alpine lake before ending after 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) at a lookout; allow one hour for the round-trip.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/vancouver-victoria/vancouver/sights/downtown