September 2025 Update
On September 10, 2025, the District of West Vancouver officially opened the Cypress East Climb Trail, a new recreational trail for two-way hiking and uphill mountain biking, in partnership with British Properties (BP) and the North Shore Mountain Bike Association (NSMBA). It is the first designated uphill mountain biking route in West Vancouver, while also being a designated hiking trail.
This trail was made possible through an agreement between the District and BP, and fulfills a long-term commitment by the District to bring sanctioned mountain bike trails to West Vancouver. The construction of the trail by NSMBA continues NSMBA’s positive impact on the North Shore to the benefit of outdoor enthusiasts. The trail makes its way from the second switchback of Cypress Bowl Road to near the fourth switchback, on land owned by BP and the District, and provides mountain bikers with a car-free uphill route.
Developed in consultation with stakeholders, the Cypress East Climb Trail is partly a reconstruction of the historic Old Forks Trail—a route once used by hikers and skiers to reach the Hollyburn area. The new climb trail now provides safe and enjoyable access for all recreational trail users.
Background
This recreational trail is situated between the second and fourth switchbacks of Cypress Bowl Road, on land owned by BPP and the District, with a financial contribution from BPP towards the construction of the trails. The District will work with NSMBA to maintain these trails for public recreational use.
The NSMBA has long-standing partnerships with several land managers across North Vancouver and has been maintaining trails in the community since 1997, utilizing a unique model that includes volunteer trail days and fundraising to engage the community in caring for the trails they use.
Additionally, three existing mountain biking trails—Meat Sweats, Jersey Shore and Morgies—have been formalized, with on-going trail maintenance to improve safety while maintaining the integrity of the original trails.
This partnership furthers Council’s Strategic Goal to improve the community’s social well-being by initiating a volunteer stewardship program to improve our trails and is also in line with the Official Community Plan’s aim to maintain authorized trails in the Upper Lands in a way that respects the needs of landowners and balances recreational uses with environmental and cultural values.