Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Forested hills rising out of the prairie southeast of Medicine Hat.
About Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
The Cypress Hills plateau rises up to about 200 m above the surrounding prairie, reaching 1,468 m at its western end in Alberta. That makes it the highest point in Canada between the Rockies and Labrador. Lodgepole pine forests, lakes, the Elkwater townsite and dark night skies make it a cool summer escape.
A brief history
Cypress Hills became Canada's first interprovincial park in 1989, jointly managed by Alberta and Saskatchewan (Alberta Parks calls its side Cypress Hills Provincial Park). On the Saskatchewan side, Fort Walsh National Historic Site recalls the North-West Mounted Police post set up after the 1873 Cypress Hills Massacre.
RV tips
- The Alberta side has campgrounds around Elkwater, booked through Alberta Parks.
- Access is via Highway 41 south from the Trans-Canada.
- Roads between the Alberta and Saskatchewan sides include gravel stretches that turn slick when wet.
Before you go: Hours, road conditions, campground availability, passes and fire bans change. Check the official source below, 511 Alberta and Alberta Fire Bans before you travel. National parks need a Parks Canada pass, and Kananaskis needs a Conservation Pass.
Campgrounds nearby
- Elkwater Campground (Alberta Parks, typical about $47/night)
Costs are approximate (checked October 2026). All Alberta campgrounds →
Sources & more information
Related trip planning: Alberta RV routes · Pre-trip checklist · Crown land camping