5 Reasons to Visit Squamish, British Columbia

The secret is out. Squamish is a year-round recreation destination with a heck of a lot to offer for outdoor adventurers. Located at the northern tip of the Howe Sound where the mountains meet the ocean, halfway between the harbor city of Vancouver and the world-famous Whistler resort, Squamish is a mecca for a multitude of mountain activities. Here are five reasons to get out into the elements and visit Squamish.

1. Dirt 

Hikers and mountain bikers come from all over the world to enjoy the fantastic trails around Squamish. Popular hikes like the Stawamus Chief and the Sea-To-Summit Trail offer incredible views of the Howe Sound, Little Diamond Head and Brew Lake are great for an overnight mission, and The Four Lakes Trail and Brohm Lake Trail network are good options for a more casual stroll.

Mountain bikers should not leave Squamish without getting a lap or two down Full Nelson or a loop around the Legacy, but there are plenty of other options in the area that are also worth exploring, like the Valleycliffe “Crumpitwoods” Trails.

2. Water 

Go jump in a lake! Brohm Lake, Alice Lake, and Cat Lake are good options, with beach areas for day use. Plus, Alice Lake and Cat Lake have campgrounds as well. Or you can go for a paddle down one of the area’s many rivers. Don’t forget to check out spectacular Shannon Falls on your way into town. And after a long day of adventuring, relax and watch the sun set over the Howe Sound from the campground at Porteau Cove.

3. Air

Get up high and enjoy that clean air! The Sea-To-Sky Gondola takes guests up to 885 meters where there are fantastic views, amenities, and access to a variety of hiking trails such as the Skypilot Scramble. Squamish is also a world-famous kitesports destination; when conditions are good, it's not uncommon to see dozens of kites out on the water down at the Squamish River Spit.

4. Snow

Amazing backcountry terrain is plentiful in the Squamish area when the snow is falling. Snowshoers, mountaineers, cross-country skiers, backcountry skiers, and snowboarders all have lots of options to choose from, such as Paul Ridge, Elfin Lakes, Burton Hut, Mount Brew and Brew Hut, or Journeyman Peak.

5. Rock

The rock climbing around Squamish is some of the best in the world. Thousands of climbers make the pilgrimage to Squamish each year in their camper vans to test their mettle on the Stawamus Chief or explore some of the many other crags within a half hour drive, like the Smoke Bluffs, Cheakamus Canyon, or Star Chek.