A panoramic aerial view of Squamish with the mountains and the ocean

Things to do in  Squamish

Where the sea meets the sky

This laid-back mountain town is a hotbed for climbers, kayakers, bikers, and nature lovers. Squamish is located along the Sea to Sky Highway, marked by the imposing Stawamus Chief Mountain whose sheer granite cliffs top the things-to-do list in summer. From the top, the expansive Howe Sound provides a stunning backdrop. In recent years, funky breweries, local boutiques, and festivals have turned Squamish into a quirky cultural gem.

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Top 7 attractions in Squamish

#1

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

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Squamish’s Stawamus Chief Provincial Park is home to one of British Columbia’s most iconic landmarks: The Chief. The popular rock­-climbing and hiking destination towers 2,300 feet (700 meters) above Squamish and is the second­-largest granite monolith (freestanding piece of rock) in the world. Though it might be hard to believe from looking at the steep rock face, hiking to the top is a relatively moderate, two­-hour hike. The Chief doesn’t get as much snow during the winter as the other nearby mountains and so enjoys a fairly long hiking season. The summit is usually clear of snow in the early spring, making The Chief a great warm­up hike for the summer months ahead. There are three peaks, each accessible from the single trailhead. You can hike up each one individually, or summit all three if you’re feeling ambitious. Hikers should be prepared with sturdy footwear, clothing, food and water.In addition to being a popular hiking destination, Stawamus Chief Provincial Park is a rock-climber’s paradise. There are hundreds of granite walls and multi-­pitch crack climbing routes, the most well­-known being The Apron and The Grand Wall. Even the most advanced rock climbers come from all over the world to be challenged during the busy summer season by these routes.More
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#2

Porteau Cove Provincial Park

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Stretching over 56 hectares of Howe Sound, North America’s southernmost fjord, the Porteau Cove Provincial Park makes a tranquil retreat from nearby Vancouver, and is renowned for its diverse array of marine life. Taking its name from the French ‘Porte d’Eau’ or ‘Water’s Gate’, the protected area offers a serene expanse of ocean, fringed by a pebble beach and dotted with campsites, swimming spots and lookout points.While holidaymakers come for the glittering waters and dramatic sunsets, the star attraction lies beneath the ocean – an underwater playground for scuba divers, with artificial reefs, sunken shipwrecks and a diver’s float providing habitats for a colorful population of starfish, anemone and octopus. Windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and boat tours are also popular activities.More
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#3

Shannon Falls

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Tumbling 1,099 feet (335 meters) over granite framed by evergreen trees, Shannon Falls are a scenic highlight of the Sea-to-Sky Highway linking Vancouver to Pemberton. The hike to the falls from the parking lot is a beautiful way to get some fresh air and stretch your legs.More
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#4

Sea to Sky Gondola

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During the 10-minute ride to the 2,900-foot (884-meter) summit station, passengers of the Sea to Sky Gondola are treated to sweeping views of some of British Columbia’s most epic landscapes. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the gondola cars reveal the sky-piercing peaks of the Coast Mountains and the glittering fjords of Howe Sound.More
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#5

Garibaldi Provincial Park

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British Columbia’s spectacular Coast Range is home to numerous glacier-covered peaks. Visitors to Garibaldi Provincial Park will find trails that lead to backcountry lakes, campgrounds, and forests that are near the towns of Squamish and Whistler. The most famous peak in the park is Black Tusk, a pinnacle of volcanic rock that juts skyward.More
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#6

Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park

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Every winter, thousands of bald eagles descend on the Squamish River to feast on salmon. Set on the west river bank, the 1,865-acre (755-hectare Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park serves as a winter sanctuary for the feathered migrators, with the majestic birds of prey roosting in the lofty branches of its towering trees.More
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#7

Squamish Adventure Centre

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With its Douglas fir features and a curved roof that resembles a bald eagle in flight, the striking design of the Squamish Adventure Centre references its surroundings. The center is a hub for visitors to the area, offering information on outdoor activities in Squamish and views of the imposing granite dome of the Stawamus Chief.More
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Top activities in Squamish

Sea to Sky Gondola Ticket

Sea to Sky Gondola Ticket

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Family Friendly Cheakamus Splash Rafting

Family Friendly Cheakamus Splash Rafting

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Wet and Wild Elaho Exhilarator Rafting

Wet and Wild Elaho Exhilarator Rafting

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Britannia Mine Museum General Admission

Britannia Mine Museum General Admission

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US$30.33
Sea to Sky Afternoon Sail
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Sea to Sky Afternoon Sail

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US$135.91
Squamish Via Ferrata Tour

Squamish Via Ferrata Tour

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Squamish Explorer Flightseeing Tour

Squamish Explorer Flightseeing Tour

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Whistler Backcountry Flightseeing Tour
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Whistler Backcountry Flightseeing Tour

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Elaho Whitewater Experience

Elaho Whitewater Experience

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Squamish Discovery Eco-tour
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Squamish Discovery Eco-tour

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2 Hour Ropes Course Adventure Squamish

2 Hour Ropes Course Adventure Squamish

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Cheakamus Family Adventure

Cheakamus Family Adventure

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Alpine Lake Flightseeing Experience from Squamish

Alpine Lake Flightseeing Experience from Squamish

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Squamish Rock Climbing Taster
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Squamish Rock Climbing Taster

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3-Day Historic Li-lik-hel Mine Expedition

3-Day Historic Li-lik-hel Mine Expedition

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Vancouver Airport to-or-from Whistler or Squamish by Bus (Single trip)

Vancouver Airport to-or-from Whistler or Squamish by Bus (Single trip)

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Whistler to Vancouver Airport by Bus (Single trip)

Whistler to Vancouver Airport by Bus (Single trip)

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Vancouver City Centre to-or-from Whistler or Squamish by Bus (Single trip)

Vancouver City Centre to-or-from Whistler or Squamish by Bus (Single trip)

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Squamish to-or-from Whistler by Bus (Single trip)

Squamish to-or-from Whistler by Bus (Single trip)

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All about Squamish

When to visit

From June to September, the weather is warm and Squamish is full of life. The town is built around outdoor sports so summer is perfect to get into the mountains or onto the waters of Howe Sound. Because it's not as well known as neighboring Whistler or Vancouver, staying in Squamish means you’re more likely to be hanging out with locals rather than other visitors.

Getting around

Squamish is the perfect size to explore on foot. From Vancouver, it’s a 1-hour drive along the Sea to Sky Highway with panoramic views of the mountains and Howe Sound. Bus services also run between Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler. Public transit runs from downtown Squamish to some of the more popular trailheads in summer and throughout the town itself, year-round.

Traveler tips

Stawamus Chief Mountain occupies a powerful place in the culture of the town. According to stories from the Indigenous Squamish Nation, the mountain is a home to spirits, with the faces of animals emerging from the rocks. The mountain's sheer granite face is famous among climbers, and the steep trail up the back provides a challenge for hikers. The full hike takes you to three separate peaks, with views of the surrounding mountains and Howe Sound far below.

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People Also Ask

How to spend a day in Squamish?

Start with breakfast at the Zephyr Café to fuel up before heading to Shannon Falls Provincial Park. It has a variety of trails for a range of abilities and is good for a picnic. Later, head downtown to discover live music at Cork and Craft Taphouse and Howe Sound Brewing.

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Is it worth visiting Squamish?

Yes. Squamish is a perfect home base to explore British Columbia’s natural beauty and try out a plethora of outdoor sports. As a small town, it has a calmer atmosphere than Vancouver, and, in the evenings, its pubs fill with people in hiking shoes and raincoats.

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What is a secret spot in Squamish?

If you’re tired of hiking, hop on a horse and let it climb for you. Cheekye Ranch offers rides through Squamish Valley, as well as camping and yurt accommodations for a getaway. Don’t let the hyperfit locals fool you into thinking that getting into nature has to be a challenge.

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What is Squamish known for?

Squamish is known for its proximity to the ocean and the mountains, with countless opportunities for exploring. More recently, it’s become home to a number of breweries and galleries, which have contributed to its cultural evolution.

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Is Squamish expensive?

Yes and no. Squamish is less expensive than neighboring Whistler, but if you’re taking outdoor adventure tours, it can get expensive. It tends to attract a younger, more adventurous demographic, so it’s not hard to find inexpensive hostels and campsites.

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