The Best Things to do in Squamish, BC

Situated half way between Vancouver and Whistler on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, Squamish lies at the northern tip of Howe Sound. Home to numerous provincial parks, mountains, waterfalls and lakes, there are so many things to do in Squamish. Since moving to Vancouver, I’ve been to Squamish several times and it’s become one of my favourite places in British Columbia.

In this blog post I’m sharing the best things to do in Squamish. From beautiful mountain hikes to scenic lakes, if you’re thinking of planning a weekend getaway to Squamish, here are a few activities and sights that you can’t miss.

BOOKING / If this article helps you travel, please consider booking your trip via the links on this page. This means I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep the blog running. Thank you in advance for your support – Steph

How to get to Squamish from Vancouver

BY CAR

Head north on Highway 99 (the Sea to Sky highway). It takes about an hour to get to Squamish but there are some lovely stops along the way so you may want to factor in some extra time.

CAR HIRE

I personally use Auto Europe as they have great rates. You can compare all the major companies in a grid format that shows the prices for different car sizes by provider. If you need any help, their 24/7 customer service is very good.

BY PUBLIC TRANSIT

If you don’t have a car, you can take a shuttle bus to Squamish. There are a few options, including the Squamish Connector and YVR Skylynx. Both offer daily services between downtown Vancouver and Squamish. However, having a car definitely helps in Squamish as things are spread out and some trailheads aren’t accessible by public transit.

9 FUN THINGS TO DO IN SQUAMISH

1. Plan a cosy cabin getaway

There are lots of log cabins near Vancouver, but Sunwolf Riverside Resort is one of my favourite places to stay when Mat and I want to get out of the city for a few days, especially in winter. As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, there’s something quite magical about holing up in a snug cabin and relaxing by a log fire. 

Nestled among 5 acres of lush woodland, Sunwolf has a rustic charm. The small resort is idyllically situated at the confluence of the Cheakamus and Cheekye rivers and offers spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of the Tantalus Range. One of the things I love about these cabins is that Sunwolf have put in low energy LED lights and a low flush toilets in order to reduce their impact on the environment. They also have eco-friendly insulation in the roof, floor and walls.

There are 12 riverside cabins tucked away in the coastal temperate rain forest, including the Loggers Shack and the Fisherman’s Cottage. The riverside cabins are bright, spacious, and have a Scandinavian feel. They comfortably sleep 3 people, although you can pay a bit extra to accommodate a 4^th person. The Fisherman’s Cottage is the largest cabin on the site and sleeps 8 people. You can check availability and pricing here.

2. Hike the iconic Stawamus Chief

The Stawamus Chief is one of the largest granite monoliths in North America towering 702 metres above Squamish. Known locally as the Chief, it’s one of the most popular rock climbing and hiking destinations along the Sea to Sky. Hiking the Chief is one of the best things to do in Squamish. It’s a steep intermediate hike which offers incredible views over Squamish, Howe Sound, and Garibaldi Provincial Park. There are three summits; First Peak, Second Peak and Third Peak.

THE THREE PEAKS

• First Peak: 1.5 km trail with an elevation gain of 540 metres
• Second Peak: 1.7 km trail with an elevation gain of 590 metres
• Third Peak: 1.8 km trail with an elevation gain of 630 metres

Most people take the route up to Second Peak and then continue on to Third Peak which takes about 6 to 7 hours to complete. Although it’s not an overly technical hike, it is challenging due to the steep incline but the views make it worth the effort.

3. Go eagle watching

Brackendale Eagle Provincial Park is located in the Squamish River Valley. It’s a beautiful area to explore all year round, but even more so in winter. Between November and February, the area is home to the largest congregation of wintering bald eagles who come to feast on the spawning salmon. Eagle watching is one of the most popular things to do in Squamish at this time of year.

The park has an Eagle Run viewing shelter where you can learn more about the eagles and salmon lifecycle through the Eagle Watch Interpretive Program. The best time to visit is between mid-December and mid-January.

We saw plenty of bald eagles when we stayed at Sunwolf Riverside Resort last November. The cabins are located at the confluence of the two rivers so it’s a great spot to see the eagles.

4. Explore Garibaldi Provincial Park

Stretching from Pemberton to Squamish, Garibaldi Provincial Park offers a variety of beautiful hiking trails to glacier fed lakes, stunning mountain summits, and flower filled meadows. The Diamond Head area of the park is situated just north of Squamish. Many of the trails start here so Squamish is the perfect base if you plan to explore the park.

The Diamond Head area includes Mount Garibaldi, Opal Cone, and Mamquam Lake. The trail to Elfin Lakes also starts here and is one of the best things to do if you’re staying in Squamish. Although it is a long hike (22 km round trip), the elevation gain is only 600 metres, making it one of the more moderate hikes in Garibaldi Provincial Park. 

If you drive further north, you’ll reach the Rubble Creek area which is the heart of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Here you can hike to Garibaldi Lake, Black Tusk, and the iconic Panorama Ridge.

GARIBALDI LAKE (18 KM ROUND TRIP)

Nestled between alpine mountains, Garibaldi Lake is one of the most scenic places in British Columbia. The trail begins with 6 km of switch backs which can be steep at times. Shortly after the 6 km mark, you’ll reach a junction where you can go right directly to Garibaldi Lake, or left to Taylor Meadows. If you choose the latter, you’ll add on a few kilometres to your hike but it’s definitely worth it in the summer and early fall when the meadows are filed with alpine flowers. The hike takes about 5 – 6 hours in total. A lot of people choose to camp overnight at Taylor Meadows or Garibaldi Lake so they can hike Panorama Ridge or Black Tusk the next day. If you choose to do this, you’ll need to make a reservation at one of the two campsites in advance.

BLACK TUSK (29 KM ROUND TRIP)

Black Tusk is one of the most unique hikes in British Columbia. Whilst many hikers opt to complete this hike in one day, it is a long and steep trail so some people  prefer to camp overnight at Garibaldi Lake or Taylor Meadows and then hike to Black Tusk the next day. If you decide to do it in a day then make sure you leave enough time to get back to the car park during daylight hours. The trail can be very technical and dangerous in places especially as you climb higher. The views are stunning but make sure you have the right gear and are properly prepared before you set out.  

PANORAMA RIDGE (30 KM ROUND TRIP)

With an elevation gain of 1520 metres over 30 km, this is a challenging hike. The trail meanders through the beautiful Taylor Meadows with views of Black Tusk and the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Once you reach the top, you’ll understand why it’s one of the best things to do in Squamish. You’ll be rewarded with one of the most scenic views in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Like Black Tusk, many people choose to split the hike over two days.  

5. Spend the day at Brohm Lake

If you’re looking for a relaxing day out, head to Brohm Lake. Located about 15 km north of Squamish, Brohm Lake is one of the most popular summer spots in Squamish. By July, the water is warm and refreshing which makes it perfect for swimming, paddle-boarding, or just relaxing on an inflatable rubber ring. We’ve spent many afternoons at Brohm Lake enjoying a picnic with friends and hiking some of the wooden trails. The western trails offer beautiful views towards the Tantalus Range. Parking is limited and is usually full by 9am in the summer months so get there early or come later in the afternoon.

6. Stop at Brandywine Falls

Located along the Sea to Sky Highway between Squamish and Whistler, Brandywine Falls is an iconic landmark. The waterfall is very accessible and it’s only a short walk from the car park. It’s perfect place to stop if you’re travelling through the Squamish and Whistler area. The trail starts from the parking lot and crosses a wooden bridge over the river. After the bridge, head right for 500 metres until you reach the viewing platform overlooking the spectacular 70m waterfall. It’s a beautiful scene especially in winter when the surrounding rocks are covered in snow.

7. Enjoy a scenic lunch at the Watershed Grill

There are plenty of lovely places to eat in Squamish, but the Watershed Grill is a firm favourite. Overlooking the Squamish River, the restaurant is a great place to stop for breakfast and lunch. The patio offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and you’ll usually spot some wildlife down by the river below. The last time we went we saw two black bears which was an incredible sight! The restaurant serves a variety of dishes but is best known for their burgers.

8. Sample some local beers at Howe Sound Brewing

Squamish has three breweries in the town but my favourite is Howe Sound Brewing which has the most incredible views of the Chief from its outdoor patio. The brewery produces award-winning beer including India pale ales, a honey ale and an oatmeal stout.

They also serve delicious homemade pub food which is perfect after a day hiking in the mountains. Their menu is full of classic favourites so there’s plenty to choose from. They have a great selection of fresh pizzas, local seafood, and hearty burgers – all of which are made with local produce. As a Brit, I’m very picky about Fish and Chips but I can honestly say theirs is one of the best I’ve had in Canada!

9. Learn about the culture and history of the First Nations communities

Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center to learn more about the two First Nations communities that lived in the area. The Sk̲wxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation, Coast Salish) and Líl̓wat7ul (Lil’wat Nation, Interior Salish) Nations share and celebrate their cultures at this immersive centre through tours, activities and exhibitions. It’s incredible to hear their stories about the forests, rivers and mountains listed in this guide and is a very enriching experience. They are open Tuesday – Sunday, from 10 am – 5 pm. If you’re unable to visit during your time in Squamish, they also have virtual tours.

LOCATION DETAILS

You’ll find all of the places listed in this article on my map below. To save this map, click on the star on the right hand side of the title. This will save the map to “Your Places” in the Google Maps so you will have it when you visit Squamish. 

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Squamish

Squamish is a beautiful year-round destination and really does have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore the local trails or just relax by the lakes, there are so many fun things to do in Squamish. I hope you found this blog post useful and discovered some new things to try if you’re ever in Squamish.

Where to explore next?

There are so many incredible places to explore in British Columbia. Here are a few places that should definitely be on your bucket list when you visit beautiful BC:

• Vancouver: With a breath-taking mountain backdrop, Vancouver is one of the most photogenic cities in the world. Spend a couple of days exploring the city’s prettiest spots or grab your hiking gear and discover the best hiking trails near Vancouver. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry, there are plenty of easy and rewarding trails in Vancouver!
• Sunshine Coast: Stretching almost 180 km from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound, the Sunshine Coast is home to old growth forests, secluded beaches, and magical fjords. Spend a few days in the quaint town of Gibsons and check out the ever-growing number of breweries and distilleries. Or head up to Powell River on the north island for some peaceful solitude and endless outdoor activities.
• Vancouver Island: Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia. Take the ferry over to Victoria for a city break that combines culture, history and outdoor adventures. Continue on to Sooke and see why this charming town is one of Vancouver Island’s best-kept secrets. Or, if you’re looking for the best beaches in BC, take a trip to Tofino, the surf capital of Canada.

Love from Steph

SAVE FOR LATER

More British Columbia Guides