Squamish, BC is known as the adventure capital of Canada… and it’s also been my hometown for the last five years. You’ll find Squamish halfway between Whistler and Vancouver, sandwiched between the ocean and the mountains. While outdoor sports are the main draw, there are tons of things to do in Squamish.
The Best Things to Do in Squamish
There are almost too many things to choose from on this list of Squamish activities. So I’ll start with my totally biased local’s opinion and give you my picks for the best Squamish things to do. If I have friends visiting, these are the things I always recommend.
Sea to Sky Gondola
I have an annual pass for the Sea to Sky Gondola and have been up countless times, but each time the view takes my breath away. The gondola takes you from sea level up into the mountains.
The deck at the lodge is an incredible place for lunch as you gaze down to the waters of Howe Sound and across to the surrounding mountains. You can also brave the Sky Pilot Suspension bridge.
There are several easy walking trails near the lodge. Don’t miss the Panorama Trail which leads to a spectacular viewing platform.
If you’re an avid hiker, the Sea to Sky Gondola is a fast way to get up into the mountains. My favourite hike leaving from the lodge is the Al’s Habrich Ridge trail which scrambles up over granite bluffs to subalpine terrain and viewpoints.
Shannon Falls
Don’t miss Shannon Falls. It’s one of the highest waterfalls in BC at 335 m tall. You can reach the base on a short (but steep) 5-minute walk. There are two different viewing platforms. The lower one (pictured below) has a slightly better view and doesn’t have any stairs.
Squamish has tons of hiking trails. There is something for everyone with hiking ranging from beginner to expert. There are easy trails in the valley bottom, steep hikes to peaks, and lots of waterfalls.
For an easy hike with great mountain views, I recommend the trails at Brohm Lake. For a moderate hike, check out Al’s Habrich Trail or Mount Crumpit. It’s a local favourite and has great views. Some of my favourite challenging hikes are High Falls Creek, Watersprite Lake and the Stawamus Chief.
For a full guide to over 20 hiking trails near Squamish, check out my list of the best hikes in Squamish over on my outdoor adventure website.
If you want a local guide to show you the trails, sign up for a hiking tour. For example, you can hike up the Stawamus Chief, then go to a craft brewery afterward.
Mountain Biking
Squamish is surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of mountain bike trails with more added each year. The trails range from green (easy) to double black and pro-line (expert only). I did a bit of crosscountry riding as a kid, and then started mountain biking as an adult once I moved to Squamish.Rock Climbing
Squamish is world-famous for rock climbing. The most well-known spot is the huge granite face of the Stawamus Chief. But climbers also head to Crags in Smoke Bluffs Park and Murrin Provincial Park. The Grand Wall boulders at the foot of the Chief are the best place to go bouldering. There are also lots of smaller crags outside of town.
