Squamish is a picturesque town in British Columbia, Canada, known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Leaving Nanaimo via BC Ferries will put you in West Vancouver. From there, Squamish is only a 40-minute drive north, making it a perfect day trip destination from Vancouver Island.
Key Information about Squamish
- Tourism Destination: Squamish is a popular tourism destination, often referred to as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.” Visitors head to Squamish to enjoy hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and water sports. The Sea to Sky Gondola, The Chief and Shannon Falls Provincial Park are notable attractions in the area.
- Location: Squamish is situated in the Sea to Sky Corridor between Vancouver and Whistler, making it a convenient stop for travellers exploring this beautiful region of British Columbia.
- Squamish Nation: The Squamish Nation is an indigenous First Nations community with a significant presence in the area. They contribute to the cultural richness of Squamish.
6 Best Things to Do in Squamish BC
1. Britannia Mine Museum – Great for Families
Location: Along the Sea to Sky highway, 10 minutes south of Squamish.
I remember going to the museum when I was young and have fond memories of panning for gold. So, while there with my kids, I was pleased to discover that this activity is still in service.
As an adult, I appreciated the entire wonder of the museum, and both hubby and I were extremely impressed with every exhibit and activity this National Historic Site offers.
Highlights
- Underground tour: fun yet informative.
- Industrial and residential buildings: These 17 structures provide insight and a better understanding of life when the mine was fully operational.
- Britannia A to Z Historical Exhibits: allow you to dig even deeper into the Britannia community with personal stories, photos and artifacts.
- Machine Shop: explains what each machine, tool and equipment was used for during the mining operation.
- Visitor Centre: provides many hands-on exhibits and an award-winning film tracing Britannia's mining heritage.
However, the BEST part of the entire museum, in my opinion, is Mill 3. You get to access where the ore used to be processed. And we were completely wowed with the enormity of this industrial building.
For up-to-date information regarding ticket prices and operation hours, visit their website.
Sea to Sky Gondola – Great for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Location: 2 kilometres south of Squamish, directly on the Sea to Sky Highway/Hwy 99.
The 10-minute ride in a cushy 8-passenger capacity gondola takes you to the Summit Lodge at 885m above sea level. Once at the top, you can roam about at your leisure. Numerous walking and hiking trails, viewing platforms, and the remarkable Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge are all found here.
The gondola is open year-round, and both summer and winter offer different activities for you to enjoy.
Winter Activities
- Snowshoeing – There are five marked snowshoeing trails and access to endless terrain if you are equipped for the backcountry.
- Winter Walking – rent crampons and poles from the Summit Lodge and walk the trails. If walking in snow isn't your thing, the suspension bridge and Summit Lodge deck are always cleared.
- Tubing – with four lanes of varying sliding levels, the old-fashioned tube park offers sliding fun for all ages.
Summer Activities
- Hiking – there are eight main hiking trails of varying range and difficulty accessed from the top of the gondola.
- Walking Trails – there are several easy walking trails to enjoy
- Front Country Trails – offers two easily accessible walking trails starting right from the top of the Gondola. Both are graded trails and are relatively level, with no steep climbs or descents.
- The Panorama Trail – is a 1.6 km long loop trail that takes you through the coastal forest.
- The Spirit Trail – is a 400-meter-long loop that takes guests on an interpretive journey through the history of the land.
- The Lookback Loop – is a 15 – 20-minute single-track loop that begins off the Panorama Trail and goes out to a granite cliff that overlooks Goat Ridge, as well as the upper reaches of the gondola.
- Rock Climbing – there are two locations identified as rock climbing areas
- Wrinkle Rock – offers a range of easier routes that are a combination of crack and slab affair.
- Klettergarten (Ultraviolet Cliff) – is now one of the easier-accessed cliffs in Squamish. This cliff offers eight fully cleaned routes with bolted anchors.
Dining Options at the Top
Three venues offer a variety of snacks, drinks and meals.
- The Summit Restaurant and Edge Bar – is the only place you can dine 885 meters above Howe Sound.
- The Summit Tea House – offers grab-and-go food service and an excellent selection of tea.
- The Basecamp Cafe – located at the base of the Gondola- offers hot and cold beverages, baked goods, gelato and snacks.
As you can see, there is plenty to do for the outdoor enthusiast at the Sea to Sky Gondola, but it is also just a great place for the family to hang out for the day (or a few hours).
Beat the crowds and book online before you go!
Sea to Sky Gondola Tickets
Shannon Falls – For all those Waterfall Seekers
Location: Shannon Falls Provincial Park, located 2 km south of Squamish on Hwy 99.
Shannon Falls is the third largest waterfall in BC, and well worth the stop!
Around the base of the falls, you’ll find a well-maintained boardwalk and trail network that allows you to explore some of the area’s towering trees. The trail to the falls is an easy 350-metre walk.
This Provincial Park does get busy, especially during the summer months. However, if you ask me, the prime time to visit is in the spring or fall when you experience the high water levels from the rain and snow melt, making for a thunderous waterfall!
The Chief – For Extreme Adventures
Location: Stawamus Chief Park – located 2 km south of Squamish
The Stawamus Chief is the second-largest granite monolith in the world and is renowned for its rock climbing.
If rock climbing is your thing (or on your bucket list), Stawamus Chief is an international climbing destination, with opportunities for climbers of all skill levels.
For those that want a good sweat (and burn), the Peaks Backside trail leads to the summit of the Chief. The hike is strenuous, and the weather is changeable, so please prepare!
Whether hiking or climbing, those who reach the summit are rewarded with spectacular views of Howe Sound. It's also a great birdwatching area. The cliff faces of the Chief provide critical nesting habitats for the endangered Peregrine falcon. The Falcons can sometimes be seen in the day-use area as well.
Alice Lake (Provincial Park)
Location: A 10-minute drive north of Squamish on the Sea to Sky Highway. (The parking lot is on the right).
Alice Lake is a great, family-friendly location and a popular place to camp, especially during the summer. The lake has nice sandy beaches, breathtaking mountain views, dense forests, and grassy areas.
Visitors also love kayaking and canoeing on the calm water, and during the summer months, you can rent gear at the main beach.
Due to the popularity of the campground, reservations are recommended. You can reserve through the Discover Camping website.
There are lots of great trails within the Provincial Park. The top recommendations are:
- Four Lakes Trail – 6 km loop around all four lakes
For fewer crowds, explore the 4 Lakes Trail and visit Stump, Fawn, or Edith Lake. Dogs aren’t allowed on the main beach of Alice Lake; however, you can take them on the trails and to the three smaller lakes.
- DeBeck's Hill Trail – 3km round trip
Climbing 274 meters from the trailhead, this is a fairly strenuous hike. The trail access is from the parking lot in the South Beach area. Walk past the yellow gate, and there is a small sign at the beginning of the trail. Go to the right and follow the old logging road up the hill. This road will take you to the high point above and outside Alice Lake Park.
Other Tranquil Swimming Holes
Cat Lake – located just after Alice Lake on the right
Brohm Lake – the entrance to Brohm Lake is just after Cat Lake (on your left)
Rafting in Squamish
Several Squamish companies offer white-water rafting experiences. All will provide you with an unforgettable day. Here are a few recommendations:
- Cheakamus White-Water Rafting
- Elaho White-Water Rafting (for the ultimate thrill)
- Squamish Scenic Twilight Float (for something tamer)
So tell me, have you been to any of these locations in Squamish?
Or maybe you have a few other recommendations!?
Let me know in the comments below.
If day-tripping seems like too much of a chore, you can always stay at one of many Squamish accommodations.
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I bet you there are lots of people from the same area whom have never been. We always forget to be a tourists in our own home town. But yes, I do recommend seeing them the next time you are out this way. The kids would love it!