October 14, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Squamish, Hiking
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The Grouse Grind is considered “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”, but the Stawamus Chief trail comes a close second. I know this because my thighs are still burning two days later.
This past weekend, three of us tackled the Chief to burn off calories from the previous night’s indulgent camping dinner (Kraft dinner, marshmallows, wine). I was looking forward to checking out the second peak route, as I’d only been to the first peak on previous Chief hikes.
The first and second peaks share the same trail for most of the journey. It’s steep, rocky and rooty. The trail was busy, but not packed, and there were lots of dogs hiking with their owners (patting friendly dogs is a good excuse for a break).
Near the top, the trail splits and the route to the second peak gets a little more challenging than the route to the first. Like the first peak, there are chains to help climb up and around the huge slabs of rocks, but they required a little more attention.
That being said, though, there were some children (maybe aged 7 and 10?) with their dad on the route; we stopped to give them a hand climbing the rocks and chains. They did great! It’s always awesome to see young kids out in the woods. They took it slow and steady and made it to the top with everyone else.
It took us an hour to hike up, and less time down. The trail was dry, but if there was a recent rainfall it would have slick, especially on the rocks.
The view of the water, mountains and Squamish was fantastic, and it was neat to see the first peak from the second peak. If you have the energy, I’d recommend the second peak over the first to avoid crowds. Feeling really energetic? There’s a third peak with even less people.
September 07, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Squamish, Hiking
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Garibaldi Provincial Park comprises of 194,650 hectares within the coast mountains and is located 13 km north of Squamish, 97 km north of Vancouver along Hwy 99 to Whistler.
Enjoy the hike!
September 03, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Squamish, Hiking
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Garibaldi Provincial Park comprises 194,650 hectares within the coastal mountains, and is perhaps Canada's most accessible and spectacular wilderness.
Raw and uncompromised backcountry, alpine meadows and glaciated heights, this scenically breathtaking area has endless outdoor opportunities, all within an hour of Vancouver.
The park is located 13 km north of Squamish, 97 km north of Vancouver along Hwy 99 on the road to Whistler.
June 01, 2009 | Field Reports >
Squamish, Hiking
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In the two years I've lived in the area, I've done a lot of hiking. I kept hearing about the Chief. I decided the time was right and I'd give it a try. I drove up to Squamish from Vancouver (about 60km) with some friends. We went past the Shannon Falls parking lot entrance to the next parking lot just off the highway on the right.
This parking lot leads into two more that have bathrooms and trail maps. We walked straight into the rock face following some small trails and found a bunch of hardcore rock face climbers. It was really cool to watch, but clearly we were in the wrong place. We followed the wide path past some camp sites and to the trail head.
The trail head is a HUGE boulder and is a true indication of what's to come. Up we went... The first part of the hike follows a water path (fall?) that runs from the top of the mountain. It's a great view as you climb the steps. The steps are really well taken care of and look fairly new.
If there are no wooden steps, rocks serve the same purpose as you climb, climb, climb. The tall trees shelter you from the sun but you're plenty warm with the workout you get.
The climb up is challenging but so rewarding. We chose to go to the second peak and near the top there are several rope or chain-assisted climbs. Although I'm a hiker and not a rock climber, I felt like I took a step toward being one.
And when you reach the top, the view is amazing. It's well worth the last hour-and-a-half of a literal up-hill battle. The snowy peaks seem within reach and the wide expanse of nature is breathtaking.
Although it was a very challenging hike for me physically, I would do it again in a second!
November 17, 2008 | Field Reports >
Squamish, Hiking
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On the advice of locals, I checked out the Stawamus Chief in Squamish, BC. At the summit, you get to look over the edge... 2,100ft straight down!
February 21, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Squamish, Hiking
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The grand remains of the giant trees
May 15, 2006 | Tips from Us >
Squamish, Hiking
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This past weekend brought beautiful weather to Vancouver, Coast and Mountains so to take advantage of it, a small group of us went to
Stawamus Chief (aka “The Chief”) for a hike just outside of Squamish. The Chief is a Provincial Park with picnic tables, grass area, full running washrooms, camping, a little info booth/gift shop where you can snack on ice cream bars and a nice little walk to view BC’s 3rd highest waterfall -
Shannon Falls.
The hike up the Chief is a little more intense than the walk to Shannon Falls. I found the trail level to be intermediate-difficult. I'm not a big hiker but I found it was a good work out and it's much more scenic than the Grouse Grind. The age range of hikers varied from 7 years old to 65+ and some pet dogs. I would ensure you wear proper footwear, take extra clothing, water and a little snack before you go up. Although we did see a fellow walking up the trail barefooted… he looked like the extreme/outdoorsy type and probably was ‘callousing’ up his feet for some other sport?! Perhaps training for a hot-coal walking contest or he could be just plain crazy.
Anyways, the trial had some man-made steps, ladders and chains to assist you on the steep inclines but majority of the trial was composed of rocks and mother-earth. There are 3 peaks you can hike; one path leading to peak 1 & 2 and another path leading to peak 3. You can also get to peak 3 via peak 2 (
map). We only climbed to the 1st peak where we soaked in the view of the Howe Sound and overlooked the town site of Squamish and the surrounding mountains. It was very breathtaking and serene minus the stark-white topless male teens who were trying to work on their tans (a sure sign that summer is on it’s way...)
We managed to fi
August 10, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Squamish, Hiking
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A friend and I recently hiked the Elfin Lakes Trail in the Diamond Head Area of
Garibaldi Provincial Park. If you're reasonably fit and haven't done this one yet, add it to your 'must-do' list. From the trailhead, an 11 km (6.8 mi) gradual uphill grade will lead you to a pair of pristine ridge-top lakes and an overnight shelter. Be warned: if you forgot your camera, the 360 degrees of mountains and glaciers will taunt you. Swimming is allowed in one of the lakes, and the water at the moment is surprisingly warmer than bone-chilling. My friend went for a dip and was amazed by the lake's clarity! he said he could see his feet as clearly as if he were standing on dry land! The Elfin Lakes Trail sees a lot of use on summer weekends, but on a weekday you'll likely share it with only a dozen people or so. A tip: suntan lotion and insect repellent strongly recommended. For additional hiking suggestions see the
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Hiking page.