Squamish sits north of Vancouver and south of Whistler on the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99), and it burgeons with adventure as "The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada."
Land Activities
Annual events like the Ore Crusher mountain bike race (May), the legendary Test of Metal race (June), and the Squamish Gearjammer race (July) bring biking fans to Squamish. The diverse local terrain makes for great cross-country, downhill, and free-ride biking. Plus, there are more than 150 trails!
Rock-climbing has attracted thousands to Squamish since the Stawamus Chief, North America's second-largest granite monolith, was scaled in 1961. Try one- and two-pitch climbs of varying difficulty levels at Murrin Provincial Park, Comic Rocks, Little Smoke Bluffs, and Cheakamus Canyon. Learn more about rock climbing.
Looking to tee off? Squamish has a nice selection of golf courses. Hit the links at the 18-hole Masters course at the Executive Suites Garibaldi Springs Golf Resort, which has stunning mountain views and lots of water features. Or head to the Squamish Valley Golf Course, rated "Best Value in the Whistler Corridor" by the US" Golf Digest magazine.
Provincial Parks
With eight provincial parks around Squamish, hiking is popular. Enjoy an easy 6km/3.7mi circuit of the Four Lakes Trail in Alice Lake Provincial Park, or feel the burn while hiking 11km/6.8mi (one way) on the Elfin Lakes/Diamond Head route. Head to Shannon Falls Provincial Park to marvel at British Columbia's third-highest waterfall, go camping in the 195,000ha/481,885ac Garibaldi Provincial Park, or fish for trout at Lake Lovely Water in Tantalus Provincial Park. Learn more about Squamish's provincial parks.
Winter Activities
When winter comes, cross-country skiing beckons at the Whistler Olympic Park, a 30-minute drive north of Squamish in the Callaghan Valley. This 2010 Winter Games venue has 55km/34mi of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing, and hosted Olympic biathlon and ski jumping as well. Great cross-country and backcountry skiing is also available in Garibaldi Provincial Park, and the Cloudburst Mountain and Tricouni sections of the Squamish/Cheakamus Divide. Check with the Squamish Adventure Centre/Visitor Centre (38551 Loggers Lane) for more information.
Another winter highlight is bird watching at Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park. Between November and February, Brackendale is home to North America's largest concentration of wintering bald eagles. Find out more about birdwatching and the Brackendale eagles.
For a bird's eye view of Squamish's huge mountains and glacier lakes, set up a flight-seeing tour with a local company like Glacier Air or Sea-to-Sky Air. Float plane, fixed-wing, and helicopter transportation can be arranged.
Water Activities
With optimal wind conditions, the Squamish Spit in Howe Sound is rated one of the 10 best places in the world for wind-surfing and kiteboarding. Catch air and do tricks at speeds of up to 60kph/37mph, or watch top wind-surfers with the entire family.
Enjoy smooth kayaking on the Mamquam River, or Grade 4-5 whitewater on the Cheakamus River. Or head to Porteau Cove Provincial Park for ocean kayaking along the shoreline. River rafting aficionados can book trips through reputable local companies like Sunwolf Outdoor Centre and Canadian Outback Adventures, checking out wildlife and birds while floating through the Squamish River watershed, or navigating the famous "Devil's Elbow" rapids on the Elaho River.
Other water activities include jet skiing on Howe Sound or setting up sailing lessons at the Squamish Yacht Club. Fish for rainbow trout at Brohm Lake or land a big salmon in Porteau Cove, among many other fishing venues.
Events, Culture and History
Notable Squamish festivals include the Wild at Art Festival (March); Squamish Days Logger Sports (July-August), which includes a pancake breakfast, tree-climbing and axe-throwing competitions, bed races, and more; and the Squamish Mountain Festival (August) which celebrates Squamish's history of mountaineering with films, lectures, and workshops.
The Eagle Eye Community Theatre is a 200-seat performing arts venue that showcases community groups staging comedy, drama, and more.
Visit local artists' studios during the annual ArtWalk (September), or check out public art galleries like the Artisan Gallery or private venues such as the Brackendale Art Gallery year-round. Learn more about Squamish galleries and studios.
To investigate Squamish's history and heritage, visit the Britannia Mine Museum, former site of the Britannia copper mine. Railway buffs mustn't miss the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, Western Canada's biggest collection of heritage rolling railway stock.
Dining and Shopping
Squamish has a good selection of restaurants, including everything from fast food to West Coast fare, and for shopping, head to downtown's Cleveland Avenue for funky boutiques. The Hive (38016 Cleveland Ave) specializes in home decor and bathroom accessories, and Agnes Jean (38018 Cleveland Ave) has environmentally friendly clothing and baby goods. Pick up distinctive footwear at Fetish for Shoes (38031 Cleveland Ave).
Driving Routes
Explore Squamish's rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, bird-watching, fishing, and river rafting options along the Coast Cariboo Circle Route, Coast Mountain Circle Route, or the Sea-to-Sky Highway Route. Find out more about driving routes through Squamish here: Driving Routes.
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