With eight provincial parks in the Squamish area, it's easy to spend weeks here enjoying rock climbing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Known Canada-wide for its wildlife (squirrels, chipmunks, etc.) and birds (eagles, jays, etc.), Garibaldi has 90km/56mi of established hiking trails, many fringed with beautiful alpine wildflowers. Massive mountains like the Black Tusk, Price Mountain and Mount Garibaldi adorn the landscape.
The 195,000ha/481,885ac park also offers exceptional cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Camping is available at Elfin Lakes and Mamquam Lake Campgrounds.
Alice Lake Provincial Park
Four freshwater lakes highlight the scenic 396 ha/976ac park at Alice Lake, which is located a mere five-minute drive north of Squamish.
Go swimming, launch a canoe or kayak, or fish for rainbow trout (with a provincial licence) at Alice Lake. Camping (with 108 vehicle-accessible sites, 12 walk-in sites, and two group sites) and picnic tables are also available.
Among the 10 trails at Alice Lake Provincial Park, the DeBeck's Trail is noted for its fine views of the Squamish River and the Tantalus Range. A special interpretive program called "Bear Habitat" can be booked, which enables visitors to better understand the behaviour of the black bear.
Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
Between November and February, come to the Brackendale Dyke on Government Road and gaze across the Squamish River to Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park to see one of the world's highest concentration of wintering bald eagles.
These mighty birds nest in cottonwood trees and fish for spawning salmon in the river. In 1994, close to 3,800 eagles were counted, a world record. Bring a telephoto lense to capture the best bird pics.
The Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival takes place each year in January and attracts thousands. There are interpretive displays, nature tours, eagle art displays, guest speakers, and more. Check out the colourful, multi-purpose Brackendale Art Gallery (41950 Government Rd.) for full details.
To access the eagle viewing area, take the exit at Mamquam Road about 5km/3mi north of downtown Squamish, and head north on Government Road.
Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
The Stawamus Chief is among the world's largest granite monoliths and overshadows downtown Squamish with its 700m/2300ft majesty. It was first scaled by Jim Cooper and Ed Baldwin in 1961, and that feat helped make Squamish into a rock-climbing mecca.
In addition to watching world-class climbers at work, hikers can climb to the Chief's three summits, which offer incredible views of Howe Sound and the Squamish Valley, or observe nesting peregrine falcons between March and July. The hike can be tough, and as such is rated intermediate to advanced.
More Squamish Provincial Parks
Marvel at the white thunder cascading at Shannon Falls Provincial Park, the home of British Columbia's third-highest waterfall at 335m/1110ft. Water babies will enjoy kayaking or scuba diving along the shoreline at Porteau Cove Provincial Park, which also has 44 vehicle-accessible campsites.
Hike around the lake or try one of 250 routes on various climbing walls at Murrin Provincial Park. Or check out the fishing and mountaineering options at the recently designated 11,351ha/28,048ac Tantalus Provincial Park. In Squamish, the possibilities with provincial parks are virtually endless.
For more information and directions to these provincial parks, visit BC Parks or check in at the Squamish Adventure Centre/Visitor Centre.
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