Things To Do
in Squamish
Squamish is a small outdoors-oriented town in British Columbia nestled between Howe Sound and the coastal mountains, famous for dramatic granite cliffs and prolific outdoor recreation. It’s often called the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada because of world-class rock climbing, mountain biking, kiteboarding and hiking access within minutes of town. Squamish blends a rugged natural setting with a growing food scene, breweries, Indigenous culture and an active local arts community.
Its proximity to Vancouver (about 45–60 minutes by car) makes it an accessible base for day trips to Whistler, Vancouver Island and the Sea-to-Sky corridor.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Squamish and settle into your accommodation. Spend the morning wandering through the charming downtown area, exploring local shops and cafes. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the local bistros, savoring fresh ingredients and coffee.
After lunch, visit the Britannia Mine Museum to learn about the area's rich mining history and its significance to the local community. Engage in interactive exhibits and take a guided tour of the historic copper mine. Capture stunning views and photos from the site as you delve deeper into Squamish's past.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant, soaking in the beautiful scenery. Choose from a wide array of cuisines that highlight fresh local produce and seafood. Wrap up your day with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront path, taking in the tranquil views.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before tackling the iconic Stawamus Chief Mountain. Prepare for an invigorating hike with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fjords. The trail offers several viewpoints where you can pause and take in the breathtaking scenery.
After reaching the summit, enjoy a packed lunch while soaking in panoramic vistas. Descend in the afternoon, taking a different trail optionally to explore more of the area. Freshen up at your accommodation before heading out for the evening.
Dinner tonight can be at a cozy pub where you can unwind with local brew and hearty fare. Join locals at the venue for games and conversation, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience. End the evening relaxing under the stars, perhaps by a fire pit if available.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍺Pint at a local brewery | $6-9 |
| 🚍Local bus/one-way transit fare | $2.50-5.00 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel (per night) | $120-220 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Outstanding access to world-class outdoor activities within minutes of town
- Stunning coastal and mountain scenery with excellent photography opportunities
- Friendly, outdoorsy community with growing food and brewery scene
- Can be crowded in peak summer and holiday weekends; trailhead parking fills quickly
- Limited late-night entertainment and fewer upscale dining options compared with larger cities
- Weather can be unpredictable—especially shoulder seasons and winter—affecting outdoor plans
Places to Visit in Squamish
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic granite monolith offering sweeping vantage points over Squamish and Howe Sound—dramatic at sunrise and sunset, with clear shots of cliffs and the town below.
Alpine viewing platforms and suspension bridge provide panoramic photos of mountains, fjords and glaciers; clear days yield long-distance vistas.
A photogenic, easily accessible waterfall with trails and viewing platforms—powerful and atmospheric in all seasons.
Great for wildlife, reflections and low-light shoreline shots; golden hour over the estuary frames the mountains and tidal flats beautifully.
Multiple pullouts along Highway 99 offer dramatic coastal mountain and fjord scenes—pack a polarizer for water and sky contrast.
Food in Squamish
Squamish Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh wild salmon—grilled, smoked or featured in tacos—is a must-try; find it at seafood restaurants and many pubs during the season (summer through early fall).
Must-Try!
Classic Canadian comfort dishes with local twists appear on many menus; hearty portions fuel outdoor activities and are easy to find downtown and near trailheads.
Casual coastal dishes built around locally sourced fish and shellfish are popular at food trucks and sit-down restaurants alike.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market (spring–fall) offering fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods and local crafts—great for picnic supplies and sampling local flavors.
Look for rotating food trucks in downtown and at events; offerings often include tacos, wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches and local baked treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Acknowledge that Squamish is on the traditional territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation—be respectful at cultural sites and follow guidance provided by Indigenous centres or signboards.
Keep to trails, pack out what you pack in, leash dogs where required, and yield appropriately (hikers yield to uphill traffic; bikers announce passes).
Locals are approachable and informal—greet people politely, ask before photographing individuals or private property, and respect local businesses and residents.
Safety
Tipping in Squamish
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in Canada: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and rounding up or a few dollars for taxis and coffee shops. Many places accept credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) and contactless payments; mobile wallets are increasingly accepted. Smaller vendors and some outdoor businesses may be cash-preferred, so carry a small amount of cash for markets and tips for guides.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and dry compared with the coast—ideal for hiking, biking and water sports; busiest season, so expect crowds at trailheads and book accommodations in advance.
Cooler temperatures and changing foliage make for beautiful hikes and fewer crowds; trail conditions can be wet and muddy, and early snow at higher elevations is possible later in the season.
Wet and mild at lower elevations with heavy snow in alpine zones—great for nearby skiing (Whistler), snowshoeing and storm watching; road conditions on the Sea-to-Sky Highway can be challenging during storms.
Variable weather with lingering snow in the mountains and blossoming valleys; trails begin to dry but can be muddy—pack layers and expect fluctuating conditions.
Squamish at Night
Hiking in Squamish
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Three main peaks with rocky trails and excellent views over Squamish and Howe Sound—routes vary from steep scrambles to moderate hikes and are choices for sunrise or sunset photography.
A longer alpine hike with turquoise glacier-fed lake scenery and camping options—expect a full-day commitment or overnight backpacking trip.
A multi-hour hike to scenic alpine lakes and cabins inside Garibaldi Provincial Park—popular for summer treks and winter snowshoeing.
Short, accessible trails and viewing platforms showcase one of the tallest waterfalls in BC—excellent for families and quick photo stops.
Easier loops and viewpoint walks suitable for families, trail runners and mountain bikers with mixed forest and lake scenery close to town.
Airports
How to reach Squamish by plane.
The primary international airport serving the region—about 45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic, with regular bus and shuttle options connecting to Squamish.
Seaplane terminals in downtown Vancouver provide scenic flights and charters; useful for quick access or aerial tours of Howe Sound (service depends on weather and season).
Small regional air and heliport services operate near Whistler and Pemberton for charters, scenic flights and heli-skiing transfers—useful for specialized travel arrangements.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Indigenous people whose traditional territory includes the area—an important cultural and community presence with ongoing cultural centres and events.
A large portion of residents and visitors are climbers, bikers, hikers and watersports enthusiasts who shape the town’s lifestyle and services.
Some residents commute to Vancouver or work remotely—Squamish has seen growth in residents seeking a balance between city access and outdoor living.
A stable community of families, tradespeople and service industry workers supports local schools, businesses and tourism infrastructure.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A signature sport in Squamish with world-renowned granite routes at the Chief and many nearby crags for sport and trad climbers.
Extensive trail networks attract riders globally; gravity trails and technical cross-country options cater to all skill levels.
Howe Sound and local beaches offer conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing, especially in windy summer days.
Numerous day hikes and multi-day routes make hiking and trail running extremely popular among locals and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Squamish.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafés, breweries and restaurants; many kitchens can adapt dishes to be vegetarian or vegan—notify staff when ordering.
Gluten-free choices exist but are less ubiquitous than vegetarian options; check menus and confirm with staff about cross-contamination if highly sensitive.
Most restaurants are accustomed to dietary requests—communicate allergies clearly and consider carrying an allergy card if necessary.