The Squamish Canyon Mamquam Falls Boardwalk opened a few weeks ago. I’m an avid hiker (I’ve written two hiking guidebooks) and a Squamish local, so I had to go check it out to see what all the fuss was about.
It’s a new paid boardwalk and viewing platform attraction at Mamquam Falls, and since the old hiking trail to the falls is still there, I wondered: Is Squamish Canyon worth it?
In this guide to visiting Squamish Canyon, I’ll answer that question and provide lots of info, including:
- What is Squamish Canyon? What to expect if you visit.
- How is Squamish Canyon different than the Mamquam Falls hike?
- Is Squamish Canyon worth it? I’ve got a pros and cons list.
- Tips for visiting Squamish Canyon: best times to go, how to save money on tickets, how long to spend, how to get there, and lots more.
This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.
Hey there: Thanks to Squamish Canyon for hosting me on my visit. All opinions in this post are my own. Thanks for your support. – Taryn
What is Squamish Canyon?
Squamish Canyon is a paid 1.5-kilometre boardwalk through the forest just outside the town of Squamish. Part of the boardwalk passes the sculpted granite Mamquam River Canyon and Mamquam Falls.
The boardwalk uses careful construction to avoid disturbing tree roots and to keep as many large trees as possible – in places, they grow right through the boardwalk. The forest is gorgeous with lots of moss, ferns, and salal. The boardwalk also has interpretive panels explaining the plants, animals and ecosystem you are walking through.
The attraction also includes the Forest Lounge: a big outdoor seating area under a canopy of hemlock trees with snacks, drinks, and souvenirs for sale. There is also a children’s playground next to the Forest Lounge.
As you can see on the map, you start with a walk through the forest on a boardwalk. Next, you descend several staircases to the portion of the boardwalk next to the canyon. The path goes under a road bridge and passes over the top of the waterfall. There are many places to see Mamquam Falls, but the best view is just after the bridge.
After leaving the viewpoint, you head up a few stairs to the Forest Lounge and children’s playground. To finish the experience, you walk along another boardwalk and then end with a final, long set of stairs.
It’s worth noting that a gravel forest service road passes through the middle of the attraction and there is a power station across the canyon. The free, public Mamquam Falls Trail is also visible from a few places on the boardwalk. You’ll get glimpses of these (especially the road bridge) but they have done a great job of minimizing the visual distractions and keeping you immersed in the forest.
How is Squamish Canyon Different Than the Mamquam Falls Hike?
The short hike to Mamquam Falls is next to Squamish Canyon, and it is still open and free to hike. As a local, Mamquam Falls is on my list of the best hikes in Squamish. It’s worth noting that the owners of Squamish Canyon worked hard to build the attraction while also keeping the existing hiking trail intact and free to use.
The hike to Mamquam Falls is 1.6 km long with 65 m of elevation gain, which is comparable to the Squamish Canyon boardwalk. However, the Mamquam Falls hike is on a gravel road and then on a very rough, eroded, and unmaintained trail that can be very muddy and slippery. It’s a short hike, but due to the terrain, it can be tricky, especially in the fall, winter, and spring.
The trail ends at a small viewpoint of the falls near the bank of the river. Most photos taken at this viewpoint crop out the power station on the left, but it’s quite visible in person. As well, the trail doesn’t go to the upper canyon above the falls.
If you take the Squamish Canyon boardwalk, you’ll get tons of different angles of the falls, all of which I think are better than the free viewing platform. The walk along the boardwalk is also sooo much easier than the free hike. You’ll be able to look around as you walk instead of looking at your feet to prevent yourself from tripping on slippery roots or falling into mud holes.
Is Squamish Canyon Worth it?
After visiting Squamish Canyon and hiking to Mamquam Falls numerous times, I can definitely say that the views of the falls from Squamish Canyon are way better than the free hiking trail and that it’s a beautiful and well-built attraction.
But is Squamish Canyon worth it? My answer is: It really depends.
I really enjoyed the boardwalk, the views of the canyon and waterfall, and the peaceful, chill experience of the Forest Lounge. (I spent an hour just hanging out there.)
If you’re looking for an easy way to experience the rainforest near Squamish, I think this is by far the best option. However, I really wish it didn’t have so many stairs! (More on that in the accessibility section below.) And I think the price-to-experience-length ratio is a bit high.
To help you decide if Squamish Canyon is worth it for you, I’ve got a pros and cons list below.
Pros
- By far the best views of Mamquam Falls and Mamquam River Canyon
- Great in all kinds of weather, including rain and fog
- Rainforest boadwalk is immersive, beautifully constructed, and easy to walk (as long as you can climb stairs)
- Forest Lounge is a unique and beautiful spot to chill out
- A better option for people who have a fear of heights compared to the Sea to Sky Gondola or Capilano Suspension Bridge
Cons
- Lots of stairs, so it’s not accessible for people with mobility challenges
- Expensive for the length of experience
- Requires driving on a smooth gravel road that has industrial traffic and may void your rental car agreement. (More about this in the getting there section below.)
Tips for Visiting Squamish Canyon
Weather and Best Time To Go to Squamish Canyon
Squamish Canyon is open year-round. Since it is a new attraction, it isn’t very busy yet. However, it is busier on weekends.
As a Squamish local, I think it’s a good attraction to visit on both sunny and cloudy days since you’ll still get great views of the forest and canyon.
Honestly, Squamish Canyon would also be nice on a rainy day since the waterfall will be pumping and the forest will be extra green. However, there currently isn’t any covered seating, so you won’t want to hang out in the forest lounge if it’s raining.
The other thing to consider is the colour of the water. Most photos of the canyon online feature gorgeous turquoise blue water. You can expect turquoise water in the winter, spring, and fall when the river is fed by snowmelt and rain.
However, in late summer (typically mid-July to late-September), the water turns a milky cream colour. This is because the water is full of silt from the melting glaciers high in Garibaldi Provincial Park. In the Squamish language, Mount Garibaldi is called Nch’Kay, which means “grimy one” since so much volcanic silt washes into the rivers from its summit.
You can also expect browner, less clear water during and after big rainstorms all year long.
The canyon is still beautiful if the water isn’t turquoise and clear – you just need to be prepared for the water to be milky.
How Long to Spend at Squamish Canyon
If you just walk the boardwalk, stopping to take a few photos, plan to spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour at Squamish Canyon. However, I recommend stopping for a drink and snack at the forest lounge, partway through. It’s a really beautiful and chill outdoor space. If you stop for a snack, allow about 1.5 to 2 hours.
How to Save Money on Tickets for Squamish Canyon
Ticket prices for Squamish Canyon are a bit on the steep side: It costs $44/person for people 13 years and older. Kids under 5 are free. Kids between 6 and 12 cost $26. They have a family package (2 adults and 2 kids) for $126. There are no seniors’ discounts.
However, you can save 20% on admission if you book tickets online 24 hours in advance. That’s a pretty good savings.
If you plan to visit three or more times in a year, the annual pass will save you some money at $110. If you are a Squamish resident, you can also get an annual pass for $55.
What to Pack
- A rain jacket and warm clothing. Dress for the weather. The canyon is in the shade, and it can be a bit colder than elsewhere in Squamish. As well, the canyon can get misty from the waterfall.
- Comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking for about 45 minutes on stairs and wooden platforms. Skip the high heels, but you don’t need hiking boots.
- A camera. It’s gorgeous and you will want tons of pics! But leave the drone at home. Drones aren’t allowed.
- Snacks and water (if you want). You can buy snacks and drinks at the forest lounge, but you’re also allowed to bring outside food.
How to Get to Squamish Canyon
Squamish Canyon is located about 5.4 kilometres from Highway 99, a.k.a. the Sea to Sky Highway. There is currently no public transportation or shuttle service to Squamish Canyon – the only way to get there is by car.
To get to Squamish Canyon, you will need to drive on logging roads, but they are very well-maintained and fine for any car. In the winter, they do get a bit bumpier with a few potholes, but just go slow and you’ll be fine. As of 2025, there is gas pipeline construction and logging in the area, so you may encounter some industrial traffic.
Note about rental cars: Many rental car companies have policies that will void your insurance and rental contract or incur additional charges if you drive on a gravel road. Check your contract carefully and decide if you want to drive here in a rental car.
Tip: If you’re driving to Squamish from Vancouver, use my Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip guide. It’s got info on all the best places to stop along the way.
Driving Directions
You can put “Squamish Canyon” into Google Maps for directions.
Here are my driving directions:
- Turn east off of Highway 99 onto Mamquam River Forest Service Road. If you are coming from Vancouver, this is a right turn. If you are coming from Squamish, it’s left turn so you will have to wait for a break in traffic. The road immediately turns to gravel.
- Follow this road for 3.7 km. You will pass lots of roadside parking areas for rock climbers and hikers. You will also go over a single-lane bridge.
- Reach a wide fork with lots of signs and turn left onto Powerhouse Springs Road. You will pass through a staging area for the pipeline construction camp.
- About 1.6 km after the turn, the parking area is on the left. You must drive past the entire parking area, then turn left to enter it. Currently, parking is free. The entrance to Squamish Canyon and the hiking trail to Mamquam Falls are just past the parking area.
Food and Drinks
Squamish Canyon has two food service locations. Moss and Mug is a small cafe with coffee and cold drinks next to the ticket booth. You don’t have to pay to access this cafe, so you can buy drinks here if you are just hiking the free trail to Mamquam Falls.
The Forest Lounge has lots more food and drink options. They have sandwiches, gourmet hot dogs, and charcuterie boxes. They also have lots of cold drinks, coffee beverages, and alcohol, including cocktails. It’s worth noting that the Forest Lounge does not have any cover – it’s open to the tree canopy – so it isn’t a good place to hang out if it’s raining.
Visiting With Kids
On my visit we saw lots of families with kids of various ages. Squamish Canyon isn’t stroller-friendly so your kids will need to be able to do stairs. For little ones, a baby carrier or backpack-style kid carrier is a good idea. The entire attraction has high railings and smooth surfaces, so it’s safe for kids who can walk on their own.
Kids 5 and under are free. Prices for kids 6 to 12 are substantially cheaper than adult tickets and there is a family discount pass for 2 adults and 2 kids.
The playground next to the Forest Lounge has lots of room for imaginative and adventurous play. However, it’s best for kids over 7 or 8. Younger kids may find the play elements too big or too far off the ground.
The Forest Lounge also has a kids’ menu. And the gift shop has a selection of forest-themed children’s books.
Cell Phone Service
While the Squamish Canyon isn’t totally off the grid, it’s in a deep valley a few minutes outside of town, so cell service isn’t great. Depending on your carrier, expect to get 1 or 2 bars of service.
That’s enough to make phone calls or send texts, but don’t expect to be able to use the internet. That’s really too bad because they have QR codes on their interpretive signage for more info about the plants and animals… but I didn’t have enough cell service to open their links!
Bathrooms
There are bathrooms in the parking lot (open to the public, including hikers from Mamquam Falls) and at the Forest Lounge. Both locations have accessible bathrooms.
Accessibility
While most of Squamish Canyon is a flat boardwalk through the forest and along the canyon, there are a LOT of stairs. That’s because the parking lot is about 40 metres higher than the canyon viewing platforms, so you have to hike down to the platform, then back up to the parking area.
There are railings everywhere and lots of benches to stop and rest, so it is doable for most people.
However, it is not stroller-friendly or wheelchair accessible. The Squamish Canyon website says that the forest lounge is wheelchair accessible and to contact them for info – I’m guessing they will just let you drive down the access road, then wheel into the Forest Lounge. Honestly, if you require wheelchair access, I don’t think the admission price is worth it to just visit the forest lounge.
When I first heard about this attraction, I was excited to take my in-laws since they don’t have the mobility to hike, and I thought this would be a good way for them to see the falls. I was really disappointed when I found out it had so many stairs and wasn’t accessible for them.
But now that I’ve visited Squamish Canyon, I kind of understand why it isn’t wheelchair accessible. The drop down to the canyon is steep, and to make it accessible, it would have required them to make the boardwalk twice as long as it is to make ramps with switchbacks. It would have been much more difficult and expensive to build and would have had a much higher environmental impact.
That being said, I believe that governments should not approve projects like this unless they are accessible and that Squamish Canyon should have been forced to construct an accessible attraction.
Fear of Heights
Unless your fear of heights is really severe, you will have a good time at Squamish Canyon. I visited with someone who has a moderate fear of heights, and they said they had absolutely no issues.
All of the boardwalks and bridges are rigid and stable, so you won’t get that scary bouncy feeling you might get on suspension bridges like the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
As well, all of the boardwalks have high railings, and they are nice and wide, so you can stay well back from the edge while still enjoying the view.
Except for a few sections near the waterfall, you are never very high above the ground, and the trees reach up beside you, so it doesn’t feel like you are up really high, like you do on the Sea to Sky Gondola or the gondola to Grouse Mountain.
Souvenirs
The gift shop in the Forest Lounge has a small selection of Squamish Canyon branded clothing and other merch. They also have lots of gifts and housewares with Indigenous designs that I recognize as being from Native Northwest, a Vancouver company that works collaboratively with Indigenous artists. The shop also has a small selection of children’s books.
Rules
- Pets aren’t allowed, but you can bring certified service and guide dogs.
- Drones aren’t allowed. Leave yours at home.
- Outside food and beverages are allowed, but you can’t bring your own alcohol. However, you can purchase alcohol in the Forest Lounge.
- Smoking and vaping aren’t allowed.
Final Thoughts
I have to admit, I was pretty conflicted about this attraction when it was under construction. I had hoped that the District of Squamish or BC Parks would adopt this area, improve the trail, and turn it into a protected area that was free for everyone to visit.
Now that it’s open, I can see that the level of design and construction that went into it is really high – the government never could have built something this nice if it was a free attraction. It is truly a beautiful way to experience the rainforest, albeit a slightly expensive one. I also appreciate that they left the original Mamquam Falls Trail open and free to use.
If you want to walk on an easy trail where you know the views will be great the entire time, your snack break will be at an incredibly peaceful location, and you don’t mind paying for the experience, you’ll love Squamish Canyon.
Do you have questions about visiting Squamish Canyon? Ask in the comments and I’ll help you out.
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