The Best Things to do in Squamish (By a Local)

Squamish, BC is known as the adventure capital of Canada… and it’s also been my hometown for the last five years. You’ll find Squamish halfway between Whistler and Vancouver, sandwiched between the ocean and the mountains. While outdoor sports are the main draw, there are tons of things to do in Squamish.

I’ve been visiting Squamish my whole life since I grew up in nearby Vancouver. I liked it so much that I moved here full time five years ago. I’m mostly a hiker, so you’ll find lots of outdoorsy recommendations in this post. But I’ve got activities for all types of visitors too.

This post includes:

• The best things to do in Squamish: sightseeing, hikes, shopping, and more.
• Where to eat in Squamish: my local’s picks for the best restaurants
• Where to stay in Squamish: hotels I recommend
• Squamish basics: How to get here, what to pack, weather, and more.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

The Best Things to Do in Squamish

There are almost too many things to choose from on this list of Squamish activities. So I’ll start with my totally biased local’s opinion and give you my picks for the best Squamish things to do. If I have friends visiting, these are the things I always recommend.

Sea to Sky Gondola

I have an annual pass for the Sea to Sky Gondola and have been up countless times, but each time the view takes my breath away. The gondola takes you from sea level up into the mountains.

The deck at the lodge is an incredible place for lunch as you gaze down to the waters of Howe Sound and across to the surrounding mountains. You can also brave the Sky Pilot Suspension bridge.

There are several easy walking trails near the lodge. Don’t miss the Panorama Trail which leads to a spectacular viewing platform.

If you’re an avid hiker, the Sea to Sky Gondola is a fast way to get up into the mountains. My favourite hike leaving from the lodge is the Al’s Habrich Ridge trail which scrambles up over granite bluffs to subalpine terrain and viewpoints.

Save time and book your admission ticket in advance.

Shannon Falls

Don’t miss Shannon Falls. It’s one of the highest waterfalls in BC at 335 m tall. You can reach the base on a short (but steep) 5-minute walk. There are two different viewing platforms. The lower one (pictured below) has a slightly better view and doesn’t have any stairs.

If I have friends visiting from out of town and we only have time for a short nature outing, I always take them to Shannon Falls. So far everyone has been blown away by how tall and powerful it is.

The parking lot here is small and often fills up in the afternoon. Plan to go early in the day or after dinner and you should be able to get a spot.

Sp’akw’us Feather Park

If you’re looking for the best views in Squamish, head to Sp’akw’us Feather Park. It’s just south of downtown in what will eventually be the Oceanfront neighbourhood. (Right now it’s just an industrial area and some construction sites that will be condos.)

The park opened in 2024 and is honestly one of the nicest city parks I’ve been to. The main reason is the incredible view: You can see the Stawamus Chief, Shannon Falls, and Howe Sound. The park also has some cool public art (the balancing boulder is my fave) and the best playground in Squamish.

Heads up: This is the windiest spot in Squamish, especially in the afternoon and early evening. Bring a jacket, even on a hot day. You’ll be freezing without one.

You can get to Feather Park via a 20 minute walk on a paved multi-use path from downtown or you can drive. In the summer you can also take the bus.

Hiking

Hiking is the reason I moved to Squamish a few years ago. Before that, I used to drive to Squamish pretty often to go hiking.

Squamish has tons of hiking trails. There is something for everyone with hiking ranging from beginner to expert. There are easy trails in the valley bottom, steep hikes to peaks, and lots of waterfalls.

For an easy hike with great mountain views, I recommend the trails at Brohm Lake. For a moderate hike, check out Al’s Habrich Trail or Mount Crumpit. It’s a local favourite and has great views. Some of my favourite challenging hikes are High Falls Creek, Watersprite Lake and the Stawamus Chief.

For a full guide to over 20 hiking trails near Squamish, check out my list of the best hikes in Squamish over on my outdoor adventure website.

If you want a local guide to show you the trails, sign up for a hiking tour. For example, you can go on a guided hike up the Stawamus Chief or hike into the mountains of Garibaldi Park.

Downtown Squamish

A decade ago, downtown Squamish was fairly sleepy. These days it is packed with cute boutiques, gear stores, great restaurants and lots of public art. Take a stroll down Cleveland Avenue to window shop. Be sure to head one block over to 2nd Avenue as well as it has some great newer shops.

Billie’s House is our local florist, but they also have housewares and gifts. I love their cute planters. Empire of Dirt has an eclectic mix of gifts, vintage, furniture, and housewares.

If you’re looking for books, head to Gather Books and Book Mountain. They are a few blocks apart on 2nd Avenue. Gather has lots of kids books and a curated selection of books for grownups. Book Mountain is mostly a used bookstore, but they have some newer books too.

Squamish was not where I expected to find world-class chocolate… but it’s here at Xoco Chocolate. They make incredible chocolate bars and gift boxes. You can also buy chocolates a la carte, which is a great way to try their flavours. I love their passion fruit and salted caramel flavours.

Lakes and Beaches

There are lots of beautiful lakes near Squamish, and most of them are fairly warm, which makes them great for swimming. There are also a few ocean beaches, but be warned – the ocean and rivers are very cold! Parking is limited at many of these places, so go early to get a spot on summer weekends.

On a summer afternoon, heading to the lake to hang out, go for a swim, or paddle around on my SUP is one of my favourite activities.

• Alice Lake is the best place to swim in Squamish. It has a sandy beach, docks to jump off of, and fairly warm water. There is lots of parking too. (Although it does fill up!) This is my go-to swimming lake.
• Brohm Lake doesn’t have a beach, but it does have lots of granite outcroppings that lead into the water. If you are adventurous, you can even jump off the cliffs. I would go here more often it if wasn’t so hard to get parking. Instead, I like to hike in via the Thompson Trail on the backside of the lake.
• Porteau Cove between Squamish and Vancouver has a pretty pebble beach on the ocean and is popular with SCUBA divers. The water is freezing though!
• Browning Lake at Murrin Provincial Park is tiny, which makes the water really warm. It’s a popular spot for inflatable floaties on hot days. However, the nearby highway is noisy and parking is limited.
• Cat Lake is another great place for a swim. There are three docks around the lake perfect for cannonballs. Access is via a short gravel road, but it’s fine for all cars. Caution: This is party central on the weekend.
• Sp’akw’us Feather Park has a small oceanfront beach. It’s located next to the port and is VERY windy, so it’s best for quick cold plunges rather than swimming.
• The Squamish and Mamquam Rivers have sandbars that locals love to sunbathe on. But the water is freezing and the current is strong, so be careful. There are river access points in town as well as on the logging roads outside of town.

Drink at Craft Breweries and Cideries

Squamish has a strong craft brewing culture, dating back to the opening of Howe Sound Brewing downtown in 1996. It’s a huge space with a big menu and a good patio. It used to be the coolest place in Squamish, but other spots hold that crown now.

Cliffside Cider is at the south edge of downtown, kind of tucked away in an alley so it feels like a local’s secret. They have a food truck on site.

House of Lager opened recently at Sp’akw’us Feather Park in a stunning new building with an incredible view. Their beer menu is small (just lager) but their food is great. It’s noisy in there though.

Head over to the industrial park to visit my favourite, Backcountry Brewing. Their wood fired pizza is amazing, their beers are creative, and they have tons of seating.

Nearby A-Frame Brewing is a bit more laidback and has a great outdoor space. Their food truck. Flipside Burgers, has some of the best (and messiest) burgers in town.

Geo Cider is a few doors down from Backcountry Brewing. Their Mexican food is great.

Hike the Stawamus Chief

Yes, hiking has its own entry on this list, but the Stawamus Chief is special enough to call out as its own activity. This 700-meter-tall (2297 ft) granite outcropping looms over the town of Squamish.

The mountain is named after the Squamish village of Stawamus (St’a7mes) at its foot. In the Squamish language, it is known as Siám’ Smánit and is said to be a longhouse transformed to stone by Xáays, the Transformer Brothers.

Rock climbers scale the sheer face of the chief, but hikers can climb steep trails up the backside. The hike is short, but the route is very challenging with lots of stairs. In some places you will use ladders and chains to scramble uphill, so it is best for experienced hikers only.

I’ve been up “The Chief”, as locals call it, more times than I can count since I use it as a training hike in the winter. If you just want a quick view, I recommend an out-and-back trip to First Peak. If you have more energy, you can tackle all three peaks. I think it’s best to do Third Peak, then Second and First.

If you aren’t confident on your own, going on a guided hike of the Chief is a great idea. They’ll help you pick the best route for your abilities and take you to great viewpoints you might not find on your own.

Mountain Biking

Squamish is surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of mountain bike trails with more added each year. The trails range from green (easy) to double black and pro-line (expert only). I did a bit of crosscountry riding as a kid, and then started mountain biking as an adult once I moved to Squamish.

The trails here are pretty intimidating – there aren’t a lot of good options for beginners. But you can still find some gems. If you’re a beginner/intermediate like me, I recommend Miki’s Magic and Cardrona in the Alice Lake Zone. They’re both easy blues.

The Diamond Head Zone above Quest University is the most popular since the gravel roads let you shuttle. You’ll find mostly hand-built trails and steep granite slabs in the Alice Lake/Garibaldi Highlands zone. The quiet trails in the Valleycliffe zone are mostly cross-country riding. Beginners should head to the Brackendale zone since it has mostly green trails – the best trail is Sweet Judy.

The Trailforks app is essential for navigating as it can be a bit of a maze. It’s updated regularly by volunteers with the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA) to make sure trail info and conditions are correct. If you ride in here, consider becoming a SORCA member or making a donation.

RideHub has bike rentals. I took a lesson with them when I was just starting and it helped a lot. I haven’t done it yet, but I’ve heard great things about their guided mountain bike tours since they will help you find the best trails for your skill level. Their coffee shop is also great.

Smoke Bluffs Park

This city park is right next to downtown, but you won’t find baseball diamonds or playgrounds – this is a Squamish-style park. Smoke Bluffs Park is home to some of the best rock climbing in town, and even if you don’t climb, it’s fun to watch.

The trails between the rock faces (which climbers call crags) are also a great place to go for a short hike or trail run. The best part is the incredible vistas of downtown, Howe Sound, and the Stawamus Chief from the Viewpoint Loop Trail. If I have visitors who want to go for a short hike (about an hour), I take them on the Viewpoint Trail.

Garibaldi Provincial Park

Garibaldi Provincial Park is huge, spanning 1,950 square kilometres of mountain wilderness northwest of Squamish. I think it has the best scenery in BC, and it’s my favourite place in the whole world. (I love it so much that I am the current president of the Friends of Garibaldi Park Society, a non-profit that does trail maintenance and advocacy work.)

To see the park, you will need to hike. The closest access point to town is Elfin Lakes, a 22km round trip hike. North of Squamish, you can make the 18 km round-trip hike to Garibaldi Lake.

Both trails have backcountry campgrounds and additional trails for more exploring. You can find details about both of these hikes, as well as four others in Garibaldi Provincial Park, in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Whitewater Rafting

The snowy mountains outside of town unleash torrents of meltwater each spring and summer, feeding the Squamish, Elaho, and Cheakamus Rivers.

Honestly, I was really scared to try whitewater rafting for years, but I worked up the courage to take a trip with Canadian Outback Rafting a few years ago. It was so much fun! Yes, it was scary, but mostly in a good way. They give you wetsuits so its not cold.

The other reason to go rafting is that it gives you a totally different perspective on the wilderness around Squamish. As we floated through deep canyons and between mountains, we got views you can’t see from any road or trail.

If you’re up for a full-day adrenaline-pumping adventure, book the Wet and Wild Elaho Exhilarator trip with Canadian Outback Rafting. This is the tour that I did.

For something fun, but a bit less intense, Canadian Outback Rafting offers the family-friendly Cheakamus Splash trip.

Rock Climbing

Squamish is world-famous for rock climbing. The most well-known spot is the huge granite face of the Stawamus Chief. But climbers also head to Crags in Smoke Bluffs Park and Murrin Provincial Park. The Grand Wall boulders at the foot of the Chief are the best place to go bouldering. There are also lots of smaller crags outside of town.

I used to rock climb a bit in my early 20s, but I haven’t done it since then since I just don’t have enough time for yet another outdoor sport. However, I love watching the climbers when I’m hiking the nearby trails.

If you’re a beginner, going with a guide is a good idea. You can book a beginner lesson or a half day of private guiding.

Experienced climbers can find local routes on theCrag or Mountain Project. Or stop in to Climb On Equipment to pick up a guidebook or chat with the helpful staff. (I used to work with many of them a decade ago at the MEC head office.)

Flightseeing

Squamish has a small airport which makes a great base for flightseeing tours of the surrounding mountains.

I did the 35-minute Squamish Explorer Flightseeing Tour for my birthday a few years ago. It takes you over the top of Garibaldi Lake, the Black Tusk, and Mount Garibaldi (Nch’day), some of the most iconic features in the mountains north of Squamish. You’ll also get great views of the town and the Stawamus Chief. The price is pretty reasonable too.

If you’re up for a longer tour, book the Whistler Backcountry Flightseeing Tour. It is 50 minutes long and includes the same scenery as the Squamish Explorer, plus the Whistler area further north.

I really want to try the Alpine Lake Flightseeing Experience. You take a floatplane that lands on a remote alpine late below the Tzoonie Glacier. Your trip allows time to walk to a waterfall and even go for a swim.

Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Located 20 minutes south of Squamish, the small Porteau Cove Provincial Park is wedged between the Sea to Sky Highway and the deep waters of Howe Sound.

The day use has a pier with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. Wander further into the park past the campground to find a short trail to a clifftop viewpoint.

This park is a great stop along the Sea to Sky Highway on your way to or from Squamish.

Britannia Mine Museum

The village of Britannia Beach is 10 minutes south of Squamish. It used to be home to the largest copper mine in the British Commonwealth, but today the mine is a fun interactive museum.

You can go on an underground mine tour on a train, pan for gold, and wander through the old buildings. They also have a new interactive show called BOOM!, which is really well done. I also love the historical displays that hearken back to a time when the only access was by boat.

Save time and book your museum admission ticket in advance. It includes the BOOM! experience.

Brackendale Art Gallery

I have a hard time explaining exactly what the Brackendale Art Gallery is so you’ll just have to go visit. It’s a sprawling building that has obviously been added onto and altered over its 50+ years. In general, it’s an art gallery, live music venue, and cafe.

It’s worth dropping in during the day to grab lunch or coffee at Zephyr Cafe, which is a Squamish institution. The cafe relocated to the Brackendale Art Gallery a few years ago after a decade in downtown Squamish. Their menu includes lots of vegan and vegetarian options.

At night, they have all kinds of ticketed events. There’s music of course, but also dance parties, comedy, meditation classes, painting, and lots more.

Squamish Canyon

Perched on sheer granite walls above the Mamquam River, Squamish Canyon is Squamish’s newest attraction. The experience including boardwalks, stairs, and viewing platforms above the canyon and spectacular Mamquam Falls. My favourite part is their chill Forest Lounge, a cafe and hang-out space.

Unlike a lot of Squamish’s outdoor attractions, Squamish Canyon is actually great in the rain or fog. You’ll still get great views of the canyon and waterfall, and honestly the mist just enhances the experience.

I wrote a whole Squamish Canyon visitors guide that explains what to expect and if I think its worth visiting.

Save time and buy your tickets in advance.

Bakeries

For a small town, Squamish has a lot of bakeries, and after a LOT of research, I can confirm that they are all amazing.

Sunflower Bakery and Cafe downtown is great for bread, doughnuts, and other treats. Their baristas are mostly Australian so they made excellent flat whites.

Fox and Oak, also downtown, is a hipster doughnut shop, but sooo delicious. Get the mango passionfruit brioche doughnut.

In the industrial park, Tall Tree Bakery has the best bread but go early as they sell out.

purebread in Garibaldi Estate has a huge and amazing bakery case. I love their brownies.

Whistler

World-famous Whistler is just 45 minutes away from Squamish. It makes a great day trip to ski, mountain bike, hike, or just explore the shops and restaurants in the pedestrian village. I head up there about once a month.

My favourite things to do in Whistler include hiking, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the Scandinave Spa, and the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Read my full list of things to do in Whistler for 80 more ideas.

Drive the Sea to Sky Highway

Squamish is right in the middle of the Sea to Sky Highway, as Highway 99 between Vancouver and Whistler is known. I’ve driven this road dozens of times and has some of the most spectacular scenery around.

You can speed through the trip in two hours, but it’s better to spend a full day or even two to take in the viewpoints, hikes, and side trips.

I’ve got a full Sea to Sky Highway Roadtrip guide on my outdoor adventure website that has all the must-see spots.

Where to Eat in Squamish

I’m a bit of a foodie, so I’ve eaten at every restaurant in Squamish at least once. It’s a small town, so it’s easy for me to try new spots as soon as they open. Here are a few I recommend.

Fergie’s Cafe in Brackendale is legendary for their brunch. It sits on the banks of the Cheakamus River on the same property at Sunwolf Cabins. It’s a gorgeous location and their food is thoughtful and incredible. However, they don’t take reservations and there are often long lines for a table.

Crabapple Cafe, also in Brackendale is my favourite Squamish spot for breakfast. It’s a cozy and unassuming place attached to to the old Brackendale General Store. You can’t go wrong with their eggs Benny or one of their breakfast hash bowls.

My favourite sandwiches in Squamish are from Green Olive Market, a combination cafe and European food store. They have vegan and veggie options, but my fave is the muffuletta. It has so much delicious olive salad on it.

If you’re craving Japanese, Taka Ramen and Sushi on Cleveland Avenue downtown is your best bet in Squamish. Their sushi is fresh and delicious, but I usually get their ramen since its so rich.

For burgers and pub-style food with a view, The Watershed Grill in Brackendale is the best option. The restaurant sits on top of the Eagle Run Dyke so it has great views of the river and the mountains from the patio. They also open up the big garage doors on the front of the restaurant on warm days. You might also recognize the exterior of the restaurant – it’s the bar on the TV show Virgin River.

The Salted Vine in downtown Squamish is my pick for a nice meal. It’s our town’s only fine dining option, but it isn’t stuffy or pretentious. The menu changes seasonally, but they often have Thai dishes on the menu because one of the owners is Thai.

Where to Stay in Squamish

There aren’t that many hotels in Squamish, so it’s fairly easy to figure out where to stay. My guide to the best hotels in Squamish has info and reviews on all of them. However, here are a few quick picks:

Executive Suites Hotel and Resort: All all suite hotel close to trails and the nicest hotel in town.

Sunwolf Riverside Resort: Adorable cabins along the Cheakamus River with Fergie’s Cafe on site.

Sandman Hotel and Suites: A newer hotel with an indoor pool and within walking distance of Backcountry Brewing. Check rates.

Squamish Basics

In this section, I’ve got all the info you need to visit Squamish. It includes getting here, the best tie to go, weather, what to pack, and more.

How to Get to Squamish

Squamish is just 45 minutes north of Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). It’s a gorgeous drive but it is a winding mountain road, so driving it may not be for everyone. In particular, I do not recommend driving to Squamish in winter unless you are an experienced and confident winter driver.

If you don’t want to drive, you can take the Squamish Connector or YVR Skylynx buses from Vancouver.

Getting Around Squamish

Downtown Squamish is very walkable and BC Transit buses go to most places in town. As well, in summer the bus also goes to popular spots like the Sp’akw’us Feather Park, Stawamus Chief, the Sea to Sky Gondola, and Shannon Falls. Squamish doesn’t have Uber, but we do have several taxi services.

You won’t need a car to visit most of the places in this post. However, if you want to go to most of the hiking trails or want more flexibility with transportation (the buses don’t run that often), its MUCH easier to get around by car.

Squamish Weather

Squamish sits in between the ocean and the mountains so we have some pretty wild weather. It rains a lot here, especially in the fall and winter. But honestly, that’s part of the charm.

We get a bit of snow in the winter, but since we are at sea level, it’s nothing like the amount they get up in Whistler. The summers are much drier and moderately warm.

Squamish is very windy, especially on summer afternoons.

What to Pack for Squamish

Squamish is VERY laid back, so you don’t need to pack anything fancy. Even at our nicest restaurants you wouldn’t be out of place in shorts or jeans. And honestly, you can show up in muddy hiking clothing pretty much anywhere and no one will look twice.

No matter what time of year you are visiting, bring a rain jacket. It can rain anytime. I would also recommend a fleece or lightweight puffy for extra warmth, especially in the colder months. However, you might want that warm layer on windy summer afternoons too.

If you plan to hike or do other outdoor sports, bring a small backpack, hiking shoes, and quick-dry clothing.

Indigenous Context in Squamish

Squamish is on the unceded traditional territory of the Squamish Nation. There are several Squamish Nation Reserves dotted around town. You can find Indigenous cultural influences throughout Squamish in place names and art. To learn more, visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler.

Final Thoughts

Whew! We made it to the bottom of this huge list of things to do in Squamish. As a local, I know you’ll love it here as much as I do. What’s your favourite Squamish activity? Tell me in the comments.

MORE SQUAMISH POSTS:

• 10 Best Hotels in Squamish
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler
• The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local)
• Squamish Canyon at Mamquam Falls: Is it Worth it?
• Camping in Squamish, BC: 22 Places to Camp Near Squamish
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish
• 80+ Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)