Halfway between Vancouver’s busy streets and Whistler’s tourist hub sits Squamish, a town with so much to see you might not know where to begin. With towering mountains and forests on one side and ever – spanning ocean surrounded by mountains on the other, Squamish has a thriving community of outdoor lovers thanks to its picture-perfect location.
When you visit Squamish, you’ll have so many places to see and things to do, we’ve compiled this quick list of some of the best locations to see during your time here. Keep reading to get your Squamish adventure started.
Sea to Sky Gondola
If it’s views you’re after, the Sea to Sky Gondola will deliver a thousand times over. This newly upgraded gondola takes visitors up to the summit in just over ten minutes and you’ll get incredible views over the Howe Sound.
Once you get to the top, you’ll have breathtaking views of the Coast Range mountains, neighboring Stawamus Chief, and the valley below. Walk along the summit suspension bridge to the viewing platform and kick back with a coffee or local brew at the Summit Lodge. If there’s one thing to do in Squamish, it’s got to be this.
Britannia Mine
The Sea to Sky Gondola takes you up high but the Britannia Mine will take you down low. Heading underground in this mine, just outside Squamish in Britannia Beach, will give you an unforgettable peek into the history of this area.
At the turn of the 20th century, this copper mine began what would be a 70-year extraction. A huge site, it’s now a museum with activities, an underground train ride, and plenty of things to learn for children and adults alike.
Shannon Falls
Near the base station of the Sea to Sky Gondola is Shannon Falls, a waterfall that you can’t miss during your visit. This 335m (1105ft) waterfall is a popular destination with its mesmerizing water and amazing forest surroundings.
If you’re in the area for a spot of rock climbing, you’ll find a few great routes on the slabs near the bottom of the falls.
Downtown Squamish
Downtown Squamish is a friendly place where you can enjoy the sunshine at a street cafe and explore the outdoor equipment stores that abound here. With independent stores and rental outlets with knowledgeable staff, if you need anything for your vacation, Squamish will have it.
Hiking in Garibaldi
Just north of Squamish is Mt. Garibaldi and Garibaldi Lake, a favorite hiking spots for locals and visitors. You can enjoy plenty of varied hiking routes around here and book into a guided tour to really challenge yourself.
Garibaldi Lake is a must-see if you’d like to spend a day hiking and your efforts will be rewarded with some of the best views in the area.
Make the Most of Your Trip to Squamish, BC
Squamish is the heart of outdoor adventure along the Sea-to-Sky Corridor and it’s the perfect place for vacations in this area. The hardest thing about visiting Squamish is fitting everything in, so it’s a good idea to make a list of your priorities.
To get a bird’s eye view of this beautiful area, take a ride up the Sea to Sky Gondola. Once you’ve got your fill of easy views, you can boot-up and go hiking to Garibaldi Lake to the north. Spend your rest days relaxing in Downtown Squamish and don’t forget to explore the Britannia Mine for local history, breweries for some of the best beers and restaurants for local eats.
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