Winter is one of the most incredible seasons in Squamish with snowcapped mountains peak out of the clouds reminding you of all the fun adventures to be had. Winter is the ultimate season for multi-adventures, where you can ride powder in the morning and play a round of golf in the evening. The team at Squamishadventure.com created this insiders guide to the best things to do in and around Squamish this Winter season. Enjoy this list and be sure to enjoy this winter season in Squamish BC.
Airhouse Trampoline Center
Jump the winter days away at Airhouse indoor trampoline center. Whether you are a kid just starting to learn trampoline basics to competitive athletes looking for professional training and coaching, Airhouse is the place for you.
Backcountry Skiing & or Split Boarding
Squamish is surrounded by many great mountain peaks for backcountry skiing and or splitboarding. Skip the crowds and earn your turns in Garibaldi Park, The Callaghan Valley and for the more experienced skier the Sea to Sky Gondola. We always recommend hiring an experienced guide and/or taking safety courses to ensure the best experience backcountry skiing and splitboarding around Squamish BC.
Cat Skiing
When it snows in Whistler, it snows even harder at the Squamish cat skiing location just 20 minutes north of town. The precipitation from the ocean, just dumps on the coastal mountains providing the powder experience of lifetime.
Cross Country (Nordic) Skiing
Located just 35 minutes north of Squamish is Callaghan Valley, home to many great winter activities. They offer classic, skate and wilderness cross country skiing. Our tip: Bring your pup on the dog friendly trails as a great way to tire them out!
Dog Sledding
Also located in the Callaghan Valley, this is an adventure not to miss this winter – be sure to book early as the Dog Sledding tours sell out fast, especially over the holidays. Enjoy a journey through history while taking in the beautiful mountain scenery, gliding quietly through the snow covered trails.
Eagle Viewing
Photo by Yathin S Krishnappa
Experience these stunning birds in their natural habitat. The eagles can be spotted in Squamish from the mid November until February. Our top places to view: The Watershed patio and a family friendly Eagle Rafting tour on the Cheakamus river
Fly Fishing
Squamish has had a long history as a world class anglers destination, attracting anglers to the Squamish rivers and lakes. The winter season allows for excellent Rainbow trout, Bull Trout, Dolly Varden and Steelhead angling opportunities in the waters around town. Book a guide today for access to the best locations and to improve your cast!
Flying
What better way to take in the views of the snowcapped mountains than with a scenic flight. Voted most scenic airport for a reason, Squamish is simply stunning from the sky any time of year. The fresh mountain peaks after a snowfall are guaranteed to take your breath away.
Golfing
The Squamish Valley Golf Course is open year round and the course has great drainage for the wet winter days. Milder temperatures in town make golfing a great option and is the perfect apres for a fun day spent skiing on the Mountains.
Heli-Skiing
The coastal mountains receive big powder dumps due to the precipitation from the ocean, making heli-skiing around Squamish world-class. Take off from the Squamish airport and be transported to one of the many snow-capped mountain peaks you can see from town.
Heli-Snowmobile & or Snowbike
Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight to awaiting snowmobiles and snow bikes for an unforgettable day in the backcountry. The professional team of mountain guides will lead you on state-of-the-art mountain snowmobiles and snowbikes on an Arctic-like expedition across 8,000 foot ice fields and over mountain tops to secret ice caves.
Heli-Glacier Tours
Take off in an A-star helicopter and fly over Canada’s largest, southernmost ice fields to explore an evolving world of ice and snow. Your guide will lead you through a labyrinth of chambers of aqua blue magnificence where you will sit in awe while enjoying a fabulous mountain style lunch.
Hiking
Hiking is our favourite rainy day activity, as many trails are sheltered by the thick forest cover, making them much drier than being in the open. In the Winter months the hiking trails at lower elevations, like the Four Lakes Trail, Brohm Lake, Ray Peters and the Ocean Front Nexon Trail are great options.
Mountain Biking
The Mountain biking trails at lower elevations are accessible year round and it is one of the best times of year to ride. Winter mountain biking will reward you with uncrowded trails and crisp fresh air. Our tip: Bring a headlamp to extend your day! Please ride with care on the wet and slippery days and obey trail closures.
Rock Climbing
Ground Up Climbing Center opened last year and is a great rainy day activity. Ground up extends the climbing season in Squamish, with safe instructions, delicious coffee and a great community of local climbers.
Squishys Family Fun Zone
Squishys is the best place to be on a cold winter day in Squamish with your kids. They have a comfortable play room, where parents can come and socialize while their children play and wear themselves out, in a clean, age-appropriate playground. Squishys is an open concept space of 2400 ft.² indoor play ground, which includes 3 areas of soft play structures. A special Toddler area away from the bigger kids, games, rock climbing wall, ballistic ball shooter, 25 foot helix slide, birthday party areas, and tons more!
Snowshoe
This is a great activity for all fitness levels, whether you are interested in a relaxing walk through the forest or a more anaerobic work out. Snowshoeing is possible, weather permitting, at the Red Heather trails, the top of the Gondola or book a guided tour in the Callaghan Valley. Snowshoe rentals are available at Valhalla Pure if you want to explore on your own.
Snowmobile
The sea to sky region from Squamish to Pemberton is a world renowned snowmobile destination, offering terrain that suits beginners to advanced. The snowmobile season starts at the end of November and can last until June if we have had a good snow year. Book a guided tour or self explore with a snowmobile rental.
Storm & Cloud Watching at the Sea to Sky Gondola
Winter months in Squamish are known for the mystic and cloudy West Coast days. One of the best locations to enjoy the dramatic scenery that the clouds bring is the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola. Grab a hot beverage and bring your camera! Share your images with #squamishadventure to be entered to win a Squamish Adventure package.
Via Ferrata
Located at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola and open year round, this is a great activity to try. Challenge yourself on their iron rung climbing course while taking in the stunning scenery.
Insider’s Tip: Be prepared with the right gear and you may just find that the best adventures can be had on the rainy days!
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