Looking to get outdoors and explore Squamish? There are plenty of options for hikes of all levels, from the Sea to Summit trail to shorter trails with stunning views. No matter what your fitness level, there’s a hike for you. And what better way to explore than by getting up close and personal with nature by hiking and exploring Squamish? But of course, there’s way more to do in Squamish than just hiking! Keep reading below to find out more!
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There are many benefits to hiking, including physical and mental health benefits. Hiking is a great option for those looking to get outdoors and explore. Hiking can help improve cardiovascular fitness, increase muscle strength, reduce stress levels, and improve mental well-being. Other than the health aspect, Squamish is one of the most scenic places in Canada, with quite a diverse range of activities you can do! Taking your time and hiking through it, is probably the best, and most accessible way to take it all in.
Be prepared to spend a whole day, or even a months, hiking and exploring Squamish. It is certainly a place you will long to return to, as there’s just so much!
The best hiking trails in Squamish
I had always found hiking to be one of my least favourite outdoor activities, to be quite honest. I found “walking” in the woods, to me, needed a bit more stimulation. (I know… there’s so much to unpack there…) But having found the mountains and frolicking in them for awhile, I have fell in love with this activity and gave me a renewed sense of being in the outdoors. It’s the perfect balance of being outdoors, taking in all the benefits of the polyphenols to de-stress, and exert as much or as little as I want it to be.
Getting to Squamish, the vistas over Howe Sound, the vertical, and being humbled in the mountains is something I long. No matter what your fitness level, there’s a hike for you in Squamish. While there are a lot of places to explore, here are 3 of the best hiking areas in Squamish to get you started. Check out each area for additional trails, details of how to descend, and trails maps among other information:
- Sea to Summit Trail: This trail is a moderate to difficult hike that takes you from sea level to the summit of the Chief Mountain. The trail is 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) long and takes approximately 6 hours to complete.
- Stawamus Chief Provincial Park: This park offers several different trails ranging from easy to difficult. Highlights include views of Howe Sound, the Stawamus Chief Mountain, and Shannon Falls.
- Garibaldi Provincial Park: Garibaldi Provincial Park is home to many beautiful hikes, including the popular Black Tusk Trail. This moderate to difficult hike takes you through forests and meadows before reaching the stunning sub-alpine landscape around Black Tusk Lake.
Things to do in Squamish besides hike
This park is home to three granite peaks and offers amazing views of Howe Sound. So without a doubt, hiking is not the only thing you can do in Squamish. Below are some other activities to get your excited to exploring Squamish!
Rock Climbing: Of course, this is definitely an activity here and you may hire guides in the region to take you up some of these amazing faces. The Chief is where the climbs are at, but don’t forget Shannon Falls Provincial Park also carries a ton of climbs, including the classic and the infamous Skywalker (5.8).
Mountain biking: Given the region and the clout for outdoor adventures, Squamish hosts some of the best enduro riding. There are 5 main trail heads to access the trails. Alice Lake & Highlands, Diamond Head, Valleycliffe, and Brackendale. There are several operators in the region that will rent mountain bikes, if you’re not in a position to bring one of your own.
Kayaking Howe Sound: Squamish, situated right in the confluence of Howe Sound hosting the “Sea to Sky” corridor, you can definitely enjoy your paddling sports along with your vertical sports!
Cultural Attractions
Squamish and Lil’wat Cultural Centre: While not in Squamish proper, but in Whistler, this cultural centre is definitely worth a visit. Learn of First Nations that we reside on, on their unceded territory, their culture, and how we move forward in this epoque of reconciliation as nations to nation.
Brohm Lake Interpretive Forest: This forest is perfect for those who want to take a break from hiking and explore the area’s history and culture. The interpretive forest features several walking trails as well as an old growth forest and an abandoned logging town.
Britannia Mine Museum: Just south of Squamish by about 10 minutes, a family friendly museum hosts an award winning immersive multi-sensory live action story telling theatre, sharing the history of the mine and how the contributions to the community. There is also an interpretive tour through the old mines demonstrating how it worked in the mid 20th century.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a leisurely walk, or push yourself a bit more with some of the other activities, Squamish has something for everyone. Hiking and exploring Squamish is a great way to explore the area and get some exercise while you’re at it. So after exploring the history of the region, lace up your hiking boots, strap on your helmet, put on your life jacket, and let’er rip!
