A Gearhead® Guide To An Adventure Paradise 

Published August 12, 2024

Nestled between the bustling city of Vancouver and the scenic town of Whistler, Squamish, BC, is a mecca for outdoor adventure. It’s also home to Backcountry athlete and professional mountain biker, Rémy Métailler. On a recent trip to ride and hang with Rémy, our Gearheads had a chance to explore the city for everything it offers from a local's perspective. 

Known for its stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and vibrant community, Squamish has something for everyone. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking to climb towering cliffs and ride world-class bike trails or a nature lover wanting to explore serene trails, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to Squamish. 

• Eat & Hang Like A Local 
• Take A Hike  
• Make It An Overnighter 
• Get On A Roll 
• Go Wall Out 
• Take A Dip 

Backcountry Brewing

Hungry travelers have more than a few great options to satisfy their appetites in Squamish. The city’s proximity to the ocean and plethora of fresh ingredients at its disposal means proper adventure fuel is abundant. Our Gearheads loved Backcountry Brewing’s tap and menu options—it’s a spot everyone can enjoy regardless of their taste preferences.  

The Salted Vine Kitchen + Bar

If you’re keen on cuisine that’s centered around fresh, local ingredients, we recommend checking out The Salted Vine Kitchen + Bar. They’re known for bringing a modern take to West Coast farmhouse classics. Located along the scenic Sea-To-Sky Highway, The Salted Vine delivers fresh tastes complimented by grand views of the Howe Sound fjord. 

Green Olive Market

Green Olive Market is a well-known local grocery store in Squamish, providing a wide selection of fresh produce, organic products, and specialty items. The Squamish Farmer’s Market is another great option that supports the local economy and has plenty of gift and souvenir options. It operates every Saturday from 10am to 3pm, usually from April to December. 

Saha Eatery

Saha Eatery was another hit during our travels. Conveniently located in downtown Squamish, Saha specializes in Middle Eastern dishes, offering a menu filled with traditional flavors and fresh ingredients. 

On-The-Town Top Picks

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Smoke Bluffs Loop Trail 

A simple google image search of Squamish is enough to know that the area’s hiking opportunities (and views) are seemingly endless. Starting right from town, the Smoke Bluffs Loop Trial is our top pick for a quick-hit hike that’s fairly short and close by yet offers lots of bang for your buck as far as hikes go. It takes about one to two hours from start to finish, ends with a stellar view to give you some perspective of the town, and it’s both kid and dog friendly. You’ll walk through a popular climbing area, so it could be a good chance to scope out some routes if you’re looking to climb or just enjoy watching some rock mongrels defy gravity. 

Stawamus Chief 

Perhaps the most iconic activity in the area is hiking Stawamus Chief, or just The Chief if you want to sound like a local. The trail consists of three peaks, each offering spectacular mountaintop views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. The trail is steep and involves some scrambling, but the vistas from the top are well worth the effort. 

Garibaldi Lake Trail 

Garibaldi Lake Trail takes you through just over 11 miles of dense forests and alpine meadows to the turquoise waters of Garibaldi Lake. The stunning blue water, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is a perfect spot for a picnic or a refreshing dip. 

Shannon Falls 

Shannon Falls is a short, easy hike that leads to one of the tallest waterfalls in British Columbia. The water cascades 1,099 feet down a series of cliffs and is a great spot for a quick visit or a family outing at just 1.6 miles round trip. 

Sea To Summit Trail 

Starting near the base of the Sea to Sky Gondola, the Sea To Summit Trail climbs just under 5 miles of steep forested terrain to the summit. Hikers are rewarded with epic views of Howe Sound and can take the gondola down for a more relaxing descent. 

And don't forget to pack your running shoes! Each of these trails and more of Squamish’s nearby singletracks can easily become a fast-paced trail run for those who are looking to move faster or farther.

 

Make It An Overnighter 

Alice Lake Provincial Park 

For adventurers looking to hang outside a little longer, there’s no shortage of camping and backpacking opportunities in Squamish, either. Alice Lake Provincial Park is a popular campground that has well-maintained facilities, including picnic areas, swimming spots, and playgrounds. It’s ideal for families and offers access to several hiking and biking trails. Reservations here are not required, but we recommend booking ahead during the busier summer months. 

Garibaldi Provincial Park 

Garibaldi Provincial Park is a top choice for backpackers, offering several backcountry camping options with stunning alpine scenery. Popular areas include Taylor Meadows, Garibaldi Lake, and Elfin Lakes. Reservations are required, however, by calling ahead or booking online. 

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park 

The Stawamus Chief Provincial Park is perfect for climbers and hikers, offering rustic camping close to the iconic Stawamus Chief. The first-come, first-served campground is basic, with pit toilets and no potable water, but it provides quick access to climbing routes and hiking trails. 

The Mamquam River Campground 

The Mamquam River Campground is a community-run campground offering a more rustic experience with basic amenities. It’s located along the Mamquam River, which provides a peaceful setting and easy access to nearby trails, and reservations are not required. 

Tantalus Provincial Park 

For those seeking a more remote and challenging adventure, Tantalus Provincial Park offers rugged backcountry camping. The park is less accessible, requiring good navigation skills and preparation, but travelers are rewarded with fewer crowds and more wilderness.  

World-class outdoorsery continues into the bike realm, too. Generally, the bike trails in Squamish tend to be gnarly. If you’re keen on leaning into the downhill side of biking, consider having a shuttle setup for your crew. And for those looking to get a mix of both up and downhill, there’s plenty of opportunity for that, too. 

In-N-Out Burger Trail 

A personal favorite trail of Backcountry Athlete Rémy Métaller (that’s well-traveled and taken care of) is the In-N-Out Burger Trail. It’s a must-ride for experienced mountain bikers seeking a challenging and rewarding adventure. With its technical terrain, scenic surroundings, and thrilling, slabby descents, it offers an unforgettable mountain biking experience our Gearheads can’t get enough of. 

For those looking to extend their ride from there or explore more of Squamish’s mountain biking scene, there are several nearby trails worth checking out. Half Nelson Trail is well-known for its flowy berms and jumps. Pseudotsuga is a fun trail with a mix of flow and technical sections, and Powerhouse Plunge is an advanced trail with steep descents and technical features. 

More Noteworthy Squamish Mountain Bike Areas 

Riders looking for especially technical trails should check out the Alice Lake Area trails or the Valleycliffe Area for a good mix of both flow and technicality.  

Whistler bike park is also just a quick 50-minute drive from Squamish. So, if you’re looking for more premier mountain biking adventures that feature lift-served trails for riders of all levels, consider dedicating a day to downhill. 

Go Wall Out  

Attracting climbers from all corners of the globe with its stunning granite cliffs, diverse routes, and breathtaking scenery, Squamish offers a unique climbing experience that caters to all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The town is home to a variety of climbing areas, each offering its own distinct challenges and attractions. 

Trad Climbing

For beginner- and intermediate-friendly trad routes, we recommend checking out Smoke Bluffs or Murrin Park. You'll find a variety of single-pitch trad routes ranging from 5.5 to 5.12. And if you want something a little more adventurous? The Chief face, which stands prominently over downtown, offers plenty of ultra classic multi-pitch routes that’ll get your heart pumping. Have a glance out your window after sunset and see how many headlamps you can spot on their way to the summit! 

Other noteworthy trad climbing routes on The Chief include The Grand Wall, where you’ll find more challenging routes to test your skills. Routes here range from 5.7 to 5.11a in difficulty, featuring some pumpy laybacks, jams, and bouldery cruxes.  

For beginner- and intermediate-friendly trad routes, we recommend checking out Smoke Bluffs or Murrin Park. You'll find a variety of single-pitch trad routes ranging from 5.5 to 5.12. And if you want something a little more adventurous? The Chief face, which stands prominently over downtown, offers plenty of ultra classic multi-pitch routes that’ll get your heart pumping. Have a glance out your window after sunset and see how many headlamps you can spot on their way to the summit! 
 
Other noteworthy trad climbing routes on The Chief include The Grand Wall, where you’ll find more challenging routes to test your skills. Routes here range from 5.7 to 5.11a in difficulty, featuring some pumpy laybacks, jams, and bouldery cruxes.  
 
There are plenty of unbelievable classic routes to explore. A few of our favorite routes are Millenium Falcon (5.11a), Borderline (5.10d), Sunblessed (5.10b), Skywalker (5.8), and Polaris (5.12a). 

Sport Climbing 

While lesser known for its sport routes, Squamish has no shortage of awesome bolted options, too. Located in Cheakamus Canyon, Chek is the most well-known area, with routes ranging from 5.5 to 5.14 in difficulty. Area 44 is another area worth checking out for great moderate grade sport routes.  

There are a few bolted multi-pitch routes in Squamish, including Star Chek (5.8+), Charlotte’s Web (5.9+), and Stairway to Heaven (5.10c). However, these routes are relatively scarce. 

Bouldering 

Squamish is a heavenly place in general, but its bouldering potential is especially noteworthy. This moss-covered, forested ecosystem is home to plenty of granite that’s drawn pros and amateurs alike, so expect to see and hear plenty of cheers and hollers.  

The main hub of bouldering activity is centered around The Chief, where the Grand Wall, North Wall, and Apron Boulders collectively offer nearly 2,000 problems—all iconic locations filled with countless classics in a wide range of difficulties. 

Being located amongst mountains has its perks, but Squamish’s proximity to Howe Sound (one of Canada’s largest fjords) and plenty of inland lakes means there’s plenty of water-related activities to get into as well. 

Squamish Harbour Yacht Club 

We’ve seen success putting in paddleboards and floating off from Squamish Harbour’s Squamish Yacht Club. This area provides easy access to the calm waters of the Squamish Estuary and the scenic Howe Sound, making it an ideal starting point for paddleboarding adventures. The club's facilities offer a secure place to launch and retrieve paddleboards, with ample parking and amenities for paddlers. 

Alice Lake Provincial Park 

Alice Lake Provincial Park is another fantastic spot for paddleboarding. The park features four lakes, with Alice Lake being the largest and most popular for watersports. The area has all the paddle essentials: scenic mountain views, easy access, calm water, facilities, and gear rentals during the peak summer months. 

Sea To Sky Marine Trail 

More ambitious travelers may want to opt for a multi-night trip on the Sea To Sky Marine Trail. The route stretches from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Squamish, encompassing numerous islands, fjords, and scenic coastal landscapes. There are seven designated campsites along the route, including Halkett Bay, Plumper Cove, and Tantalus Landing. These sites provide basic amenities such as tent pads, picnic tables, and pit toilets. The trail has multiple access points, allowing for flexible trip planning. Popular starting points include Horseshoe Bay, Porteau Cove, and Squamish. 

Final Thoughts 

Squamish is a true adventurer's paradise with a plethora of activities to enjoy. Before you embark on your journey, here are a few things to keep in mind.  

• Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything Squamish has to offer. Between world-class climbing, biking, epic hikes, and lots of paddle-potential, you’ll want adequate time for an unhurried vacation.  
• Bring your driver’s license! All U.S. licenses are valid in Canada (with proof of insurance).  
• Look into site reservations and booking ahead of time—Squamish’s best and busiest vacation months are in the summer season.  
• Plan for changing weather conditions, and pack layers for storms and sun alike.  
• Don’t forget bear spray! Humans aren’t the only inhabitants in the area, so be sure you’re equipped with proper wildlife safety knowledge.  

FAQs About Traveling To Squamish 

Q: What are things to do in Squamish? 

A: Squamish has lots to offer in the realm of outdoor adventure. Biking, climbing, hiking, camping, and paddling are popular in the Squamish area.  

Q: Where should I go hiking in Squamish?

A: The Smoke Bluffs Loop Trail is a top pick for a quick-hit hike that’s fairly short and close to town. The Chief Trail, Sea To Summit Trail, and Shannon Falls Trail are other noteworthy options.  

Q: Where should I go mountain biking in Squamish? 

A: In-N-Out Burger Trail is a favorite mountain bike trail among advanced mountain bikers. The Alice Lake and Valleycliffe areas offer trails for all levels.  

Q: Where should I eat in Squamish? 

A: Backcountry Brewing offers a solid variety everyone can enjoy. The Salted Vine Kitchen + Bar is a top choice for those with dietary restrictions or people looking for ultra fresh ingredients.