Located between Vancouver and Whistler, this mountain town draws rock climbers to its 700-meter granite cliffs and wind sports athletes to Howe Sound's waters.
Squamish lies between Vancouver and Whistler at the northern tip of Howe Sound, where the Coast Mountains create a dramatic backdrop. The granite walls of Stawamus Chief rise 700 meters above the city, while nearby Shannon Falls drops 335 meters over smooth rock faces. In summer, wind speeds of 15-25 knots make the Squamish Spit ideal for kiteboarding. During winter, you can spot up to 1,000 bald eagles feeding on salmon in the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers.
Rock Climbing at The Chief
The Stawamus Chief's granite walls tower over Squamish with more than 1,500 climbing routes. You can start with 5.6-5.8 grade climbs at Smoke Bluffs or tackle the 13-pitch Grand Wall (5.11 A0) on the Chief's main face. The dry season runs from June to September, with temperatures between 20-25°C ideal for climbing. Local guides run daily courses for beginners and intermediate climbers.
Mountain Biking Network
Over 200 kilometers of single-track paths wind through cedar and Douglas fir forests around Squamish. Diamond Head's trails include rock drops and root sections for advanced riders, while Half Nelson's 2-kilometer descent incorporates banked turns and small jumps suitable for intermediate skills. The trails stay open year-round, but bring waterproof gear from October to March when rainfall averages 200mm per month.
Kiteboarding at The Spit
From May through September, thermal winds at the Squamish Spit typically start around 11 AM and blow until sunset. The 1-kilometer-wide beach has separate zones for launching and landing. Howe Sound's flat water near the shore transitions to small waves further out, making it good for both learning and practicing jumps. Local schools run 2-3 hour lessons daily during summer.
Sea to Sky Gondola Experience
The 10-minute gondola ride takes you 885 meters up for views across Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. At the top, you can walk the 1.6-kilometer Panorama Trail or tackle the more difficult Skyline Trail with fixed ropes and steep sections. The Summit Lodge opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours during summer. Rangers lead geology walks every Saturday and Sunday.
Wildlife Viewing
Between November and February, bald eagles gather along the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers to feed on spawning salmon. The best viewing spots are at Eagle Run Park and the Tenderfoot Fish Hatchery, where covered platforms keep you dry during winter rains. Local photographers lead 3-hour tours during peak season in January, when daily eagle counts often exceed 1,000 birds.
Getting Around
Highway 99 connects Squamish to Vancouver (1 hour south) and Whistler (45 minutes north). Buses run every 2 hours between these cities from 6 AM to 11 PM. The local transit system has 4 routes covering major recreation areas, running from 6 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 8 PM on weekends. You can catch regional flights at Squamish Airport, with hourly shuttles to Vancouver International Airport.