We highly recommend taking a trip up the Sea to Sky Gondola while you're in town. There is a bar and restaurant at the top with a beautiful observation deck overlooking the Howe Sound. Up there you have access to trails suitable for a wide range of abilities from beginner to advanced. Check the schedule on the website if you're interested in a morning yoga class or some live music!
A walk/run in the Squamish Estuary offers some beautiful views of the Stawamus Chief and other local mountains. The Squamish River meets the Howe Sound in the estuary so it is a home to lots of wildlife, including bears. Just be sure to make some noise while you walk so you don't surprise them! You can access it from two points downtown that are marked in the All Trails link. It can be done as an out and back or looped by leaving the trails and going downtown.
This is one of our favorite restaurants for a special brunch in Squamish. It sources a lot of its ingredients locally and offers a unique setting. Be sure to go early as it can get quite busy in the summertime. There's a playground for kids to play on, outdoor seating, and a river access that's worth checking out. Sometimes you can get lucky and spot some bald eagles fishing for their breakfast.
Located on Cheekeye Ranch, Kind Yoga's geodome studio is a 15 minute walk from the parking area. The walk takes you past a horse sanctuary, along a river, and into the forest. Just walking to and from the studio is a special experience (but be sure to give yourself enough time before class to get there). Consider hitting Fergie's after for brunch as it's just a 1 minute drive further down Squamish Valley Road.
"The third highest falls in British Columbia!" Just south of Squamish there is a parking lot to access the waterfall. It's a short walk to the viewing platform where you can check it out from the bottom. This is a great quick stop on your way up from Vancouver!
Named after the two local lakes, this shop serves New Zealand style real fruit ice cream that is so refreshing. Some have called it better than Wisconsin's custard... but you'll have to try it and judge for yourself! Coconut based vegan ice cream available. There are two locations- the original is in Garibaldi Estates and the second location is downtown.
This is a MASSIVE park. We've gone on 4 backpacking trips in this park and still have more to see. It stretches from Squamish to Whistler and hosts a wide range of options. There's multiple different trailheads and it's important to check the road conditions leading up to whichever one you choose on AllTrails. Cheakamus Lake- This is a relatively short and flat hike by Garibaldi Park standards with a beautiful turquoise lake at the end. Garibaldi Lake- The first 6km of this hike are relentless uphill switchbacks but once you get past that section, it becomes more interesting. There's a stunning turquoise lake at the end. You will want to allow a full day for this hike if you want time to enjoy the lake. Elfin Lakes- Another full day excursion. The lakes aren't turquoise but the sprawling views of the mountains are stunning. These hikes have incredible extensions you could add on if you're wanting to backpack but be sure to look into booking a campsite ASAP as they fill up fast.
Alice is one of four lakes in this park that you can see on the Four Lakes Trail. It's a great family friendly hike with minimal elevation gain through a beautiful temperate rain forest. Check out the map on AllTrails for more information. The park has an extensive trail network in addition to the Four Lakes Trail if you're looking for more of a challenge but be sure to research the route ahead of time. Alice Lake is also a popular summer swimming hole and car camping spot for families since it has a nice beach access.
A great coffee shop with excellent sweet and savory pastries. They roast their coffee in house!
This park has a go to short hike for us called the Quercus Lookout. While it's not long distance wise, it is pretty much straight up with not the best footing at all times. To access the lookout, you have to walk up a small rock face so wearing shoes with good tread will make it much more comfortable. We often do this as an out and back to get the stunning view of the Howe Sound after work but you can do a full loop trail that offers additional view points. See AllTrails for more information and we recommend following the map closely if you do Quercus Lookout as an out and back since the turnoff for it isn't marked on the trail. This park is also a hotspot for rock climbing and has a small lake which can be nice for a dip after hiking.
We love this park for hiking followed by a swim! It has a large network of trails that you can create your own adventure out of or follow the whole loop linked. It is steep at times and not always the greatest footing so shoes with good tread will be helpful and trekking poles might be nice depending on your abilities. There are some stunning viewpoints looking at the Tantalus Range. Brohm Lake is great for swimming in but note that there is no beach access. There are some large rocks to hang out on before or after swimming but it isn't a gradual entry to the water. There are two parking lots on the west side of the highway but they can fill up quickly. Note that if you park along the highway you will likely be towed (speaking from experience)!