100 SQUAMISH
The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada
Just one hour north of Vancouver at the north end of Howe Sound, sits the town of Squamish. Not long ago, the mainstay of this 15,000-person community was forestry; but the 2006 closure of the town’s mill combined with the $600 million widening and streamlining of the Sea to Sky Highway for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games of 2010, has tightened the link to Vancouver. Today, Squamish is morphing into a bedroom community for Whistlerites and Vancouverites, an education center, and most notably, a tourism hot-spot with a rugged flare. Perhaps because its climate is warmer than snow-laden Whistler, Squamish is starting to be recognized as a real outdoor adventure gem in the Sea to Sky. It is also the only place in the region actually near the sea. Rock climbing, windsurfing, kite boarding, cross-country mountain biking, trail running and hiking are all accessible year-round; and most lend themselves well to both experts and novices alike. The array of outdoor pursuits is so vast that many people now refer to Squamish by a new moniker: The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.
If you are not one to test your physical limits by scaling a cliff or battling surf, you will still find plenty to discover and experience. There is the breathtaking scenery punctuated by a granite monolith called the Stawamus Chief (The Chief). There are two universities—Capilano and Quest—that attract students from around the world. And there are a host of quirky galleries and restaurants showcasing the West Coast lifestyle. Wildlife enthusiasts should also note that Squamish is home to a large number of bald eagles who migrate here each winter for the relatively warm climate. Keep your eyes peeled, and you will likely see the birds perched in treetops throughout the valley, close to rivers, especially if you are passing through Brackendale, just north of Squamish.
Whatever type of traveller you are, a trip here is incomplete without a trek up the Squamish Chief. Rising above the south end of town, this 700-metre (2,297-foot), 93-million-yearold, freestanding granite monolith is Squamish’s largest landmark and considered a spiritual place for the First Nations’ people, the Squamish Nation. Legend has it you can see the face of a First Nations’ chief peering out of the gray cliff face and watching over the region. Hiking trails start at the back of The Chief and take about 3 to 5 hours to complete. Wear hiking boots and dress appropriately. The going is strenuous but well worth it once you reach one of the three summits and see the Squamish Valley spread majestically beneath you.
If you don’t have time to hike The Chief, take a ride on the stunning new visitor experience: the Sea to Sky Gondola. In just 10 minutes the lift transports passengers up 853-metres (2,800-feet) above Howe Sound to the terminal station at Habrich Ridge. As you ascend, spectacular views of the region unfold before you. Once at the top, many adventures await. Access a wide array of outdoor experiences, including two interpretive loop trails with cantilevered viewing platforms, the spectacular Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, trails to backcountry routes, rock climbing and much more. In addition to the outdoor experiences, the Summit Lodge directly adjacent to the gondola terminal provides an opportunity for cultural exhibits, events, signature dining or simply a chance for friends to meet after a day of adventure. For more information visit seatoskygondola.com.
Another must-see attraction in Squamish is Shannon Falls, immediately south of The Chief. According to the Squamish Nation, the 335-metre (1,099 foot) waterfalls were formed by a two-headed sea serpent named Say-noth-ka, who wore down the cliffs with his powerful body on repeated journeys up the mountainside from his home in Howe Sound. The third highest falls in B.C. cascade down the rocky cliffs, with fresh mountain water throughout the year. The base viewing platform is just a 10 minute walk from the parking lot and is wheelchair accessible.
For information about all the recreational and cultural attractions that Squamish has to offer, a visit to the Squamish Adventure Centre is highly recommended. adventurecentre.ca 604-815-5084 tourismsquamish.com