Enjoy 48 hours of Things To Do in Squamish
Just off the Sea to Sky Highway, there is a wonderful oasis of fun and experiences to be had. This scenic small town may seem like a quick stop, but the opportunities to create memories are endless. Squamish, British Columbia, is a beautiful and unique place to explore, and you won’t run out of things to do in Squamish, BC.
When visiting Squamish, you’ll quickly discover why people move here from all over the world. Squamish has a ton of local history and knowledge worth tapping into, known for its annual logger sports, beautiful rivers like the Cheakamus and Mamquam, whitewater rafting, and even scuba diving in Howe Sound.
Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a beer lover, or just looking for a quick layover to unwind, Squamish has something for everyone. With its stunning natural surroundings and vibrant community, it’s no wonder that Squamish has become one of the top destinations in British Columbia for day trips and weekend getaways.
**Picture your favourite travel TV personality sifting through their local guidebook to go over their favourite places and things to do in town.**
Activities
Squamish, BC, is well known for its incredible outdoor adventure options, nestled between the coastal mountains and the shores of Howe Sound. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a mountain biker, or a first-time rock climber, Squamish has fun activities for every level.
Hiking
With its location at the base of the coastal mountains and proximity to popular hiking trails, Squamish is known as a hiker’s paradise. From easy hikes and short walks to moderate hikes with significant elevation gain, there are hiking trails for all experience levels. Some local favourites include the Stawamus Chief via Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, the Sea to Summit trail to the Sea to Sky Gondola, and the backcountry routes to Garibaldi Lake and Panorama Ridge for experienced hikers seeking a breathtaking challenge. Don’t forget your bear spray on any of the longer trails through the lush forests above town.
Mountain biking
Squamish is considered the mountain biking capital of Canada, with over 200 kilometres of single-track trails winding through granite rock, old growth, and open ridgelines. Mountain bikers come from around the world to ride here, and there are more trails suited to every style and skill level than you could cover in an entire weekend. Don’t have your own bike? Bike rentals are available through local shops like Corsa Cycles, so there’s no excuse not to get out there.
Rock Climbing
Squamish is one of the premier rock climbing destinations in North America, and the granite rock of the Stawamus Chief and Smoke Bluffs Park draws rock climbers from around the world year-round. With over 2,000 routes to choose from, ranging from beginner-friendly single pitches at Smoke Bluffs to multi-day big wall routes up the Chief’s third peak, there is something for every level. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or a seasoned climber, rock climbing in Squamish BC, is an experience unlike any other.
Watersports
Squamish Watersports Ltd. offers guided tours and lessons for paddleboarding, kayaking, and powerboating on Howe Sound. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains while exploring the fjord-like waters and discovering hidden coves. You can also try your hand at kiteboarding or windsurfing in Squamish’s world-renowned wind conditions, or explore the Squamish Estuary for a quieter paddle through one of BC’s most important wildlife habitats.
Sightseeing
Visiting Squamish is an immersive experience, offering an exciting blend of outdoor sports and striking vistas at every turn. Allocate ample time in your travel itinerary to truly appreciate what’s here and understand why Squamish BC has become one of the most beloved destinations along the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and the Whistler area.
The natural beauty and plethora of activities make it more than just a place to visit. It’s a place to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Shannon Falls Provincial Park
Shannon Falls Provincial Park is home to the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia, and it’s just a short walk from the parking lot to the viewing platform. Visitors can marvel at the 335-metre cascading waterfall, which fills the air with a cool mist and is surrounded by lush forests, making it a perfect place to picnic. Shannon Falls is also within easy walking distance of Britannia Beach and the Sea to Sky Gondola, making it a natural first stop on any sightseeing loop along the Sea to Sky Highway.
The Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola is a must-visit attraction in Squamish. This gondola ride takes you up to over 885 metres above sea level, delivering unparalleled views of Howe Sound, Shannon Falls, and the majestic coastal mountains. At the summit, you can explore the walking trails, cross the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, or simply take in the breathtaking views from the viewing platforms. It’s one of the most accessible ways to experience Squamish’s mountain scenery without the elevation gain of a full hike.
Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge
The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola offers a one-of-a-kind experience with stunning views of Howe Sound, Shannon Falls, and Sky Pilot Mountain stretching out in every direction. A favourite for visitors of all ages.
Visit the Smoke Bluffs
Located just five minutes from downtown Squamish, Smoke Bluffs Park is a beloved gathering spot for rock climbers and casual visitors alike. The Smoke Bluffs offer a short hike with great views, and the granite rock faces here are among the most accessible in the area for climbing. If you’re not feeling up for climbing, take a short walk around, enjoy the scenery, and watch the rock climbers in action.
Alice Lake Provincial Park
With four lakes, numerous hiking and biking trails, sandy beaches, and a variety of watersports, Alice Lake Provincial Park is the perfect spot for a day trip from downtown Squamish. Take a dip at the sandy beach, have a picnic, or rent a canoe or kayak to explore. There are easy hikes looping through the park’s lush forests, making it a great option for families and anyone looking for a more relaxed outdoor adventure.
Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre
A visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in the nearby Whistler area offers a profound and enriching introduction to the living cultures of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, the two Indigenous peoples whose traditional territories encompass this region. Explore stunning art, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that bring the Squamish language and traditions to life in a truly memorable way.
Murrin Provincial Park
Just south of Squamish along the Sea to Sky Highway, Murrin Provincial Park is a hidden gem that’s well worth a stop. With a peaceful lake, short hiking trails through lush forests, and excellent granite rock-climbing routes, it’s a great alternative to the nearby busier parks and a favourite among locals.
Brackendale Art Gallery
The Brackendale Art Gallery is one of British Columbia’s most unique cultural institutions, a vibrant community arts space in the small town of Brackendale just north of Squamish. Well worth the short drive for art lovers, and a great pairing with a visit to Hop Creek Farms just up the road.
Sips & Savouries
Downtown Squamish punches well above its weight when it comes to food and drink, from early morning bakeries to craft breweries, distilleries, and everything in between. Here’s a taste of what’s waiting for you.
Sunflower Bakery & Cafe
A beloved Squamish institution since 1995, Sunflower Bakery & Cafe is the perfect first stop of any day. Made-from-scratch pastries, artisan breads, legendary donuts, and 49th Parallel Coffee served seven days a week. Don’t leave without a Homer donut, trust us.
Fox & Oak
Fox & Oak is downtown Squamish’s beloved doughnut and coffee destination, and the line out the door most mornings tells you everything you need to know. Their naturally leavened brioche doughnuts are hand-crafted daily from scratch, with seasonal toppings and glazes that constantly rotate. Enjoy creative flavours like mango, passion fruit, and pavlova, all beautifully presented. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, too.
Noshy
The sister café to Sunflower, Noshy is a bright and welcoming spot on Pemberton Ave known for its Australian-inspired baked goods. Think savoury meat pies, sausage rolls, and quiche alongside excellent lattes and stunning mountain views from every window.
Howe Sound Brewpub
One of the oldest craft breweries in British Columbia, Howe Sound Brewing has a popular attached pub serving delicious food to pair with its award-winning beers, plus patio views of the Chief and Mamquam Blind Channel that are hard to beat.
The Copper Coil Still and Grill
This local favourite offers a wide selection of Cajun comfort food and craft cocktails, located just across the street from the Crash Hotel in downtown Squamish.
Cliffside Cider
For a taste of Squamish’s growing cider scene, visit Cliffside Cider and sample their handcrafted ciders made with locally sourced apples. A hidden gem and a must-stop for cider lovers.
Blue House Korean & Sushi and CM Chicken
Located right below the Crash Hotel at 38005 Cleveland Ave, Blue House brings authentic Korean cuisine and fresh sushi under one roof, with an extensive buffet, traditional dishes like bulgogi and seafood pancakes, and a full sushi menu. And if crispy fried chicken is calling your name, CM Chicken has you covered from the same location. A convenient and delicious option that couldn’t be closer to home base.
Taka Ramen and Sushi
A local favourite and downtown gem on Cleveland Ave, Taka Ramen and Sushi serves authentic Hokkaido-style ramen with rich, deeply flavoured broths simmered for hours, alongside fresh sashimi and creative sushi sourced partly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market. It fills up fast, especially on weekends, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. It’s worth it.
House of Lager
Squamish’s newest addition to the craft brewing scene, House of Lager, sits on the scenic waterfront at Oceanfront Squamish beside Sp’akw’us Feather Park. Dedicated entirely to the art of lagering, this is a restaurant-first brewery with elevated comfort food, crispy halibut and chips, and a to-go window serving coffee, snacks, and ice cream for those out for a waterfront stroll.
A-Frame Brewing Co.
All cabin vibes and craft lagers, A-Frame Brewing has built a devoted following in Squamish. Their cozy taproom and patio come with fire pits, lawn games, and a rotating selection of beers brewed true to style. A food truck is often on site, and the bring-your-own-food policy means you can make an evening of it.
Raincity Distillery
Squamish’s only craft distillery, Raincity, uses glacially fed water and locally sourced BC ingredients to produce small-batch gins and vodka with real character. Their cocktail lounge features a seasonally rotating menu of over 20 inventive cocktails that push well beyond the standard gin and tonic. Whether you’re there for a tasting or a full evening out, Raincity is a genuinely special spot.
Hop Creek Farms Bar & Food Trailers
Worth the short drive out to Brackendale, Hop Creek Farms is a 33-acre, family-run, sustainable farm that raises 100% grass-fed beef, lamb, and pasture-raised pork, and brews its own beer. Their bar and food trailers are open Thursday to Monday from 11:30 am, set against a pastoral backdrop that feels a world away from the highway. Farm-fresh, honest, and completely unique.
The Salted Vine Kitchen and Bar
For a special night out, The Salted Vine delivers upscale modern Canadian dining with a focus on fresh, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients. Think oysters, charcuterie, confit duck, and perfectly executed cocktails.
Backcountry Brewing
A relatively new player quickly making its mark, Backcountry Brewing impresses with an adventurous tap list, solid food offerings, and a welcoming taproom atmosphere. A great pick for anyone looking to dig deeper into Squamish’s thriving craft beer scene.
Fergie’s Cafe
Worth the short drive out to Brackendale, Fergie’s Cafe is an award-winning brunch destination set on the banks of the Cheakamus River at the Sunwolf Riverside Resort. Once a legendary fishing lodge, it’s now a beloved Squamish institution known for its creative twists on eggs benny, locally sourced ingredients, and a beautiful forest setting that makes the whole experience feel like a proper getaway. They don’t take reservations, so arrive early or be prepared to wait on weekends. Open daily from 9 am until 3 pm.
Zephyr Cafe at the BAG
A Squamish community favourite reborn at the historic Brackendale Art Gallery, Zephyr Cafe brings a globally inspired menu of made-from-scratch food to one of the most unique settings in town. Think shakshuka, Turkish eggs, Korean fried chicken burgers, and West Coast chowder, all served daily from 8 am in a vibrant space that doubles as an art gallery, live music venue, and community hub. There’s even a rooftop patio with views across Brackendale, the only one of its kind in Squamish. When there’s an event on at the BAG, the kitchen stays open, making it a great spot to pair a meal with a show.
Nightlife Fun
When the sun sets in Squamish, the nightlife hums with a unique energy. For those who enjoy live music, local bands often perform against the backdrop of the stunning Sea to Sky corridor. If you’re interested in dancing the night away, head over to one of the welcoming local spots to enjoy craft cocktails while engaging in pool, pinball and arcade games.
Squamish’s nightlife scene, with its variety of music venues, bars, and relaxed lounges, caters to a broad spectrum of tastes and moods.
The Chieftain Pool & Pinball
Located right inside the Crash Hotel on Cleveland Ave, The Chieftain is the go-to spot in downtown Squamish for billiards, vintage pinball machines, and a fun social atmosphere. It’s a place where locals and tourists mingle, creating a lively vibe that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. Whether you’re up for a competitive game of pool or just looking for a friendly place to relax with a drink, The Chieftain has you covered.
Trickster’s Hideout
Tucked away in the back alley of 38005 Cleveland Ave, Trickster’s Hideout is a hidden gem in Squamish featuring regular live music, comedy shows, open mic nights, improv, burlesque, movie nights, and more. The ambiance is a delightful blend of speakeasy, theatre, and community hub, with expertly crafted cocktails and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Be sure to check their lineup before you go; there’s always something new happening.
Stay at Crash Hotel for Great Accommodations
The Crash Hotel is the perfect home base for your Squamish layover.
Crash Hotel is centrally located in downtown Squamish, BC, and is a prime location for your adventure. Our pet-friendly boutique hotel offers modern rooms, each with its own unique design and style. With a variety of room options and amenities, including the most comfortable beds you’ll ever sleep on and a bike storage room, among others, it’s the perfect place to rest and recharge before heading out for your next Squamish adventure.
In addition to our top-notch accommodations, Crash Hotel also offers guests a revolutionary virtual front desk experience that gives you more flexibility when travelling. Unwind in style or mingle with other travellers at our trendy hotspot.
Squamish truly has something for everyone, from adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities to relaxing scenic adventures.
No matter what you’re looking for in your trip, Squamish is sure to exceed expectations.