But this hike is longer and more varied, with flatter sections and patches of deciduous trees. Hikes Near Squamish. Given its high elevation, Elfin Lakes gets covered in snow quite quickly and takes a while to thaw out. Hikers from all around the world come here to try out their luck in one of the Squamish hikes. Hike to the viewpoint. If you're feeling more adventurous, try the hike to the base. Be prepared to do some navigation as the trail is poorly marked in some spots. To access Crooked Falls, you'll need to venture out into the Squamish Valley - a serene area that often gets skipped over by visitors. The Sea to Summit trail’s mossy evergreens, granite lookouts and steep climbs will feel very familiar to hikers who have hiked the Chief. There are no true luxury hotels, but there are a range of good mid-range and budget choices in the form of hotels, B&Bs, and motels that hikers will enjoy. When you purchase something via the links in our articles, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Read more about our policy. You’ll need to purchase a ticket to access this hike. The beauty of the forest is almost enough to distract you from the steep ascent along the switchbacks - almost, but not quite. Squamish is a small town with just a few dozen lodging options. Squamish sits in the midst of some amazing places to hike. "I wish to recognize our people for their efforts and dedication as the pandemic has become our new reality and with COVID-19 safety measures now part of our everyday operating procedures," Dollarama president and CEO Neil Rossy … For the wilderness-lover, Squamish has it all: mountains, rivers, lakes, endless trails and good coffee. Even if you've never set foot on a trail in your life, you'll have no problem exploring the first couple of hikes on our list below. The northerly trailhead is in Porteau Cove. From Murrin Provincial Park to Sea to Sky Gondola- novice hikers mainly explore the Four Lakes Trail in Alice Lake Provincial Park. You’ll soon come to the last lake, Stump Lake. If you’re seeking outdoor adventure on foot, we have compiled a list of spectacular Squamish hikes as well as local food and beer pairings that come recommended by Squamish … Alice Lake Provincial Park - Easy Hiking Trails in Squamish >> Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is a beautiful stop in between Squamish and Whistler. With so many breathtaking hikes (literally) to do near Whistler and Squamish, you definitely won't be bored this summer. Forest road, cut-blocks, old-growth and alpine meadows all feature in this varied and beautiful hike. And presiding over it all, the weather-streaked monolith of the Chief. Continue hiking. 13 Top-Rated Things to Do in Vancouver in Winter. Read more about this trail: exploresquamish.com, Length: 8.5 km Duration: 4-6 hoursElevation gain: 650 metresDifficulty: Moderate. Dykes run beside the Stawamus, Mamquam and Squamish Rivers, each offers a flat walk with riverside beauty and a bounty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Length: 14.5 km (return) Duration: 5-7 hours Elevation gain: 550 metresDifficulty: Moderate. For a longer, less crowded adventure, follow the signs for the third peak instead. Read more about this hike: seatoskygondola.com/sea-to-summit-trail, Length: 24 km (return)Duration: 6-8 hoursElevation gain: 700 metresDifficulty: Difficult. Despite the less than colourful name, this lake might be my favourite of all of them on the Four Lakes Hike. The trails weave together, so you can make this walk short and sweet, or you can take your time and explore your surroundings. Length: Varies Duration: Up to 3 hours. A great Squamish-based hike into the park is the trail to Elfin Lakes. Length: 7.8 km (return) Duration: 3-4 hoursElevation gain: 380 mDifficulty: Moderate. Though it shares the same trailhead as the Chief (and the same gruelling sets of stairs in the first stretch), the Sea to Summit trail is a distinct trail that is absolutely worth a visit. 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Vancouver, BC. Climbing 354 meters, Al's Habrich Trail leads into the backcountry, past creeks, and along stretches of grippy granite. You'll find both of these at Brohm Lake Interpretive Forest, on the west side of the Sea to Sky Highway just north of Squamish. A short hike in a pleasant mossy west coast forest offers arguably the most jaw dropping, panoramic view of the Tantalus range, Paradise Valley,The Chief, Shannon Falls and Howe Sound all from one easily accessed viewpoint! Let your little one's imagination run wild and create priceless moments in the great outdoors on a fun hike … Sixty-four kilometres from Vancouver, on the far side of some of the most stunning highway scenery this side of the 49th parallel is Squamish — one of B.C.’s most famous natural playgrounds. Hike in Squamish & Garibaldi Park Alice Lake is a great place for camping swimming, fishing and hiking. Both are fairly steep, but short hiking trails, so can be done in an afternoon. Located only an hour from Vancouver and about 45 minutes from Whistler, the journey along the Sea-to-Sky highway provides magnificent … There are so many amazing hikes Squamish that it can be hard to choose which one to do! From the top of the gondola, climb upwards among big, widely-spaced trees before topping out on the bare granite slab that characterizes many Squamish hikes, and enjoying a view of the town, the river, and the impressive mountain ranges behind it. Maintaining an elevation many hundreds of meters above Howe Sound, the HSCT offers stunning views and varied terrain. The temperatures rise fast and the snow disappears completely. The Four Lakes Trail is a picturesque, family-friendly experience that offers a taste of what Squamish is famous for, and the option of a dip in any of the lakes to cool off. hiking forest views wildlife nature-trips wild-flowers trail-running walking birding dogs-leash lake kids river waterfall mountain-biking snowshoeing dogs-no There are 17 moderate trails in Squamish ranging from 1.5 to 12.5 miles and from 39 to 5,921 feet above sea level. These places are best for hiking trails in Squamish: Garibaldi Provincial Park; Smoke Bluffs Park; Crooked Falls; Squamish Oceanfront Interpretive Trail; High Falls Creek Trail; See more hiking trails in Squamish … Length: 6.5 km (loop)Duration: 2-3 hours Elevation gain: Negligible Difficulty: Easy. In Squamish, some great October hikes would be the Upper Shannon Falls Trail or the amazing Stawamus Chief Trail. Squamish is a small town 63 km north of Vancouver, immersed in stunning nature it is famous for adventure activities with plenty of spots for awesome rock climbing, kite surfing, mountain biking and hiking. 11 Top-Rated Hikes in Squamish, BC. The Smoke Bluffs Loop Trail can be accessed by Smoke Bluffs Park on Logger's Lane or from the Valleycliffe neighborhood (perfect if you're looking to tack on an extra hike after finishing the Squamish River Dike Trail). Spent a beautiful fall day up at Levette Lake in Squamish, BC. Can't decide? Where is the Chief trailhead located? Each of the hikes we've described below offers rewarding vistas or other attractions. Where is the Skyline Ridge trailhead? As the paved Squamish Valley Road turns to gravel, continue along until you pass a bridge onto Ashlu Road. In this blog post I’m sharing the best things to do in Squamish. In terms of gear, the easiest hikes on this list require little more than sturdy footwear. Squamish River Dike Trail. Feel free to stop for a swim at the top lake, but stay out of the lower lake, which is kept pristine for drinking water. On trails like the Stawamus Chief and the Upper Shannon Falls Trail you will only see the occasional, distant patches of snow. The hike starts from the parking lot just […] Leave time to explore the other connecting trails, many of which offer evidence of the logging industry that historically drove Squamish's economy. The third peak is the longest grind, but tends to be a little quieter than the first two. Here are 10 of our favourite trails to get you started. If you have more time to spend here, see our guide to the attractions and things to do in Squamish. EASY Murrin Park: Murrin Park Loop trail is one of my favourite easy hikes Squamish. These winding dirt trails are mostly flat, leading through trees and bogs towards the estuary along Howe Sound. Just as some top-rated hiking trails are present, Squamish is home to some of the hidden gems. 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Stanley Park. The difficult Sea to Summit trail spans 7.5 kilometers one way and climbs over 900 meters - most people opt to take the gondola down after enjoying some time at the top. Head out early to avoid taking multiple laps to find a spot. Read more about our, 25 Incredible Hiking Trails in British Columbia, 20 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Vancouver, BC. Four Lakes Trail in Alice Lake Provincial Park. Get up close and personal with Mt. When it comes to views, you can't go wrong with any of them. Where can I find the Four Lakes Loop Trail trailhead? Since it is just a short drive from the city, this town is one of several popular day trips from Vancouver. Hikes Near Squamish. There’s no better way to enjoy the crisp weather and get your fill of nature before winter than to take a walk on one of Squamish’s top 5 hiking trails. This hike is steeper than the rest of the trails in the interpretive forest, but your efforts will be rewarded with views of the majestic Tantalus mountain range. Copyright © Explore Magazine. Once you've battled past that you break out onto … Driving up the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver, you'll pass Murrin Provincial Park on your left-hand side just before you get to Squamish. Ray Peters Trail The trail clocks in at about 2.5 kilometers, but the climbs and descents - including lots of stairs - will get your heart beating quickly. Habrich and Sky Pilot. A short distance north of Lion’s Bay, the Tunnel Point rest area is the main parking lot for the Tunnel Bluff hike. The views are breathtaking as you make your way along the forests and meadows. If you’re hiking in the Squamish area, be sure to fuel up at Brackendale’s Fergie’s Cafe. From beautiful mountain hikes to scenic lakes, if you’re thinking of planning a weekend getaway to Squamish, here are a few activities and sights that you can’t miss. Keep your eye on the clock, since you'll need to make it to the top before the last gondola of the day. Elfin Lakes This 22km round trip climb to the Elfin Lakes through Garibaldi Provincial Park, is a great intermediate alpine hike. You'll hear the falls before you see them, and as you get to the lookout, the mist from the falls will help cool you down. For the wilderness-lover, Squamish has it all: mountains, rivers, lakes, endless trails and good coffee. Luckily, from the junction, you don't have much farther to go. Hiking the Squamish Chief is a popular choice because of its proximity to Vancouver, the stunning views at the summit and its clearly marked, well-traveled path. Smoke Bluffs Park is a local favourite and always worth a visit, any time of year. From the ferry terminal at Horseshoe Bay to the town of Squamish, thousands of motorists pass by Howe Sound daily along the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway. These are some of the best dog-friendly hikes in the Howe Sound region. Be on guard for bears and cougars, both of which have been spotted in the area. © Copyright 2020 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Squamish dykes provide flat, scenic riverside walks, with wildlife viewing opportunities. Many of Squamish's hiking trails are perfectly suitable for complete beginners. This one is arguably the most popular hike in Squamish, and for a good reason: it offers Squamish's signature technical trails, it's a great workout, it can be done in roughly half a day, and its views are to die for. The trail is accessed, either by the lower or main parking lots. 25 trails that offer sublime views, wind through old growth forests & along wild shores. Though the gondola offers several hikes suited to beginners, this trail is considered one of the more difficult options and is best enjoyed by those who are in good physical condition. Squamish Nation hands out 1,000 turkeys to ensure all members have a meal on Christmas Day Did you see someone driving dangerously near Pemberton Tuesday? Squamish has gone from pit stop to popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and panoramic views. It’s around a six-kilometre return hike with 430 metres of elevation gain. A beautiful viewpoint and a great spot for a picnic before completing one of the tougher hikes in Squamish and Garibaldi Provincial Park. There is a nice trail, the Four Lakes Trail, that runs past them all. Where is the Sky Pilot Valley Trail trailhead? The trail climbs up through cut block and old growth trees, finally reaching Beth Lake — a pretty mountain lake framing a rocky peak beyond. Depending on the dyke selected, and trail entry point, dyke trails can provide up to 3 hours of enjoyable time with your dog. The hut is a two story building with kitchen and common area on the ground floor and bunk beds on the top floor (no privacy). We have an incredible outdoor playground here in BC and the Sea to Sky area is home to some of the best scenery in the world. The Smoke Bluffs area is another popular destination for rock climbers, but the trails are equally suited for hikers looking to put a few miles under their boots. The steep, rugged terrain along Howe Sound offers several hikes with breathtaking views of the surrounding area while trails north of Howe Sound explore the Squamish Valley area.. After a short hike (more of a walk) to the viewpoint, you are at a stunning 70 meter waterfall. The Squamish Estuary Trails. Where is the Slhanay trailhead? Where is the Howe Sound Crest Trail trailhead? It offers quite the backdrop for a well-earned bite to eat. If you’re looking for some hiking, Squamish is a great place to go. The view of Howe Sound from the bluff is a stunning piece of eye candy, and well-worth the effort. Where is the Tunnel Bluffs Lookout trailhead? Since moving to Vancouver, I’ve been to Squamish several times and it’s become one of my favourite places in British Columbia. Take a break from the (literal) staircase at the start of the hike to check out lower Shannon Falls. You’ll find the trailhead at Daisy Lake Road, 35 kilometres north of Squamish. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! From Vancouver to Whistler: 6 Best Ways to Get There. Stopped by The Ledge Community Coffee shop for a really tasty Decaf Mocha. Many hikes in Squamish start right in town. The elevation gain-to-view ratio on this hike makes it a worthwhile pursuit since the gondola ride covers the bulk of the elevation. 1. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest as you make your way along the six-kilometer trail. The moment you step onto the Four Lakes Trail (the trailhead is just off the main road into the park on the left-hand side), you'll feel as though you've been swallowed by the trees. Set out on one of the countless hiking trails that will take you through and along ancient alpine forests, vast mountain terrain, verdant rainforests, crystal-clear lakes and peaceful, bubbling rivers. The main appeal of this hike is its proximity to downtown and its relatively short length. It's a great short hike to fill in an hour or two gap in your schedule - perhaps after grabbing coffee at the nearby Adventure Centre tourism hub. The trail is steep and scrambly in sections. Al's Halbrich Ridge Trail Sea to Sky Gondola Squamish is a small town 63 km north of Vancouver, immersed in stunning nature it is famous for adventure activities with plenty of spots for awesome rock climbing, kite surfing, mountain biking and hiking. Where is the Beth Lake trailhead? The HSCT can be completed in either direction. The first peak is the most popular and is shorter than the rest, while the second peak is a little longer and has some slightly technical sections that can result in roadblocks on busy days in peak season. It is a wonderful place to easily enjoy the wilderness and lakes around Squamish. Crooked Falls is an incredible waterfall along the Sigurd Creek Trail in Upper Squamish. Here are 10 of our favourite trails to get you started. It's about 25 minutes north of Squamish, 11k south of Whistler. Coordinates for your GPS: 49.957282, -123.120304. The hike starts with six kms of uphill that is fairly tough going if you are carrying your gear. Just north of Squamish, the 411-hectare Alice Lake Provincial Park offers thick forests, four lakes, and a great trail to explore it all. This is a family-friendly trail that is lots of fun to explore on its own, but you can also extend your day at Alice Lake Provincial Park by adding on a few more adventures. The Sea to Sky Gondola offers a quick way to get high up in the mountains without putting in the legwork (unless, of course, you choose to hike up-see the Sea to Summit Trail below), and it's also the access point to some stunning hikes varying in difficulty. This hiking trail is accessible from the Chief's backside. Tantalus Provincial Park lays across the valley to the west and the beautiful and desolate, by comparison, Callaghan Valley to the north. It should take most walkers about an hour to complete. However, the Sea to Summit hike can also be accessed from the Chief trail. Tunnel Bluffs: The Tunnel Bluffs hike has become one of the most popular hikes in … Cross creeks, wander among the trees and stop to take in the lakes. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. When you picture Canada, you might find that you instantly conjure up images of the Great White North and Polar Bears in the streets… Hey you! For an intermediate-level hike that you can complete in an hour or two, pull over into the parking lot and follow the Murrin Park Loop Trail. From here, you can access the gently sloping gravel Squamish River Dike Trail. Though the trail slopes downwards, it is non-technical (a jogging stroller can easily handle the terrain) and is quite accessible, though if you follow the entire trail down to the bottom, be prepared for a bit of an uphill climb when you turn around and head back up. Coordinates for your GPS: 49.957282, -123.120304 The … Written by: Cherie Baxter Being recognized as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada” there is no question why locals and world travellers would make Squamish their destination of choice. Beware of bear activity and be extra mindful of leaving food along the trail. Located in Alice Lake Provincial Park, the trail is a 2-3 hour loop taking in the beautiful Alice, Fawn, Edith, and Stump lakes. At times, the trail weaves right under the gondola itself-give a wave to the people passing by overhead! Some people opt to take a mountain bike up this portion for a speedier descent. The southerly trailhead is located at the Cypress ski hill parking lot. While the trail undulates up and down, there is only one steepish section along switchbacks close to Alice Lake. After another short bridge, you'll have made it to the trailhead for the Sigurd Trail, which is the same trail that leads you towards Crooked Falls. Offering enchanting views at every turn, hiking in Squamish can feel like a fairytale family adventure. You may be noticing a theme here: Squamish is spoiled with lush forests and sparking lakes. Tunnel Bluffs: The Tunnel Bluffs hike has become one of the most popular hikes in … The loop is a 2.6-kilometre return hike with approximately 191 metres of elevation gain. Note: For a more challenging adventure, continue past Beth Lake for another 8 km or so (and another 600 metres of elevation gain) to reach Capilano Mountain and a stunning 360-degree panorama. The soothing sound of the river provides the perfect backdrop for a walk through nature, and there are plenty of lookout points, allowing you to catch great views of the river. The trailhead requires a climb up a gravel road, which is do-able for most cars in the summer months (it's another story in the winter months, when chains are a must). The ridgeline offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Mt. Incredible Trails To Hike In Squamish. The rustic, sandy centrepiece of Squamish’s oceanfront where dolphin, whale and other marine life sightings are not out of the ordinary. Squamish Smoke Bluffs: The Squamish Smoke Bluffs hike is located in a popular park for rock climbing and hiking, with several nice lookouts, where you can see Squamish and Howe Sound. The 1.8-kilometer trail runs through the park and is frequently traveled by rock climbers (there are over 250 climbing routes in the park), but is just as beautiful for hiking, offering rewarding views over Howe Sound. You'll first pass through Red Heather Meadows, which features a hut (a popular stop for snowshoers and backcountry skiers in the winter). Read more about this hike: seatoskygondola.com, Length: 29 km (one way) Duration: 1-2 days Elevation gain: 610 mDifficulty: Very Difficult. If you’re seeking outdoor adventure on foot, we have compiled a list of spectacular Squamish hikes as well as local food and beer pairings that come recommended by Squamish … As you get into more technical territory (Squamish is notorious for its rooty, rocky terrain), hiking boots are preferred to regular running shoes, and you are well-advised to bring a backpack with essential safety gear, including a first aid kit. From the editors of Explore Magazine, a subscription box filled with outdoor gear, adventure challenges and an amazing community. In the summer months, pack your bathing suit - you'll pass by the tantalizing Browning Lake on the way back to the trailhead, and nothing feels better after a hike on a hot day than a dip in the water. This whole zone is one of the most remote hiking areas in Squamish and features expansive viewpoints looking towards the snaking Squamish River. 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