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Squamish, British Columbia

The self-proclaimed “Adventure capital of Canada” certainly deserves the title. Whether you're hiking up the Stawamus Chief, climbing the hundreds of classic routes, kiteboarding, or just passing through, it won't disappoint the adventurous traveler.

Top Spots in and near Squamish

  • Squamish, British Columbia

    Boulder at the Stawamus Chief

    There's so much climbing to be done here -- sport, trad, bouldering! If you're bouldering, it is always shady and cool so bring a light jacket. Most popular season to climb here is in the summer. *If you're visiting from out of town...Need to rent a crash pad or two?There are a few outdoor stores...
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  • Squamish, British Columbia

    Hike the First Peak of the Stawamus Chief

    2.5 mi / 1600 ft gain
    Just a short drive up the Sea to Sky Highway is one of my favorite hikes near Vancouver. There are two options; the hike to first peak, or the hike to second and third peak. First Peak brings you to an epic view over Sqawmish, the Sea to Sky, and the Pacific Ocean. It is a perfect hike for those ...
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  • Squamish, British Columbia

    Hike Second and Third Peak of Stawamus Chief

    4 mi / 2000 ft gain
    Just a short drive up the Sea to Sky Highway is one of my favorite hikes near Vancouver. There are two options; the hike to first peak or the hike to second and third peak. Second Peak brings you to an epic view over Sqawmish, the first peak of the Chief, the Sea to Sky Highway, and the Pacific O...
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  • Sea to Sky Gondola, British Columbia

    Scramble Sky Pilot

    4.0
    10 mi / 3800 ft gain
    Sky Pilot Mountain is the highest peak past Stawamus Chief, Squamish's famous vertical rock face. Luckily, the rock just beyond the Chief is just as beautiful and reliable for climbers, hikers, and scramblers looking to stretch their legs and challenge their vertigo limits on an exposed, thrillin...
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  • Squamish, British Columbia

    Hike Al's Habrich Trail

    3.0
    7.4 mi / 3130 ft gain
    We arrived at the Sea to Sky Gondola in the early morning and rode up to the top in the gondola to where the trailhead was. Once at the top there was a gift shop and a suspension bridge with a wooden viewing platform. The trail goes to the left of the complex down an old logging road. It is well ...
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  • Squamish, British Columbia

    Snowshoe Al's Habrich Trail

    3.7 mi / 1312.3 ft gain
    Strap on your snowshoes and head up to the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, about a 45 minute drive from Vancouver. You can either take the gondola up (~$40), or hike up the Sea to Sky Summit trail that begins near the parking lot to the chief to get to the trailhead for Al's Habrich. If doing the...
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  • Britannia Beach, British Columbia

    Hike and Climb the Chief

    4.5
    6.8 mi / 1968.5 ft gain
    If you are hiking this spot, you can do so even as a beginner so long as you have a good fitness level. I’ve seen people do this in jeans and dress shoes, although they are crazy. Wear some hikers and prepare to get your sweat on. There are three peaks, first is the most popular, second has the b...
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  • Britannia Beach, British Columbia

    Hike BC's Shannon Falls

    4.0
    0.3 mi
    Towering above Howe Sound in Squamish, British Columbia, at 335 meters, Shannon Falls is BC's third largest waterfall, with two hiking loops for both beginner and intermediate hikers.  The first of the two trails is approximately 350 meters in length and allows for a birds-eye view of the Falls, ...
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  • Squamish, British Columbia

    Backpack to Lake Lovely Water

    3.7
    6.24 mi / 3714 ft gain
    This adventure is one of the best kept secrets in the Whistler area, let alone, British Columbia. The trailhead for Lake Lovely Water is located on the west side of the Squamish River. There is no road access to the trailhead so you need to cross the river via boat. Make reservations with the jet...
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  • Squamish, British Columbia

    Bike "Meadow of the Grizzly"

    9.9 mi / 2834.6 ft gain
    This is a big climb. Be warned. The easiest option is to drive past Quest University in Squamish up Mamquam Road to the Half Nelson trail exit (this is the second parking area up the road). From there, you can either ride up the road to the left, or take the legacy climbing trail until you get to...
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  • Britannia Beach, British Columbia

    Rock Climb at Seal Cove

    From the Britannia Beach parking lot walk north. There is a well established trail along the West side of the highway. Walk roughly 400 metres North and you will find a steep trail leading towards the ocean. You'll quickly come to a small boulder field, cross cautiously and follow the cairns. Fr...
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  • Whistler, British Columbia

    Hike to Elfin Lakes, BC

    4.7
    13.7 mi / 1968.5 ft gain
    To access the trail head you will have to drive a few kilometres up a pretty beat up service road, so SUV's and 4x4 are a must but it can be done in a regular car if you take it easy. Lots of pot holes and loose rocks.The hike to Elfin Lakes might be 11km each way, but it is not very steep and is...
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  • Whistler, British Columbia

    Hike to Little Diamond Head

    22 mi / 5900 ft gain
    Given the total distance and cumulative elevation gain of this hike, I would suggest a good level of fitness to reach the summit. The trail does not have any technical challenges and the elevation gain is gradual. The final kick up to the summit involves some loose scree and minor exposure depend...
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  • Whistler, British Columbia

    Camp Out at Elfin Lakes Hut

    15 mi / 1900 ft gain
    The cabin at Elfin Lakes is a beautiful well maintained shelter in the heart of the Garibaldi Provincial Park. It is nuzzled between two lakes (one for drinking water, and the other a swimming hole), and the Gargoyle Peaks.  The cabin itself is fully stocked with 8 gas burners, tables, a fireplac...
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  • Squamish, British Columbia

    Camp at Alice Lake Provincial Park

    5.0
    Alice Lake Provincial Park is located just North of Squamish.  To get here, exit right off Highway 99 when coming from the South onto Alice Lake Rd.  The campground is located under 5 minutes up the road and is first come first serve during low season.  From late Spring to Early fall, make sure y...
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  • Squamish, British Columbia

    Swim & Relax at Brohm Lake

    5.0
    This lake is popular with the locals for a reason - it's right off the highway and has lots to offer. There are a few 40+ foot cliffs on the east side, and some smaller ones if you're not feeling that adventurous, as well as a rope swing on the west side of the lake. It only takes about 15 minute...
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