Squamish
Stunning Views, Abundant Recreation
New Sp’akw’us Feather Park is Just One More Reason to Visit the Growing Community
Story by David Burke | Images by Joern Rohde
But the community perched at the foot of the imposing granite rock formation known as the Stawamus Chief, and watched over by the 2,678-metre (8,787-foot) Mount Garibaldi (Nch’kay), also attracts visitors from far and wide to enjoy its abundant opportunities for rock climbing, its extensive and well-developed trail network, its breathtaking scenery and its many seasonal festivals and events.
Home to more than 25,000, Squamish’s attractiveness as a place to live and visit continues to blossom.
In 2024, the opening of the 11-acre Sp’akw’us (Eagle) Feather Park, a centrepiece of the mixed-use, ongoing Oceanfront development, gave Squamish a stunning new access point to the northern end of Howe Sound (Átl’ka7tsem) that also celebrates the traditions of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). Sḵwx̱wú7mesh artist James Harry’s “Welcome Gate,” mimicking the two ends of a traditional Coast Salish canoe standing on end, graces the southern end of the Oceanfront Peninsula. Since the park’s opening, the piece has become a favourite “look where I am” photo spot for locals and visitors to share on social media.
The park’s opening is just the latest in a series of events that have marked Squamish’s transformation from primarily a resource town into a diverse and welcoming community known for its breathtaking beauty and abundant recreational opportunities.
After the arrival of non-Indigenous settlers in the 19th century, Howe Sound (Átl’ka7tsem) became industrialized, resulting in the degradation of the sound’s aquatic environment. In the latter half of the 20th century, though, the decline of the forestry and mining industries provided an opportunity for renewal. Citizens and governments worked together to begin rehabilitating the waterways, and in 2021, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated as Canada’s 19th Biosphere Region in recognition of its “rich Indigenous culture, biodiversity and unique geography.” Herring and salmon populations have rebounded, resulting in the increasing frequency of whale and dolphin sightings near the community.
As you approach from the south, don’t forget to stop at 335 m (1,099 ft.) Shannon Falls just off Highway 99. Hiking the nearby 702 m (2,303 ft.) Stawamus Chief for jaw-dropping views from one or more of its three “peaks” has long been popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Just a stone’s throw away, the Sea to Sky Gondola ascends 885 m (2,903 ft.) on a 10-minute ride to the Summit Lodge, where guests can enjoy terrific views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. Hiking trails, suited for both a short walk or a longer trek, radiate out from the lodge, or you can just enjoy the views from its large, open deck along with a meal or a tall, cool one. The gondola also hosts numerous summertime events. seatoskygondola.com
The Britannia Mine Museum, 11 kilometres south of Squamish at the site of what was once the most productive copper mine in the British Empire, marks its 50th anniversary this year. To celebrate, the museum invites visitors to a special exhibit titled “A Museum’s Journey,” marking the milestones of its evolution from a grassroots heritage site to an award-winning educational attraction for guests and school groups. No visit is complete without a fascinating ride on the museum’s underground mine train. Advance booking is recommended. britanniaminemuseum.ca
The Railway Museum of British Columbia, featuring vintage, meticulously restored railcars and the famed Royal Hudson steam locomotive, is a popular attraction with train and history buffs. There’s also a mini-rail and the chance to visit the nearby Restoration Shop to see skilled technicians restoring vintage railcars to their former glory.
wcra.org
Every Saturday until October, the Squamish Farmers’ Market at the corner of Cleveland and Victoria downtown is a great place to meet friends and interact with producers as you stock up on fresh local produce, eggs, and more. squamishfarmersmarket.com
The Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival is the community’s signature summer event, running this year from July 31 to Aug. 3. It features both amateur and professional loggers’ sports competitions along with a kettle boil, lumberjack chili cook-off, chainsaw carving competition, kids’ events, the popular bed races, and a festival parade. squamishdays.ca
Squamish is home to a growing selection of craft breweries, cideries and distilleries, a vibrant arts scene, and many unique and challenging athletic competitions.
For more details on all the community has to offer, visit the Squamish Adventure Centre just off Highway 99, phone 604-815-4994 (local) or 1-877-815-5084 (toll-free) or visit exploresquamish.com.