Squamish
An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Playground
Story by David Burke | Images by Joern Rohde
It is often said that the Squamish area has been inhabited by the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh in the native tongue) people “since time immemorial.” The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and their vibrant culture are ever-present in several places around the community — from the legends surrounding the 702-metre (2,303-foot) Stawamus Chief and 2,678 m (8,787 ft.) Nch’kay (Mount Garibaldi) to public art pieces at the recently opened Sp’akw’us (Eagle) Feather Park.
Indeed, the name Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, or Squamish, means “mother of the wind” — a nod to the brisk onshore breezes that wash over the community at the head of Átl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound), much to the delight of the hordes of wind sports enthusiasts who descend each year.
From the 1960s to the early 2000s, Squamish was known to many as a stopover between Vancouver and Whistler. But no longer. In addition to wind sports, rock climbing, mountain biking, and eagle viewing are among the many outdoor activities that have made Squamish a destination in its own right.
And the list of attractions and activities continues to expand.
In 2025, Squamish Canyon — an immersive, educational natural attraction centred on the gorge carved out of the surrounding granite by the raging Mamquam River — joined the list of unique experiences available in the area. Squamish Canyon guests can experience the power of Mamquam Falls and the surrounding rainforest from along a 1.7-kilometre (1.1-mile) series of wood-and-steel walkways and platforms that, in many spots, are cantilevered out from the canyon walls, all “designed to inspire, inviting guests of all ages to learn, explore, and connect with nature in a safe and meaningful way,” according to the attraction’s website. Guests can pick up a coffee and muffin at the Mug and Moss Café near the entrance, or enjoy a bite from the Forest Lounge Eatery. squamishcanyon.com
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 forestry and mining provided an opportunity for renewal. Citizens and governments worked to begin rehabilitating the waterways, and in 2021, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Átl’ka7tsem as Canada’s 19th Biosphere Region in recognition of its “rich Indigenous culture, biodiversity and unique geography.”
For a bird’s-eye view of the northern end of the Howe Sound fjord, the Chief, and surrounding peaks, guests of the Sea to Sky Gondola can ascend 885 m (2,903 ft.) on a 10-minute ride to the Summit Lodge. 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, is an award-winning educational attraction. No visit is complete without a ride on the museum’s underground mine train. From May 16 to Sept. 7, “Giants at Work: Big Jobs, Bigger Machines” allows visitors to discover the powerful equipment that makes modern mining possible. Advance booking is recommended. britanniaminemuseum.ca
The village surrounding the former Britannia Mine has undergone significant redevelopment over the past decade. The pleasant, walkable commercial area includes a general store, a coffee shop, a brew pub, eateries, and galleries. britanniavillage.ca
The Railway Museum of British Columbia in Squamish features vintage, meticulously restored railcars and the famed Royal Hudson steam locomotive. 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 Avenue and Victoria Street 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
Forestry remains an important part of Squamish’s economic and cultural landscape. The Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival is the community’s signature summer event, running this year from July 30 to Aug. 2. It features 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
