Squamish
Unique Landscape, Stunning Beauty
Outdoor Recreation Opportunities Abound
at the Head of Howe Sound
Story by David Burke | Images by Joern Rohde
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or untold millennia, the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) people have regarded the region around Howe Sound, their ancestral homeland, as a special place — replete with jaw-dropping beauty and sacred landmarks. Those include the granite monolith known as the Stawamus Chief and the distinctive Mount Garibaldi (Nch’kay), around which the Squamish people’s ancient legends swirl.
The community at the head of the sound (Átl’ka7tsem) remains a special place, inhabited today by some 22,000 people, including several hundred Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation members. And it’s a community as dynamic as the scenery is stunning.
Squamish, once known as a stopping-off point between better-known destinations Vancouver and Whistler, has recently attracted a worldwide reputation as a place to enjoy outdoor pursuits such as rock climbing, wind sports (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh means “mother of the wind”), river rafting, trail running and mountain biking.
Squamish sits at the northern end of the Howe Sound/Átl’ka7tsem fjord, at the mouth of the Squamish River. 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.”
Europeans began settling in the area in the 19th century, establishing logging and mining as the primary industries. While forestry is still part of the economy, tourism and outdoor recreation have become Squamish’s linchpins, with many people moving in to live, work and play in the town and its breathtaking surroundings.
Hiking up the Stawamus Chief has been a popular activity for decades. The Sea to Sky Gondola, which marked its 10th anniversary in the spring of 2024, has brought new opportunities for both softer tourism and more adventurous activities. After ascending 885 metres (2,903 feet) to the Summit Lodge, guests enjoy stunning views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. The ride up also features unique vistas of 335 m (1,099 ft.) Shannon Falls and the 702 m (2,303 ft.) Chief.
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 vast, open deck along with a meal or a tall, cool one. The gondola hosts summertime events including the Mountain Music series, when live bands keep audiences rockin’ on Friday evenings until Sept. 13 in one of the most stunning outdoor concert settings imaginable. seatoskygondola.com
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
In Britannia Beach, 11 kilometres south of Squamish, Britannia Mine Museum is located on the site of what was once the most productive copper mine in the British Empire. Until Sept. 2, 2024, the special exhibit “Rock Solid: Safety in Mines” explores the evolution of safety practices that have shaped the mining industry. No visit is complete without a fascinating ride on the museum’s underground mine train. Advance booking for the museum is recommended. britanniaminemuseum.ca
Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Cleveland and Victoria downtown, the Squamish Farmers’ Market is a great place to stock up on fresh local produce, eggs and more. squamishfarmersmarket.com
The Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival is the community’s signature summer event, from Aug. 1 to 4, 2024. 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 festival parade. squamishdays.ca
Squamish is also home to a growing selection of craft breweries, cideries and distilleries, a vibrant arts scene, and many unique and challenging sports competitions. For 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.