Recreation

The reason my family and I live in Squamish and Sea to Sky Country is it serves as the recreation capital of Canada. We have it all and we all take advantage of its many options from team and organized sports to individual recreation. Please find information, links and descriptions to help you discover Squamish.

Brennan Park Recreation Centre

Brennan Park is the largest Community Centre facility in Squamish, housing an arena, aquatic centre, tennis courts, soccer fields, a baseball diamond and more.

Contact the Brennan Park Recreation Centre for the most up to date scheduling and program information.

 

Youth and Adult Organized Sports and Associations

Squamish Youth Soccer Association

Squamish Minor Hockey Association

Squamish Mens Hockey League

Squamish Old timers Hockey League

Squamish Womens Hockey League

Squamish Minor Ball Association

Squamish Slo-Pitch Association

Squamish Men’s Fast Ball Association

Squamish Equestrian Association

Squamish Gun and Rod Club

Squamish Howe Sound Dance Academy

Squamish Gymnastics

Squamish BMX Association

 

Hiking

The sheer variety of hiking and sightseeing opportunities in the Squamish area is truly staggering to the imagination. No matter where, or what type of hiking experience you seek, the Squamish area can deliver it in awe-inspiring beauty. From gentle strolls along to ocean to riverside explorations, walks in the ancient rain forests to strenuous treks up a mountain - everyone will find a trail to love. The views are simply spectacular, with snow-capped peaks all around, ocean views and of course, there's always a chance you will catch a glimpse of eagles, falcons, bears, cougars and more of the area's fascinating wildlife.

A popular hike winds steeply up the backside of the Stawamus Chief, and yields absolutely breathtaking views of Squamish and Howe Sound from the top - a vantage that can also be gained from a challenging day of rock climbing up the front side.

Flight-Seeing

Experience the panoramic beauty of Squamish from the air. A bird’s eye view of "paradise" is unforgettable year round. PS. Don't forget your camera!

The area surrounding Squamish is renowned for its stunning inlets, coastal mountains, glacier lakes and flowing rivers and valleys, as one of British Columbia's magnificent wonders. There is no better way to discover the magnificence of this unique location than by air. Choose to travel by float plane, fixed wing or helicopter, year round to experience our pristine landscape, in an adventure that's not to be missed. From 15 minute fun flights to extended glacier and coastal tours or transfers to some of our surrounding cities and destinations.

We invite you to explore Sea to Sky country by air, flight-seeing in comfort and experiencing the excitement of soaring above spectacular coastal terrain. You can also access remote hiking, fishing, biking, kayaking and surf locations all over BC by float plane, or travel to or from Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler or the Sunshine Coast by scheduled or charter flights directly to and from Squamish Airport.

Rock Climbing

If you’re on this page you already know Squamish is one of the world’s top rock climbing destinations. This is largely due to the deliciously sticky granite that is found all over town. Most famous of course is the Stawamus Chief, the second largest granite monolith in the world with enough routes to keep anyone busy for years. Here routes range from casual scrambles to 5.14 test pieces. Add this to the countless legendary boulders around town and you literally have a climbing paradise.
It’s safe to say that if you’re just starting out, or have been at it for years; you’ll find something to satisfy your rock climbing needs.

Mountain Biking

For mountain biking, it’s widely known that it really doesn’t get much better than the Sea to Sky region of British Columbia. With the world famous extreme North Shore and Whistler a stones throw away, Squamish stands out with an unparalleled variety of trails.

Situated in a valley with surrounding mountains there are endless kilometers of mountain biking trails in Squamish for every skill level. From gentle cruises in the estuary and friendly cross country trails in the Alice Lake area, to hairball downhill descents on Diamondhead. No matter your skill level, you will not run out of satisfying single-track in this town.

USEFUL LINKS:

WWW.TANTALUSBIKESHOP.COM  call Al for any of your biking needs.

Boating & Sailing

Experience beautiful Howe Sound from the water.

Whether you rent a power boat for an hour or two from the Squamish Marina or you sail here in your own sail boat the vistas are spectacular and experiencing the Howe Sound from the beauty and tranquility of the water is a treat you will not soon forget. With 3 marina's offering moorage including the friendly and hospitable Squamish Yacht Club where overnight moorage includes a hot shower and power, you won't find a more spectacular way to enjoy your visit to Squamish.

There are so many boating options available including short excursions around Anvil Island, the Defense Islands and out to Christie Island and Pam Rocks wildlife reserve to see the birds and seals, as well as overnight and multi-day boating and sailing options to the Sunshine Coast and Howe Sounds many bays, cove's and marine parks.

Useful Links:

The Squamish Yacht Club

Howe Sound Tide and Weather Report

Howe Sound Fishing Information

Note Squamish does NOT have a boat specific fueling station.

The closest boat fueling station is at Lions Bay Marina, Sunset Marina and Sewells Marina in Horse Shoe Bay.

Canoeing

Whether you prefer to dip your paddle into lakes, streams, rivers or the ocean, Squamish has it! The opportunity to reconnect with nature and see local Squamish wildlife is endless.

A favourite place to canoe is along the Squamish River Estuary. Observe ducks, herons, hawks, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, harbor seals, deer and even bear in their natural habitat. Enjoy the lush plant life of marsh plants, sedge grass, wildflowers and forest trees. Look up to see the astounding views of The Stawamus Chief, Shannon Falls, Mount Garibaldi and Mamquam Glacier. Truly a breathtaking experience.

Four rivers merge into one at the northern outskirts of Squamish. The Cheakamus and Cheekye join forces in quick succession, then the Mamquam swells the volume in the Squamish just before its confluence with Howe Sound. There's good sea kayaking and canoeing on the Squamish River almost year-round, though you must be wary during high-water volumes. These traditionally occur during autumn storms and spring snowmelt. Two of the best locations for launching and taking out are beside the Squamish River dike on Government Road in the Brackendale neighbourhood and at the federal dock at the west end of Loggers Lane in downtown Squamish on the Mamquam Blind Channel.

[To reach it, follow Cleveland Avenue south from Hwy 99 through downtown Squamish to Vancouver Street. Turn left and drive two blocks to the dock.]

The advantage of launching from the dike is that you have the current in the Squamish river running in your favour. Drift downstream past the Squamish Spit into Howe Sound with your binoculars at the ready. There's always something to see along this stretch. If you launch from the federal dock, be prepared to do some steady paddling around the Squamish Estuary to reach the Spit. The afternoon winds tend to kick up quite a chop. Those with open canoes should avoid Howe Sound during these times.

Of the four lakes in Alice Lake Provincial Park, Alice is the one most suitable for paddling, especially canoeing (motorized boats are not permitted on any of the lakes). There are launch sites at each end of the lake beside the picnic areas.

Rough and ready Brohm Lake has a boat launch for hand-carried boats only, located a short distance from the parking lot on Hwy 99. This diminutive lake is ideal for a quick paddle and is primarily used by anglers.

Rentals are available in Squamish

Dirt Biking

Squamish and the surrounding area is an awesome playground for dirt bikers. There are numerous logging roads branching out in every direction for beginners to try out their new toys as well as a plethora of backcountry trails for the more seasoned riders.

Head out and explore the Squamish backcountry by bike! Soak in the mountain-scapes while enjoying lunch on top of the world or pack up your gear for an overnighter and get an early start fishing the next day.

Cool Links:

Squamish Dirt Bike Association

Fishing

Before Squamish was discovered as an outdoor recreation mecca, it was a world-renowned destination for anglers. The surrounding freshwater rivers, lakes and saltwater of the Howe Sound have a wide variety of fish. The rivers including the Mamquam, Cheakamus, Squamish, and Elaho have been known to run thick with all five Pacific varieties of salmon as well as Dolly Varden Char and Cutthroat Trout.

There are a number of areas for fishing in Squamish.

Browning Lake at Murrin Provincial Park is a great place for Rainbow Trout fishing and is stocked regularly in spring and fall.

Brohm Lake is also stocked with Rainbow Trout as well as a natural supply of Cutthroat Trout and Dolly Varden Char.

When Sport Fishing, be sure to pick up a copy of the local fishing regulations to find out what is in season and which species are catch and release only. If you are interested in fishing you must have a license.

Tours, licenses and equipment are all available in Squamish

Golfing

If you're the kind of golfer that appreciates being in nature then golfing in Squamish is your dream with two truly unique courses from the open and friendly Squamish Valley Golf Course or the one of a kind Furry Creek with the internationally known 18th hole.

There is one 18-hole golf course right in the Municipality of Squamish, the Squamish Valley Public Golf Course, and another course just down the highway, Furry Creek Golf & Country Club. Each of these golf courses offers breathtaking views in a beautiful setting.

Squamish Valley Golf and Country Club 

Canadian Championship course in the heart of Sea to Sky Country - open year round.
www.squamishvalleygolf.com

Furry Creek Golf & Country Club 

Par 72, 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Muir Graves and built in 1993 offers panoramic ocean views.
www.furrycreekgolf.com

Horseback Riding

Squamish offers rides and trails to thrill just about everyone from the first timer to the experienced horseback rider. There are guided trail rides, with full day, half day, hourly and overnighter rates. In winter, take advantage of a sleigh or hayride.

Trail rides take you through lush coastal and temperate rain forests and along the gorgeous Squamish and Cheakamus rivers with beautiful views of the Stawamus Chief. Glacier viewing, eagles and other wildlife such as deer, coyote, wolf and the occasional bear are highlights of the ride. Enjoyment, fun and safety are all considered on Squamish trail rides.

Every year the majestic Bald Eagle comes to visit us up close and personal. These eagles line up thick along the Cheakamus River to feed off the spawning salmon and dog fish. Imagine eagle viewing by horseback, in a covered wagon or sleigh ride in the winter months. This is definitely the way to view the eagles as you can sometimes get within a few feet of them on horseback!

Your horseback tour may vary, depending on how courageous you are, with travel on flat terrain to steep hills and everything in between, undoubtedly a wonderful way to see the diverse countryside and fun for the whole family.

Come Cowboy it up for a weekend Get-Away, Day Event, Family Vacation, Camping, Western Wedding, Stag or Staggette Party, Birthday Party, BBQ, or Picnic!

Scuba Diving

Howe Sound, Porteau Cove, and the Pam Rocks all offer excellent scuba diving opportunities around Squamish. Porteau Cove is a Provincial marine park, with man-made reefs and a wall dive, ideal for divers of all levels.

Porteau Cove is a Provincial Marine Park in the magnificently scenic Howe Sound just 15km south of Squamish on Hwy 99. Established in 1981 Porteau Cove was the first underwater park in BC.

Porteau Cove is complete with a man-made reef, a cliff dive, three sunken ships and various other wrecks. The dive to the ships is 9 - 30 m depending on the tide. The waters here are moderately shallow and are often warm. The bottom is sandy with small rocks and drop off after the reef.

Christie Inlet is a Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary. This is a boat dive and to access you must launch at Porteau Cove. Once you take the plunge here, you will find a bottom with rock walls, mighty boulders and a few small caves at 3 - 6 m. Hazards here include broken fishing lines and a rapid current.

Pam Rocks is also a boat dive you can access via Porteau Cove. This dive is of interest to snorkelers as well as divers and is famous for the huge marine species that dwell here like the 3 foot plumose anemones. It has a rock bottom mixed with sand depths of 6 - 30 m. Again hazards include broken fishing line and a rapid current.

These waters are ideal for divers of all levels and a fascinating way to discover the beauty that lies beneath our shores. Howe Sound is home to over 100 marine species, including eel, octopus, urchins, anemones, seal and of course numerous varieties of fish

Trials Riding

Hop on your trials bike and head up into Squamish’s glorious mountains. While you’re up there, jump in one of the many beautiful lakes, have a picnic and take some photos because you won’t believe your eyes!

With stunning panoramic views Squamish has some of the best backcountry trials riding in the world. Explore and find epic winding hill climbs with an abundance of rock faces to play on. There are many open areas for playing or practicing skills and techniques.

Trials riding in Squamish has been a growing activity on the trails of Squamish for close to twenty years, and has gained a great deal of respect for the contribution of trail systems in the Smoke Bluffs Park, Crumpit Woods, and other high quality trails reaching most every peak in the Squamish area.

In 2005, The Howe Sound Trials Riders Association was formed to protect and promote the sport of trials riding in Squamish.

Motorcycle Trials is a skillful sport of balance, skill, concentration, timing and intuition, the rider tries to navigate obstacles such as boulders, logs, drop offs, and nearly anything else you can, or can't think of.

Trials is an amazing visual sport, as is the skill level of the riders and the places that they can ride a bike, all without losing balance or putting a foot down. Spectators can stand right next to the action, within a few meters of the obstacles while the riders attempt seemingly impossible obstacles.

Unlike most other forms of motorcycle sport, trials is not racing. It is simply you and your bike pitted against the terrain, not time. In competitions riders run singularly, through short test sections attempting to complete the run without "dabbing" (putting a foot down) for balance, which earns a point. The rider with the lowest score wins, much like a game of golf.

Trials motorcycling is a very safe sport due to the low speeds involved. Trials bikes also use effective muffler systems.

The Trails:
In the newly formed Smoke Bluffs Park in the heart of Squamish, lie world class trials riding trails. Two trails; Park Avenue and Labour of Love link up to make a serpentine connection from the designated trials rider "put in" at the Smoke Bluffs Parking lot off Loggers Lane, to the summit of the Smoke Bluffs at the FM tower. A cunning line winds its way along spectacular view points, and makes full use of the grippy rock solid granite slabs that Squamish is famous for. There are many challenging sections to test and satisfy the intermediate or advanced rider.

Explore and share the trails while enjoying the great outdoor opportunities that present themselves in Squamish!

Please ride in a respectful manner, keep to designated trials trails, and avoid riding near residential areas.

There are often group rides on the weekends and weekday evenings by friendly local riders who are more than happy to show visitors around.

Wind & Kite Surfing

There are precious few spots on the globe where wind, water and land combine to provide flawless conditions for wind surfing and kite boarding. The Squamish Spit at the mouth of the Squamish River is one of those places with warm wind and sunshine

White Water Rafting

Whether you are looking for an adrenaline rush or spectacular scenery and pristine wildlife, there are several white water and flat water rafting tour options available in the Squamish area.

The wild waters of the Squamish River watershed offer water sport possibilities for people of all levels of experience. The Lower Cheakamus River or lower Mamquam are fabulous rivers for a family float.

The Upper Elaho, Squamish, and Ashlu rivers can challenge the best whitewater rafters ranging from class II to class IV.

If you can manage to take your eyes off the water, you will experience the stunning beauty of the rugged alpine terrain, temperate coastal rainforest, tranquil rivers and sandy beaches - truly scenery to take your breath away.

If you are visiting Squamish in the winter, don't miss floating down the river to observe the bald eagles. This tour is available from late November - March. Squamish has the largest bald eagle population in the world.

Half-day and full-day rafting adventures are available - choose from calm float trips, Eagle Safaris and exhilarating whitewater rafting. Many excursions also feature a deluxe BBQ.

Kayaking

There is a wide variety of kayaking experiences in Squamish from white water experiences to easy beginner rivers such as the Mamquam, which flows directly through Squamish, to the short-but-fast rush of the Upper Cheakamus river to the north, a world class grade 4-5 run. The Elaho River offers almost year-round adventure of a grade 3-4 nature. To discover the class 6 water, one has only to go upstream a few kilometres to the Ashlu canyon.

Only 5 minutes drive from downtown Squamish, The Mamquam River almost always offers an excellent play-wave as well as a fine slalom course further upstream, frequented by some of Canada's top racers.

The Squamish River Estuary is an amazing venue for a gentle float in a kayak where you can view the many birds, seals, and amazing plantlife. Be aware of the west side, as the current can be strong. The local lakes such as Alice and Murrin are safe places for first timers and children to try out the kayak.

Ocean kayaking is another opportunity in the Squamish area. Porteau Cove is perfect for beginners with a nice paddle along the shore. Around the Howe Sound, Anvil Island, Christie Inlet, Pam Rocks and Gambier Island are for the intermediate to advanced ocean kayaker. There are several areas to explore for a day paddle, those looking for longer trips should get maps and information before planning a trip.

The best water levels tend to be from March to July and again in the fall when the rains begin in earnest. However, there is rarely a time when no rivers are available to the die-hard paddler.

Courses, rentals and tours are available in Squamish

Cross Country Skiing

The scenic alpine terrain around Squamish makes for great cross-country skiing. The mountains surrounding Squamish get an average of 2,300 mm (90 in) of precipitation annually, which means a generous amount of snow accumulates in the winter months.

If there's fresh snow, stop at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park for some ungroomed, cross-country trekking. You'll have to cut your own track in to Swim Lake from the parking lot but the rewards are worth it. Follow the trail markers intended for summer hikers. This isn't a long trek, about 2 miles (3 km) return. Crossing the bridge over Brandywine Creek is an adventure in itself, especially if the snowpack is so deep that you ski at the same height as the top railing. Pause in the shelter of a cedar grove at lakeside to admire the Black Tusk, gone white with snow. From there, retrace your tracks to Brandywine Creek and head along the trail to the falls. Cross the BC Rail tracks and ski a short distance to the observation platform beside Brandywine Falls. In winter, the sound of Brandywine Creek tumbling onto the exposed boulders below is remarkably similar to that of a jet streaking high in the sky above. All this glory, and you may even have the place to yourself.

The new development in the Callaghan Valley, the Whistler Olympic Park,is the site of the cross-country,biathlon,Nordic combined and ski jumping events for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games. Located just 50 kilometers (30 minutes) north of Squamish and 18 kilometers south of Whistler (15 minutes), visitors can expect breathtaking views of the Callaghan Valley, Callaghan Lake and Black Tusk. The Park boasts 55km of expertly groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing, ranging from beginner (green) to Expert (black) ‘Olympic’ caliber, as well as 5 km of lighted trails, snowshoeing, and a cozy lodge to grab a light snack or a quick lunch. For those wanting to explore more of the area, the connected Callaghan Country trail system offers 42 km of groomed skiing, bringing the total to 97 km of groomed trails in the Callaghan Valley. Trail tickets for cross country,skate skiing and snowshoeing are available at the Adventure Centre and at the Day Lodge in the Whistler Olympic Park. Rentals for cross-country,skate and snowshoes are also available at the Day Lodge.

Snowmobiling

Brohm Ridge and the upper Squamish Valley are favorite areas for snowmobiling in the Squamish area.

Other nearby snowmobile spots include Tricouni Ridge and Brandywine, just up the highway en route to Whistler.

A hot spot for professional snowmobilers, many of the snowmobiling areas between Squamish and Whistler are featured regularly in action sports sledding, ski and snowboard videos.

Snowshoeing

The scenic alpine terrain around Squamish makes for great snowshoeing. The mountains surrounding Squamish get an average of 2,300 mm (90 in) of precipitation annually, which means a generous amount of snow accumulates in the winter months.

As soon as the snow begins to fall at higher elevations around Squamish, snowshoers head for Diamond Head in Garibaldi Provincial Park, also a backcountry skiing hot spot.

Chances are that, beginning in late October and lasting through May, you will find snow covering the 7-mile (11-km), intermediate-level route that runs from the trailhead at the 3,000-foot (900-m) level to the cabin at Elfin Lakes (4,900 feet/1485 m). Allow four hours to make the trek one way. If you're just here for a day trip, the day shelter at Red Heather Meadow, a 2-mile (3-km) climb, may be as far as you wish to go, whereas continuing up the trail to the Elfin Lakes is more appropriate for an overnight excursion.

Diamond Head is also the approach to a vast backcountry region in the southwest corner of the park. Come prepared for sudden changes in weather.

If there's fresh snow, stop at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. Follow the trail markers intended for summer hikers. This isn't a long trek, about 2 miles (3 km) return. Crossing the bridge over Brandywine Creek is an adventure in itself, especially if the snowpack is so deep that you are at the same height as the top railing. Pause in the shelter of a cedar grove at lakeside to admire the Black Tusk, gone white with snow. From there, retrace your tracks to Brandywine Creek and head along the trail to the falls. Cross the BC Rail tracks and hike a short distance to the observation platform beside Brandywine Falls. In winter, the sound of Brandywine Creek tumbling onto the exposed boulders below is remarkably similar to that of a jet streaking high in the sky above. All this glory, and you may even have the place to yourself.

The new development in the Callaghan Valley, the Whistler Olympic Park,is the site of the cross-country, biathlon,Nordic combined and ski jumping events for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games. Located just 50 kilometers (30 minutes) north of Squamish and 18 kilometers south of Whistler (15 minutes), visitors can expect breathtaking views of the Callaghan Valley, Callaghan Lake and Black Tusk.For those wanting to explore more of the area, the connected Callaghan Country trail system offers even more trails. Trail tickets and snowshoe rentals are available at the Day Lodge.

Backcountry

The mountain environment around Squamish offers abundant ski touring adventures. A favourite destination is the Elfin Lakes hut or the Red Heather hut in the Diamond Head area of Garibaldi Provincial Park, offering a wide range of terrain and backdrops that even the nearby Whistler backcountry can't top.

Spend the day enjoying laps on Paul Ridge, or use the hut as a base camp to explore the gargoyles, Mt Garibaldi & Mt Atwell. The area is also a snowshoeing hot spot.

A favourite backcountry challenge is the traverse of the Garibaldi Neve which brings you from Diamond Head to Garibaldi Lake.

There is also great backcountry skiing to be found on Mount Garibaldi's Brohm Ridge and in the Cloudburst Mountain and Tricouni areas of the Squamish/Cheakamus Divide.

 

PROVINCIAL PARKS AND RECREATION

Alice Lake Provincial Park

At the north extremity of Squamish, Alice Lake Provincial Park is an excellent destination in the summer months for families and other visitors.

Alice Lake is surrounded by towering mountains, dense forests and grassy areas. There are four fresh water lakes that dominate the landscape and make swimming and fishing very enjoyable pastimes.

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you make a reservation well in advance to stay at this park during the months of July, August and September. The park is usually full even on weekdays with little turnover of campsites in the morning. Some weekends when the weather is particularly warm, people are restricted from driving into the park if the parking lots are full.

Reserveable, vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping .

The Park is home to a number of small lakes, ideal for swimming, walking, and picnicking. The popular Four Lakes Loop trail (12km) is the longest of the trails, weaving through the various lakes. The park is also popular for mountain biking.

Garibaldi Provincial Park & Surroundings

Towering above Squamish, the Garibalid Massif (Dalton Dome, Atwell, & Mount Garibaldi) is the iconic highlight of Garibaldi Provincial Park. The Park stretches all the way north beyond Whistler, but just the 'Diamond Head' area alone boasts year round recreation opportunities entrenched in natural beauty. And it's right in our back yard, with an easy access point just behind the north end of Squamish.

In summer, hikers can enjoy a gorgeous hike on a well-maintained trail to the Read Heather hut, or through the heathery meadows to Elfin Lakes and adjacent tent camping area. Using the Rubble Creek access further North from Squamish, the imposing 'Black Tusk' provides a variety of hikes, scrambles, and camping opportunities at Garibaldi Lake.

Come winter, Garibaldi Park transforms into a backcountry ski touring dream spot. Deep snow pack and a variety of terrain can entertain novice skiers to advanced ski-mountaineers all winter long, far removed from the buzz of chair lifts, snowmobiles, or helicopters.

Garibaldi Provincial Park is one of Squamish's Sweetspots.

Diamond Head

The closest access to the park from Squamish is the Diamond Head area. En route north on Highway 99, turn right at Mamquam Road (before Canadian Tire), follow Mamquam. It be becomes a gravel road that heads steeply uphill before terminating at the parking area and trail head. Accessible with low-clearance 2-wheel drive vehicles in summer months. This same access is used in winter for ski touring at Diamond Head. Chains & 4-wheel drive required.

Black Tusk/Rubble Creek

Further north on Highway 99 (37km from Squamish), use the Rubble Creek turn off (Garibaldi Lake Road) on your right, follow a paved road for 2.5 km to a parking lot for the area.