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A panoramic aerial view of Squamish with the mountains and the ocean

Itineraries for Your Trip to Squamish

Squamish locals share their perfect days.
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3 Days in Squamish for First Timers

Curated by Lydia Schrandtwriter, editor, and award-winning photographer.

Located  in the heart of the Canadian wilderness, Squamish attracts outdoor adventurers from around the globe; it also serves as the gateway to top British Columbia destinations such as Vancouver and Whistler. Three days give you ample time in the great outdoors, so here’s how to spend 72 hours in Squamish. 


Day 1

While Squamish is best known as a base for outdoor adventure, it’s worth spending time exploring the town itself. Don’t miss Shannon Falls Provincial Park, home to the third highest waterfall in British Columbia; the collection of old train artifacts at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park; and the Sea to Sky Gondola that takes passengers to Summit Lodge for stellar views and access to hiking trails—city tours are a great way to tick off multiple attractions in one go. If time permits in the afternoon, test your balance at the 4-level rope course at Rope Runner Aerial Park and then when dinner time rolls around, take a stroll down Cleveland Avenue for an evening of dining and drinking.

Day 2

Most visitors who come to Squamish come for one reason, the great outdoors. No matter the season, you’ll find plenty of ways to experience Mother Nature’s wonders in this part of British Columbia. Grab a paddle for a white-water rafting trip along the challenging Elaho or family-friendly Cheakamus Rivers; rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board to explore the region’s alpine lakes; or explore the wilderness on hiking tour. The region is well-known for its rock climbing, and climbing sessions typically include all necessary equipment and route suggestions for all ability levels. Squamish is also an excellent spot for mountain biking; opt to take an excursion on a manual or electric bike. 

Day 3

Now that you’ve experienced the best of what Squamish has to offer, spend day three exploring a different part of British Columbia. Whistler lies just 34 miles (55 kilometers) north of town and boasts one of North America’s biggest ski resorts. Alternately, head 40 miles (64 kilometers) south to the city of Vancouver, where stress-free sightseeing tours typically cover Gastown, Granville Island, Stanley Park, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. You’ll also find plenty of other places to explore on the Sea to Sky Corridor, including Britannia Beach, the alpine lakes of Garibaldi Provincial Park, or the sleepy community of Pemberton.

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