day trip from vancouver to squamish

• May 16th, 2023
• Squamish Community Squamish Travel Squamish Weekend Guides

Traveling from Vancouver to Squamish: A Complete Guide

Discover the scenic route from vancouver to squamish and embark on an adventure-filled journey through breathtaking landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and convenient transportation options..

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure from the vibrant cityscape of Vancouver to the awe-inspiring beauty of Squamish? In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the distance between these two remarkable destinations and provide you with all the information you need to plan your journey. From transportation options to must-visit attractions along the way, get ready to embark on an exciting trip from Vancouver to Squamish.

The Distance from Vancouver to Squamish: Situated just 63 kilometers (39 miles) north of Vancouver, Squamish is conveniently located for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway connects these two destinations, offering breathtaking views of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and the glistening waters of Howe Sound. As you leave the bustling streets of Vancouver behind, get ready to immerse yourself in the natural wonders that await you in Squamish.

Transportation Options: When it comes to traveling from Vancouver to Squamish, you have several transportation options to choose from. Let’s explore each one:

2.1. By Car: Driving is one of the most popular ways to reach Squamish, as it allows you to enjoy the stunning views along the Sea-to-Sky Highway at your own pace. From downtown Vancouver, take the Lions Gate Bridge and follow Highway 1 westbound. Merge onto Highway 99, also known as the Sea-to-Sky Highway, and continue north until you reach Squamish. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Be sure to have your camera ready, as you’ll encounter breathtaking sights like the iconic Stawamus Chief and the impressive Shannon Falls along the way.

2.2. By Bus: If you prefer a more relaxed and eco-friendly option, consider taking a bus from Vancouver to Squamish. The Squamish Connector, a daily bus service, provides convenient transportation between the two destinations. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views as you travel comfortably to Squamish. Check the bus schedule and plan your trip accordingly.

2.3. By Train: For a truly memorable and luxurious experience, why not embark on a train journey from Vancouver to Squamish? The Rocky Mountaineer offers stunning routes through the Canadian Rockies, including a stop in Squamish. Indulge in the breathtaking scenery as you travel in style and comfort. While this option may take longer than driving or taking a bus, the spectacular views and exceptional service make it an unforgettable adventure.

Must-Visit Attractions along the Way: As you make your way from Vancouver to Squamish, there are several attractions worth exploring. Consider adding these stops to your itinerary: 3.1. Shannon Falls: Located just south of Squamish, Shannon Falls is a must-see natural wonder along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. As the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia, it cascades down a series of granite cliffs, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Take a short hike to the viewing platform and be prepared to be enchanted by the sheer beauty and power of the falls.

3.2. Britannia Mine Museum: Situated in the historic mining town of Britannia Beach, the Britannia Mine Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s mining heritage. Explore the underground tunnels, learn about the mining techniques of the past, and discover the stories of the brave miners who worked in these challenging conditions. It’s an engaging and educational stop that provides insight into the rich history of the area.

3.3. Sea to Sky Gondola: Before reaching Squamish, be sure to make a stop at the Sea to Sky Gondola, a breathtaking attraction that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and fjords. Hop aboard the gondola and ascend to the summit, where a world of natural beauty awaits. As you soar above the treetops, marvel at the rugged peaks of the Coast Mountains and the sparkling waters of Howe Sound.

Once you reach the top, step onto the viewing platforms and take in the awe-inspiring vistas stretching as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of the Vancouver skyline in the distance. Explore the extensive trail network and embark on a scenic hike, or simply relax and soak in the serene atmosphere. The Sea to Sky Gondola is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Dining and Refreshments: After a day of adventure and exploration, treat yourself to a delightful dining experience in Squamish. The town is home to a vibrant food scene, offering a wide range of culinary options to satisfy every palate. From cozy cafes and family-friendly restaurants to gourmet eateries and craft breweries, there’s something for everyone.

Sample the local cuisine and indulge in fresh seafood delicacies sourced from the nearby waters. Try the delectable salmon dishes or enjoy the catch of the day, perfectly prepared by talented local chefs. If you’re in the mood for international flavors, Squamish boasts a diverse array of restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. Whether you’re craving sushi, Indian curries, Italian pasta, or Mexican street food, you’ll find it all in Squamish.

Outdoor Activities and Adventure: Squamish is renowned as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada,” and for good reason. With its stunning natural surroundings, the town offers a plethora of outdoor activities and adventures for all ages and skill levels. Here are some highlights to consider:

5.1. Hiking and Trail Exploration: Squamish is a paradise for hikers, with an extensive trail network that caters to all levels of fitness and expertise. Lace up your hiking boots and venture into the wilderness to discover hidden gems like the Garibaldi Provincial Park, home to breathtaking alpine meadows and turquoise glacial lakes. For a challenging hike, tackle the renowned Stawamus Chief trail and be rewarded with panoramic views from the summit.

5.2. Mountain Biking: Calling all thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies! Squamish offers world-class mountain biking trails that wind through lush forests and rugged terrain. Test your skills on trails like Half Nelson and Pseudo-Tsuga, known for their exhilarating descents and technical features. If you’re new to mountain biking, fear not – there are beginner-friendly trails available too. Rent a bike from one of the local outfitters and embark on an unforgettable two-wheeled adventure.

5.3. Rock Climbing: With its towering granite cliffs, Squamish is a mecca for rock climbers from around the world. The Chief, a massive granite monolith, provides an array of challenging routes for climbers of all abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner looking to try your hand at this thrilling sport, Squamish offers a variety of climbing areas and guiding services to cater to your needs.

5.4. Water Sports: Thanks to its proximity to Howe Sound, Squamish offers ample opportunities for water-based activities. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the calm waters, immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding fjords. Alternatively, join a guided tour for a thrilling white-water rafting experience down the nearby rivers.

• Accommodations : As your adventurous day comes to an end, rest and recharge in one of the many accommodations available in Squamish. The town offers a range of options to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget.

For those seeking a cozy and home-like atmosphere, consider staying in one of the charming bed and breakfast establishments scattered throughout Squamish. Wake up to a delicious homemade breakfast and personalized hospitality that will make you feel right at home.

If you prefer the convenience and amenities of a hotel, Squamish has several options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel with stunning mountain views or a comfortable budget-friendly motel, you’ll find a variety of accommodations to suit your needs.

For a more adventurous experience, camping is a popular choice in Squamish. The area offers several well-equipped campgrounds where you can set up your tent or park your RV surrounded by nature’s beauty. Fall asleep under a star-filled sky and wake up to the sound of birdsong.

• Additional Resources and Recommendations: To make the most of your trip from Vancouver to Squamish, here are some additional resources and recommendations:

7.1. Visitor Information Center:

Stop by the Squamish Adventure Centre, the town’s visitor information center, before you begin your journey. Here, you’ll find friendly and knowledgeable staff who can provide you with maps, brochures, and insider tips to help you plan your itinerary.

7.2. Outdoor Gear Rentals:

If you’re in need of outdoor gear or equipment, several rental shops in Squamish offer a wide range of options. Whether you require hiking boots, mountain bikes, or camping gear, renting is a convenient and cost-effective solution for your outdoor adventures.

7.3. Squamish Culture and Heritage:

Take the time to explore the rich culture and heritage of Squamish. Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, where you can learn about the indigenous cultures and traditions of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. Engage in interactive exhibits, watch traditional performances, and gain a deeper appreciation for the local heritage.

7.4. Events and Festivals:

Check the Squamish Tourism website or local event calendars to see if any events or festivals coincide with your visit. Squamish hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year, including music festivals, outdoor adventure races, and cultural celebrations. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and experience the town’s unique community spirit.

As you can see, the journey from Vancouver to Squamish is an adventure in itself. Whether you choose to drive along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, take a bus or train, or even embark on a bikepacking expedition, the trip offers breathtaking views and memorable experiences.

Squamish, with its natural beauty and thrilling outdoor activities, is a destination that captivates visitors from around the world. From the Sea to Sky Gondola to the incredible hiking trails, the town’s offerings are sure to satisfy every outdoor enthusiast’s cravings.

So, pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready for an unforgettable trip from Vancouver to Squamish. As you embark on this journey, be prepared to be amazed by the stunning landscapes, immerse yourself in thrilling adventures, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Squamish awaits you with open arms and a world of natural wonders to discover.

Verses from the Adventurous Heart of Squamish

• April 26th, 2023
• Squamish Community
• < 1 min read

Arts & Culture

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Vancouver, British Columbia

Experience the Great Squamish Day Trip from Vancouver

• AC Vehicle transport
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Guide / Driver

Embark on an unparalleled adventure through the scenic wonders of Canada's west side with our exclusive private day trip to Squamish from Vancouver. Leave the crowds behind and enjoy the company of your loved ones as you immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the region.

On the Experience the Great Squamish Day Trip from Vancouver, discover the rich heritage of Britannia Beach as you explore its famed gold and copper mine at the Britannia Beach Museum. Gain fascinating insights into the area's history and marvel at the incredible feats of mining that shaped the landscape.

Prepare to be awe-struck as you witness the majestic Shannon Falls, towering three times higher than the renowned Niagara Falls. Feel the power of nature cascade before your eyes as you soak in the grandeur of this natural wonder.

Uncover the intriguing story of Canada's railway legacy at the Railway Heritage Museum. Delve deeper into the country's past as you admire the well-preserved artifacts and listen to captivating commentary from your expert guide, bringing history to life.

Savor an unforgettable journey on the Sea-to-Sky gondola, where you will be treated to panoramic vistas of Shannon Falls, the iconic Stawamus Chief mountain, and more. Feel the exhilaration of being suspended in the air, taking in the spectacular landscapes that surround you.

To make your experience hassle-free, we offer convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless day of exploration and discovery. Sit back, relax, and let us take care of the logistics as you focus on creating everlasting memories on the Experience the Great Squamish Day Trip from Vancouver.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of Squamish. Book your private tour now and let us guide you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Canada's natural beauty.

Tour Itinerary

Britannia mine museum.

The information and artefacts related to British Columbia's mining industry are conserved and shown in this distinguished museum. 23 historic buildings, more than 7000 artefacts, 9500 old photographs, and 3000 old documents are all under the museum's supervision. Take a train trip through the haulage tunnel, which was dug in 1914 to move ore from the mill buildings to the coast.

Shannon Falls Provincial Park

A short stroll will take you to the base of the observation platform, where you may admire the Falls and the surrounding area's ancient history and have a conversation.The height of this waterfall is three times that of Niagara Falls.

Sea to Sky Gondola

This tour stop is optional. Take a 20-minute nature walk to the Panorama viewpoint after taking the six-person gondola to the new summit lodge, where you can take in views of the Squamish valley. Enjoy the breath of clean alpine air.

Pickup Information

• You can come directly to the meeting point, or ask for a pickup
• Meeting point Canada Place Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C, Canada
• End point : Tour will end at the same starting point

Cancellation & Refund Policy

• In order to receive a full refund, you must cancel your reservation at least 24 hours prior to the start time of the experience.
• If you cancel your reservation less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Changes made to your reservation within 24 hours of the start time will not be accepted.
• The cut-off times for cancellations are based on the local time of the experience.

Other Information

• Please note that a confirmation will be provided upon booking.
• We kindly suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes for this activity.
• Please come dressed appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions.
• This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
• Service animals are permitted.
• We do not recommend this activity for individuals with back problems or those who are pregnant.
• Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness.
• It is also not suitable for individuals with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
• Please be advised that the maximum group size for this tour/activity is 11 travelers.

Tour Exclusions

• Drop in Airport after Trip

• Book This Tour

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• : +1 800-653-2242

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IMPORTANT UPDATE

As of Apr 27, 2024, proof of COVID-19 vaccination with photo ID is required for restaurants and bars, casinos, concerts, theatres, cinemas, recreation and sporting facilities, festivals and more. Capacity limits for indoor and outdoor activities are based on maintaining a physical distance of 2m/6ft from others. Please follow all public health guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Keeping workplaces, staff and guests safe is our destination's primary focus. Key public health measures are in place and we all share a responsibility to stay informed, be prepared, be flexible and follow health and safety guidelines.

LAWRENCE TOURS

• Grand City Tour – Vancouver
• Fraser Valley Wine Tour

Great Squamish Day Trip

• Private Tour
• LT Vehicles

Located an hour away from Vancouver,  Squamish  is the activity capital of Canada.

Driving north into the mountains on the Sea-to-Sky Highway highlights of your 6 hour Squamish tour may include:

Britannia Mine Museum : Take a step back in time at the multi-award-winning Britannia Mine Museum offering an engaging experience of an iconic National Historic Site . Rumble aboard The Underground train as it rolls through an historic mining tunnel. Push up your sleeves at our Gold Panning Pavilion and keep what you find! Immerse yourself in the award-winning, multi-sensory experience of BOOM! on the breathtaking ground level of the historic Mill No.3 building. Learn about copper extraction, mill history and what life was like back in the day as the Mill building is brought back to life.

Shannon Falls : Shannon Falls is the third highest waterfall in British Columbia and three times higher the Niagara Falls and holds significant spiritual value to the Squamish First Nation, the first people to live in this area. Don’t forget to ask your guide of the First Nations story of how the falls were born.

Sea-to-Sky Gondola : Offering breathtaking views of coastal BC mountains, oceans, rivers, forests this new attraction shouldn’t be missed. After your gondola ride to the Summit Lodge, you’ll get to cross the 100 metre Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, a favourite spot to snap great pics. On the other side of the bridge, you’ll find a wide range of hiking trails for every level of fitness; each leading to simply jaw-dropping viewpoints of Squamish, Howe Sound, The Stawamus Chief, and all along the Coast Mountain Range.

Howe Sound Brewing Company : A destination in itself, be sure to make time before or after your next Squamish adventure to stop and enjoy the food & drink in this local favourite – an all-wood establishment with the typical relaxed big room restaurant and bar. One of the original craft breweries in British Columbia offering ceramic spring top bottled beers.

please note a minimum of 2 persons are required to book this tour

Pricing: • $148.00 per adult 13+ • $89.00 children 5-12 years old • under 5 years old: free of charge

Book a Private Squamish Day Trip

* 5% GOODS & SERVICES TAX (GST) IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. * GRATUITIES ARE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CLIENT. * ALL PRICES ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS (CAD) * ADMISSION CHARGES TO TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ARE NOT INCLUDED

Tour pick-up available from any hotel or B&B in downtown Vancouver, or Burnaby area. No pick-up available in Richmond. Guests staying in Richmond: please take the Canada Line Skytrain to Waterfront Station (downtown Vancouver). Exit the station via the main exit and proceed to 999 Canada Place ( view map ) Pick up will be at 10:00am at the front entrance of the Pan Pacific Hotel.

Check current tour availability and  BOOK NOW

or call  604-780-3474  to book your Great Squamish Day Trip with Lawrence Tours.

Testimonials

We booked a full day to Squamish and Michael had the perfect day planned full of adventure and beautiful scenery. He shared stories and details that many tour guides gloss over in an engaging and fun manner. He is an excellent communicator with great follow up from booking to end of tour. Our group gives Michael the highest of recommendations as an outstanding tour guide.

Thanks to Michael for a great day tour to Squamish. His tour and service are so great that our memories still linger. All the sights mentioned in the itinerary were visited and we enjoyed every moment with him. He is very professional and knowledgeable. We are glad that we booked the tour from him. Highly recommended and will surely get him if we return to Vancouver.

Let us know about your experience with Lawrence Tours:

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The Great Squamish Day Trip from Vancouver

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Driver/guide
• Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes Benz Sprinter tour van
• Lunch costs
• Gratuities are not included and are on an individual basis
• Airport drop off after tour not available
• Entry/Admission - Britannia Mine Museum
• Entry/Admission - Sea to Sky Gondola
• Canada Place, Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C, Canada To get to Canada Place take the sky train/Canada line subway to waterfront station and take the convention exit it is large building with big white sails, pick up is in front of the entrance to Canada place hotel,
• Any hotel in the downtown Vancouver locations, if your staying at a residence or out in the Burnaby area contact us for pick up Pick up is out front of your downtown hotel, if you are staying in a hotel in Richmond take the Canada line to (Waterfront) station and exit at the convention centre route, pick up is in front of the Pan Pacific Hotel. If you are in Burnaby please send a note Via Viator message board
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
• Not recommended for travellers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Canada Place Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Britannia Mine Museum Stop: 2 hours - Admission excluded See details
• 2 Shannon Falls Provincial Park Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 3 Sea to Sky Gondola Stop: 60 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Safari43959872545 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles One of the best in Vancouver Good knowledge of wine and guiding guest with absolutely perfect choice of wine. looking forward to work with Fraser valley Winery. Read more Written January 10, 2024
• WestChester_PAPerk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Vancouver in the Van! After hearing about this tour from our friends, we booked it while in Vancouver after the Rocky Mountaineer. We were SO glad that we did! Michael is the owner and was our chauffeur and tour guide. His Mercedes Benz van was very comfortable for the 10 of us, and he is a great driver. The tour was to be about 5 hours, but it ended up being 7 hours. We saw so many interesting and beautiful Vancouver sights. Having lived there for over 30 years, Michael has the expertise about and love of Vancouver. He is an expert on plants, trees, building architecture, fishing, and history. You might think how can one person be an expert in so many areas. I don't know, but HE IS! What a wealth of information and such a memory for facts and dates and all kinds of tidbits of interesting information. Plus, he is a really nice guy! Very caring and empathetic, too. His personality shines through, and we all felt very comfortable. It was a long day, BUT...we saw it all in comfort and had a lot of fun! I highly recommend Michael and his company's tours. Ask him about the lures that he handcarves. Read more Written September 24, 2023
• Fiorella S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Day Trip to Squamish Micheal was a great guide with a wealth of knowledge about the area. He went above and beyond to make the day fun and informative. It was an amazing day! Read more Written September 21, 2023
• donrL8808MK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Would definitely recommend this tour. Knowledgeable, interesting, friendly. We really got to know and appreciate Vancouver during our tour. Covered all the interesting aspects and spots in Vancouver. Read more Written September 3, 2023
• vhs6564 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles wealth of knowlege about a beutiful city! Only 4 of us on this private tour. Michael is a wealth of knowledge about his beautful city. it was great to get insider information about the area. everything from demographics, geography, economcs, etc. very friendly & professional Read more Written August 29, 2023
• Lisa B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great overview of the city Michael, our tour guide, was very professional and knowledgeable. The perfect tour of Vancouver, if you only have a short time in Vancouver. We really explored the city. Great tour! Read more Written July 25, 2023
• oliviaoborne 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles If you're considering this tour, go for it! Jaibel and I went on the Fraser Valley Wine Tour last week, and we had such an amazing time! We felt like VIP guests because not only did we get picked up and dropped off at our Airbnb in West Vancouver, but we also happened to be the only group who signed up for the tour that day (it was on a Tuesday). On our tour, we started by going to three beautiful wineries. We paid a 10$ tasting fee at each stop, and we got to try 4 wines for that price. We noted that each person we spoke to at the wineries was kind and passionate about their work! Most importantly, we appreciated how we were not made to feel less than because we knew nothing about wine. It was so lovely! Our tour guide, Michael, was also AMAZING! He was so knowledgeable and quite hilarious. We loved his stories and jokes. Since only two of us were on the tour, we finished early. So, Michael took us to a few extra stops, and we had a great time! More than that, Michael packed us a curated selection of charcuterie-style snacks to keep us full. We LOVED that. If you are considering this tour, go for it! We had such a great time. Read more Written July 10, 2023
• nowpearl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful City Tour We had a wonderful tour, We learned, we laughed, we benefitted from Michael's kindness and accommodations. We very much enjoyed our time with Michael, and we got a great picture of Vancouver. Read more Written June 30, 2023
• 234traceyp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful Wine Tour What a great day we had enjoying the wine tour in Langley. Michael was a wonderful guide and pointed out sites and attractions during our comfortable drive. He took us to 4 different wineries, each one unique from the other. Ample time was given to enjoy the wines. This tour is well worth your time and money. Read more Written June 17, 2023
• M5371NNlynnf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Michael was great. Went the extra mile for us. Excellent knowledge of area. Wonderful tour ! Michael was great.excellent knowledge of the area. Enjoyed our Halibut lunch. Highly recommend. Read more Written June 13, 2023
• colthropcol 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Get to the heart of Vancouver in five hours. If you want a quick superficial overview of the obvious tourist sights in a large group this is not the tour for you. If, however, you would like to spend about five very pleasant and informative hours (including a lunch break) in a small group getting to find out the real Vancouver: its way of life, its quality of life, its history, its culture, its diverse people, its communities, its architecture, its planning controls, its economics, its smart rich suburb of Shaughnessy as well as the modular accommodation and social action programme the city is doing to help integrate former street-sleepers into society, its winter Olympics in 2010, its industries, its education, its horticulture, its climate, not to mention visiting the Guinness World Record holding ice cream parlour for selling the greatest number of different flavours (definitely not in a regular tourist area) then this is the tour for you. Given our interests this tour could have been custom-made for my wife and I. In fact because no-one else had booked for the day Michael was good enough to run it just for us instead of cancelling. For which very many thanks because we would not have missed this excellent tour for the world. Lawrence Tours is a one man band - Michael Lawrence and his comfortable luxury Mercedes minibus (well that is what we call such a vehicle in the UK). He is not a native of the city but he moved there 39 years ago and he clearly loves his adopted city, and is very knowledgeable about it. He is also an interesting man because he has done so much in his life. You may leave this tour with your head spinning a bit, but you will know a lot about Vancouver. Travel guides describe Vancouver as one of the most liveable cities in the world. A fair few colleagues and friends have visited and endorsed this, they all came back overflowing with praise. You can now add my wife and myself to this. So if you really want to get to the heart of this wonderful city we recommend you book this tour! Read more Written June 11, 2023
• rxqueen7 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Vancouver City Tour Excellent tour of Vancouver City. Michael picked us up from the hotel right on time. We were the only two on the tour and he was a fantastic guide. We learnt so much from him and he took us to all the places and more. The tour exceeded our expectations and I highly recommend Michael and will definitely be booking with him again. Read more Written June 5, 2023
• JudsonKoman 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience for a couple looking to fill a day Spent the day with Michael Lawrence seeing a great selection of the best sights to see in Vancouver. We were looking for a way to see more of Vancouver than what our legs would provide and were very happy to take advantage of Michael's local experience and vehicle to see more of Vancouver than what we could do on our own. We accompanied the tour with a lovely couple from Florida, USA and together we were able to have lunch and see what this great city can offer. Would highly recommend to anyone who wants to see a lot of Vancouver under the guidance of very kind and gentle local tour guide. Read more Written May 15, 2023
• Curiosity571965 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Michael Very thorough and amusing. I don’t have anything else to say, but it needs 100 character minimum so goodbye. Read more Written May 6, 2023
• O5991BDritab 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommend this cultural experience I only had a few days in Vancouver, so booked this tour as a way to get a broad overview to decide where to focus the time remaining for this trip. The tour ended up being so much more than that. Michael’s knowledge and experience informed this trip at every turn. I learned about Vancouver’s cultural, social, environmental, and historical past and present. It’s encouraged me to visit again to explore more of what he shared. What a fabulous experience, I highly recommend Michael and this experience. Read more Written October 16, 2022

More to explore in Vancouver

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The Great Squamish Day Trip from Vancouver provided by Lawrence Tours

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The Great Squamish Day Trip from Vancouver

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Driver/guide
• Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes Benz Sprinter tour van
• Lunch costs
• Gratuities are not included and are on an individual basis
• Entry/Admission - Lawrence Tours
• Entry/Admission - Britannia Mine Museum
• Entry/Admission - Sea to Sky Gondola
• Entry/Admission - West Coast Railway Heritage Park
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• A minimum of 4 people per booking is required
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers

• Information & Tips

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How to Get From Vancouver to Squamish? – A Guide to Getting Here

Vancouver to squamish – a guide to getting here.

It is often said that the journey to the destination is half the fun. This is definitely the case when traveling from Vancouver to Squamish. Not only is the trip beautiful, but there are ample transportation options available to get there. Here are a few of those transportation options:

Located along Highway 99, the drive from Vancouver to Squamish takes roughly an hour to get here, depending on traffic and speed. Known as the ‘Sky Highway,’ the road curves along the seaside. It also affords breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains. This is one of the most scenic drives in Canada, so take your time and enjoy the views.

Photo by Tom Richards (Wikimedia Commons)

Bus/Shuttle Service

• Squamish Connector — If you’re looking for a non-stop transit service then use Squamish Connector. Frequent commuter between Vancouver and Squamish can purchase an affordable pass. Bikes and small pets are allowed on board.

Charter Plane

• Sea to Sky Air- – Sea to Sky Air affords you the luxury of reaching your destination quickly. As a bonus you can also enjoying the breathtaking mountain views from the sky.
• Salt Spring Air — Salt Spring Air also offers charter flights from Vancouver to Squamish. Reservations are required.

Photo by Flymebc (Wikimedia Commons)

• Hitch Planet — If you don’t mind sharing the ride and trip expenses, it is Hitch Plant is an option for you. People want to offer a ride to Squamish advertise on the website. It’s also a great way to meet new friends.

Squamish Transit

Once you reach Squamish, you might want to utilize the Squamish Transit to get around. Running seven days a week, these buses are accessible to wheelchairs, bikes, and strollers. Small pets are also allowed on board. Here are the pickup locations for the Squamish Transit:

• Municipal Hall at 37955-2nd Avenue
• Quest University Canada Book Store at 3200 University Boulevard l
• Brennan Park Recreation Centre at 1009 Centennial Way
• Walmart (passes only) located at 39210 Discovery Way

Being this easy and somewhat affordable, traveling to Squamish from Vancouver is worthwhile. Whether you’re going for a weekend away or just a day trip, you’re in for a picturesque treat. With a bit of pre-planning, you can soon be on your way to enjoying the getaway of a lifetime.

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Day trip to Squamish from Vancouver, British Columbia

W elcome to the first post of my upcoming series about our recent trip to British Columbia .

Arriving in Vancouver

We travelled to Vancouver via Air Transat, a five hour flight from Toronto. If you’re from the area, you have probably been following the news lately about the gong show that is Toronto Pearson International Airport. Out of all my airport experiences around the world, I’d have to say that Toronto Pearson is one of the poorest in terms of organization and efficiency, but things have become exponentially worse there in the past few months as travel has ramped up post-peak pandemic.

Perhaps most of the bottleneck is on the international side, because we luckily had an uneventful domestic departure from Toronto. We arrived two hours prior to our flight and passed through security in minutes. No delay with boarding, and landed in Vancouver as scheduled. Security lines were longer on our return flight, but we were able to get through quickly using our Nexus (Global Entry) priority access — I highly recommend shelling out the $60ish for this. That, and no checked baggage, made for speedy transit.

Off to Squamish

For our first full day in British Columbia, we met up with a couple friends for a day trip to Squamish from Vancouver. Squamish is a small town approximately 60 kilometres from Vancouver, situated at the north end of Howe Sound. It is about an hour drive on the very scenic Sea to Sky highway.

En route, we stopped at Shannon Falls Provincial Park. As per its namesake, the main point of interest here is Shannon Falls, the third tallest waterfall in British Columbia — measuring 335 metres high.

Up on the Sea to Sky gondola

Adjacent to Shannon Falls is the top attraction in Squamish, the Stawamus Chief. This peak towers over 700 metres (2297 feet), making it one of the largest granitic monoliths in the world.

There are several moderate-difficult hikes that take you to three main summit areas. Mr. Chuckles and I were not physically or mentally prepared to hike on this trip, so we opted for a ride up the Sea to Sky Gondola . This brought us up 885 metres above sea level, where we captured sweeping views overlooking Howe Sound.

Once at the summit, there are a few easy walking trails and a suspension bridge to explore.

It started to rain shortly after we reached the summit, so we hopped back on the gondola and went down to town for lunch. We had a delicious locally-sourced brunch at Fergie’s Cafe . I recommend their smoked salmon eggs benedict or classic breakfast. There’s often a line here, but you can occupy yourself while waiting for a table by strolling over to Cheekye River to watch for eagles.

Passing through Horseshoe Bay

On the way back to Vancouver, we made a brief stop at Horseshoe Bay. Located in West Vancouver, this community houses about 1000 permanent residents and serves as a link between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island via the BC Ferries terminal. Interestingly, we saw condos for sale here in the range of $1.6 million. That’s Vancouver real estate for ya!

Next up, a little exploring back in the city.

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31 responses to “Day trip to Squamish from Vancouver, British Columbia”

I’ve never heard of Squamish, but wow! What a stunning scene not too far from Vancouver! That suspension bridge looks long and very precarious, haha! I can imagine it must be quite the trek crossing it! Glad you had a wonderful time in BC (and with a smooth in-and-out at the airport), and I look forward to your other posts on it!

Like Liked by 1 person

It was a nice trip. Thanks for reading Rebecca!

Beautiful photos. That bridge looks very harrowing! Did you cross over it? I would have taken the cable car too!

I did cross the bridge and it was scary! Difficult to enjoy the view from up there because I had to focus on moving ahead. 🫣

I can imagine and it would be hard to take photos!

Another exciting post, Jess! I (Kellye) would love seeing Shannon Falls. Not sure about that suspension bridge, but I might gather up the courage to cross it. I mean, if I could survive the Vancouver airport (I don’t have a lot of patience) then surely, I could survive the bridge. Thank you for sharing your travels!

Sounds like a perfect day, except for the suspension bridge! Wonderful scenery though and lunch sounded great. Nothing better than fresh caught fish.

The thing with the bridge is that it didn’t look so bad when I got on but became scary as soon as I was halfway across!

It looks absolutely beautiful!

Wow look at the views 🙂 I also really like your moving photo although have no idea how you did that!

If you have an iPhone you just take a “live” photo and edit it into the “loop” effect. I just discovered it haha!

Looks so beautiful!!

[…] our return from Squamish, our second day in British Columbia was spent exploring around downtown […]

These are spectacular landscapes! I understand that it makes you want to photograph them.

I’d be jealous, but I’m in Colorado right now with very similar views – haha. 😉 Seriously, though, it looks beautiful. I’d like to get up there some day. By the way, I’m stymied by that photo (?) which has the flowing river. It’s doesn’t appear to be a video, but it’s moving. Is it a “live” photo on repeat, or is there some new technology I don’t know about?

Yes, it’s a “live” photo taken on my iPhone and edited to the “loop” effect. Fancy, eh? 😛

Very cool. Didn’t know that was a possibility. Sometimes you can see where the loop starts/ends, but not in that pic. An Oscar to you for film editing – haha!

And the waterfall “photo” too!

Like Liked by 2 people

I absolutely love that part of the world. Stunning photos. That bridge looks really scary!

The bridge was scarier than I expected but love that view!

[…] drive from Vancouver. If travelling by car, the trip involves a drive to the BC Ferries terminal in Horseshoe Bay; a two hour ferry ride to Nanaimo on the southeastern coast of Vancouver Island; and then a further […]

Those mountain views are so beautiful! Squamish is near the top of my husbands list of places he wants to go and at least once a month he brings it up. So now that I’ve shown him your pictures he may start talking about it more. Just means we will have to go there soon 🙂

Oh yes, you guys should definitely go to Squamish. It’s such an easy trip from Vancouver if you’re in the area.

Glad to hear that you had no issues at Pearson. We’ll be heading to the airport on Thursday and I’m a bit concerned given all the bad media about the delays and line-ups. Sounds like you had a great start to your trip. That suspension bridge looks a bit scary!

I’m pretty sure most of the delays are happening on the international side and in baggage claim. Domestic seemed okay and we avoided checking our bags so got in and out quickly both ways. Also, there doesn’t seem to be much point in arriving 4-5 hours early like some people have been doing because they don’t let you through security until 2 hours prior to your flight time.

I have just returned from overseas the other day, and we had to wait almost an hour in the airplane until they found an available gate for us, as most of the flights had delays that day. Lots of luggage all over the place in the pick up area.. quite messy. But lots of European airports are dealing with similar issues, so it’s going to be a ‘hot’ summer. Nice views from the top, I would love to check that suspension bridge one day😊

Yikes, that is what I would be dreading with these airport delays. De-planing after a long flight always feels painfully slow even on a good day – I couldn’t stand be stuck on there for hours. I won’t be taking anymore flights this summer so hopefully things will be a bit better by the time of our next international trip.

[…] (260 feet) above the river. This is actually longer and higher than the scary looking bridge in Squamish. It felt more secure to me with the railings set closer to the bridge platform, but the wobbling […]

I loooooove Squamish!! That whole area is stunning. Also love that you’ve turned those videos into gifs! What a great way to really bring it to life.

Can’t believe I never made it there in my years living in Vancouver. Thanks for reading!

[…] our day in Squamish, we found ourselves back in the West End seeking sushi and came across Tom Sushi from a cursory […]

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Squamish Day Trip | The Best Vancouver Day Trip For Outdoor Lovers

Squamish, B.C. is roughly an hour north of Vancouver and an excellent place to visit if you love the outdoors. The New York Times listed it as one of the top places in the world to go to in 2015. Since my twenties, I have been coming here and I still love coming back. If you are visiting Vancouver and love the outdoors, I suggest spending one day in Squamish. 

Table of Contents

Squamish Day Trip Suggestions

Squamish day trip stop 1: britannia beach.

Britannia Beach is part of Squamish where an old mine, now mining museum, is located. My friend Christy and I stopped here just to check out the docks for some photos. It’s definitely worth stopping. It’s really cool to see the colour of the glacier water mix with ocean water.

I love a good dock photo

**Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you, if you click through an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may make a commission.**

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Squamish Day Trip  Stop 2: Shannon Falls

Shannon Falls is British Columbia’s third-largest waterfall and one of the most popular places to stop on the Sea to Sky Highway. There’s a walking path to explore and view the trees and the falls up close. If you’re a bit more adventurous, you can try to rock climb to the base of the falls. During the summer months, it can be quite busy and depending on the rain and water levels, the falls can either be robust or not be as powerful.

When heading north, there is a sign to notify you that you are approaching Shannon Falls and there is a free but busy parking lot.

Squamish Day Trip  Stop 3: Sea To Sky Gondola

Opened in 2014, Squamish’s Sea To Sky Gondola is a fairly new attraction along the Sea To Sky Highway. We only came here for an hour to see the views from the gondola as well as shoot photos from the suspension bridge and viewing areas. I would love to come back here again and get some hiking in. There’s a restaurant at the top if you’re hungry and want some epic views while eating or need water/coffee.

A day pass is $37.95 Canadian. If you are hiking up, a one way down ticket is $10

Photo credit: Christy from Ordinary Traveler

Photo credit: Ordinary Traveler

Squamish Day Trip  Stop 4: Stawamus Chief

One of the most popular hikes in BC is the one up to the top of the Stawamus Chief or better known as “The Chief”. When you get to the top you have amazing views of Squamish, Howe Sound, and the mountains nearby. First Peak is the lowest and most popular summit and is about 4 km in distance (almost 2.5 miles) . Give yourself roughly an hour to an hour and a half depending on your ability.

There’s a parking lot and entrance to The Chief when you are driving north to Whistler. It’s on the east side of the Sea To Sky Highway.

Picture source: Flickr

Photo from: Flickr

Credit: Flickr

Squamish Day Trip  Stop 5: Alice Lake 

Alice Lake Provincial Park is a park located about 13 km (8 miles) north of Squamish. I remember coming here during my college days to camp out with friends. We’d bring tents and stay in the campgrounds which you can reserve. It’s a fully equipped campground with showers, bathrooms, a playground, and a seasonal cafe. The camping season is open from May to October. Alice Lake is a great place to come for the day or to camp whether solo, with friends and kids! There are hiking and biking trails at the lake.

Squamish Day Trip Stop 6:  Howe Sound Brewing Company

At some point, you are going to be hungry during your Squamish day trip. There isn’t a lot but it’s getting better. Your options right now are typical blasé chain restaurants but new eateries opening up. Food trucks are becoming popular in Squamish. Christy and I went to the Howe Sound Brewing Company for eats and craft beer! Loved their beers!

Squamish Day Trip  Stop 6: Tantalus Lookout

You’ll have to drive a bit north from the main town of Squamish to get to the Tantalus Lookout. If you’re coming back from Whistler, it’s little roadside stop with gorgeous views of the Tantalus Mountain Range. The stop is on the west side of the highway when you’re driving back to Vancouver.

Squamish Day Trip  Stop 7: Porteau Cove Provincial Park 

While I haven’t been to Porteau Cove in eons, I recommend a stop here. Lots of divers, kayakers, paddleboarders and outdoor lovers come here. If you’re looking for a scenic campground, you have it here at Porteau Cove.

On the Sea To Sky Highway, Porteau Cove is on the west side when you’re driving north. There will be a sign for the park (don’t turn for Porteau Road).

I’ve seen beautiful photos at night of the stars and I’m hoping one day to camp here or at least, come here for night lapse photos.

I shared these 7 recommendations for a day trip but there are so many more places to explore in the area. As I spend more time in Squamish, I’ll be sure to update this list.

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**Special thanks to Destination BC and the Sea To Sky Gondola for their support. As always, opinions are solely my own. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you, if you click through an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may make a commission.*

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3 Kid-Friendly Squamish Activities: Easy Day Trip from Vancouver, BC

Posted on Last updated: January 3, 2024

Home » Pacific Northwest » 3 Kid-Friendly Squamish Activities: Easy Day Trip from Vancouver, BC

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Are you looking to do a day trip to Squamish, British Columbia in Canada ? Find out the best kid-friendly Squamish activities worth checking out!

This post about what to do on a day trip to squamish bc was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, i will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. all opinions remain my own..

Are you planning a trip to Vancouver, BC and want to add a nearby day trip?

One of the coolest Vancouver day trips includes a stop at the small town of Squamish on the iconic Sea to Sky Highway.

While they are famous for their outdoor adventures, there are tons of kid-friendly attractions totally worth a stop.

Keep scrolling to find out the best things to do in Squamish, BC for families. These make a fun day trip from Vancouver or a fun stop on your way to Whistler. It’s also one of the  best weekend getaways from Vancouver .

You’ll find all kinds of family-friendly activities in this little town including an awesome suspension bridge that is perfect for kids!

There are also plenty of places where you can get some great views along with some delicious food and coffee too!

If you have time after exploring Squamish, then head over toward Whistler. It’s less than an hour away so it makes for another great adventure if you have more time!

We love visiting new places and we know how much work goes into planning these types of trips – especially when traveling with kids!

That’s why we put together this list full of our favorite things to do in Squamish for kids as well as tips on what else is worth checking out while you’re here.

Whether you live nearby or just passing through, be sure not to miss out on any part of this beautiful area filled with amazing sights and experiences!

Keep scrolling for our guide on all the best places in Squamish, BC for families!

3 Kid-Friendly Squamish Activities Worth a Stop

My family absolutely loves Vancouver, but I’ve never really explored the surrounding area.

We’ve driven the Sea to Sky Highway when heading to Whistler (there are TONS of  things to do in Whistler with kids ). But, we hadn’t considered exploring any of the towns along the highway.

So, I figured I’d share a few of our favorite things to do in Squamish with kids!

1. Railway Museum of British Columbia

When I heard about the  Railway Museum of British Columbia  in Squamish, BC I knew this would be the ultimate destination for my train-enthusiast toddler.

When I looked for other Squamish things to do in the area, I saw that we’d also be passing by the Sea to Sky Gondola.

It looked amazing and picturesque. I figured we could manage two major tourist attractions before my toddler would need his nap. 

My toddler insisted that we experience the mini train first, so that’s what we did. We lucked out and were the only ones on the first train of the day!

The mini train is like no other we’ve done. The conductor sits on a miniature engine and the passengers straddle a cushy seat and put their feet on each side.

Even though there were no seat belts or restraints, I felt really safe and just sat close to my toddler. We LOVED the little train ride!

The highlight was driving past a model train village and watching the train go all around, over a bridge, and through a tunnel. We got to see this twice.

Partway through, the conductor had us get off so he could turn the train around. We were encouraged to look at the museum but my son was intent on watching exactly what the conductor was doing.

As soon as he was set, my 2-year-old leaped up and grabbed some seats for us, and away we went. There were a few more stops at little train stations along the way. We got off where they had the kids’ play area.

The kids’ play area consisted of a train play structure, which my son thought was really fun! He pretended to be the train conductor and told us to sit in the back and be his passengers.

There is also a huge sandbox filled with sand toys.

My toddler started to dig in when he saw the train tables. They have 4 Thomas the Train tables set up outdoors under a roof. The tracks are screwed downs and 3 of the tables are identical.

Even though we have a train table at home, we spent a long time here. Thankfully, they have benches for parents in the shade.

We also explored a few of the trains outside. My 2-year-old’s favorite was a train that had an extensive model train exhibit inside.

He was able to see most of it standing on his own but there were a few parts where he asked to be picked up so he could see better.

This train was much cooler temperature-wise than the other cars. We found the mail car to be quite stuffy.

We also ventured into the house that is set up like it was in the early 1900s. It was very cool to see how the house was laid out and some of the antiques inside.

My son was eager to climb upstairs until he saw the mannequins and then we quickly left the house.

Our final stop at this train museum in Squamish was the Roundhouse. It houses some beautiful trains that you can climb inside.

We were even able to ring the bell on one of the trains. It was so easy that my 2-year-old was able to ring it all by himself.

They had some fun cut-outs of old-timer people for photo ops, which was cute.

We headed to the gift shop on our way out because my toddler fell in love with an item and we just had to get it for him and we wanted to support this cool non-profit.

I think this is one of the most underrated Squamish places to visit.

Know Before You Go to the Railway Museum of British Columbia in Squamish:

• Don’t wear short skirts or dresses if you plan on riding the little train. Since you’ll be straddling the seat, it might feel awkward.
• Most of the park has large gravel, so you might want to wear close-toed shoes. I also had my toddler wear jeans to protect his knees from scrapes in case he fell.
• Beware of the mannequins upstairs in the house. They really freaked my toddler out and he spent the rest of our time there cautiously asking if there were mannequins inside any of the trains.
• It takes about 45 minutes to do the self-guided tour. We were there with a toddler so we spent 2 hours exploring and we didn’t see everything.
• They also host a variety of events throughout the year, including Day Out with Thomas and the Polar Express.

Book a Family Photo Shoot

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2. Squamish Sea to Sky Gondola

By the time we finished with the Railway Museum of British Columbia, my toddler was getting sleepy. We kept him awake by singing for the 10 minutes it took to get to the  Sea to Sky Gondola  from the park.

The parking lot is gravel and pretty clearly marked what direction to go. The ticket area is really nice and set up very well.

We easily  got our tickets  and headed straight to the line to hop on board a gondola. I think we waited 2 minutes before getting in a private gondola to head up the mountain.

The view from the gondola was absolutely breathtaking and it kept getting better and better the higher up we went. I was a bit worried that my 2-year-old might not like the ride but he told me it was “awesome!”

After about 10 minutes, we reached the summit and headed to the first lookout point. The view was unbelievable!

My son was determined to cross the suspension bridge, so we immediately headed there. It was much less wobbly and shorter than  Capilano Suspension Bridge  and he was able to walk it pretty confidently holding our hands.

About 3/4 of the way across, a staff member asked if we would like a professional photo. We declined, but I can see how that would make a unique family photo!

Once we were across, we reached another scenic lookout point which had another gorgeous view of the water and the mountains. Washington State is stunning, but this is on a whole other level!

We decided to walk up the first few feet of one of the hikes just to get some shade and see what the view was like.

It was 85 degrees at this point and we figured we better head back down and grab lunch and drinks before my toddler melted down.

So, we walked back across the bridge and got in line for the gondola. It was much more crowded to head down and we got in line right before the mad rush.

I was pleasantly surprised to see they had cups and water for those standing in line.

The whole activity was one big photo op!

My phone actually told me I couldn’t take any more photos due to space and I frantically deleted a bunch so I could continue snapping pics.

We could easily have spent all day here, especially if we were interested in hiking. This is one of the best places to visit in Squamish.

I’d probably recommend 2-3 hours, especially if you want to eat lunch there. It’s a great outdoor adventure.  Click HERE to get your Sea to Sky Gondola tickets .

Know Before You Go to the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish:

• The Sea to Sky Gondola park entrance is only accessible going North. We were headed South and had to pull a u-turn a mile down the road to enter and then we had to pull another u-turn a mile up the road to get back on the highway to Vancouver. It might be easiest to hit this destination first.
• This is not a great fit for people who are wary of heights. You can either face the mountain or the water and you will be aware that you are traveling high up very quickly.
• There are wonderful play areas both at the base and the summit. These play areas also have fun cut-outs for photo-ops!
• There is a full restaurant at the summit and a cafe at the base. We opted to eat at the cafe because we weren’t sure if full tummies on the gondola would be a good idea. We probably would have been fine, but I’m glad we didn’t have to find out.
• If you go in the Summer, lather on the sunscreen and wear a sun hat. There is very little shade. And bring lots of water to drink.

3. Britannia Mine Museum

The last Squamish attraction on my list is the Britannia Mine Museum . We didn’t visit this on our first trip to Squamish because it didn’t seem toddler-friendly.

So, we did this on our most recent trip with a 7-year-old and a 5-year-old. The Britannia Mine Museum honestly blew our minds! Check the latest rates and availability .

I knew my preschooler would love doing the underground train and learning about a real mining tunnel.

The train ride itself was pretty short and fairly smooth. It’s not scary or jarring or anything like that.

Once we were in the tunnel, we got to hear just how loud real mining tools were and had a front-row experience of what it was like for the miners to work in the dark.

And there’s a really cool presentation that takes place inside the old mill that shows what it was like when the mine was bustling.

It’s a National Historic Site, as it was once the largest copper mine in the British Empire. This is a great place for an educational experience while having fun!

But, your kids will most likely have the most memorable experience panning for gold. Yes, they have actual gold you can try to find! My husband found a few flakes!

I think our family spent at least an hour combing through the different rocks and sand. Plus, there’s an expert there to give tips and talk about what it’s like to pan for gold “in the wild”.

Exploring the Britannia Mine Museum is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Squamish.

You’ll also want to save some time to check out their gift shop. This is seriously one of the coolest British Columbia gift shops we’ve been to and my kids wanted EVERYTHING. Check the latest admission rates .

Know Before You Go to the Britannia Mine Museum in Squamish:

• You’ll want to dress warmly, especially for the time exploring the mine. It’s much cooler inside.
• It’s helpful to bring extra clothes for kids who want to pan for gold. Or you can bring a smock. They will probably get really wet.
• You’ll want to wear closed-toe shoes during the mine tour. The ground is uneven and sometimes wet.
• If your family is sensitive to loud noises, you might want to bring headphones or earmuffs for the BOOM show.
• You have to exit through the gift shop, so chat with kids ahead of time so they understand whether or not you’ll be buying any souvenirs.

Where to Stay in Squamish, BC

If you aren’t doing a Squamish day trip, here are my top picks for places to stay in Squamish British Columbia:

Sandman Hotel Suites

With comfortable beds, high-speed Internet, and complimentary continental breakfast, including French toast, muffins, bagels, boiled eggs, yogurt, hot and cold cereals, and much more.

The Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish is the perfect place for an adventure-filled holiday or a short stopover.  Check latest rates and availability .

Plus, this Squamish hotel has a fun waterslide and pool area for families. I think this is one of the best Squamish hotels.

Executive Suites Hotel & Resort

Executive Suites Hotel & Resort, Squamish , a spacious all-season and all-suite Squamish BC resort hotel, is centrally located just 40 minutes from Vancouver and Whistler Village along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway.

This resort provides a choice of studios or one or two-bedroom hotel suites that offer comfortable, mountain-influenced, condo-style accommodations with world-class amenities and scenic views.

Plus, dogs are welcome!  Check latest rates and availability .

Squamish, BC Kid-Friendly Tours

2 hour ropes course adventure.

Nestled between stunning mountain views, the Squamish Rope Runner Park is one of the best things to do in Squamish with kids who are adventurous.

There are cargo nets, climbing walls, suspended bridges, monkey bars, slacklines, and even a suspended snowmobile.

Kids as young as 7 years old can participate in this super cool ropes course in Squamish. Check the latest rates and availability .

Family Friendly Cheakamus Splash Rafting

This is an awesome 3-hour white water rafting trip on the Cheakamus River in Squamish. You’ll paddle the winding turns, go over rapids, and you might even see wild animals like bears, deer, or eagles.

Kids as young as 5 years old can participate in this Squamish white water rafting adventure. Check the latest rates and availability .

Whistler Half-Day Fly Fishing

If your kids are interested in fly fishing, join a private fishing guide for personalized attention. You can try your luck fishing for trout and salmon.

Kids as young as 10 years old can participate in this Squamish fly fishing adventure. Check the latest rates and availability .

Things to do in Squamish BC FAQs

What is there to do in downtown squamish.

Downtown Squamish is a super cute town with boutique shops, food trucks, and quaint restaurants. There’s also cool street art worth taking a selfie in front of.

What are the top attractions in Squamish?

The most famous Squamish attraction is the Sea to Sky Gondola. There’s also Shannon Falls (totally worth the hike) and the Britannia Mine Museum.

Of course, there are also Squamish outdoor activities like ATVing, white water rafting, kayaking, kite-boarding, hiking, and more.

Is Squamish worth visiting?

Absolutely! It’s in one of the most picturesque areas in British Columbia. It’s definitely worth stopping at one of the scenic viewpoints, but I think you’ll want to spend at least a half-day exploring this little town. There are tons of Squamish family activities!

How far is Squamish to Whistler?

You can usually get to Whistler from Squamish in about 50 minutes. But, it will take longer during inclimate weather or if you want to stop and enjoy some of the breathtaking views.

What is Squamish famous for?

Squamish, a town in British Columbia, Canada, is famous for its outdoor activities. It is known as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada” and is home to some of the best rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting in the world. This world-class destination is also a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, and camping.

Where can I go rock climbing in Squamish?

Squamish is a world-renowned rock climbing destination, with over 2,500 routes to choose from. A few popular spots for rock climbers include the Chief, Smoke Bluffs, Murrin Provincial Park, Chek Canyon, and Shannon Falls.

What are the best mountain biking trails in Squamish?

Mountain bikers love Squamish because of all the amazing trails. A few of the most popular mountain biking trails in Squamish include Lord Baden Powell, Shannon Creek, Cypress Bowl, Alice Lake, and Stawamus Chief.

Can I rent a mountain bike in Squamish?

Yes, there are many places to rent mountain bikes in Squamish. A few of the most popular places are Sea to Sky Outfitters, Dunbar Cycles, and Squamish Bike Rentals.

Where can I see bald eagles in Squamish?

Squamish is a great place to see bald eagles. The town is located on the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation, and bald eagles are an important part of the local culture.

There are a few places in Squamish where you can see bald eagles. One of the best places is at the Eagle Run Dyke, which is located on the Squamish River. The dyke is a great place to see bald eagles fishing for salmon.

Are there kid-friendly hiking trails in Squamish?

Yes, there are many kid-friendly hiking trails in Squamish. A few of the most popular include Shannon Falls, Alice Lake Provincial Park, Brohm Lake, and Murrin Provincial Park.

What can I do in Squamish during the winter season?

While it is most popular during the summer months for activities such as hiking, biking, and rock climbing, there are still plenty of things to do in Squamish during the winter season. A few ideas include skiing, snowshoeing, or snowboarding.

Where can I go cliff jumping in Squamish?

There are a few places where you can go cliff jumping in Squamish including Brohm Lake, Shannon Falls, Garibaldi Provincial Park, and Chek Canyon.

Things to do in Squamish Canada Wrap Up

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or an easy day trip, Squamish BC has a lot to offer.

I hope this list of places with kids in mind helps you figure out what to do when you visit Squamish!

If your travels take you over the Sea To Sky Highway, be sure not to miss some other awesome attractions nearby like the Sea to Sky Gondola, Railway Museum of British Columbia, and Britannia Mine Museum. Happy exploring!

Looking for more things to do in Vancouver? Check out my kid-friendly Vancouver itinerary , Vancouver hidden gems , things to do in Stanley Park , where to stay in Vancouver with kids , and my guide to Science World !

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Monday 9th of July 2018

Hi Marcie, I found your sight in search of things to do in Seabrook and came across this article. Have you visited the Great Northern & Cascade Railway in Skykomish? I would recommend it. Ours two boys love the train ride there.

marciecheung

You know, I keep hearing about that train ride! It's been on our bucket list since last year and I think I need to check their schedule to see if we can pop up there one weekend. Thanks for the reminder!

Tuesday 29th of May 2018

This place is simply stunning! Would love to visit someday. I loved your pictures. So pretty! :)

Wednesday 30th of May 2018

It's a really cool place to explore!

That overlooking platform is just amazing, literally took my breath away only just from the picture. How much more will it be when I pay a visit to that exact place! Vancouver, I will definitely see you someday soon!

British Columbia is such a gorgeous province! I hope you get to visit soon!

Monday 28th of May 2018

This looks so beautiful and totally Instagrammable! I'm definitely going to pin it for later.

It's an under-rated area, but so worth the drive!

Such FUN ideas! I have always wanted to take the family there, and now you've made me really want to explore it!

I hope you make it out there! I'm trying to figure out when we can go back!

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Squamish

Day trips from squamish.

• Squamish to Whistler
• Squamish to West Vancouver
• Squamish to Vancouver
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Five waterfalls, Forest, Ocean, Mountains and Lighthouse

2. Vancouver Winter Fun at Peak to Peak Gandola in Whistler & Squamish Tour Private

3. Unforgettable Whistler ( Full Day Private Tour)

4. Whistler Squamish Day Tour from Vancouver Private

5. Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting

6. Vancouver family tour Squamish with Porteau Cove and Britannia Mine Private

7. Vancouver Sea to Sky Gondola Tour in Squamish & Cypress Winter Fun Private

8. Private Whistler Full Day Tour from Vancouver

9. Whistler Extreme Private Adventure

10. Vancouver, Squamish & Shannon fall Day Private Tour

11. Private Tour: Whistler Day Trip from Vancouver

12. Vancouver Whistler Private Tour

13. Squamish Howe Sound Explorer Private Tour

14. Vancouver City Tour With Look Out and Whistler Highlights

15. Squamish ,Sea to Sky Gondola Full Day Mountain Tour Private

16. Private Tour: Whistler Day Trip from Vancouver

17. Vancouver Outdoors - Levette lake Kayaking (Squamish)

18. Private Vancouver Mini City Tour with Whistler Transfer one way

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Vancouver Lookout

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Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver

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Discover Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver

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Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Day Trip with Butchart Gardens

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Full Day Guided Tour in Victoria with Butchart Gardens

What travellers are saying.

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Big modern bus with lavatory.

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A Perfect Day: Vancouver in One Day

Vancouver has everything to offer. Flight attendant Florian Schwebel reveals his best tips for a day to remember

9 AM: Jogging in the park

Running through Stanley Park in the morning is the perfect way to start your day in Vancouver, an opener like a daytrip. 

You’re surrounded by this very dense rainforest, making it impossible to hear or see anything of the city. I often encounter more raccoons than people.

10 AM: Beach time

Stanley Park’s Second Beach, with its gigantic pool by the sea, is perfect for cooling off afterwards

11 AM: Shopping

My tips for shopping in Vancouver can be found on Robson Street, the main shopping street in Vancouver. Roots is the place where you find great souvenirs for friends – for example hoodies with a fun beaver print. 

12 PM: Culture

You can get a great insight into the culture of Canada’s First Nations at the Vancouver Art Gallery, just a stone’s throw away.

1 PM: Harbour Lunch

There’s this lovely place by the harbour called Cactus Café. Order some chicken wings or sushi for lunch and watch the many seaplanes heading to the surrounding islands for a daytrip. My insider tip is the town of Tofino on Vancouver Island. The sea there is as bright as in the Caribbean – except that instead of palm trees, cedars provide the shade. 

For more information about our tips, please click on the points on the map above.

Our recommendations

Roots, 1001 Robson Street

Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street

Lupin's Cafe, 6400 Nancy Greene Way

The Sylvia Hotel, 1154 Gilford Street

Bombay Kitchen, 1018 Commercial Dr

Stanley Park, BC V6G 1Z4

4 PM: Coffee with a view

Lupins Café on Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain is highlighted in every travel guide. For good reason - the view of the city and the sea from here is simply breathtaking.

7 PM: Sundowner

At sunset, I like to sit at Prospect Point Lookout close to Lions Gate Bridge. A favorite ritual in Vancouver. 

8 PM: Dinner at Bombay Kitchen

I was really impressed by The Bombay Kitchen restaurant with its own show kitchen. Rarely have I eaten such authentic Indian food as here. 

9 PM: Cocktails by the sea

The cocktails in the city’s oldest bar in the 1954 established Sylvia Hotel at the English Bay are first class. I like to end the day here, with a view of the beach.

Flight attendant Florian Schwebel has been working for Lufthansa since 2006. He has been to Vancouver over 20 times for work, but the outdoor enthusiast is also repeatedly drawn to Canada's second largest city in his private life. He finds Vancouver's proximity to beaches, forests and ski resorts particularly appealing.

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B.C. Wildfire Map 2024: Updates on fire locations, evacuation alerts/orders

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Here are a few terms and definitions used by the B.C. Wildfire Service to describe wildfires.

• Contained: A control line has been completed around the fire and associated spot fires and the fire is expected to stop spreading.

• Control line: A constructed or natural barrier around a fire that has been treated with retardant or water which is used to control or contain a fire.

• Holdover fire: A fire that is undetected or dormant for some time after it is first sparked, such as a lightning-caused fired.

• Initial attack: The initial action undertaken by the first firefighting personnel to arrive at the scene in hopes of stopping the spread of a fire.

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• Spot fire: A fire that is less than 10 metres by 10 metres in area size.

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10 Best Towns To Retire To If You Live In Canada

• Victoria, located on Vancouver Island, offers mild weather, beautiful natural surroundings, and a lively art scene, making it a perfect retirement destination.
• Squamish, in British Columbia, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with its mountains, rivers, forests, and oceans, along with a vibrant art scene.
• Vancouver, although expensive, is the ideal place for retirees with substantial savings, offering a high livability index, excellent medical systems, and access to stunning beaches and nature.

Canada offers great retirement places for residents and those who wish to relocate here. Locals enjoy natural beauty, welcoming communities, and unique art. The place also offers a high quality of life and is filled with beautiful coastlines and bustling urban centers. Many seniors love some of the most beautiful smaller towns in Canada as they are affordable compared to major centers and are away from crowds, traffic, and noise. However, since the country offers variety, everyone can find something they like.

For those looking to enjoy their golden years, it's time to look at some of the best towns to retire in Canada. Please note that the “best places” rely on statistics and figures of real estate, healthcare, crime rates, and climate data. But while these factors are crucial, they don’t paint the whole picture. The best assurance is from the words of other people who’ve lived here. Nevertheless, here are a number of the best retirement towns in Canada worth considering.

Victoria Is Vancouver’s Island Jewel

Victoria is a small town found in the beautiful Vancouver Island. It’s often praised as one of the best places for retirees to live in Canada. The town experiences mild weather and an active lifestyle. Locals also enjoy beautiful natural surroundings, and many of the must-do things in Victoria are within easy access. Overall, it’s a place for relaxation and adventure.

The lively art scene, unique cultures, and excellent healthcare facilities attract many seniors to this place. Victoria is home to Butchart Gardens, a lovely place for whale-watching tours. Locals can also visit the Inner Harbor and bask in the mild sun. A welcoming community and a fantastic atmosphere make Victoria a retiree’s haven.

• Cost of living for one person: $2,292
• Population: 8572
• Climate: warm and temperate

Related: These Are The 10 Best Islands To Retire In The World

Squamish, British Columbia Offers Many Recreation Opportunities

After retirement, many people want to relax and enjoy their senior days. That’s why towns like Squamish are among the best towns in Canada for retirees. Found along the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler, this beautiful town offers a wide range of amenities for locals and visitors alike - one of the many reasons to visit Squamish from Vancouver (or anywhere, really).

The town is home to mountains, rivers, forests, and oceans, creating many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The art scene here is another adorable thing, attracting many people with its Squamish heritage.

• Cost of living: $2,157
• Population: 23,360
• Climate: Mild weather all year round

Parksville, British Columbia, Is Canada’s Retirement Capital

Canada is one of the best countries anyone would be happy to retire in , and Parksville has been labeled as the country’s retirement capital because it has many seniors.

The town is hailed for its sandy beaches, while January is a golfing month in this place, which is uncommon in any town. It is home to many whales, seals, and other marine wildlife. It is also a good place for watersports like kayaking, sailing, etc. Parksville retirement community is welcoming, and massive developments happen here, attracting many people’s attention.

• Cost of living: $3,00 per month/person
• Population: 13,306
• Climate: Mediterranean

Vancouver Is The Best Place In Canada To Retire To For Those With Huge Savings

Seniors who’ve been saving lots of money for their retirement should consider Vancouver. Although an expensive city, it is the most livable, and Vancouver's downtown offers many things to do for residents and visitors. The city also has one of the best medical systems worldwide. Nearly all medical assistance is offered in this place.

Property taxes are low for those who can afford to buy here. It offers access to Pacific Ocean shorelines and several stunning beaches in different parts of the city. This place has many attractions, offering plenty of opportunities to find peace by bonding with nature.

• Cost of living: from $1,673-$2,673
• Population: 2.71 million
• Climate: Moderate temperatures

Related: Catch Up On Lost Time: 10 Most Exciting Places To Travel (& What To Do There) During Retirement

Calgary Offers Some Affordable Housing

Well known as the home to the world's largest outdoor rodeo (the Calgary Stampede) , Calgary is a big city in Alberta and among the most populated places in the country. Surprisingly, housing here is affordable compared to Toronto and Vancouver. In August 2023, the average housing price was $487,000 .

It is an ideal location for retirees who want a cosmopolitan lifestyle paired with lots of sunshine. Calgary is a vibrant city with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and incredible amenities. Taxes are low, and the economy is strong, making it attractive for retirees from all walks of life.

• Cost of living: $1,928
• Population: 1,640,000
• Climate: mostly dry

Canmore, Alberta, Is Ideal For Those Who Prefer An Active Retirement

Canmore is a hidden gem offering so many things to do , including hiking, skiing, biking, bird watching, rafting, and more. More than 70 km of trails are available, allowing enough space to enjoy nature.

It is an ideal place to find new hobbies. Most people love to golf in the summer, and curl picks up in the cold months. The town has several breweries where locals spend their afternoon weekends. Additionally, the town offers several options for dining out, from small, family-friendly lunches to world-class diners.

• Cost of living: $2,273
• Population: 16,782
• Climate: comfortable summers, freezing winters

Ottawa Is The Most Convenient City

No other place is as convenient as the country’s capital, Ottawa, where residents and visitors can have fun . It is a desirable place to retire nationally and internationally. Residents can quickly access amenities, and it offers various outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities.

The prices of things are affordable, and locals enjoy a proper healthcare system. It is an ideal place for retirees who want to enjoy a relaxing lifestyle. Not to mention, it’s also safe. It’s home to the beautiful Rideau Canal and picturesque ByWard Market. It also has world-class museums and galleries and hosts vibrant festivals.

• Cost of living: $1,496
• Population: 1,052,275
• Climate: Humid and hard winters, warm summers

Related: Visiting Ottawa In The Fall? Here Are Some Autumn Activities

Niagara Falls Offers Scenic And Spectacular Living

Niagara Falls is the best place in Canada for retirees who want to live in scenic towns. It is filled with iconic wonders, offering unmatched beauty, and there are plenty of top tourist attractions in Niagara Falls that locals and visitors love.

Located in Lake Ontario, this beautiful place has many parklands, casinos, museums, and galleries. Residing here is a chance to explore the Niagara Gorge and embark on wine tours. Since it is close to Toronto, locals can enjoy the magic of both towns.

• Cost of living: $1,763
• Population: 82,184
• Climate: Warm summers, freezing winters

Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Is A Great Choice For Retirees Who Love An Outdoor Lifestyle

Wasaga Beach is a popular destination during the summer. Located on Lake Huron’s shores, this fantastic town offers some freshest beach water worldwide. It is two hours from Toronto and attracts many tourists during the weekend. It also makes a place for retirement living.

The Wasaga Beach Provincial Park offers hiking and cycling trails, and individuals can canoe and fish in the Nottawasaga River. During the winter, go skiing at the Blue Mountain Resort.

• Cost of living: $67,516 per year
• Population: 26,033
• Climate: Comfortable summers, freezing and snowy winters

St. John’s Has Affordable Real Estate

Completing the list is one of the best towns for affordable retirement on the east coast of Canada. It’s a great place for those running away from the fast-paced city life. Retirees can enjoy affordable rentals, scenic beauty, and exceptional art in this place. It is home to the colorful houses of Jellybean Row, which serve as a tourist attraction.

The town also hosts the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival, which happens annually and has stunning coastal vistas. Residents here are friendly, and the city boasts of a welcoming community.

• Cost of living: $1,465
• Population: 64,240
• Climate: temperate-coastal