Squamish is small city of fewer than 20,000 residents located in between Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia. The Sea to Sky Highway (British Columbia Highway 99) links up Vancouver and Squamish and provides anyone who drives it a picturesque and memorable ride. It takes approximately one hour of driving to get from Vancouver to Squamish. The city is an absolute haven for outdoor activities and sports, so much so that it dubbed itself “The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.” The range of activities along Howe Sound, the oceanfront, and in the surrounding mountains means that you will never be at a loss for things to do in Squamish BC. For a city that claims to be the capital of outdoor recreation in a country that is so big, you might imagine that the rock climbing, boating, skiing, and hiking are excellent.

One of the best things to do in Squamish BC is enjoy the free hiking and other awesome outdoor activities at the provincial parks. You will find rivers, hiking trails, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy repelling, rafting, kayaking, and a wide assortment of other exciting outdoor activities in this scenic part of the Lower Mainland in British Columbia. The proximity of Squamish from Howe Sound and the English Bay make it possible not only to enjoy sports and adventures in the mountains, but also in the sea. If you have the good fortune of driving the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Squamish on a clear day, you will be greeted with awe-inspiring views. You quickly begin to see that one of the most important things to do in Squamish BC is to simply look around and appreciate the natural beauty of the place.

There are particular points of interest that you should be aware of if you plan to drive the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish. The highway starts at Horseshoe Bay and meanders along the coast of Howe Sound. You will want to look for signs for Lions Bay, located about seven miles north of the Horseshoe. Britannia Beach, another thirteen miles or so north along the highway, is another impressive sight. But it gets even better when you get into town and see the beauty that awaits you.

Vancouver Map

The Downtown area of Squamish features a nice variety of restaurants and bars, as well as some excellent shopping. The dining and shopping options along Cleveland Avenue are especially tempting. But it truly is the outdoors that makes the scene what it is in the City of Squamish. Hiking and skiing are just the beginning in this part of British Columbia because of rivers like the Elaho and Chekamus, and over 150 mountain biking trails, to name just a few of the outdoor diversions that keep the active populous pumping in this city. Snowmobiling in Squamish is also a great option.

When it’s time to rest your feet and head inside, you can rest assured that there are plenty of alluring restaurants and bars, entertainment venues and clubs, and nice accommodations in Squamish.