Is One Day in Squamish Enough? Best Things to Do

Squamish is one of my favorite day trips from Vancouver and one of the best outdoor towns in British Columbia. It is located about halfway between Vancouver and Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway. It’s best known for world-class rock climbing, but its nickname as the outdoor adventure capital of Canada is earned by much more. In fact, aside of climbing, Squamish is also known for mountain biking, kitesurfing, rafting and hiking.

Here’s how to make the most of one day in Squamish and what you’ll miss if that’s all you have. Whether you’re just doing a day trip to Squamish or a longer Western Canada road trip, this article covers the best things you can do.

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Best Time to Visit Squamish

There is no wrong time to visit Squamish. The most popular time though is between June and September, when trails are open, chances or rain are low and the days are longer.

Spring and fall are the shoulder seasons, bringing in fewer crowds. If you’re visiting Vancouver in September or October, make sure to add a road trip to Squamish to your itinerary. While it may rain, you’ll also have the town mostly to yourself.

Winter is the quietest season. It’s great for backcountry skiing or snowshoeing and there are several great trails near Squamish. One of my favorites is the Elfin Lakes winter hike.

Getting to Squamish from Vancouver

Squamish is located north from Vancouver and is about 45 min drive along the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). If you have the time, stop at some of the main attractions along the way and enjoy the views of Howe Sound.

I’ve driven the Sea to Sky Highway so many times that I’ve lost count. There is one important thing to keep in mind while driving this stretch. Traffic and car accidents are very common. I once got stuck for over six hours with no way to turn around. Now I always carry extra water, snacks and warm clothes.

If there is a crash, there is not much you can do. There is no alternate route and the highway often stays closed until the scene is cleared. Be patient and prepared. Before you leave, check DriveBC for current road conditions and closures.

Getting to Squamish Without a Car

The best way to get to Squamish without a car is by using the Squamish Connector. The bus departs from two locations in Vancouver and takes about 1 hour. If you’re only buying the one-way ticket it costs $37, while the return trip is $48.

If you’re trying to get around Squamish without a car, you can use the local buses that connect downtown with the Sea to Sky Gondola and other attractions.

How to Spend One Day in Squamish

If you want to pack as many activities as possible in one day in Squamish, then I recommend starting early. Instead, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider spending two days in Squamish or come back another time.

Hike the Chief

View of Chief First and Second Peak from Third Peak

Start the day by hiking the Chief in Squamish. This 700 m granite monolith is the symbol of Squamish and a dream destination for many rock climbers. But the Chief is also one of the most popular hikes in the area, so parking can be hard to find. If the main trailhead lot is full, try the overflow lot along the highway or the Shannon Falls lot. Arrive early, especially on summer weekends.

From Trailhead	Peak 1 (South)	Peak 2 (Centre)	Peak 3 (North)	All 3 Peaks
Distance (round trip)	3 km	4 km	4-5 km	6 km
Elevation Gain	500 m	590 m	630 m	770 m
Time	1.5 – 3 hrs	2.5 – 4 hrs	3 – 5 hrs	3 – 6 hrs
Difficulty	moderate	moderate	difficult	difficult

Stawamus Chief consists of three main peaks and while you can do them all in one day, you would need at least 4-5 hours for a round trip. If you’re short on time, consider hiking just one of the peaks. The 1st Peak is the most popular one but my favorite is the 3rd Peak, as it gives you a view the other two peaks and Squamish in the valley below. It’s a lot quieter too.

Do you want a more relaxed one day Squamish itinerary? Skip the Chief hike or do just one of the peaks.

Stop for Lunch in Downtown Squamish

Shop in Downtown Squamish, Sea to Sky Highway Stops from Vancouver

Squamish Downtown is quite small but you can find a lot of nice cafes, restaurants and breweries along the main road. If you’re visiting Squamish on a Saturday, check out the farmers market for local goods.

For restaurants check out the Broken Seal, Social 99 or Howe Sound Inn & Brewing. If you still have some extra space for a dessert, head to Fox & Oak for a doughnut.

Visit Shannon Falls

Shannon Falls, Sea to Sky Highway Stops from Vancouver

Shannon Falls is just a 10 min drive from Squamish and the parking lot is right off the Sea to Sky Highway. The walk to the base of Shannon Falls is very easy and short. But it’s worth stopping as this is also one of BC’s tallest waterfalls.

Take the Sea to Sky Gondola

Taking the Sea to Sky Gondola at sunset is a fantastic idea to enjoy the views over Howe Sound. At the top, you can walk on the suspension bridge, take a short hike and enjoy the golden hour from the patio. Make sure you check the schedule times both for the ascent and last descent.

What You’ll Miss With One Day in Squamish

One day in Squamish is enough to see the main attractions but if you want to truly explore Squamish, you need at least two days. Some additional activities you can do with more time are listed below.

Hike to Quercus Viewpoint in Murrin Provincial Park

Quercus Point in Murrin Park, Sea to Sky Highway Stops from Vancouver

Murrin Provincial Park is a small park along the Sea to Sky Highway and just 15 min drive from Squamish. Here you can stop for a picnic by the lake, take a short trail to Quercus viewpoint or climb the granite cliffs. This is a great stop that doesn’t require an entire day hike. So it’s perfect for a more relaxed escape in the nature.

Brunch at Fergie’s Cafe

Fergie’s Cafe is about a 15-minute drive north of downtown Squamish. It’s very popular for brunch and their Eggs Benedict are fabulous. They don’t take reservations and on weekends the line can be very long. The setting right in the middle of nature is worth the wait though. If you’re looking to extend your stay, you can also book a room at Fergie’s Lodge.

Relax at a Sauna in Squamish

On a rainy day, nothing beats a warm sauna followed by a cold plunge. I’ve personally booked the social session at The Finnish Sauna and really enjoyed it. They also have a Vancouver and Vancouver Island location if you happen to prefer it.

Another great alternative is Aika SPA. The setup in the middle of nature is breathtaking and you can really relax while surrounded by the trees.

Do the Squamish Canyon Boardwalk

Squamish Canyon is a 1.7 km boardwalk along Mamquam River. This is a paid attraction that costs $39 per adult. There is also a wooden deck in the Forest Lounge where you can enjoy a drink and local food.

Before you go ahead purchasing an entrance ticket, you should know that there is also a free Mamquam Falls hike. The main difference to the paid Squamish Canyon boardwalk, is that the trail is on gravel and offers less viewing opportunities compared to the later.

Spend an Afternoon Sailing in Squamish

I’ve always had a long list of hobbies, and one day I decided to add sailing to it. I didn’t have much time to practice or get certified, and I wasn’t sure I’d like it. So I signed up for a social sailing session with inFlow Adventure. It was so much fun! You learn the basics of sailing, how the wind works and how to really “feel” the boat.

Hike to Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park

Elfin Lakes winter hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park

Elfin Lakes trailhead is located just outside of Squamish at the Diamond trailhead of Garibaldi Provincial Park. I’ve done this hike in every season, but hiking Elfin Lakes in winter is in my opinion the best. You can even stay overnight at the Elfin Lakes Shelter but you need to reserve in advance.

Elfin Lakes is one of the most popular hikes in Garibaldi Provincial Park, so campsites and spots at the Elfin Lakes hut sell out fast. Before you head in the backcountry, make sure you check the weather and trail conditions.

Whitewater Rafting in Squamish

If you want an adrenaline rush, try whitewater rafting. Squamish Rafting Company offers rafting trips for every level, from family friendly ones to more intense rapids. To join any of their trips no experience is required, but you can rest assured you’ll come back with a lot of new memories.

Brackendale Eagles

Brackendale is one of the best places to spot bald eagles along the Squamish River. Each winter, more than a thousand eagles gather here to feed on spawning salmon. The best viewing is from November to January, especially in the morning.

The provincial park is closed to the public in winter to protect the birds. Instead, bring binoculars and watch from the Eagle Run dyke on Government Road.

Squamish or Whistler: The Key Differences

Squamish and Whistler are very different towns. While they’re only 1 hour apart and both located along the Sea to Sky Highway, they couldn’t feel more different.

High Note trail in Whistler — High Note Trail in Whistler

Firstly, Whistler is a resort village mainly known for the two mountains Whistler and Blackcomb. Most people visit Whistler in winter to ski. Others come in summer to hike or mountain bike. One popular summer hike is Russet Lake, a scenic alpine trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park, reached from the top of Whistler Mountain or straight on foot from Whistler Village.

Whistler Village is small but has a polished shopping avenue lined up with restaurants, pubs and local shops.

Girl at Chief Third Peak in Squamish — Mount Garibaldi from Chief’s Third Peak in Squamish

Squamish, on the other hand, is bigger with a more relaxed vibe and lower price tag. The climbing culture here is the strongest. It’s also the perfect middle point between Vancouver and Whistler. This way you can plan many day trips in either direction without spending the whole day on the road.

If your goal is resort skiing, lifts and lodge options, then head to the Whistler. But if you prefer a more budget friendly destination, choose Squamish and commute the extra time.

Where to Stay in Squamish (for a Longer Trip)

If you’re planning on spending two days in Squamish or more, I’d recommend to stay at a hotel in town. I’ve personally booked at the Executive Suites Hotel & Resort, located on Tantalus Road, and had a very enjoyable stay before skiing in Whistler the next day. Alternatively, there is Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish for a mid-range and central option.

If you’re visiting Squamish in summer, you can also stay at a campsite. The closest front-country campsite is at Alice Lake Provincial Park, about 13 km north of Squamish. Or if you’re driving from Vancouver, Porteau Cove is another popular provincial park campground. Both campsites are very popular and book out fast. If you were not able to secure a site, sign up with Campnab and get notified when a site becomes available.

Is Squamish Worth it?

Squamish is definitely worth a trip! It’s a perfect addition to a Sea to Sky Highway road trip or a great middle stop on the drive to Whistler. I personally love Squamish in summer and in winter, as there are endless activities you can choose from. For such a small town, it has a broad array of activities and new hobbies to take on.