When it comes to bragging rights, the small town of Squamish, BC has a lot going for it.

Wedged halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, this exciting town has soaring mountains on one side and glittering Howe Sound on the other, with enough outdoorsy thrills to earn it the title of Canada’s adventure capital… an impressive accolade, even if it’s self-proclaimed.

Growing up in nearby Vancouver, I often saw Squamish as a pit stop for McDonalds en route to Whistler, and nothing more. But things have changed a lot in the past few years… and Squamish is now a proper tourist magnet in its own right, with thrilling adventure sports, jawdropping nature, and a cozy town center with food spots aplenty.

So, what is there to do these days in Squamish, BC? Read on for a list of the top Squamish must-dos that you can’t miss.

Full disclosure: This list contains many essential Squamish activities that I personally have not done. You see, travel-wise, I’m more of a ‘historic libraries and museums’ kind of gal than a ‘dangle off a rockface while peeing in a bottle’ adventuress. But, nonetheless, it’s not a Squamish bucket list without many of the town’s more adventurous offerings, so I’ve included them for the sake of comprehensiveness. Enjoy!

We’ll start with the most beautiful yet tourist-friendly thing to do in Squamish: a ride up the Sea-to-Sky Gondola.

This ride up to the heavens whisks you up almost 3000 ft to a spectacular viewing platform with jaw-dropping views of Howe Sound and the surrounding area.

Price-wise, the ticket is fairly steep, but you do get plenty of bang for your buck. There’s three gorgeous viewing platforms up there connected by some very walkable and well-maintained trails, along with a stunning suspension bridge, and on-site cafe, bar, and restaurant.

Plus, are open year round, and have different activities like tubing and snowshoeing in the winter, and rockclimbing in the summer. Be sure to put this one on your Squamish bucket list!

2. Admire Shannon Falls

Right next to the Sea to Sky Gondola is another epic Squamish must-do – beautiful Shannon Falls.

And guess what? It’s free!

Experiencing the thunderous roar of Shannon Falls is a must-do on any Squamish trip, no less because it’s actually the 3rd highest waterfall in the province. From the main viewing area, don’t miss the very short uphill trail up towards a second viewing platform that brings you even closer up to the falls. Epic.

Now onto a much dorkier (but still fun) Squamish activity: a visit to the Britannia Mine Museum.

I’ll be honest: this was one of those attractions I used to drive past for years while wondering why it even existed. It wasn’t until recently that I finally checked it out myself and I hate to admit it, but I genuinely loved this experience.

The name ‘Britannia Mine Museum’ really undersells what this place is about – not only is it a museum about mining in BC, it’s an immersive experience that takes you into the heart of the action, namely by riding an underground train through the mining tunnels along with a live-action experience in the historic mill called BOOM! Of course, you can also try your hand at gold panning and keep anything you might find…

The BOOM! show is especially well put together, and super fun to experience, though I personally had a soft spot for the community life section of the museum, which highlights the (former) day to day lives of the mine’s community.

So, if you’re looking for something educational and fun to do in Squamish, this is a great place for it. Do note though that for that exact reason, the attraction is super popular with school trips, so be prepared to share the museum with a screaming kid or two.

PS: Don’t miss the on-site cafe, which is lined with photos and autographs from famous celebrities, since the museum is a popular filming location.

4. Hike the Stawamus Chief

Of all the sights to see in Squamish, few are more iconic than ‘the Chief’.

This monstrous monolith of granite is a hiker’s paradise. Choose from one of three peaks, each offering a rewarding workout and heart-stopping vistas. It’s like a stairmaster for nature enthusiasts.

5. Or enjoy one of Squamish’s many other hikes

Truthfully, while hiking the Chief is iconic, there are many other hikes to enjoy in Squamish, most of which boast a fraction of the crowds you’ll encounter on the Chief.

If you’re the type of hiker that prefers a little peace and quiet on the trails, then I would advise choosing another hike to do… especially since there are so many to choose from at every skill level.

You can find a list of popular hikes in Squamish from the official tourism website.

NOTE: Beware of labels like ‘beginner, intermediate, and expert’ because depending on where you’re from, this label will be VERY different for a local compared to you. Instead, look for things like elevation gain, trail length, etc. to determine the trail that fits you best.

6. Explore quirky ‘downtown Squamish’

For a town with such a wildly adventurous reputation, many visitors are surprised to find that Squamish’s ‘downtown’ is a surprisingly chill and laid back place.

Also, the word ‘downtown’ is generous by the way – it’s a fairly small town with just a few main streets. Still worth exploring though for its many cozy food spots, boutiques (mainly selling adventure gear, for obvious reasons) and very colourful murals.

7. Enjoy a cozy meal and treats

Of course, your time in Squamish shouldn’t just be about dangling yourself off rockfaces or summitting literal mountains – be sure to pencil in some treat time as well.

Luckily, Squamish’s main town offers plenty of opportunities for that, with an eclectic mix of cute eateries whether you’re hankering for brunch (as locals often are) or freshly baked sweet treats.

I’ve personally really enjoyed the famous donuts from Fox & Oak and lunch at the adorable Sunflower Bakery Café.

8. Sip on Craft Beer

The craft beer movement has all of BC in a chokehold, and Squamish is no exception. So, one of the best things to do in Squamish is really just to enjoy a cold one while taking in the mountain views.

Some craft breweries to visit in Squamish include…

• Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company: The brewpub and inn for Howe Sound Brewing is a lovely cosy spot for some beers while looking out over the dramatic Stawamus Chief. They also have a full pub menu if you want a meal with your beer tastings and you can of course stay at the inn.
• Backcountry Brewing: The tasting room here is designed to feel like a 1970s ski cabin, and the tables feature maps for planning your next trip! Along with beer they make cider, wine, bubbles, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks which can be enjoyed with their pizzas and salads.
• A-FRAME Brewing: They go for ‘cabin vibes’ here with a rustic patio to enjoy some tastings. You can bring your own food or order something from the next-door Flipside Burgers food truck.

9. Hop on a scenic flight

From craft beer flights to… actual flights, another fun thing to do in Squamish is hop on a sightseeing tour by air.

Honestly, a sightseeing flight (while pricey) is probably one of the coolest things to do in Squamish if you’re low on time.

For instance, consider hopping on board this Squamish Explorer Flightseeing Tour which will provide you with incredible aerial views over the Squamish Valley and Garibaldi Provincial Park. Whether you’re looking for a special romantic adventure or just want to take amazing photographs this is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

10. Visit the Railway Museum of British Columbia

And for train nerds like me, the Railway Museum of British Columbia is a potentially interesting stop, whether you’re into history, trains or a bit of both!

Inside, you’ll find more than 90 pieces of railway cars and artifacts that showcase Squamish’s railway heritage, including the famous Royal Hudson Steam Locomotive. You can take rides on the Mini Rail, Speeder car and some of the big trains as well as wander among the many different railway cars.

Other highlights include a vintage printing press and historic blacksmith’s, along with seasonal events like a North Pole Express to visit Santa around Christmas.

11. Enjoy a spa or sauna session

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing than all the strenuous activities on offer in Squamish then there are some lovely spas for a bit of indulgence and wellness.

Aika is an incredible forest sanctuary where you can enjoy Nordic sauna culture, guided meditation, forest therapy, foraging, sound bath therapy, hot and cold therapy, and yoga. You can also just book a 3-hour or 6-hour retreat to enjoy their sauna and cold plunge pools.

Plunge Wellness is another studio that operates on the Nordic sauna tradition of cycling between hot and cold with plunge pools, a sauna and lounge for relaxation. They also have a Wellnest shop where you can purchase health and wellness products from local artisans and small businesses.

12. Go axe throwing

One of the more unique things to do in Squamish is something even my clumsy self has enjoyed on the odd occasion – and that’s axe-throwing!

Don’t worry about accidentally taking someone’s head off if you’re as uncoordinated as me though, as this fun activity takes place in fenced in lanes so that nobody gets hurt. If your goal is to feel AS stereotypically Canadian as possible in a short amount of time, this might be the activity for you.

Red flannel is optional, but encouraged.

13. Go rock climbing

Alright, thus begins the long section of adventurous things to do in Squamish that Christina has undoubtedly not done.

Let’s start with rock climbing! One glance at the Chief and you’ll see why Squamish is such a popular place to rock climb.

Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a newbie with a keen sense of danger adventure, this place has routes for everyone. Learn more here or book a tour like this one.

NOTE: If weather isn’t looking great, there’s also the Ground Up Climbing Centre.

14. Try a Via Ferrata

For those who have never heard of it, Via Ferrata is a special type of rock-climbing that uses a fixed system of metal rungs, ladders, and fixed safety wires to clamber up and down mountains, cliffs, etc.

Apparently it’s safer than regular rock-climbing (I’ll take their word for it!) and it’s another fun thing you can do while you’re in Squamish. This Via Ferrata Climbing Adventure takes place at the Sea to Sky Gondola and includes all the safety gear you will need to enjoy incredible views of Howe Sound and Sky Pilot Mountain, without a chance of falling off (allegedly)!

15. Go (Mountain) Biking

And if you’re looking for some wheely fun things to do in Squamish, then be sure to explore by bike.

Squamish boasts a network of trails for all skill levels, with highlights including the adrenaline-pumping region of Diamond Head and the slightly less crazy cross-country trails of Alice Lake.

I’m definitely not an expert so check out this guide if you’re keen to go mountain biking in one of the “wildest places to ride in the world!”

16. Go Kayaking

The pristine waters of Howe Sound make a gorgeous backdrop for any Squamish photo… but there’s something to be said for enjoying its beauty from sea level, with views of rugged coastlines, marine life, and maybe even a curious seal or two to keep things interesting.

There are many options for kayak rentals in Squamish, including Squamish & Whistler Canoe Rental, Squamish Boat Rentals and Squamish Watersports. And when I say you can rent kayaks, that also includes canoes, SUP boards, and all sorts of different kinds of kayaks from sea kayaks to inflatable kayaks!

Or for a more laidback experience, you can also book a sailing tour like this one.

17. Go Kiteboarding

Another watersport to enjoy in Squamish is kiteboarding/kitesurfing.

Whether you’re a seasoned kiter (is that a term…?) or a newbie wanting to catch the wind, this place has you covered. They provide lessons for all abilities along with gear rental if you don’t have any of your own yet.

Apparently Squamish is one of the best places for kiteboarding in the whole of North America, so if you were ever going to try it, here’s where you should!

18. Go rafting

For more exhilarating adventures on the water, Squamish is a great base for white-water rafting in the Elaho and Squamish rivers.

This “Wet and Wild” white water rafting experience will let you see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area, if you have time to look around while you’re battling class 3 and 4 river rapids. It even includes a trip through the scary-sounding “Devil’s Elbow” section of the rapids, so if you enjoy that sort of thing, go nuts!

19. Adventure further along the Sea to Sky Highway

Finally, it has to be said that one of Squamish’s best assets is its epic location a stone’s throw away from other breathtaking places. So, if you have time, be sure to check out some of the following epic places less than a 2h drive away.

South of Squamish, there’s…

• Murrin Provincial Park: This provincial park offers stunning landscapes, including serene lakes and rugged cliffs so it’s great for more hiking and/or rock-climbing
• Porteau Cove: Situated on the most southerly fjord in North America with opportunities for scuba diving around a sunken ship and camping with incredible views over Howe Sound
• Vancouver: Only one of the best cities in Canada (in my very biased opinion!) but check out my guide on things to do in Vancouver if you need any convincing

North of Squamish, there’s…

• Alice Lake Provincial Park: A beautiful park surrounded by mountains and forests on the shores of Alice Lake, perfect for fishing, swimming, and hiking
• Tantalus Lookout: A scenic observation point on the Sea to Sky (99) highway for the best views of the Tantalus Mountain Range
• Garibaldi Provincial Park: Another stunning park filled with hiking trails to see snowcapped mountains, azure lakes and local wildlife
• Brandywine Falls: Beautiful 60-foot waterfalls with a nice hiking loop along the gorge. Come early if you want to find any parking though!
• Whistler: The town that’s home to one of the largest (and best) ski resorts in North America! Visit in winter for all the snow sports (and lots of other things to do besides ski) but it’s also great in summer for hiking, biking and more

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Squamish?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Squamish activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂