Squamish
There’s so much to do here! And whatever it is that brings you here, the Squamish Inn on the Water is the perfect home base to enjoy it all.
Enjoy world-class rock climbing, on the landmark “Stawamus Chief” with its’ Grand Wall, the world’s second largest giant granite monolith, similar to Yosemite’s “El Capitan”. Or explore the more technical aspect of this sport by attempting some of Canada’s premier grades, problems, and climbing areas…just bring a partner and head out for an unforgettable day of bouldering.
Squamish also boasts “the Squamish Spit” which attracts travelers from around the globe to some of Canada’s best windsurfing, and kite-surfing. The name “Squamish” a Coast Salish word means “Mother of the Wind”; this is because of the steady wind that blows in daily off Howe Sound. As well, the Sound supports a variety of underwater adventures with numerous scuba diving sites that are ready to discover, including Porteau Cove Provincial Marine Park, which contains man-made reefs and a wall dive perfect for divers of all levels.
With four large rivers and a dozen fresh water lakes in the area, Squamish is also a quality fishing area and many of our guests have brought a fair sized trout or salmon back to the Inn for a waterside BBQ with friends to enjoy a relaxing day’s end. More water-sports? Give the white waters of BC a try in a safely guided raft with one of the local rafting companies, or if you’re already familiar with the sport bring your own boat and choose from a wide variety of challenging rivers. Kayaking in Squamish will always provide unique opportunities for paddlers. Enjoy either play boating on the rivers or exploring the coastline in a sea kayak.
Looking to take in the scenery and some mountain fresh air? Experience some of the hundreds of kilometers of well-maintained trails for mountain biking, hiking, or walking. Only a ten minute walk from the Inn lies a network of trails that lead through the Squamish Estuary; a rare marshland where freshwater rivers empty into the sea, creating a unique habitat for over 200 bird species and other fascinating wildlife. Next, head up the Squamish River to see the world’s largest congregation of bald eagles. The eagles are drawn to the banks of the Squamish River every winter after the salmon’s spawning season.
If you want to add another dimension to your scenic experience then saddle up at one of the local stables and hit the trails with a new equine friend for some horseback riding. Scenic flights are also a great way of taking in the sights and are available out of the Squamish airport. Or consider golfing in one of Squamish’s “landscaped playgrounds”; humbling & relaxing. On your journey be sure not to miss the inspiring beauty of Shannon Falls; a place that holds spiritual value for Squamish First Nations. Beyond the scenery, Squamish is rich with culture and history with attractions like the West Cost Railway Heritage Park, the BC Museum of Mining, and the Brackendale Art Gallery. The downtown offers a wide variety of boutiques, galleries and cafes to spend an afternoon exploring and connecting with locals.
Squamish is one of those unique destinations in the world that offers something for everyone, without losing its authentic small town character or identity. Although its’ resident population is still small, Squamish is quickly growing as more and more people discover what this place is all about. Travelers to Squamish value its natural beauty and opportunity for personal expression, as it truly is “The Outdoor Recreational Capital of Canada”. As best stated by Kevin McLane (Author of Squamish – the Shining Valley) “The natural assets of Squamish, with its many eclectic communities and culture, are so wide-ranging in their appeal; it has a breadth of scope that today’s travelers and outdoor enthusiasts can fully embrace.”