Squamish
Squamish is in British Columbia. Located half-way between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish calls itself "The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada" due to the abundant Rock Climbing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Golf, Fishing, Kayaking, Bouldering, White Water Rafting, Horseback Riding, Scuba Diving, and other activities readily available in the area.
Get in
Squamish is located on Highway 99 44 km North of Vancouver. From Vancouver, head north over either the Lions Gate Bridge or the Second Narrows Bridge. If you are on the Second Narrows Bridge, stay on Highway 1 through Horseshoe Bay, keeping right as you approach the BC Ferry Terminal. Highway 99 starts here -- Just follow the signs for Squamish and Whistler. From The Lion's Gate Bridge, get onto Marine Drive heading towards West Vancouver, turn right on Taylor Way after you loop around under the bridge, head up the hill and turn left onto Highway 1 towards Horseshoe Bay. This is all well signed.
The ""Greyhound Bus"" travels between Vancouver and Whistler six to seven times per day, stopping in Squamish.
See
- Railway Heritage Park houses a treasure trove of old train paraphernalia reflecting Western Canada's Heritage. The star attraction is ""The Royal Hudson"", a steam train currently being restored there.
- The BC Museum of Mining is located at Britannia Beach 11km south of Squamish. Once the largest copper producer in the British Empire, the museum offers and outstanding insight into how mining worked a hundred years ago. There are regular tours in the summer.
- In winter, Squamish hosts thousands of Bald Eagles who winter here and feast on the plentiful salmon coming up the rivers to spawn. On any given day between mid-November and late February it is usually easy to see dozens of eagles if you go for a walk in the right place. The most popular viewing area is Eagle Run on Government Road. Turn west off Highway 99 at Garibaldi Way. This is a right turn if you are coming from Whistler, and a right turn from the south [Petrocan, 7-11, and Husky mark the corner]. Turn right on Government at the T-junction 30 metres later, and wind down the road about 1km. There is ample parking next to the Easter Seal Camp/Camp Summit area. Eaglewatch volunteers staff the viewing area on the dyke on some days and sometimes there are telescopes set up at the interpretive centre.
Do
Rock Climbing - Squamish is world renowned among climbers. The towering granite monolith, the Stawamus Chief, serves as the primary draw. There are over 600 established routes in the area, most of them traditional in nature, requiring the placement of gear for protection. There are many sport routes in the area with fixed/bolted protection though the majority of sport climbing in the area is along the Squamish-Whistler corridor. There are several quality guide books available for the established climbers as well as several commercial guides for hire.
Eat
- North Beach Lounge & Grill 37801 Cleveland., (604) 892-2603. (at the Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Co) =>
Drink
- Chieftain Pub. 38005 Cleveland, (604) 892-9119.
- Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Company 37801 Cleveland Ave.
- Cliffside Neighbourhood Pub 1893 Maple, (604) 892-5955. Pool, Kareoke, Bingo. Music Friday and Saturday nights.
Sleep
- Sea To Sky Hotel => is a full service hotel located on Highway 99 in the northern part of the town.