In this guide to snowshoeing in Squamish, you’ll get info and directions for 9 different trails ranging from super flat beginner trails to all-day epics to deep backcountry wilderness. I’m a Squamish local, so I’ve got the inside scoop on the best places to snowshoe in Squamish.

This guide to snowshoeing in Squamish includes:

• Quick reference guide: An easy overview of the stats for all the trails
• Snowshoeing safety: key info to help get you prepared to snowshoe in Vancouver
• Where to rent snowshoes in Squamish including which shops have the best price
• Snowshoe tours in Squamish: options for going with a guide
• Snowshoe trails in Squamish: details for 10 trails
• No-go trails: summer trails that aren’t safe for snowshoeing

Looking for other places to snowshoe in BC? Check out these posts about Vancouver-area snowshoe trails:

• Snowshoeing in Vancouver
• Snowshoeing in Whistler
• Snowshoeing in the Fraser Valley
• Snowshoeing in Manning Park
• Snowshoeing at Dakota Ridge on the Sunshine Coast

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Snowshoeing in Squamish Quick Reference Guide

But First… Be Prepared

• Make a trip plan: While these trails may be steps from busy ski areas, they access serious wilderness. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Use the great trip planning tools from Adventure Smart.
• Check the weather, trail conditions, and avalanche forecast: If the weather and trail conditions don’t look good, don’t go. Use my list of the best weather apps for hiking. Check the avalanche forecast. Unless you have taken an avalanche safety course, you probably shouldn’t go out unless the forecast is rated “Low”. 
• Wear winter clothing and pack the essentials: Prepare for emergencies by packing the 10 essentials. Read my recommendations for what to wear snowshoeing and tips for winter hiking and snowshoeing.
• Use safe snowshoeing techniques: Snowshoes keep you from sinking into deep snow, but they aren’t great for walking sideways or downhill – it’s easy to slip and injure yourself. Read up on snowshoeing safety and check out my guide to choosing snowshoes.) They also have crampons and other traction aids underfoot to help grip icy snow.
• Take an avalanche safety course: If you plan to stray from flat terrain, you need avalanche safety training. Avvy Savvy is a great FREE online beginner tutorial on Avalanche.ca. You should also take a 2.5 day AST1 course with avalanche Canada.

READ NEXT: Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them

Snowshoeing at the Sea to Sky Gondola

The easiest place to go snowshoeing in Squamish is at the Sea to Sky Gondola. They have lots of trails to choose from (beginner to expert), and you don’t have to worry about driving on unplowed mountain roads. The only downside is the cost.

Permits/Fees: Day tickets for the gondola are $72. Once you get to the top there are no additional charges for snowshoeing.

If you want to avoid paying for the gondola up, you can hike up the Sea to Summit Trail instead, carrying your snowshoes. (You can take the gondola down for only $19.)

However, in the winter the Sea to Summit Trail sometimes closes due to hazardous conditions and if it’s open, it can be icy and dangerous so you will need crampons and an ice axe. For more information on the Sea to Summit trail including trail closures and conditions, see the Sea to Sky Gondola website.

Dogs: Not permitted on the gondola and on most trails. You can hike up via the Sea to Summit Trail and then snowshoe with your dog on a leash on the Al’s Habrich Ridge, Sky Pilot Valley and Skyline Trail and they must be on leash.

Driving Directions: Drive 50 min from Vancouver to Sea to Sky Gondola parking lot. If you’re coming from Squamish, it’s a 10-minute drive south of downtown. Note that BC law requires you to have winter tires to drive on highway 99 between October and April.

Transit Access: The Sea to Sky Gondola runs a shuttle service from Vancouver each day. It’s $112 for a combo shuttle and gondola pass, which isn’t a bad deal. Be sure to keep the shuttle schedule in mind when planning which trail to tackle.

Panorama Trail, Sea to Sky Gondola

The Trail: This is the Sea to Sky Gondola’s signature trail in both summer and winter. It’s a loop through gently rolling terrain that leads to some great viewpoints. The best one by far is the Chief viewing platform where you can look down to the Chief, the town of Squamish, the Squamish River valley and Howe Sound. Choose a sunny day for this one to really soak up the views.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: None.

Trail Map/Guide: The Sea to Sky gondola has a trail app you can download or just pick up a copy of their map when you buy your tickets. You can also find more info about the Panorama trail and about snowshoeing at the gondola in general on their website.

Wonderland Lake Loop, Sea to Sky Gondola

The Trail: This short and easy loop provides a bit more of a wilderness experience (and sees far fewer tourists) than the Panorama trail. It loops around through rolling terrain and passes several viewpoints. Be sure to take the narrow side Wonder View Spur to the right (south) to get the views.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: None.

Trail Map/Guide: The Sea to Sky gondola has a trail app you can download or just pick up a copy of their map when you buy your tickets. You can also find more info about the Wonderland Lake Loop and about snowshoeing at the gondola in general on their website.

Shannon Basin Loop, Sea to Sky Gondola

The Trail: This trail follows an old road on a meandering loop that descends to cross Shannon Creek on a bridge, then comes back up to the gondola on a portion of the Sea to Summit Trail. While it does gain over 400m, since it’s on an old roadbed, it’s never very steep. This is the lowest elevation trail at the Sea to Sky Gondola, so in mild weather it may not have enough snow to snowshoe.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: None.

Trail Map/Guide: The Sea to Sky gondola has a trail app you can download or just pick up a copy of their map when you buy your tickets. You can also find more info about the Shannon Basin Trail and about snowshoeing at the gondola in general on their website.

Al’s Habrich Ridge, Sea to Sky Gondola

The Trail: This backcountry trail travels a few hundred meters on a road before heading off into the forest. It immediately crosses a creek (there is no bridge), then heads uphill through the trees. The trail emerges onto a ridge and follows the crest of the ridge past several great viewpoints. The official winter route stops at the far end of the ridge. Unlike the other snowshoeing trails at the Sea to Sky Gondola, this trail mostly avoids roads and tourist attractions so it feels like real wilderness.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The initial stream crossing can be a bit awkward: The creek doesn’t ice over but the rocks you need to use to hop across are icy. The far bank of the stream is also very steep. Take off your snowshoes to cross the stream and use poles for balance.

Watch carefully for diamond markers in the trees – it can be easy to lose the trail Once on the ridge, stay on the top of the ridge: there is a lot of steep and dangerous terrain if you leave the marked route.

The official winter route stops at the far end of the ridge. The summer trail continues past here and climbs steeply through the trees. It is very difficult to follow and is not well marked. Unless you are an expert in backcountry winter navigation, turn around at the far end of the ridge.

Check the avalanche forecast before you go.

Trail Map/Guide: My Al’s Habrich Trail guide has all the info you need. The Sea to Sky gondola has a trail app you can download or just pick up a copy of their map when you buy your tickets. You can also find more info about snowshoeing at the gondola in general on their website.

Sky Pilot Valley Trail, Sea to Sky Gondola

The Trail: This trail is primarily used by experienced backcountry skiers and mountaineers accessing challenging terrain. But it does follow an old road in a beautiful valley so it is accessible for snowshoers just looking for a winter walk with great views of the surrounding mountains.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: Past the end of the marked trail the skiers/climbers route goes steeply uphill into avalanche terrain. The slopes above the road are steep enough to slide – use caution if the avalanche forecast is anything except low. Please be prepared to share the trail with skiers and step aside to let them pass, especially when they are coming downhill. Don’t walk in the ski tracks – leave them intact for the skiers to use. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.

Trail Map/Guide: The Sea to Sky gondola has a trail app you can download or just pick up a copy of their when you buy your tickets. You can also find more info about snowshoeing at the gondola in general on their website. There’s also information on the summer hiking route on the Skyline Pilot Valley Trail. Keep in mind that the winter route only covers the first three-quarters of the trail before turning around.

Skyline Ridge Trail, Sea to Sky Gondola

The Trail: This trail follows an old (and sometimes overgrown) road through the valley before climbing on to the shoulder of Goat Ridge where there are some views. It’s a long way to go in a day, but it is a good option if you’re looking for a challenging trip from the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola. Be sure to stop at the end of the marked trail since route-finding past there will be very difficult and potentially dangerous in the winter.

Trail Map/Guide: The Sea to Sky gondola has a trail app you can download or just pick up a copy when you buy your tickets. You can also find more info about the the Skyline Ridge Trail and snowshoeing at the gondola in general on their website

Join: Snowshoeing in Vancouver Facebook Group

Other Places to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish

Red Heather/Elfin Lakes, Garibaldi Provincial Park

The Trail: The trail follows an old road for the first 5km to the Red Heather warming hut. Past there, the winter route is marked by reflective bamboo poles that lead another 6km along the undulations of Paul Ridge to the Elfin Lakes Hut. There are great views of the mountains from the ridge. Red Heather hut makes a great destination for shorter day trips.

Going all the way to Elfin Lakes and back is doable in a day but it is challenging. You can also snow camp overnight next to both Red Heather and Elfin Lakes huts, or you can reserve a bunk inside the Elfin Lakes Hut.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: No avalanche danger or hazards below Red Heather hut.

After Red Heather hut the trail emerges above treeline on to the ridge. The winter route is placed to minimize avalanche exposure, but the trail does travel through avalanche terrain and on slopes that can slide.

Use caution in these areas and do not attempt this trail if the avalanche forecast is above moderate. Avalanche.ca rates this as simple terrain which can be travelled with the normal amount of caution in most conditions. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.

Trail Map/Guide: My Elfin Lakes hiking guide has all the info you need.

Permits/Fees: No permits or fees are required for day trips on the trail in winter. If you want to camp or stay overnight in the Elfin Lakes hut you need to make a reservation and pay backcountry fees. Elfin Lakes Hut is $15/person/night + $6 reservation fee. Camping is $10/person/night + $6 reservation fee.

Dogs: Not permitted in Garibaldi Park.

Getting There: Drive 2 hours from Vancouver to the trailhead. If you’re coming from Squamish, it’s a 45-minute drive. After passing Quest University in Squamish the road turns to gravel and it is not plowed often.

You will need chains and possibly also 4-wheel drive (depending on the conditions) to get up this road in the winter. Cars without chains slip off the road every year and require very expensive tow trucks to get them out. 

The parking lot can fill up on winter weekends so carpool and be prepared to park in the pullouts further down the road and walk up. Don’t park on the shoulder as you will block the narrow road.

READ NEXT: Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies

Garibaldi Lake/Taylor Meadows, Garibaldi Provincial Park

The Trail: This snowshoe route follows the usual summer trail up the switchbacks to Garibaldi Lake or Taylor Meadows. At the 6km the trail forks: left for Taylor Meadows, right for Garibaldi Lake. The trail can be icy lower down and covered in deep snow higher up so you may need to pack both microspikes and snowshoes. (Read my guide to the differences between microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes.) It’s a long hike to either destination so be sure to give yourself plenty of time and pack a headlamp in case you end up coming down in the dark.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The switchbacks up to the 6km junction are steep and can be icy. Bring microspikes just in case. Watch for open creek crossings and partially buried bridges. Later in the year Barrier Lake and Lesser Garibaldi Lake on the Garibaldi Lake route freeze over. You can take a shortcut by walking across the lakes. Use extreme caution if you decide to walk on the lakes. 

Avalanche.ca rates the trail as simple terrain which can be travelled with the normal amount of caution in most conditions. The terrain is rated challenging past Taylor Meadows. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.

On your descent stay on trail and don’t follow skier descent trails into the Rubble Creek valley. The valley is prone to slides. A snowshoer drowned in Rubble Creek in 2008 after getting lost on the descent.

Trail Map/Guide: You can also find more information on the BC Parks website.

Permits/Fees: No permits or fees are required for day trips on the trail in winter. If you want to camp overnight you need to make a reservation and pay backcountry fees. Camping is $10/night + $6 reservation fee.

Dogs: Not permitted in Garibaldi Park.

Getting There: Drive 1.5 hours from Vancouver to the trailhead. If you are coming from Squamish it’s only 30 minutes. Note that BC law requires you to have winter tires to drive on highway 99 between October and April.

The road to the trailhead and the parking lot is plowed sporadically. However, it is still a mountain road so winter tires and chains are recommended in case the plow has not been through recently.

Brandywine Falls

The Trail: The flat and easy trail to the Brandywine Falls viewing platform is a great option for snowshoeing near Whistler. If you want to extend your trip, you can snowshoe a portion of the Sea to Sky trail over to the Whistler Bungee Bridge. You can look down into the depths of the Cheakamus River canyon and maybe even watch people bungee jump.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The trail crosses train tracks: use caution. There is no maintained trail down to the base of Brandywine Falls: there is an illegal route that uses a scary old rope to descend a cliff but it travels over slippery rocks and is very icy and dangerous in the winter. No avalanche hazard.

Trail Map/Guide: My Brandywine Falls hiking guide has all the info you need.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Permitted on leash.

Driving Directions: Drive 1.5 hours from Vancouver. It’s only 30 minutes from Squamish. Note that BC law requires you to have winter tires to drive on Highway 99 between October and April.

Getting There: The park gate is locked in the winter and unfortunately you are not allowed to park on the side of Highway 99. (Your car will get towed.) Unless you get dropped off and picked up, unfortunately the only way to do this snowshoe trip currently is to park at Whistler Bungee on the Cal-Cheak Forest Service Road and walk in from that direction. Whistler Bungee does plow the road but it is rough.

Join: Snowshoeing in Vancouver Facebook Group

No-Go Trails for Snowshoeing in Squamish

There are lots of summer hiking trails in Squamish that may sound like a fun snowshoe adventure in winter. However, many of them have significant avalanche danger, are closed in winter, or just don’t have enough consistent snow for good snowshoeing.

Here’s my list of no-go trails for snowshoeing:

• Sea to Summit Trail: Only the last section of the Sea to Summit Trail is high enough to see consistent snow, and it’s steep enough to make microspikes or crampons a safer choice than snowshoes even if there is snow.
• Stawamus Chief: It snows on top of the Chief a few times a year, but it doesn’t usually stick for long since it is not at a high enough elevation. As well, it’s too steep for snowshoes – microspikes are better here.
• Watersprite Lake: The road to Watersprite Lake is not plowed so even with 4×4 and chains, you often have to walk a long distance just to get to the trailhead. The summer trail has significant avalanche hazard, so in winter, you have to use an unmarked route to get to the lake. Watersprite Lake is best for experienced snowshoers with avalanche training and experience with off-trail winter navigation.

Squamish Snowshoeing FAQ

Final Thoughts

How many of these snowshoe trails have you done? Which is your favourite? Have questions about snowshoeing in Squamish? Hit me up in the comments.

READ NEXT:

More Snowshoeing Guides:

• Snowshoeing in Vancouver
• Snowshoeing in Whistler
• Manning Park Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing in Vancouver’s Fraser Valley

Advice for Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking:

• How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide
• The Best Boots For Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them
• Best Gifts for Snowshoers (20+ Ideas)
• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• 9 Tips for Winter Hiking (You Don’t Have to Freeze!)
• 100+ Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver: Trails You Can Hike Year Round

More Squamish Posts:

• The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local)
• 70+ Things to Do in Squamish
• Camping in Squamish, BC: 22 Places to Camp Near Squamish
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler
• 10 Best Hotels in Squamish

The post Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The route leads you through lush coastal rainforest, past rushing rivers, and beside swimmable lakes. It also passes right through downtown Squamish and Whistler Village, so that you can stop for a civilized coffee break. However, there are a few short stretches where the trail is not complete, so you’ll have to walk on roads or Highway 99.

The trail is multi-use, open to both hikers and cyclists. I’ve done both, covering the trail’s entire length on a series of hikes and bike rides over the years. My husband, an avid bikepacker, also helped with this post.

There isn’t much info on the Sea to Sky Trail online (and what is online is a bit dated since several new trail sections have been built in the last few years). In this guide, I’ve got everything you need to know about the Sea to Sky Trail, including:

• Quick facts about the Sea to Sky Trail: distance, best time to go, how long it takes, and more
• An up-to-date map and elevation profile, plus a downloadable GPX file
• Detailed trail description, broken down into sections with distances and elevation change
• My recommended itineraries for hiking and biking
• Camping and where to stay along the trail
• Sea to Sky Trail tips, including water access and specific tips for hikers and bikers
• How to get to the Sea to Sky Trail and between trailheads
• My honest opinion of the trail and whether I recommend it

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Sea to Sky Trail Quick Facts

Route Overview: The Sea to Sky Trail runs from Squamish to Whistler in a route that parallels the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). It is a multi-use trail that is open to hikers and bikers and strings together sections of trail and road to create the Sea to Sky Trail.

Not the Sea to Sky Gondola: Lots of people get this trail confused with the trail that goes from the base of the Sea to Sky Gondola to the top. That one is called the Sea to Summit Trail – the Sea to Sky Trail is a different trail!

Distance: 107.4 km

Elevation Gain: 2,435 m

Surface Breakdown: Single-track trail: 52.8 km; Paved multi-use trail: 20.1 km; Gravel road: 19.4 km; Paved road: 11.5 km; Paved Highway: 10 km

How Long to Spend: Cyclists should plan on 2 to 3 days. Hikers can complete the trail in 4 days.

Best Time to Go: May to October for the best weather and no snow.

Indigenous Context: The Sea to Sky Trail is on the traditional territory of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. Be respectful in this special place.

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Sea to Sky Trail Maps and Elevation Profile

When I was researching my trips, I had trouble finding good info about the routing of the Sea to Sky Trail. Some sections are really straightforward, but others are not. This is because the trail has been rerouted in a few places to avoid roads or to take paths that are bikeable versus just hikable.

After digging through the Sea to Sky Trail section of the Squamish-Lilooet Regional District website, the Trans Canada Trail interactive map, Trailforks, and Gaia, I’ve put together what I think is the most complete and accurate (for now) map of the Sea to Sky Trail.

Here is my custom Sea to Sky Trail map, made using Gaia GPS, my fave mapping app. Click through to zoom in and explore (and to download the GPX file).

PS: Want to save 10% on a premium subscription to Gaia GPS (the app I use for all my hikes)? Use my link – the discount appears in cart.

When you’re hiking or biking the trail, you will usually come across Sea to Sky Trail markers at important junctions. The markers aren’t huge, but they are there if you look for them. However, keep in mind that sometimes the markers will take you on older versions of the trail so use the markers along with my map to stay on track.

Sea to Sky Trail Description

Which Direction to Go?

When I was researching this trip, it seemed like most people (both hikers and cyclists) chose to start in Squamish and go north to Pemberton. But then I looked at the elevation profile and realized that if I started in Pemberton and went south, the first 30 km would be uphill, but then the rest would be downhill. So I started in Pemberton.

However, I don’t know that I would necessarily recommend that strategy. The 30 km from Pemberton to the high point above Green Lake involves lots of climbs, some of which are steep. Starting in the north means you have your hardest day first. If you start in Squamish, yes, you’ll be going uphill, but it’s much more gradual.

So, in summary, I don’t recommend one direction over the other.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Key Locations

Squamish Waterfront to MTN Fun Basecamp

Distance: 10.9 km

Elevation Gain: 100 m

Elevation Loss: 70 m

The trail starts at Sp’akw’us Feather Park near downtown Squamish. It’s a new beachfront park accessed via Loggers Lane. It has washrooms, a water bottle refill station, and incredible views of the Stawamus Chief. You’ll find a small “Sea to Sky Trail” sign on the road near the parking area, but otherwise, there is no other info about the trail.

From the beach, head west along the paved path through the park. Exit the park at the northwest corner, following a gravel trail along a narrow inlet littered with remains of Squamish’s industrial past.

About 1.5 km from the start, emerge onto the pavement in downtown Squamish. Use Logger’s Lane or Cleveland Avenue to head north to Pemberton Avenue, then turn right. Take the path under the bridge. On the other side, stay on the paved Corridor Trail beside the Mamquam Blind Channel.

Follow the Corridor Trail as it parallels Loggers Lane, then crosses the Mamquam River beside Highway 99. About 7 km from the start, the Corridor Trail passes in front of Garibaldi Village shopping centre. This is a good place to get a snack or go to the bathroom at one of the quick-service restaurants. The Purebread cafe here is a great place for a treat.

The Corridor Trail ends at the 9.9km mark. From here, follow signs for the Through the Looking Glass Trail through the woods. Those on bikes should be prepared for a steep first few minutes and some tight switchbacks at the end.

At the 11 km mark, exit the trail onto Depot Road. MTN Fun Basecamp Campground is located here.

MTN Fun Basecamp to End of Paradise Valley Road

Distance: 15.4 km

Elevation Gain: 155 m

Elevation Loss: 90 m

Cross Highway 99 at the traffic light, then turn right onto the Ray Peters Trail. A minute later, go left to take the left branch of the Ray Peters Trail (right continues beside the highway). You’ll follow this packed gravel and dirt path through the forest as it parallels Ross Road and Government Road.

Exit the Ray Peters Trail at the intersection of Government Road and Squamish Valley Road at the 14.5 km mark. From here, you have a long road section, first paved, then gravel. Thankfully, traffic is light.

Head west on Squamish Valley Road to the bridge over the Cheakamus River. Fergie’s Cafe is on your right – it’s a great brunch or lunch spot if you have time. Sunwolf Riverside Cabins are also on the same property.

On the other side of the bridge, at the 16.1 km mark, turn right onto Paradise Valley Road. The first section of this road is gorgeous with lots of big leaf maple trees overhead. Pass the Paradise Valley Campground at 19.7 km just after crossing a bridge over the Cheakamus River.

The road turns to gravel at 21.5 km. Unfortunately, this section isn’t very scenic, and it can be dusty. The road gets rougher as it reaches its end at 26.5 km. There is an informal drive-in camping area at the end of the road that is popular on weekends. However, it has no toilets, food storage, or other facilities.

End of Paradise Valley to Chance Creek FSR

Distance: 9.9 km

Elevation Gain: 455 m

Elevation Loss: 235 m

From the end of the road, follow the Cheakamus Canyon Trail uphill into the forest – it’s one of my favourite hikes in Squamish. This is one of the biggest climbs on the trail. The trail is steep and loose in places. Cyclists will have to hike-a-bike through here. There is a large barrier at a railway crossing that bikes will need to be lifted over.

Reach Starvation Lake at 28.6 km, having gained about 115 m since leaving the road. I love swimming here. There is a clearing in the trees on a spur trail on the north side of the lake that makes a good informal campsite. It has no toilet, food storage, or other facilities.

Continue uphill past the lake. In places, you can see the railway line and Cheakamus River in the canyon below you. In one short section, traverse a wire mesh catwalk suspended on the side of a cliff. The trail has steep drop-offs in places, but it is wide, so you can always stay far back from the edge. Some short, steep hills with loose gravel may require pushing your bike.

The trail ends at Highway 99 at the 32 km mark, having climbed another 100 m up from the lake. From here, you have a 3.9 km segment of Highway 99 to deal with. Hikers can stay on the west shoulder, in some places on the other side of the concrete barrier. Bikers will need to cross the highway carefully, then bike on the shoulder, which is reasonably wide.

Turn left onto Chance Creek FSR at the 36.1 km mark.

Chance Creek FSR to Brandywine Falls

Distance: 10.5 km

Elevation Gain: 260 m

Elevation Loss: 125 m

Follow this gravel road for 0.2 km, then turn right back onto the Sea to Sky Trail. The trail climbs up under a power line and passes near Lucille Lake. (Take a trail branching left to visit the lake, which has good swimming.) It then heads back under the same powerline and follows old double-track roads to Shadow Lake.

Shadow Lake is part of the larger Daisy Lake Dam complex, so there are pumphouses and other infrastructure in this section. Stay on the old double track on the west side of the lake, then follow the road as it becomes a trail and heads into the forest. Some trailside clearings near a bridge over Roe Creek could work as informal campsites. There are no toilets, food storage, or other facilities.

The trail becomes old double track again as it crosses the railway tracks and swings north to follow the powerlines. Reach paved Retta Lake Road at the 41.5 km mark. This road accesses two gated communities of private homes.

Go north on Retta Lake Road until you reach Highway 99 at the 43 km mark. Next up is the longest Highway section. You’ll be on the road for 4.1 km. Cyclists have a left turn lane to cross the highway, but the shoulder in this section is quite narrow. As well, it’s uphill – you’ll gain almost 100 m. Hikers can stay on the west shoulder, facing traffic, which is a bit wider.

Turn right into Brandywine Provincial Park at 46.9 km.

Brandywine Falls to Cal-Cheak Campground

Distance: 5.2 km

Elevation Gain: 155 m

Elevation Loss: 135 m

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park has lots of trails, but you’ll use just a few of them. Head through the parking lot, past the outhouses, and over the bridge across Brandywine Creek. Follow the wide main trail southeast and across the railway tracks. On the other side, detour for a few hundred metres to visit the Brandywine Falls viewpoints.

The Sea to Sky Trail continues east just south of the railway tracks. The wide gravel trail heads through the forest and down a small hill before climbing back up into more open terrain as you pass under powerlines and past old lava flows pockmarked with little lakes.

Arrive at the Bungee Bridge at 46.9 km. It’s worth waiting at the viewpoint to watch someone jump. Cross the bridge when the bungee staff tell you it’s safe to do so. Cyclists will have to carry their bikes up a short flight of stairs.

On the other side, follow the trail down to the Daisy Lake/Cal-Cheak FSR and head north on the wide gravel road.

Reach the southern entrance to Cal-Cheak Campground at 52.2 km at the intersection of the Cheakamus River and Callaghan Creek. This large campground has three main areas, each with tent sites and outhouses.

Cal-Cheak Campground to Function Junction

Distance: 8 km

Elevation Gain: 250 m

Elevation Loss: 150 m

Continue along the gravel road, watching for the Sea to Sky Trail to branch off to the right at 52.6 km, just past the spur road to the north campground.

The next section of trail travels through beautiful shady woods and past several rockslides, a relic of the area’s volcanic history. There are some short, sharp climbs with tight switchbacks that require careful bike handling. A long, straight section follows a former logging railway. Cross the Cheakamus River on a suspension bridge at the 55 km mark.

On the other side, the trail starts with a climb and then winds across a series of rolling hills. Expect to see lots of hikers as you approach Trainwreck junction at 58.3 km.

You can take a short detour down the hill to the Whistler Trainwreck, a set of abandoned train cars suspended over the side of the Cheakamus River Canyon. From the junction, follow the busy trail east to Jane Lakes Road at 58.8 km.

Go northeast on Jane Lakes Road, then take the Valley Trail across the Cheakamus River near the intersection with Legacy Way. At 60 km, stay on the Valley Trail as it heads northeast on the east side of Highway 99. If you need a break, detour across the Highway into Function Junction to grab a treat from Purebread or beer and pizza from Whistler Brewing.

Function Junction to Lost Lake

Distance: 11.6 km

Elevation Gain: 270 m

Elevation Loss: 175 m

You’ll be on the Valley Trail all the way through Whistler. It is a paved multi-use trail, so expect to share it with other cyclists, joggers, and walkers. Even though it crosses many streets and Highway 99, the trail is fairly easy to follow with signs at every junction – just follow the arrows to Whistler Village.

At 64.5 km ride through Alpha Lake Park. Pass through Wayside Park at 66.2 km and Lakeside Park at 66.7 km. All three parks have bathrooms and swimming areas. Wayside Park and Lakeside Park are also launch points for paddling the River of Golden Dreams.

Use the underpass to cross Highway 99 at 69.2 km to enter Whistler Village. You must walk your bike through the village. This is a great place to stop for something to eat – there are seemingly endless cafes and restaurants. It’s a bit fancy, but I love the sandwiches at Provisions on Village Stroll.

Make your way through the village, aiming for the Valley Trail between parking lots #1 and #2. After crossing the parking lots, take the Valley Trail north towards Lost Lake – ignore the branch that crosses Fitzsimmons Creek on the covered bridge.

Stay on the Valley Trail as it parallels the parking lots and passes underneath Lorimer Road. Cross Fitzsimmons Creek on a wide bridge, and arrive at the entrance to Lost Lake Park and the Lost Lake Passivhaus at 70.7 km.

Follow the wide gravel trail into the park, then go right to stay on it towards Lost Lake Beach. There are more bathrooms and another swimming area here.

Lost Lake to Wedgewoods

Distance: 8.4 km

Elevation Gain: 245 m

Elevation Loss: 335 m

Stay on the wide gravel trail as it heads up the lake’s east side.

From here, you’ll be on a series of mountain bike trails that traverse the slopes high above Green Lake. If you follow the signage correctly, you’ll stay on easy green-rated trails or old logging roads. But if you get lost, you could end up on a challenging black diamond-rated trail. Pay attention!

At the end of the Lost Lake Trail, take Gandy Dancer for 400 m to Siwash Trail for 200 m to the Green Lake Loop. Stay on the Green Lake Loop as you reach the Sea to Sky Trail’s high point at 758 m.

As you get towards the north end of Green Lake, the trail network can be confusing. Look for signs that say Sea to Sky Trail or Green Lake Loop. When in doubt, the wide gravel road will also take you where you want to go. If you want an interesting detour, you can head northwest on the Parkhurst Trail to explore the abandoned ghost town of Parkhurst.

Eventually, you’ll descend to the Green River Road, also called Riverside Drive. Turn right and follow this road as it parallels the railway tracks and the Green River.

At 80.4 km, reach the Riverside Dispersed Camping Area near the railway tracks and Highway 99. This informal drive-in camping area has an outhouse but no food storage or other facilities.

Follow the gravel road northeast from the junction. In a few minutes, ignore the uphill branch that goes to the Wedgemount Lake Trailhead. Instead, stay left and follow the road into the Wedgewoods neighbourhood.

Wedgewoods to Gord’s Garden

Distance: 5.8 km

Elevation Gain: 90 m

Elevation Loss: 185 m

A wide paved path runs beside Riverside Road through this high-end subdivision. Follow it across a bridge over the Green River. Just before the road curves left to meet up with Highway 99, turn left on Skier’s Rest Lane. Turn left again into an unmarked driveway for the complex’s trash storage building, and find the Sea to Sky Trailhead at 82.7 km.

The next section of trail sticks close enough to Highway 99 that you can often hear it or see it. The path heads through tight second-growth forest and rambles underneath the powerlines.

Emerge on Highway 99 at 86.1 km and turn right to cross the railway tracks, then turn right onto Soo Valley Road. You’ll be on the Highway for less than 100 m.

Gord’s Garden to Green River Motocross

Distance: 8.4 km

Elevation Gain: 150 m

Elevation Loss: 295 m

Find the Gord’s Garden Trailhead on your left almost immediately after leaving the highway. This section is named for Gordon McKeever, one of the early champions of the Sea to Sky Trail. Follow the trail steeply up the hill and under the power lines. There are tons of dirt bike trails in this area – follow the Sea to Sky Trail signs to stay on track.

After reaching a high point under the power lines, the trail descends gradually. Watch for a left turn into the forest. The trail continues to descend until it reaches the banks of the Green River.

The next few kilometres are my favourite part of the Sea to Sky Trail. The path follows the Green River with lots of spots to stop for a break or stick your toes in the water. There are also some lovely groves of giant trees.

There are even a few clearings big enough to work as informal campsites. The best one near the 90 km mark has a picnic table, but there are no toilets, food storage, or other facilities.

Starting near the 90.5 km mark, the trail passes through an ancient rockslide. A spur trail leads to a viewing platform. In places, the trail builders have shored up the trail to create a smooth pass across large boulders. It’s a spectacular sight.

Around 91.7 km, the trail passes a sandy area called Mystery Beach. While the river is cold and fast, locals do dip here.

Emerge on the gravel Mount Currie Road at 92.3 km. There is an outhouse here. Turn left and follow the flat road past the oval of the Pemberton Speedway and the jumps of the Green River Motocross Track, both on your right. They both have outhouses.

Green River Motocross to Nairn Falls Provincial Park

Distance: 8.3 km

Elevation Gain: 260 m

Elevation Loss: 350 m

Turn right on Highway 99 at 94.7 km to start your last highway section. It’s 1.9 km long. The shoulder is moderately wide here, and traffic is lighter here than south of Whistler, so it’s not a high-stress section. Follow the Highway across the Soo River Bridge. Pass the Sea to Sky Soils Compost Plant – hopefully it’s not too smelly.

Immediately after crossing the Rutherford Creek bridge, turn left onto North Rutherford Creek Road at 96.6 km. Walk uphill on the steep gravel road, passing an outhouse. About 500 m from the highway, turn right onto the Sea to Sky Trail. This newer section provides an alternative route to the highway (which is scary to ride/walk), but does involve lots of short, sharp climbs and descents.

The trail climbs up onto a bluff with a view down to the river. Then it descends into an open and flat area under the power lines. Next, the trail goes into some beautiful cedar woods as it passes several creeks and the remains of an old cabin.

Stay on the trail as it swings close to the highway, then climbs up onto another bluff under the powerlines. Cross the entrance road to the gun range, and continue along the trail as it climbs under powerlines. Descend to Highway 99 and cross it at a railway crossing at 102.2 km.

From here, a new trail parallels the highway on the east side and brings you into the parking lot for Nairn Falls Provincial Park at 103.1 km. The trail to the falls is one of my favourite hikes in Whistler.

Nairn Falls Provincial Park to Pemberton

Distance: 4 km

Elevation Gain: 95 m

Elevation Loss: 140 m

Head into the campground, then turn left to follow the northernmost campground road to the northeastern corner of the campground, where you rejoin the Sea to Sky Trail. You’ll pass several outhouses and a water pump.

The trail winds through the woods and zigzags up a hill. You’ll enter a zone with several mountain bike trails joining from the right – ignore them and stay on the main Sea to Sky Trail. The trail also passes through a challenging and wooded disc golf course.

At 105.7 km, reach One Mile Lake. A spur trail to the left leads to the beach, parking lot, and toilets. Turn right and follow the trail around the east side of the lake. At the north end of the lake, take the trail north to a bridge over Pemberton Creek.

Stay on the trail as it becomes Vine Road, passes McDonald’s, and then crosses Highway 99. Congratulations, you’ve finished all 107.4 km of the Sea to Sky Trail from Squamish to Pemberton.

If you’re really keen, the trail continues to the tiny town of D’Arcy. However, most of the trail is on a boring paved road, so I haven’t done it.

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Sea to Sky Trail Itineraries

Hiking Itineraries

If you’re planning to hike the Sea to Sky Trail as a backpacking trip, stopping to camp along the way, it makes sense to do it as a four-day/three-night trip.

Here is my recommended itinerary for hikers:

Day 1: Sp’akw’us Feather Park to end of Paradise Valley Road: 26.5 km, 255 m gain, 160 m loss

Day 2: End of Paradise Valley Road to Cal-Cheak Campground: 24.9 km, 870 m gain, 495 m loss

Day 3: Cal-Cheak Campground to Riverside Dispersed Camping: 28.3 km, 765 m gain, 660 m loss

Day 4: Riverside Dispersed Camping to Pemberton: 27.6 km, 595 m gain, 970 m loss

You can also create other itineraries by using car shuttles or taxis, since there are lots of places to access the trail from Highway 99. See the camping and where to stay section below for accommodation options along the trail.

Biking Itineraries

Strong gravel riders or mountain bikers can ride the Sea to Sky Trail in a single day. However, it is a common bikepacking destination, and most bikepackers will ride in two days.

Here is my recommended itinerary for biking the Sea to Sky Trail:

Day 1: Sp’akw’us Feather Park to Cal-Cheak Campground: 51.4 km, 1125 m gain, 655 m loss

Day 2: Cal-Cheak Campground to Pemberton: 55.9 km, 1360 m gain, 1630 m loss

You can also stretch out the trip to three or even four days using the accommodation options listed in the camping and where to stay section below.

Camping and Where to Stay on the Sea to Sky Trail

There are lots of accommodation options along the Sea to Sky Trail, including campgrounds, hostels, and hotels. My guide to hotels in Squamish and my guides to camping in Squamish and camping in Whistler have more info.

Please note that I’ve included some dispersed and informal camping areas that have no facilities. In these areas, you will need to go to the bathroom the Leave No Trace way, filter water, pack out your trash, and store your food/toiletries/garbage securely in a bear hang or Ursack.

Below, I’ve got a breakdown of the major campgrounds and hotels arranged in the order you will encounter them along the trail.

Squamish Area Camping and Hotels

Downtown Squamish Hotels and Hostels: There are several hotels and the Squamish Adventure Inn Hostel in downtown Squamish between the 1.5 and 2.8 km marks on the trail. I recommend Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company.

Mamquam River Campground: Located a few blocks east of the trail near Brennan Park Rec Centre at the 5.9 km mark. Both drive-in and walk-in sites. No water or showers. Reservations are required.

Garibaldi Estates Hotels: There are two hotels along the northern part of the paved trail through Squamish: The Executive Suites Hotel and Resort (8.7 km mark) is my top pick, but the Sea to Sky Hotel (at the 7.5 km mark) is right next to shops and restaurants.

MTN Fun Basecamp Campground: Located at the 10.9 km mark. Drive-in sites. Free hot showers. Reservations required.

Sunwolf Riverside Cabins: Hipster cabins and a famous brunch spot next to the Cheakamus River Bridge near the 16 km mark.

Paradise Valley Campground: Located at 19.7 km. It has a few walk-in sites and lots of drive-in sites. Pay showers. Reservations required.

End of Paradise Valley Road: An informal dispersed camping area with drive-in access next to the river at the 26.5 km mark. No toilets or other facilities.

Starvation Lake: There is an informal dispersed camping area near the north end of the lake at the 28.6 km mark. No toilets or other facilities.

Shadow Lake: There is an informal dispersed camping area north of the lake near Roe Creek at the 40 km mark. No toilets or other facilities.

Whistler Area Camping and Hotels

Cal-Cheak Campground: This drive-in campground at the 52.2 km mark has 55 first-come, first-served sites spread over three loops next to a creek and a river. It has bear-proof food lockers and outhouses, but no water taps or showers.

HI Whistler Hostel: Located near the 59.4 km mark in the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood.

Whistler Hotels: There are lots of hotels located between the 65 and 70 km marks in Whistler Village and Creekside. My favourite is the Summit Lodge since it is quiet and has large rooms but isn’t too pricey (by Whistler standards anyway).

Parkbridge Riverside Whistler Campground: Take a 1 km detour off the trail at the 74 km mark in the Lost Lake Trail system to reach this luxury drive-in campground with showers. In addition to tent sites, they have log cabins and yurts. Reservations required.

Riverside Dispersed Camping: There is informal camping along Riverside Road/Wedge FSR near the intersection with Highway 99 at the 80.4 km mark. You’ll find lots of vanlifers on the road and tents down along the Green River. There is an outhouse here, but no other facilities.

Pemberton Camping and Hotels

Gord’s Garden Dispersed Camping: There are several informal campsites with no facilities on the banks of the Green River along the Gord’s Garden section of the trail between the 89 and 91.5 km marks. The best one is near 90 km.

Nairn Falls Provincial Park: A big drive-in campground at the 103.1 km mark. It has outhouses and a water pump. Reservations required.

Pemberton Hotels: There are two hotels in downtown Pemberton near the 107.4 km mark. I recommend the Pemberton Valley Lodge, which is near the trailhead.

Tips for Hiking and Biking the Sea to Sky Trail

General Tips

Black bears are common in some sections of the trail. Carry bear spray in an easy-to-reach spot and know how to use it.

If you choose to use one of the informal camping areas, stow all food, toiletries, and garbage securely at night to protect them from bears, birds, and other critters. You can rig a bear hang in a tree, but I prefer to use an Ursack with a smell-proof liner.

There is cell phone coverage on most of the trail, but there are dead zones. Download offline maps ahead of time. Leave a trip plan with a friend or family member so someone knows where you’ll be.

Water Access on the Sea to Sky Trail

The trail passes lots of creeks, rivers, and lakes, so it’s usually fairly straightforward to get water. However, some smaller water sources will be dry in July, August, and early September. Unless you are filling from a tap or pump, you’ll need to filter or treat your water. I use a Katadyn BeFree since it is light, compact, and fast.

Below, I’ve identified the easiest places to fill up. These are all reliable year-round water sources.

• Sp’akw’us Feather Park (0 km): Water fountain next to the washroom building.
• Brennan Park Recreation Centre (5.7 km): Water fountain and washrooms inside.
• Cheakamus River Bridge (16 km): Access the river by walking through Sunwolf/Fergie’s.
• Cheakamus River Bridge (19.3 km): Access to the river on the north side of the bridge.
• End of Paradise Valley Road (26.5 km): Access to the Cheakamus River on the gravel flats at the north end of the informal camping area.
• Starvation Lake (28.6 km): Easy access to the west and north sides of the lake.
• Roe Creek (40.2 km): Water access next to a bridge, a few minutes north of Shadow Lake.
• Bungee Bridge Lake (49.8 km): Small lake on the west side of the trail just before the bungee bridge.
• Cal-Cheak Campground (52.2 km): Access to Callaghan Creek from the campground.
• Alpha Lake Park (64.5 km): Washroom building.
• Wayside Park (66.2 km): Washroom building.
• Whistler Village (69.2 km): Washrooms and water bottle refill stations at Olympic Plaza and Gateway Bus Loop.
• Lost Lake Passivhaus (70.7 km): Washrooms and water bottle refill station.
• Lost Lake Beach (72 km): Washroom building.
• Riverside Dispersed Camping (80.4 km): Access to the Green River.
• Gord’s Garden (89 to 91.5 km): Several spots to access the Green River.
• Nairn Falls Provincial Park (103.1 km): Water pump.

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Hiking Tips

The trail is mostly hard surfaces (packed gravel, pavement, logging roads), so big hiking boots are overkill. I wore big boots for the section I backpacked and regretted it – I would do it in low-cut hiking boots or trail runners next time.

The Highway sections aren’t that long but, they can be intimidating. Wear bright clothing. Next time, I would wear my headlamp on blinking mode and a blinky bike light on the back of my pack.

In a few places, you can walk on the other side of the concrete Highway barrier from traffic, which helps. While walking facing traffic is the safest option, in some places the shoulder is wider on the other side of the Highway, so you might want to cross over. But do it carefully, of course.

Biking Tips

The trail is intermediate/challenging for most bike packers. The hike-a-bike section near Starvation Lake (including lifting your bike over the railway barrier) and a few steep, punchy climbs just south of Nairn Falls are the main obstacles.

You will also want to be a confident bike handler, especially fully loaded, because in places the trail passes close to steep drops off or river banks.

Unlike many other bike packing or cycling touring routes, there is a lot of semi-technical single-track. Mountain bikers will find this terrain easy, but those unused to riding off road will find it challenging.

Most of the trail is packed gravel single track, dirt roads, or pavement, making it great for gravel bikes and hard-tail mountain bikes. In general, you’ll want wider tires – at least 38 mm but ideally 45+ mm or 2″ MTB tires. You’ll also want gearing for the steep climbs.

A bikepacking set-up is ideal for the bumpy terrain. You could do it with panniers, but they will get jostled around a lot. Don’t go too heavy, or you will hate the hills.

The Highway sections are short, but in places the shoulder is narrow and traffic is fast. Consider bringing a blinky light and wearing bright clothing to keep yourself visible. Take extra care crossing the highway.

How to Get to the Sea to Sky Trail (And Between Trailheads)

There are a few ways to get from Vancouver to Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton and between these towns.

Driving

It’s an easy (and beautiful) 1-hour drive to Squamish from Vancouver via the Sea to Sky Highway. It’s another hour to 45 minutes to Whistler, and then a further 30 minutes to Pemberton.

Biking

You can bike the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Pemberton, passing Squamish and Whistler, but it’s not for everyone – many cyclists will appreciate driving or taking the bus to skip the highway, especially between Vancouver and Squamish.

The section between Vancouver and Squamish is about 68 km with about 650 m of elevation gain. In some places, there is little to no shoulder. There are sharp turns, and traffic is very fast.

The section between Squamish and Pemberton is 93 km with 830 to 1050 m of elevation gain (depending on which direction you are going). It has more shoulder than the southern section, but there are still some tight spots.

Buses

There are four bus services you can use to get between Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton. The bus stops in Squamish and Whistler are on the Sea to Sky Trail. In Pemberton, the bus stop is 1 km from the trail. Getting to Squamish or Whistler is easy, but you’ll have to transfer in Whistler to get to/from Pemberton.

• Epic Rides: Stops in Whistler and downtown Vancouver. Takes bikes on a rear rack or in a box/bag. No charge for bikes.
• YVR Skylynx: Stops at YVR Vancouver airport, downtown Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler. Takes bikes if they are in a box or bag.
• Squamish Connector: Stops at downtown Vancouver and Squamish. Takes bikes on a rear bike rack if you call or email ahead of time to reserve.
• BC Transit: Public transit between Pemberton and Whistler via the 99 Commuter bus route. Takes bikes on a front rack for free, but space is limited.

Taxis and Ride Shares

Squamish and Whistler have taxi services you can use to get between trailheads or to road crossings along the trail. Depending on the distance travelled, it can get expensive.

Whistler and Squamish do not have Uber or Lyft. However, you may be able to find a ride via Poparide, a carpooling app that is popular locally.

Squamish Trailhead

The Squamish Trailhead is located at Sp’akw’us Feather Park in downtown Squamish. The Sea to Sky trail ends/begins here next to the ocean.

The best place to park overnight is the gravel lot next to the Adventure Centre on Loggers Lane. It’s right on the Sea to Sky Trail and is 3.5 km from the trailhead. You can walk, bike, or take a taxi to the trailhead. Here are Google Maps directions to Sp’akw’us Feather Park.

Pemberton Trailhead

There isn’t a designated trailhead in Pemberton since the trail technically continues onward to D’Arcy. However, since that section isn’t finished and is essentially just a road, I recommend starting or ending in Pemberton rather than continuing to D’Arcy.

I consider the big “Pemberton” sign outside Mile One Eating House at the intersection of Highway 99 and Pemberton Portage Road to be the trailhead. It’s about 1 block from the trail, and there’s something cool about saying that you hiked or biked from downtown Squamish to downtown Pemberton. Here are Google Maps directions to the Pemberton sign.

I don’t have a great recommendation for overnight parking in Pemberton since we got dropped off. However, Pemberton’s bylaws allow anyone to park on the street for up to 72 hours, so you should be fine to leave your car in street parking. There is also a parking lot next to the Pemberton Skate Park on Pemberton Portage Road that could be ok to leave your car.

Sea to Sky Trail Review: My Opinion

I have to be honest: I have some mixed feelings about this trail (especially for hikers), and I don’t necessarily recommend it. However, it has enough redeeming features that I thought it was worth writing a guide. My opinion can be broken down into two broad themes:

It’s Not a Wilderness Trip

For the most part, the trail is surrounded by stunning natural scenery: forests, rushing rivers, lakes, etc. But the Sea to Sky Trail crosses Highway 99 and other car-accessible roads over 25 times. The farthest you will ever be from a car accessible road is 3 or 4 km on the Cal-Cheak to Trainwreck, Gord’s Garden, and Green Lake sections.

That’s great because it gives you flexibility for resupplying or getting on and off the trail. But it also means this is definitely not a wilderness experience. It’s not an urban trip either – it’s something in between. If you’re looking to detach yourself from the world and head into the bush, this trip isn’t that.

But I also loved the way that the Sea to Sky Trail shows you that despite being close to a rushing Highway, the entire corridor is full of wilderness. On my trips, I spotted lots of wildflowers, berries, old-growth trees, and animal tracks, often within sight or sound of Highway 99. It was great to slow down and enjoy walking and biking through a landscape that is usually rushed through in a car. So it’s not a wilderness experience… but there is still lots of nature.

And honestly, being close to population centres can also be great. You can stop for coffee, sandwiches, groceries, etc. You can have friends shuttle you and/or your gear between sections so you don’t have to carry heavy packs. An overnight in a hotel with a real bed and a shower is also possible!

It’s Better as a Bikepacking Trip Than a Backpacking Trip

In general, the Sea to Sky Trail is much better for cyclists. Even though it is bumpier and more technical than many bikepacking routes (which usually use gravel roads), it is quite scenic in places, and the single-track sections are a nice change of pace. Bikes can also get through the highway sections quickly.

As you can see in the surface breakdown at the top of this post, only 51.8 km of the 107.4 km is single-track trail. The rest of the trail is paved surfaces or hard-packed gravel roads, which are fun for cyclists but boring for hikers. Those hard surfaces are also killer on hikers’ feet.

That doesn’t mean that hikers shouldn’t do this trail. It just means that I recommend you understand what you’re signing up for. As well, if you’re doing it as a backpacking trip, I think the Sea to Sky Trail is best for spring or fall when other destinations are too snowy. Don’t waste prime summer weather on this trip.

Do I Recommend the Sea to Sky Trail?

For bikepackers looking for something a bit different than the usual gravel logging roads, yes, I recommend the Sea to Sky Trail. If you’re up for single track, a bit of hike-a-bike, and short, steep climbs, it’s great. The campground at Cal-Cheak (the typical overnight on a 2-day bikepacking itinerary) is also very nice.

For hikers, I don’t necessarily recommend the Sea to Sky Trail. If you’re already in Vancouver or the Sea to Sky region and are looking for a unique spring or fall trip, give it a go. Otherwise, I think there are so many other backpacking destinations in BC that are better.

The main reason I don’t recommend this trip for hikers is that there is too much road and paved trail. As well, many of the unpaved trail sections are under powerlines, which you’ll pass through quickly on a bike, but as a hiker, they get tiresome. And finally, the way that the campsites are spread out on the trail means you’ll have to do 20+ km days each day, which can be a lot for fully-loaded backpackers.

Final Thoughts

While the Sea to Sky isn’t my favourite trail, as a local, I do still have a soft spot for it. I love that the trail lets us see the plants, animals, and scenery that most people drive through the region without slowing down to appreciate. It’s also pretty cool to be able to go backpacking or bikepacking from the centre of one town to another!

If you’ve got questions about the trail, I’m happy to help. Hit me up in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• 60+ Things to do in Squamish
• Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer
• 22 Places to Camp Near Squamish
• 18 Places to Camp Near Whistler
• 10 Best Hotels in Squamish
• The Best Hikes in Squamish
• The Best Hikes in Whistler

The post Sea to Sky Trail from Squamish to Pemberton appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve hiked the Elfin Lakes Trail more times than I count, in every season, in boots, in spikes, and in snowshoes. I’ve spent lots of nights in the campground and the shelter and really explored the area. Elfin Lakes is one of the best hikes in Squamish and it is featured in my hiking guidebook, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

In this post, I’ve got everything you need to know to do the Elfin Lakes hike in Squamish. This guide includes:

• Trail stats including how long it takes, difficulty, best time to go, and more
• Tips for hiking to Elfin Lakes including what to pack and how to prep
• Day Passes – what you need to know to get a pass
• Camping reservations – how to reserve and when to book
• Trail map that shows all the key locations I mention in this post
• How to get to the Elfin Lakes trail – driving directions plus tips for going without a car
• Step-by-step hiking directions so you know what to expect
• Extending your trip – my picks for hikes you can do from Elfin Lakes
• Backcountry camping and the hut – info on where to camp and what to expect at each campground
• Snowshoeing and skiing – info on trekking to Elfin Lakes in winter
• Biking to Elfin Lakes – tips for going by bike instead of hiking

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Elfin Lakes Trail Stats

Here are the basic stats that you need to know about hiking the Elfin Lakes Trail in Squamish:

Location: The trail is located in the southern part of Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish, BC.

Duration: 6-7 hours

Distance: 22 km

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

Elevation Change: 900 m of elevation gain

Day Passes: Required some days of the week between June and October. (See the Day passes section below for more info.)

Camping and the Hut: Reservations are required for camping and staying at the Elfin Lakes Hut. (See the Camping and Hut section below for more info.)

Best Time to Go: July to early October when the trail is snow-free. I also recommend picking a clear day so you can enjoy the views.

Toilets: There are toilets at the trailhead, Red Heather day-use shelter, Elfin Lakes campground, Elfin Lakes Hut, and Rampart Ponds campground.

Drinking Water: You can fill your water bottles at Brandvold Falls (2.5 km from the trailhead) and at the north Elfin Lake (11 km from the trailhead). Pack plenty of drinking water. Since you don’t know if humans or animals have pooped or died upstream, you need to filter or treat all water before you drink it. (I use a Katadyn BeFree.)

Dogs: Not allowed in Garibaldi Provincial Park to protect wildlife and the fragile ecosystem.

Bikes: Bikes are allowed on the trail as far as the Elfin Lakes shelter. (See the biking section below for more info.)

Bears: This area has a high black bear population. Hike in a group and carry bear spray.

Indigenous Context: The Elfin Lakes Trail is in the traditional territory of the Skwxwu7mesh (Squamish) Nation. Historically, the area was an important place to pick berries and harvest mountain goats. To learn more, see the info sign in the Elfin Lakes campground or visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Tips for Hiking Elfin Lakes

• Check the weather before you go. City weather forecasts are useless in the mountains. Use an algorithmic spot forecast for Elfin Lakes like Spotwx. (Read my guide to weather apps for hikers for more tips.)
• Get a day pass: More info about that below.
• Check trail conditions online using AllTrails or Instagram. This is especially important in the spring or fall when the trail can be icy or snowy.
• Bring a rain jacket and warm clothing just in case. It can be much colder and rainier in the mountains than in the city.
• Wear trail running shoes or hiking boots. The trail is rocky and loose in places. Regular running shoes don’t have enough grip or ankle support.
• Bring water and snacks. It is not safe to drink the water from the lakes without boiling, filtering, or treating it as you never know if people or animals have pooped or died upstream. Gross! (I use a Katadyn BeFree.)
• Bring the 10 Essentials. These are key safety items you should have on every hike.
• Bring a camera – it’s gorgeous and you will want tons of pics! But leave the drone at home. Drones aren’t allowed in BC Parks without a commercial filming permit.
• Pack out all your garbage. There are no garbage cans here so you must take your garbage home with you. Leaving it in the park attracts animals.
• Be Bear aware: There are lots of black bears on this trail, especially in late summer and fall. Hike in a group, make noise, and carry bear spray. Read my bear safety tips for more info.

Elfin Lakes Day Passes

Since this is such a popular area, you need to get a free day pass if you plan to visit on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and holidays between mid-June and mid-October. Your pass covers everyone in your vehicle. Passes are available on the BC parks website starting at 7 AM two days before your trip. Act fast: passes run out fast on summer weekends.

Tip: Select the Diamond Head trailhead in Garibaldi Provincial Park to reserve a day pass to hike to Elfin Lakes.

Print out your day pass or save it as a screenshot on your phone. Cell service at the trailhead is really spotty, so you might not be able to pull it up from your email. Parks staff will check for passes on the road just before the trailhead. If you don’t have a pass, you won’t be allowed to hike.

Read my guide to BC Parks day passes for more info including tips for getting a pass.

Elfin Lakes Camping Reservations

The backcountry campgrounds and hut at Elfin Lakes are popular destinations so they all require reservations. You can book online up to 3 months before your trip. See my guide to making backcountry reservations in BC for tips on getting a spot.

Camping costs $25 per person per night plus a $6 reservation fee for each tent. Bunks in the hut cost $30 per person per night plus a $6 reservation fee per group. Note: You don’t need a day pass if you have a backcountry camping reservation.

I’ve got lots of details on what to expect at the Elfin Lakes Campground, Elfin Lakes Shelter, and other nearby campgrounds further down in this post.

Read my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for tips on getting a camping reservation.

Elfin Lakes Trail Map

I made a map of the Elfin Lakes Trail for you using Gaia GPS, my favourite GPS and mapping app. It also includes an elevation profile. Click through to zoom in and download the GPX track.

How to Get to Elfin Lakes

The trailhead is about 1.5 hours from Vancouver and about 30 minutes from Squamish. You can get there by car or a bus/taxi combo. In this section, I’ve got everything you need to know for driving, parking, and taking the bus and a taxi to Elfin Lakes.

Driving Directions

From Vancouver, head over the Lions Gate Bridge, then go west on Highway 1. Follow the signs to switch to Highway 99 North just before Horseshoe Bay. Stay on Highway 99 North and drive past downtown Squamish.

Turn right onto Mamquam Road just after crossing the bridge over the Mamquam River. A few blocks later turn left onto Highlands Way. At the roundabout, go right onto the Boulevard. Go straight through the next roundabout and follow the Boulevard up the hill and across a bridge where it becomes University Boulevard.

Turn right at the roundabout onto Village Drive. Then turn left onto Mamquam Road. A few blocks later Mamquam Road turns to gravel and becomes Garibaldi Park Road. The road has bumpy and loose sections, but is fine for all vehicles – just go slow.

Stay on this road, ignoring side roads. Watch for mountain bikers. Go left to stay on Garibaldi Park Road amongst a group of houses. Follow the road for another 5 km to the trailhead and the large gravel parking area. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Parking Passes

Just before you reach the parking lot, you may encounter a park facility operator checking parking passes and camping reservations.

If you visit on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and holidays between mid-June and mid-October, you must have a day pass for your car (also called a parking pass). See the day pass section above for more info.

If you are camping, you don’t need a parking pass, but you do need a camping reservation for each member of your group. See the camping section above for more info.

Getting to Elfin Lakes Without a Car

You can get to Elfin Lakes without a car, but it isn’t easy. From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Squamish Connector buses to Squamish.

From there, Howe Sound Taxi can take you 30 minutes to the trailhead. (Call ahead to confirm that they will go up the gravel road to the trailhead – some dispatchers get confused as to where this is.)

You can also take Squamish Shred Shuttle (a mountain bike shuttle service) to their highest stop, which is a few minutes walk from the trailhead.)

Elfin Lakes Hiking Directions

Here are my step-by-step directions for hiking to Elfin Lakes.

Trailhead to Red Heather Day-Use Hut

The trailhead is at the east end of the parking lot next to a large info sign. Walk around the yellow gate and past the outhouse to start your hike up the old road.

The Brandvold family built this road to access their backcountry lodge at Elfin Lakes in the 1940s. The lodge closed in 1972 and these days the only cars allowed on the road are BC Parks maintenance vehicles. The road is steep and rocky, so it doesn’t make for the most pleasant hiking experience.

Follow the old road up and around a switchback. About 1.5 km from the trailhead, look for a small opening in the trees to your left. There is a bit of a view down to the Squamish harbour, but it is getting overgrown.

Reach Brandvold Falls about 2.5 km from the trailhead. This is the only place to get water on the hike – but be sure to treat or filter your water. The falls are quite dry late in the summer, but there is usually at least a trickle.

Past the falls the trail starts to zigzag. In the next few kilometres, the forest opens up a bit as it starts to transition to alpine vegetation.

About 5 km from the start, reach the Red Heather day-use shelter tucked away on your left. This is a good place to take a break. There are tables and benches inside. There is also a wood stove, but it is only unlocked and available for use in the winter.

You’ll find an outhouse a few metres down the trail from Red Heather day-use shelter. It has tall stairs to keep it out of the deep snow that falls here each year.

Red Heather Day-Use Shelter to Elfin Lakes

So far the trail has been entirely uphill. (You have gained about 400 m of elevation up to this point.) But past here, the trail gets a little flatter and the views start.

From Red Heather Shelter, follow the trail past the outhouse to a junction. Go left onto the hiker’s trail and follow it steeply uphill through patches of trees and meadow. (The cyclists’ route stays on the road to the right.)

About 1 km after Red Heather Shelter, the hikers’ trail meets back up with the old road. Turn left and hike along the road.

Follow the trail as it works its way along the crest of Paul Ridge through rolling terrain. In places, the terrain is rocky and barren and in others, there are beautiful meadows. There are great views of Mount Garibaldi (Nch’kay in the Squamish language) to the north.

Occasionally, there are patches of trees, but the entire route is quite exposed to the sun, so wear a hat and sunscreen. About 10 km from the trailhead the path heads downhill and you get your first good view of Elfin Lakes.

Follow the trail to the left of the lakes. Reach the lakeshore about halfway along the southern lake. This is a good place to go swimming on a hot day.

Ignore the spur trail to the ranger station and continue on the main trail as it trends left. Arrive at a junction near the Elfin Lakes Shelter and go right and up a small hill to reach the Elfin Lakes campground.

There are great views of Nch’kay from here as well as of the Garibaldi Neve glaciers. Take a break at the picnic tables in the campground or head down to the shore of the north lake to fill up on water. (Don’t swim in the north lake as this is the drinking water source.)

When you are ready, retrace your steps back to the trailhead. If you want to explore further, I’ve got some options for extending your trip below.

Extending Your Trip

At 22 km round-trip, this hike is fairly long for one day. But if you have lots of time and energy, it’s possible to extend your trip a bit. As well, the Elfin Lakes campground is a great place to base yourself for some day hikes. Here are my picks for the best hikes that leave from the Elfin Lakes campground/Elfin Lakes Shelter area.

Columnar Peak and the Gargoyles

The short (but steep) hike to Columnar Peak and the Gargoyles is doable for hikers tackling the Elfin Lakes hike in a day. It’s also a great hike from the campground. It has incredible views of the campground, Mamquam Mountain, and Nch’Kay.

Here are the key stats for the hike to Columnar Peak and the Gargoyles from Elfin Lakes campground:

• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Distance: Up to 6 km round-trip
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Elevation Change: 500 m elevation gain
• Map: Use my Gaia GPS map of the Columnar Peak and Gargoyles trail

From the junction outside the Elfin Lakes Shelter, go west on the trail towards Opal Cone and Rampart Ponds. The trail heads downhill into a meadow.

About 1 km from the shelter, go left at a junction towards Columnar Peak and the Gargoyles. The trail immediately becomes much rougher and eroded. Try to stay on the trail as much as you can to keep the erosion concentrated, rather than spreading it out.

Follow the trail uphill through clumps of trees and then across the bottom of a scree slope and across a creek. The trail braids in a few places – you should stick to the most well-trodden path. Keep following the trail steeply uphill through rocks and meadows to a saddle.

There are incredible views from here and you may be content to make this your turnaround point. If you want to reach a summit, you can scramble uphill to the Gargoyles (to your right) and Columnar Peak (to your left). Both involve a bit of route finding and some steep slopes, so step carefully and take your time. The Gargoyles is a bit shorter and easier.

Diamond Head Peak

Diamond Head Peak is a triangular subsummit of Mount Garibaldi (Nch’kay). This peak is also called Little Diamond Head and is named after Diamond Head Peak in Hawaii.

This is the only peak on Nch’Kay that you can reach just by hiking. It’s a long trip that involves some route finding, but it is fairly straightforward. It’s best as a day trip from the Elfin Lakes campground, but strong hikers can tackle it from the trailhead in one long day. When I did it, we took about 11 hours car-to-car.

Here are the key stats for the hike to Diamond Head Peak from Elfin Lakes campground:

• Duration: 3.5-5 hours
• Distance: 10 km round-trip
• Difficulty: Very Challenging
• Elevation Change: 730 m elevation gain
• Map: Use my Gaia GPS map of the Diamond Head trail

Follow the directions above to the saddle between the Gargoyles and Columnar Peak. From there, follow a faint trail downhill through the scree to a low point with a great view of the Squamish Valley to the southwest and a small lake to the northeast.

Follow a faint trail uphill through meadows and trees to the base of a huge gravel slope. The trail disappears here and you will need to find your own route. There are a few cairns that show the way, but they peter out eventually. Just keep working your way uphill towards Diamond Head, which you can always see above you.

About half a kilometre before the summit, reach the edge of a ridge that drops away steeply to the west. I was lucky enough to see mountain goats here! Stay back from the edge and follow the ridge uphill to the north. A very steep boot-beaten path through the gravel takes you to the summit of Diamond Head. It’s steep with big drop-offs so be careful.

Opal Cone

Opal Cone is an extinct volcanic cinder cone. It has great views of the glaciers to the north as well as Mamquam Mountain to the east. It’s a great day hike from the Elfin Lakes campground or a detour on the way to Rampart Ponds.

Here are the key stats for the hike to Opal Cone from Elfin Lakes campground:

• Duration: 3.5-5 hours
• Distance: 14 km round-trip
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Elevation Change: 540 m elevation gain
• Map: Use my Gaia GPS map of the Opal Cone trail

From the junction in front of the shelter, follow the trail north through the meadows. After the turn-off for the Gargoyles, it heads into the trees crosses lots of deep gullies as it trends downhill. Reach your low point 3 km from Elfin Lakes and 200 m lower as you cross Ring Creek on a bridge.

On the other side, the trail heads uphill beside the creek through bare gravel that transitions to meadows. The route makes a few switchbacks before heading into a short stretch of trees. Reach a junction and head left to make your ascent of Opal Cone. (The route to the right continues to Rampart Ponds.)

After the junction, the route is very steep and loose. Follow the cairns to stay on track to the summit 1.25 km from the junction. You can retrace your steps, or walk all the way around the rim of the crater.

Rampart Ponds

If you want to explore further into the park, make the trek out of the backcountry campground at Rampart Ponds. It’s a good spot to base yourself for the hike to Mamquam Lake.

Here are the key stats for the hike to Rampart Ponds from Elfin Lakes campground:

• Duration: 5.5-7.5 hours
• Distance: 17.1 km round-trip
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Elevation Change: 950 m elevation gain
• Map: Use my Gaia GPS map of the Rampart Ponds trail

The route to Rampart Ponds involves lots of elevation gain and loss as well as a mandatory ford through a flooded section. To begin, follow the directions to the Opal Cone junction above.

From Opal Cone, the trail descends down to a huge volcanic gravel plain that looks like a moonscape. About 1 km after the Opal Cone junction, reach the flooded section. Each year the melting glaciers change this area, expanding the meltwater ponds. Carefully wade across the flooded area – it may be up to your waist.

On the other side, follow the trail as it heads downhill to cross Zigzag Creek on a small bridge. If the bridge is missing, this creek can be too dangerous to cross. Climb up the hill from the creek. The turn-off to the Rampart Ponds campground is 1 km past the creek. The glacier views through here are amazing.

Mamquam Lake

Mamquam Lake makes a good day hike from the Rampart Ponds campground. It’s also a very tough day hike from Elfin Lakes campground. Note: There used to be a campground at Mamquam Lake, but BC Parks closed it due to archeological concerns and built the Rampart Ponds campground instead.

Here are the key stats for the hike to Mamquam Lake from Rampart Ponds campground and from Elfin Lakes campground:

• Duration: 1-1.5 hours from Rampart Ponds/6.5-9 hours from Elfin Lakes
• Distance: 3.7 km round-trip from Rampart Ponds/20.8 km round-trip from Elfin Lakes
• Difficulty: Easy from Rampart Ponds/Very Challenging from Elfin Lakes
• Elevation Change: 250 m elevation gain from Rampart Ponds/1200 m elevation gain from Elfin Lakes
• Map: Use my Gaia GPS map of the Mamquam Lake trail

Follow the directions above to Rampart Ponds. From there, follow the trail as it switchbacks downhill. The route starts in the gravel glacial plain, then transitions to meadow and then forest. The trail ends at the lakeshore, which is great for swimming.

Backcountry Camping and the Hut at Elfin Lakes

Most people choose to camp at Elfin Lakes campground or stay in the Elfin Lakes Shelter (also called the Elfin Lakes Hut). But there are also a couple other camping options nearby. I have details on all of them below.

Elfin Lakes Campground

Elfin Lakes Campground is spread out at the north end of North Elfin Lake. The campground has 35 wooden tent platforms that can hold up to a 4-person tent. You can also squeeze two 2-person tents on the platforms, but you probably won’t be able to get your rain flies staked out all the way.

All campsites are first-come, first-served for campers with reservations. Just choose a site once you arrive.

There are metal hanging poles with pulleys to store your food. Bring a waterproof bag (I recommend a lightweight dry bag) to protect your food from rain and birds.

The cooking shelter has a metal counter for cooking, picnic tables, and a wash sink with grey water disposal. There are also outdoor picnic tables. Plan to cook and eat in the cooking area to minimize food smells and waste around the tent pads.

There are outhouses at each end of the campground. The outhouse building for the Elfin Lakes Shelter are also very close by.

Collect water from the north Elfin Lake. This is the designated drinking water lake so keep it clean! You must filter or treat all drinking water as you don’t know if people or animals have contaminated it with poop or other pathogens. (I use a Katadyn BeFree.)

Campfires are never allowed in Garibaldi Provincial Park to protect the fragile alpine vegetation. As well, be sure to stay on the paths through the campground. Over the years, campers’ feet have eroded a lot of the beautiful heather meadows.

You can find more info about backpacking to Elfin Lakes in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

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Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
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Elfin Lakes Shelter

The Elfin Lakes Shelter is also known as the Elfin Lakes Hut or the Elfin Lakes Cabin. It is located just past the north end of the two lakes. This large A-Frame hut has a kitchen and eating area downstairs and bunkbeds upstairs.

There are 33 double bunks (bottom bunks) and 11 single bunks (top bunks) and all bunks are first-come, first-served amongst people with reservations – choose an available bunk when you arrive.

The kitchen area downstairs has a propane stove that is free to use but you will need to bring your own pots. There are also metal counters for cooking and picnic tables for eating. You can wash dishes in the sink – it also has a grey water disposal drain. Hang your food on hooks on the wall and ceiling to protect it from mice.

The propane heater in the centre of the hut is only turned on in winter. The hut also has solar lighting, but it doesn’t always work. There is an outhouse building to the east of the hut with four separate stalls.

Collect water from the north Elfin Lake by walking past the cooking area for the campground. This is the designated drinking water lake so keep it clean. You must filter or treat all drinking water.

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Rampart Ponds Campground

The Rampart Ponds Campground is located 8.5 kilometres from Elfin Lakes and 19.5 kilometres from the trailhead. Keep in mind that it will take about 7-8 hours to hike there from the trailhead.

The Rampart Ponds are shallow glacial ponds in the middle of a rocky glacial plain. There are no trees for shelter so it can be a miserable place to camp in bad weather… but it also has gorgeous glacier views in good weather.

The campground has 12 gravel campsites, an outhouse, and food lockers. Collect water from Rampart Ponds.

Red Heather Campground

The Red Heather Campground is open during the winter months only. (It is prime bear habitat the rest of the year so camping is only allowed in the winter.) There are no tent pads or designated tenting area – just pitch your tent on the snow. You can use the Red Heather hut for cooking, eating, and storing your food. There is an outhouse nearby.

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Snowshoeing and Skiing at Elfin Lakes in Winter

The Garibaldi Park Road is plowed in winter, making Elfin Lakes a very popular winter hiking, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing destination. I’ve got more details in my guide to snowshoeing in Squamish.

However, it is a much more challenging and potentially dangerous trip in winter. The trail is marked in winter with reflective wands, but when the fog rolls it can be difficult to see them. You will need to be comfortable with navigation. I use the Gaia GPS app.

The trail will also be very snowy and icy. Depending on trail conditions, you will need snowshoes or microspikes. I recommend microspikes in May and November and snowshoes between December and April. (Read my guide for tips on how to choose snowshoes and my guide to the differences between snowshoes and microspikes).

The winter route (marked by wands) deviates from the summer route in a few places (most notably around the east side of Round Mountain.) Thanks to this, it stays out of most of the serious avalanche terrain. However, the backcountry ski runs below the trail are in avalanche terrain. In any case, you should still have avalanche training and rescue gear. Check the avalanche forecast before your trip.

While the road is plowed in winter, it is still usually snow and ice-covered. You must have tire chains to drive this road. BC Parks has a checkpoint partway up the road in winter. If you don’t have chains, they won’t let you continue. Even if the road doesn’t seem that slippery, the final switchback before the parking area can be very icy – lots of cars have slipped off the road here and required a tow truck to get them out. Just put your chains on!

Biking to Elfin Lakes

Bikes are allowed on the trail as the Elfin Lakes Shelter. Since the entire route is on an old road, biking makes the trip to Elfin Lakes much faster. I’ve ridden up to Elfin on my mountain bike and while it is faster than hiking, it’s still pretty tough thanks to the elevation gain and the technical terrain.

The biking directions are the same as the hiking directions above, with one key exception. Just after Red Heather day-use shelter, the hikers’ route leaves the road and heads directly uphill. If you are on a bike you must stay on the old road as it makes a long switchback before meeting back up with the hikers route about 1 km later.

The trail is steep in a few places and is often very rocky. You will need a mountain bike with suspension or at least a gravel bike. Unless you are great at technical riding uphill, you’ll definitely have to push your bike in a few places – it’s really chunky. Class 1 e-bikes (pedal assist only) are allowed. You will also need a bit of stamina for the first six kilometres since they are entirely uphill.

Final Thoughts

That’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Elfin Lakes. I recommend going in clear weather to really enjoy the views. Do you have questions about the trail? Ask them in the comments – I’m happy to help.

READ NEXT:

• The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local)
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish
• 70+ Things to do in Squamish (By a Local)
• Camping in Squamish, BC: 22 Places to Camp Near Squamish
• 31 Best Backpacking Trips in BC

The post Elfin Lakes Hike in Squamish (By a Local) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Want to skip right to the point? My top pick is the Executive Suites Hotel and Resort since it gets the best reviews and has the nicest setting.

I’ve lived in Squamish for three years. Before I moved here, I visited a few times a year for decades (I’ve lived in the Vancouver area my whole life.) Squamish is such a great spot for hiking, mountain biking, and incredible scenery that I just couldn’t get enough so I moved here! (Read my huge list of things to do in Squamish.)

In this article, you’ll find my picks for the best hotels in Squamish. I’ve got options for families, those on a budget, people who want some serious woodsy vibes, and lots more. I also recommend a few Airbnbs and places to camp.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

My Top 3 Picks for the Best Hotels in Squamish

#1 Executive Suites Hotel and Resort: kitchens in every room, great location close to trails

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#2 Sunwolf Riverside Resort: gorgeous cabins in a woodsy setting, best brunch in town

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#3 Sandman Hotel and Suites: indoor pool with huge waterslide, free breakfast

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10 Best Hotels in Squamish

1. Executive Suites Hotel and Resort

Rating: 8.4/10 stars

Location: Garibaldi Estates

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Great place to unwind. The room was fantastic. Had everything you’d need. Hotel is in a fantastic location. Beautiful setting. Nice to have a pub on-site. We’d definitely stay there again.

– Carla (Read more reviews)

If you asked me where to stay in Squamish, my first pick would be the Executive Suites Hotel and Resort. With an on-site restaurant, access to trails, a pool, and kitchens in every room, it has tons of amenities.

This hotel sits on a former golf course, so it feels like it’s out in nature despite being just a few minutes from the Highway and the Garibaldi Village shopping area. All rooms have balconies and you can choose from mountain view rooms or rooms that face the pond behind the hotel.

The Executive Suites is also in the best location for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. You can ride right from the hotel into the Garibaldi Highlands/Alice Lake zone, which is one of the best places to mountain bike in Squamish. The hotel is also right next to lots of great hiking trails, many of which are used in the famous Squamish 50 trail running race.

All of the rooms at the Executive Suites are suites. (I guess the name kind of gives that away!) So every room has a kitchen and sitting area, which makes them feel a bit less like a hotel and more like a vacation rental. They have studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options, which are great for families or groups.

The hotel has an on-site restaurant called Free Bird. Their sunny patio is one of my favourite outdoor dining spots in Squamish. They also have incredible happy hour specials including “Buck-a-shuck” oysters. They also have a beautiful outdoor heated pool and hot tub area.

The Executive Suites Hotel is in the Garibaldi Estates neighbourhood at the north end of Squamish about 10 minutes from downtown. I think it has the best amenities of any hotel in Squamish. And the kitchens are ideal if you are staying for more than one night since you can prep your own food.

2. Sunwolf Riverside Resort

Rating: 9.1/10 stars

Location: Brackendale

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The perfect spot for a quiet getaway! Oh my gosh, this is the perfect spot for a quiet, peaceful getaway! The cabins are absolutely adorable!! So cozy with the fireplace!! Very clean! Beds were comfy! My friend and I wished we could’ve stayed longer!

– Dorn (Read more reviews)

Lots of people come to Squamish for the woodsy vibes. If that’s you, you have to stay at Sunwolf Riverside Resorts. It’s a cluster of cabins on the banks of the Cheekeye and Cheakamus Rivers. It feels like it’s in the middle of the forest, but it’s only a 15-minute drive from downtown Squamish!

The setting is really magical with towering evergreen trees, a rushing river, and lots of moss everywhere. Each cabin has its own outdoor picnic area and there is a communal fire pit. Sunwolf is a great place to unplug because the cabins don’t have TVs or wifi! It’s just you and nature. (There is mobile phone service though.)

You can go for a wander along the riverbank at the resort, or book a white water rafting trip that takes you down the rapids of the Cheakamus River – the same river that runs past the cabins! Sunwolf is also at the entrance to the Squamish and Paradise Valleys, both of which have great hiking. (In Paradise Valley I recommend Brohm Lake via the Thompson Trail. In the Squamish Valley I recommend Crooked Falls or High Falls Creek.)

The cabins were originally part of a rustic fishing lodge, but they have been renovated and spruced up over the last decade, so they are super cute. Each one has exposed wood beams, full kitchens, a fireplace, and a comfy queen bed. Some also have adorable loft bedrooms.

The other major reason to stay at Sunwolf is to enjoy the best brunch in Squamish at Fergie’s Cafe, the on-site restaurant. This place is super-popular, so can beat the line-up by sleeping next door. Their mouth-watering menu includes lots of eggs Benny options and breakfast bowls, all made with locally-sourced ingredients.

If you’re looking for a cabin getaway, Sunwolf Riverside Resort is the best hotel in Squamish. My stay here about 10 years ago was what got me thinking about moving here!

3. Sandman Hotel and Suites

Rating: 8.2/10 stars

Location: Industrial Park

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Staff were super friendly! My kids loved the pool. Breakfast had a great array of options.

– Marisa (Read more reviews)

The Sandman Hotel and Suites is the best hotel in Squamish for families. It has a huge heated indoor pool with a waterslide, which kids will love. It’s also one of the newest hotels in town, so it has gorgeous rooms. There is also a free Continental breakfast.

This hotel has several room types to choose from, but all have mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee makers and wifi. If you’re staying as a family, their rooms with two queen beds and a sofa bed are a great deal.

The Sandman Hotel is also pet-friendly if you travel with your fur babies. They have designated pet-friendly rooms and a reasonable pet fee.

The stand-out feature is the huge indoor pool. It can get rainy in Squamish, so having an on-site indoor pool means you always have a backup activity. There is also a spiral waterslide that goes outside, and then back inside, and a hot tub. When my friend stayed here with her kids, they couldn’t get enough of the pool!

While the Sandman is located in Squamish’s Industrial Park, it’s actually a pretty good location. It’s within walking distance of Backcountry Brewing and Geo Cider, both of which have family-friendly restaurants in their tasting rooms. (My tip: Get the wood-fired pizza at Backcountry and the huge burritos at Geo Cider.) It’s also two blocks from Walmart if you need groceries.

The location is also very central. It’s a 5-minute drive south to downtown Squamish or north to Alice Lake Park for swimming and hiking. The Sandman is a classic chain hotel, but it’s well-executed and worth a stay.

4. Squamish Adventure Inn

Rating: 8.3/10 stars

Location: Downtown Squamish

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The place was cozy, friendly, and clean. The staff were very welcoming and helpful. The common areas were well designed and one would just want to sit there with a book in the evening after a long adventure. The organization of the kitchen was very well thought out.

– Linda (Read more reviews)

If you’re on a budget, the Squamish Adventure Inn is the best place to stay in Squamish. It functions both as a hostel and a value-priced hotel. This hotel has hostel-style dorm rooms and private rooms with shared bathrooms. But it also has hotel-style rooms with private bathrooms.

One of the stand-out features of this Squamish hotel is the huge communal kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. There are also shared lounge spaces for relaxing and a big outdoor patio with a BBQ.

The Squamish Adventure Inn is really set up for adventure. They have secure gear storage for your bikes and skis. And in the summer they rent bikes, kayaks, and SUPs. They also have discount deals with local businesses for white water rafting, ziplining, breweries, restaurants, and more.

If you don’t have a car, the Squamish Adventure Inn is my top recommendation for hotels in Squamish. It has a great location just outside downtown Squamish. It is an easy 5-minute walk to the grocery store or the Adventure Centre to catch the bus to Vancouver or Whistler.

The Inn sits on the shores of Mamquam Blind Channel, so you can paddle right out the back door. It’s also a 5-minute walk from the Smoke Bluffs, one of the best rock climbing areas in Squamish.

5. Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company

Rating: 7.6/10 stars

Location: Downtown Squamish

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The location was great, easy to find and really nice town. Good sized rooms and well equipped, comfortable bed. Good food and ambience in the bar.

– Oliver (Read more reviews)

If you want to stay in downtown Squamish, book a room at the Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company. This small hotel has rooms upstairs from Howe Sound Brewing Company, which is one of the oldest craft breweries in BC!

If you can, book one of their view rooms. That way you can look out at the Stawamus Chief right when you wake up! If you are travelling with your dog, they also have pet-friendly rooms.

The Howe Sound Inn is located at the southern end of downtown Squamish, so it’s an easy walk to lots of shops and restaurants on Cleveland Avenue (Squamish’s main drag). It’s also right next to the entrance to the Squamish Estuary walking trails.

Having the Brewery downstairs is also great. They have great craft beer made on-site and a pub-style menu. They also make wood-fired pizzas. And don’t worry about noise from the brewery! None of the rooms are over the pub and they close at 10 or 11 pm each night. Downtown Squamish is pretty quiet!

6. August Jack Motor Inn

Rating: 8/10 stars

Location: Downtown Squamish

Check rates and availability

Great comfortable stay and excellent staff. Large room and very comfortable bed. Great view of the mountains.

– Kathleen (Read more reviews)

The August Jack Motor Inn recently got a glow-up with renovated rooms and repainted exterior. They’ve also upped their hospitality game, with lots of reviews praising the helpful staff. This Squamish hotel has a great location downtown and budget-oriented prices but still has all the amenities.

This hotel has standard queen and king bedrooms, but they also have suites with full kitchens. The suites have great views of the Stawamus Chief Mountain.

If you want to do laundry, they have coin-op machines. The recently renovated lobby also has a Nespresso machine for guest use. If you’re looking to work, I’ve heard that their Wifi is really fast!

They also have built a dedicated food truck zone next to the hotel. It hasn’t opened yet (as of February 2024), but it looks really cute with twinkly lights and picnic tables.

The August Jack has a great location right in the middle of downtown Squamish. Junction Park is across the street and Stan Clarke Park is behind the hotel, so it’s quiet. It’s also half a block away from Fox and Oak, my favourite doughnut shop!

And if you’re wondering about the name, August Jack Khatsahlano was a Squamish Nation chief and the hotel was named to honour him.

7. Crash Hotel Squamish

Rating: 7.6/10 stars

Location: Downtown Squamish

Check rates and availability

Friendly, helpful staff. Big, clean rooms with amazing view of the mountain. Couldn’t be more central!

– Eleanor (Read more reviews)

If you like nightlife and funky rooms, Crash Hotel Squamish is the hotel for you. This boutique hotel in downtown Squamish has themed rooms. It located above The Cleveland Tavern, Squamish’s busiest bar, and Trickster’s Hideout, an eclectic coffee shop/cocktail bar that has live music most nights.

Crash Hotel Squamish has several different room types, including some with bunk beds if you are travelling with a group. Some of the rooms also have great views of the Stawamus Chief.

But the best part is that each room has its own unique themed decor and a signature mural behind the bed. The ski-themed room even has an old chair lift that doubles as a bench!

The hotel also has lots of great amenities like a rooftop patio, a bike storage room, and pet-friendly rooms. They also use a high-tech virtual reception and digital check-in/check-out system where your phone functions as your room key.

Staying at Crash Hotel puts you right in the heart of downtown Squamish, so it’s a short walk to lots of restaurants (including Taka Ramen, my favourite sushi place, which is just down the block).

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the place to stay if you want quiet! But Crash Hotel is really upfront about that: Some of their rooms are labeled “noise impacted” and they warn that all of the rooms experience some bar noise, especially on weekends. But if you plan to be up late partying, it’s the perfect place to stay since all the action is right downstairs.

8. Sea to Sky Hotel

Rating: 7.3/10 stars

Location: Garibaldi Estates

Check rates and availability

Great service with coffee shop/bike shop linked to hotel. Very helpful staff with hotel. Would stay there again in the future.

– Donald (Read more reviews)

The Sea to Sky Hotel has a great location in the Garibaldi Estates neighbourhood of Squamish. It’s a good spot to base yourself if you are a mountain biker since there is a bike shop with rentals in the lobby.

All of their rooms have balconies and the ones on the west side of the building have an incredible view of the Tantalus Mountains. And all of the rooms have air conditioning. This is a great Squamish hotel for groups because each room sleeps 4 to 6 people.

If you are travelling with skis or bikes, they have a designated gear storage area. The hotel also has a hot tub and sauna to relax after your adventures. There is a liquor store on the ground level. The on-site restaurant recently changed hands and hasn’t reopened yet, but I’ll update this post when it does.

This is a great hotel for mountain bikers. Ride Hub Cafe in the lobby can make you a latte in the morning, tune-up your bike, and give you tips on where to ride for the day. They also have bike rentals.

The Sea to Sky Hotel is located in the Garibaldi Village Shopping Centre, so there is a grocery store next door, a liquor store downstairs, and lots of restaurants nearby. I recommend Sushi Sen and Lil Chef Bistro, both of which are on Tantalus Road behind the hotel.

9. Mountain Retreat Hotel and Suites

Rating: 7.2/10 stars

Location: Industrial Park

Check rates and availability

Just the basics, quiet and comfortable. Great value, perfect for families, and pet-friendly too. Our kids loved the water slide! It’s FAST.

– R (Read more reviews)

The Mountain Retreat Hotel is another good Squamish hotel option for families thanks to its large rooms, family suites, and indoor pool with a waterslide.

All of the rooms have air conditioning, mini-fridges, and coffee machines. They also have family suites with a separate bedroom and a kitchenette. And they offer pet-friendly rooms.

The hotel has a heated indoor pool with a waterslide as well as a hot tub. They also have a fitness centre. The Timberwolf Restaurant on the ground floor is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Mountain Retreat Hotel is located in the Squamish Industrial Park next to Highway 99. (Tip: Ask for a room on the quieter west side of the hotel.)

The location is not close to much besides Tim Horton’s. But, it’s down the block from Raincity Distillery, which makes great cocktails made with their house-made gin and vodka and also serves up great Chinese dumplings. And since Squamish isn’t big, it’s a 5-minute drive to downtown Squamish.

10. Hotel Squamish

Rating: 6.5/10 stars

Location: Downtown

Check rates and availability

Good stay, would go back, price very good for area and located in the town centre. Room was small but well equipped.

– Stanley (Read more reviews)

Hotel Squamish is a great option if you’re on a budget. The 100-year-old building is one of the oldest in Squamish, but the rooms are renovated. It’s also upstairs from the nicest restaurant in Squamish, The Salted Vine.

All of the rooms have standard amenities like mini-fridges and coffee makers. There are several room types including a suite with a separate living area. They also have co-op laundry.

Hotel Squamish is located in downtown Squamish on Second Avenue, which is one block away from Cleveland Avenue, Squamish’s main drag. There is a liquor store downstairs along with The Salted Vine, my favourite restaurant in Squamish.

The location is very central – it’s a short walk to lots of restaurants and shops. Be sure to stop at Peak Provisions, a great deli with a lunch counter. I also recommend browsing at Gather Bookshop next to Peak Provisions.

AirBnbs and Vacation Rentals in Squamish

Squamish has a housing shortage, so the laws for Airbnbs are very strict. That means that there aren’t very many vacation rentals. Check the listing when you book to make sure they include a business licence number – that’s how you know it’s a legal rental.

However, you can still find a few gems on Airbnb and VRBO.

Beautiful Squamish Pet-Friendly Home: If you’re travelling with a group that includes dogs, this vacation rental in Brackendale gets great reviews. It also has a hot tub! Check rates and availability.

Cozy Home in Central Squamish: This cozy 3-bedroom house in the Northyards neighbourhood is dog-friendly and an easy walk to Backcountry Brewing. Check rates and availability.

Comfortable Townhouse in the Heart of Downtown Squamish: Enjoy the comforts of a home for less than the price of a hotel room. This 1-bedroom townhouse even has its own backyard. Check rates and availability.

Camping in Squamish

Since it is close to both Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish is a popular place to camp. I’ve got details on 22 campgrounds around Squamish in my guide to camping in Squamish.

My top pick for camping in Squamish is Alice Lake Provincial Park just north of town. It has 96 sites near the shores of Alice Lake, which is a great temperature for swimming in the summer and has two beaches.

READ NEXT: Camping in Squamish, BC: 22 Places to Camp Near Squamish

Squamish is a small town, but we still have lots of great lodging options. You can choose from the best hotels in Squamish, cabins, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.

I hope this list helped you find a place to stay in Squamish that works for your trip. If you need more advice, hit me up in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• 70+ Things to do in Squamish (By a Local)
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler
• Camping in Squamish, BC: 22 Places to Camp Near Squamish
• The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local)
• Squamish Canyon at Mamquam Falls: Is it Worth it?
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish

The post 10 Best Hotels in Squamish in 2025 appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The falls are great in all seasons. In the spring they gush with snowmelt. The falls gets a little drier in the summer and you can see the rock formations better. In the fall, they gush again with rain. And in the winter they freeze up a little bit and the ice formations are really cool.

But the falls are not the only thing worth visiting at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. Lots of people don’t know that there is a whole trail network here: you can visit another canyon with a bungee bridge, see other viewpoints, and go for a swim.

This guide to Brandywine Falls Provincial Park includes:

• Key trail stats for the hike to Brandywine Falls
• A Brandywine Falls trail map that I made just for you
• How to get to the park by car or on a tour
• Turn-by-turn hiking directions with lots of photos
• Hiking to the bottom of Brandywine Falls – is it allowed?
• Winter hiking and snowshoeing at Brandywine Falls including where to park legally
• Other hikes at Brandywine Falls – info for three other scenic trails
• Brandywine Falls FAQ – all your questions answered

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Brandywine Falls Trail Stats

Note: The trail stats below are just for the hike to Brandywine Falls. I’ve also got details on three more hikes in the park at the bottom of this post.

Distance: 1.2 km

Elevation Gain: 20 m

Duration: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Very easy

Season: April to November without snowshoes. November to March with snowshoes or microspikes. (Read my guide to the differences between microspikes and snowshoes.)

Toilets: Pit toilets at the trailhead.

Dogs: Allowed on-leash only.

Heads up: There are popular (and more advanced) hikes upstream of Brandywine Falls called Brandywine Meadows and Brandywine Mountain. Both of those hikes require logging road driving to reach the trailhead. They are not at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park.

Brandywine Falls Trail Map

The trails at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park are well-signed and easy to follow. There are signs at each junction. But, I made you a trail map using Gaia GPS, my favourite GPS and mapping app. Click through to zoom in and explore.

How to Get to Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is located between Squamish and Whistler on Highway 99.

To get there, go north on Highway 99 from Squamish. A few minutes after you pass the turn-off to Garibaldi Provincial Park and the Daisy Lake Dam, look for signs for Brandywine Falls on your right. Click here for Google Maps directions from Squamish.

If you are coming from Whistler, go south on Highway 99. About 8 minutes after the traffic light in Function Junction, look for the left turn lane and signs for Brandywine Falls on your left. Click here for Google Maps directions from Whistler.

The parking lot at has room for a few dozen cars and also has an RV and bus section. However, it does fill up on summer weekends, especially in the afternoon. There is no overflow parking. If you park on the highway you will get towed.

Unfortunately, there is no public transportation to the park. You could take a taxi from Whistler, which is about 15 minutes away.

Many Sea to Sky tours stop at Brandywine Falls. This highly-rated full-day bus tour includes stops at Brandywine Falls, the Sea to Sky Gondola, and Whistler. Or book a private tour of the Sea to Sky Highway that includes Shannon Falls, Brandywine Falls, and Whistler.

In winter, the parking lot is gated. Your car will get towed if you park in front of the gate. See the winter hiking and snowshoeing section below for more info.

Brandywine Falls Hiking Directions

From the parking lot, walk past a kiosk with info about Squamish and Lil’wat Indigenous culture and history. Continue past a few picnic tables to the covered bridge over Brandywine Creek.

Cross the bridge and turn right on the other side to head towards the falls. (The trail to the right goes to Lava Lake.)The wide trail here heads slightly downhill through the forest.

A few minutes later, ignore the signed Swim Lake Trail branching uphill to the left. Continue through the yellow gates to carefully cross the railway tracks.

On the other side, ignore the Sea to Sky Trail going left and continue straight. The first waterfall viewpoint is just ahead. There is a large wooden platform here with great views of the falls. Unfortunately as of summer 2023, a small tree is growing in front of the platform, which reduces the view a little.

Some people turn around here because they don’t realize there are more views. Continue along the trail for another minute to another viewpoint. This one is from a bit further back, so you get a head-on view of the waterfall.

You can continue along the trail to its end at another viewpoint. This time you can look south to the turquoise waters of Daisy Lake, a human-made lake used as a reservoir for hydropower generation. You can also look back north and spot the volcanic peak of Black Tusk.

When you have finished enjoying the view, retrace your steps back to the parking lot.

Hiking to the Bottom of Brandywine Falls

You may have seen photos on social media of people at the bottom of the waterfall. Unfortunately hiking to the bottom of Brandywine Falls is illegal.

The Provincial Park website clearly states there is no access to the bottom of the falls since it is very unsafe due to unstable slopes and falling rocks.

As well, the start of the route to the bottom of the falls now has huge fences in front of it with signs warning people not to go down into the canyon. The signs also warn people that there are fines for going past the fence.

Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing at Brandywine Falls

The flat and easy trail to the waterfall as well as the other hikes in the park make great winter hikes or snowshoe trips. However, there is one big problem: the parking lot is closed in winter.

Unfortunately, it is not easy to snowshoe at Brandywine Falls since BC Parks locks the gate at the parking lot in the winter and doesn’t plow the parking lot. If you park outside the gate on the highway, you risk getting your car towed away or having it hit by a snow plow.

However, you can legally park in winter at the Whistler Bungee parking lot on Cal-Cheak Forest Service Road. From there it’s a 6 km round trip snowshoe to the falls. More details in my guide to snowshoeing in Whistler.

Other Hikes at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park

Most visitors to Brandywine Falls Provincial Park do the short hike to the waterfall viewpoint and then head back to their car. However, there are several other great hikes in the park. I’ve got details below.

Sea to Sky Trail to the Bungee Bridge

The hike to the Bungee Bridge makes a great add-on to Brandywine Falls. It’s a 4.5 km round trip from the main trail and takes about 1.5 hours. Click here to see the custom map I made of the route to the Bungee Bridge.

Just after crossing the railway tracks, turn left onto the Sea to Sky Trail. The trail is shared with bikes, but it is wide so there should be room for everyone. The trail heads downhill to a viewpoint of Daisy Lake, then works its way back up a short but steep hill.

The second half of the trail travels under the powerlines and into an old lava field, so there is no shade, which can be tough on hot days. Just after you pass under the powerlines, ignore a trail branching to the left and stay on the main Sea to Sky Trail.

A few minutes later pass some small lakes, then arrive at the edge of the Cheakamus River Canyon. There is a great view down into the canyon and of the Bungee Bridge a few minutes ahead. This is the best place to watch people bungee jump.

You can also carry on along the trail to the bridge and look directly down into the canyon. The bridge closes for a few minutes each time people bungee jump so you may have to wait to cross it. After you’ve enjoyed the view, retrace your steps back to the Brandywine Falls main trail.

Alternatively, you can follow the Sea to Sky Trail all the way to Whistler Village, 20 km to the north across the Bungee Bridge.

Swim Lake Trail

This short trail (0.8 km round trip) leads uphill through rocks and forest to the south shore of Swim Lake. The route to Swim Lake starts just before you cross the railway tracks on the main trail. Click here to see the custom map I made of the Swim Lake Trail.

You will encounter a much more rugged trail than the main Brandywine Falls Trail, but it’s not too long – the climb from the main trail to the lake takes about 10 minutes.

The shore of the lake is rocky in some places and marshy in others, so it can be tough to find a place to get in the water easily. It is refreshing on a hot day though.

Lava Lake Trail

This multi-use trail is shared with bikes, but it’s rarely used so you won’t see many people. It starts just after the covered bridge – go left to Lava Lake instead of right to Brandywine Falls. Click here to see the custom map I made of the Lava Lake Trail.

The hike to the end of the trail is 5.3 km round trip and takes about 1.5 hours. The trail is a wide old road that passes under some powerlines. Faint side trails lead to some interesting lakes formed by depressions in an old lava field.

If you are up for some navigating, you can follow the road at the end of the trail out of the park, then across the railway tracks to meet up with the trail that goes to a cool suspension bridge over Callaghan Creek. You will end up at Cal-Cheak Campground, one of my picks for the best places to camp near Whistler.

If you choose to head outside the park, I recommend using All Trails+ or Gaia GPS app to find your way as the trails can be confusing.

Brandywine Falls FAQ

So that’s everything you need to know to hike at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. If you have questions about the hike, leave them in the comments so I can help you out.

MORE WHISTLER HIKES:

• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• Joffre Lakes Hike (By a Local)
• Whistler Train Wreck Hike
• Hike to Parkhurst Ghost Town in Whistler
• Rainbow Falls Loop Trail in Whistler
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Whistler

MORE WHISTLER INFO:

• 80+ Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)
• 42 Cheap and Free Things to Do in Whistler
• Camping in Whistler, BC: 18 Places to Camp Near Whistler
• Lost Lake in Whistler: Hiking, Swimming, Biking and More
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

The post Brandywine Falls Provincial Park Hiking Guide appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Since it is a short drive from both Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish is a very popular place to camp. You need to plan ahead to get reservations or take your chances on the first-come, first-served spots.

However, with 22 campgrounds around Squamish, you are bound to find one that works for you no matter if you are RVing, tent camping or doing van life.

This post includes:

• A Squamish camping map: 22 different Squamish area campgrounds on one handy map
• Tips for responsible camping in Squamish: how to respect the wilderness, other campers, and local residents.
• Detailed listings for 22 Squamish campgrounds including rates, reservations, locations, amenities and site types
• Where to camp for free near Squamish
• Recommendations for campgrounds in Whistler, a town about 45 minutes from Squamish
• A quick overview of backcountry (hike-in) camping in Squamish
• Squamish camping FAQ including info about weather, campfires, bears, RV sani dump stations, showers, and more

Psst! Want to know what else to see in Squamish? Check out my huge list of the best things to do in Squamish!

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Squamish Camping Map

Curious about where to find camping in Squamish? I made this custom Google Map for you. It includes all the campgrounds I mention in this post.

Responsible Camping in Squamish

Squamish is a gorgeous, which makes it a very popular place to camp. Unfortunately, many campers leave trash or have loud parties, which means that locals do not like campers. If you want to keep camping open in Squamish, do your part to be a responsible camper.

• Learn and follow the principles of Leave No Trace.
• Respect local residents and fellow campers by keeping music and noise low, especially at night.
• Plan ahead by making a reservation or having a back-up plan if the campground you want to stay at is full.
• Follow bear safe camping practices.
• If fires are permitted, keep yours small and inside a fire ring. Check for fire bans before making a campfire.
• Use a toilet or outhouse whenever possible. If not, go to the bathroom the Leave No Trace way by burying your waste. Don’t leave human waste or toilet paper on the ground where dogs or other humans may discover it.
• Don’t leave garbage in campsites. Bring it to garbage cans or recycling bins, even if that means driving a few kilometres with it.
• Do not pollute creeks and rivers with human waste or soap.

Porteau Cove Provincial Park Campground

The oceanside campground at Porteau Cove Provincial Park is one of the most popular places to camp in BC. Many of the campsites are right on the water with incredible views across Howe Sound. And the entire park is gorgeous – it’s on my list of the best things to see in Squamish.

The walk-in sites are very close together, but they have an incredible location right on the ocean. There are some short hiking trails in the park that lead to a spectacular viewpoint. The pier at the main parking lot is also a great place for photo ops and popular for star gazing.

Keep in mind that a railway runs right next to the campground. Trains run a few times a week, but if you are there when the train goes by, it is loud!

Location: Highway 99 between Lions Bay and Furry Creek (about 20 minutes south of Squamish)

Sites: 44 drive-in sites and 16 walk-in sites

Nightly Rates: $20/night for walk-in sites; $35/night for drive-in sites; $43/night for sites with electricity

Reservations: Yes. Required year-round.

Amenities: Pit toilets, flush toilets, showers, drinking water taps, picnic tables, fire pits.

Open: Year-round. There is no water and the fees are reduced between November and February.

More Info and Reservations: Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Psst! Porteau Cove is one of the most popular campgrounds in BC and can get booked up really fast. One of the best ways to get a spot is to use an app like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.

Klahanie Campground

This large campground has a great location just off the highway. You can cross the highway at the crosswalk to get to Shannon Falls. From there, a short trail takes you to the Sea to Sky Gondola and the Stawamus Chief.

Many of the campsites have incredible views of Shannon Falls. A few sites at the back of the campground are situated on top of a bluff so they look down onto Howe Sound. However, the view sites cost more.

The lodge building where you check-in has had a restaurant or take-out window in previous years, but as of 2023, I think it is closed. As well, fans of the Netflix show Virgin River may recognize the exterior of the building as Fitches B&B where Mel stays at the beginning of the series.

Location: 36583 Darrell Bay Road, Squamish (5 minutes south of Squamish)

Sites: 63 sites that are a mix of serviced and unserviced RV sites, tent sites, and walk-in tent sites.

Nightly Rates: $45-90 for tent sites; $50-90 for RV sites (Rates vary depending on site type and day of the week.)

Reservations: Yes. All sites can be reserved.

Amenities: internet access, coin-op showers, flush toilets, wash stations, potable water taps, picnic tables, fire rings, firewood for sale,

Open: Year-round

More Info and Reservations: Klahanie Campground

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park Campground

The campground at Stawamus Chief Provincial Park is cheap, doesn’t require reservations, and is only 5 minutes to downtown Squamish, making it a popular place to stay. And in the summer, it is on a bus route so it is easy to get to.

This shaded campground at the base of the Stawamus Chief mountain is popular with rock climbers, many of whom camp here for days at a time to access the world-class climbing nearby.

It’s a popular spot for hikers too since it is the trailhead for the rugged and challenging hike to the top of the Stawamus Chief. This hike is a must-do and it’s on my list of the best things to do in Squamish.

The campground sits in a mature old-growth forest so it is very shady, which is great on hot days but can be chilly and dark the rest of the time. There are 12 drive-in campsites that are essentially just parking spots for vans or small RVs. The rest of the campsites are small walk-in sites best suited to 4-person tents or smaller.

Location: Highway 99, Squamish (5 minutes south of Squamish)

Sites: 57 campsites with a mix of drive-in sites and walk-in tent sites

Nightly Rates: $10/site/night

Reservations: No. All sites are first-come, first-served.

Amenities: Pit toilets, potable water taps, covered picnic shelters, food storage lockers

Open: Mid-April to mid-October. The campground is open in winter without water but no fees are collected.

More Info: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

Squamish Municipal Campground

The District of Squamish has a small campground in a cleared area next to the Brennan Park Recreation Centre, BMX track, and sports fields. In the past, it was open to the public for first-come, first-served camping.

However, starting in 2022, the Squamish Municipal Campground is closed to the public. It is only open if you book the entire campground for special events such as sports tournaments and arts festivals.

Location: 39275 Loggers Lane, Squamish (in the Brennan Park neighbourhood)

Sites: 20-30 sites

Nightly Rates: Unknown

Reservations: Yes. The campground is currently only open for special event bookings.

Amenities: Pit toilets, potable water taps, picnic tables, fire rings.

Open: Currently only open for special event bookings.

More Info and Reservations: District of Squamish

Mamquam River Campground

This rustic campground is operated by a local non-profit and is geared toward rock climbers, mountain bikers, hikers, and kayakers who want an affordable place to camp in Squamish. The entire campground has a community feel.

The campground is right next to the Mamquam River, and it’s fun to hang out on the sandy river bank on sunny days. However, there is a gun club, an asphalt plant, and a quarry nearby, so it can be noisy during the day. It quiets down at night.

It’s a short walk to the Brennan Park Recreation Centre where you can catch a bus to downtown Squamish or other attractions around town. It’s a 5-minute drive to downtown Squamish.

There is no water source here, so bring your own. You can also collect water from the river, but boil, filter, or treat it first as it isn’t safe to drink otherwise.

Location: 2023 Centennial Way, Squamish (in the Brennan Park neighbourhood)

Sites: 76 sites with a mix of RV parking spots, drive-in sites, and walk-in tent sites. All sites are unserviced.

Nightly Rates: $10/night for walk-in sites; $20/night for drive-in sites

Reservations: Yes. All sites can be reserved between late April and late September. The rest of the year, all sites are first-come, first-served and payment is self-serve in cash.

Amenities: Communal fire rings, bear-proof food caches, picnic tables, pit toilets. No water.

Open: Year-round

More Info and Reservations: Mamquam River Campground

MTN Fun Basecamp

This conveniently located campground is right next to Highway 99 at the north end of Squamish. That makes it an easy 10-minute drive to downtown Squamish.

The campground is set in the forest at the base of Debeck’s Hill. You can hike up Debeck’s Hill (my favourite local viewpoint) or to Alice Lake right from the campground.

It’s also a great spot for mountain bikers with lots of trails right at the campground and bike rentals on-site. They even have bike rentals and a bike wash station on-site.

Location: 1796 Depot Road, Squamish (10 minutes north of Squamish)

Sites: 48 sites with a mix of serviced and unserviced RV sites and tent-only sites. They also have a small motel.

Nightly Rates: $40-80/unserviced sites (depending on size); $70/serviced sites; $149-179/motel room

Reservations: Yes. All sites can be reserved.

Amenities: Free hot showers, flush toilets, convenience store, wifi, laundry, picnic tables, fire rings, potable water taps, bike wash station

Open: Year-round

More Info and Reservations: MTN Fun Base Camp

Alice Lake Provincial Park Campground

This family-friendly campground is a worthy destination. It is just 15 minutes north of Squamish so it is easy to zip into town for groceries or dinner.

The large campground is set in a shady forest. Most of the campsites are large enough for RVs and some of them have electrical hook-ups.

The sandy beach at Alice Lake is a short walk from the campground. You can rent a kayak or SUP or swim over to the floating dock.

The park also has lots of hiking and mountain biking trails. The most popular trail is the Four Lakes Trail which loops around Alice, Fawn, Stump, and Edith Lakes. I live a short hike away from Alice Lake and love the trails here. The park is so nice that it’s on my list of the best things to do in Squamish.

Location: Alice Lake Road, Squamish (15 minutes north of Squamish)

Sites: 96 sites, most of which are big enough for RVs, some of which have electric hookups. There are also 12 walk-in tent sites.

Nightly Rates: $23 (walk-in sites); $35 (regular sites); $43 (electrical hookups)

Reservations: Yes. All sites can be reserved.

Amenities: Showers, flush toilets and pit toilets, picnic tables, potable water taps, fire rings, playground, sani station, swimming lake

Open: Mid-March to end of October

More Info and Reservations: Alice Lake Provincial Park

Cat Lake Recreation Site Campground

This lakeside campground is one of the most popular spots to camp in the Squamish area. The campground is about 20 minutes north of Squamish. It’s a short drive from the highway on a gravel road which can be bumpy but is fine for all vehicles.

The sites are arranged on walking paths around the lake, so be prepared to carry your gear for up to 10 minutes. There is no water source here, so bring your own. You can also collect water from the lake, but boil, filter, or treat it first as it isn’t safe to drink otherwise.

The main attraction here is the beautiful lake, which has relatively warm water and three different docks to jump off. There are also lots of mountain bike and dirt bike trails in the area. On summer weekends it’s a popular spot for parties.

Location: Cheekeye Forest Service Road, Squamish (20 minutes north of Squamish)

Sites: 48 tent-only sites, all of which are walk-in

Nightly Rate: $18

Reservations: No. All sites are first-come, first-serve.

Amenities: Pit toilets, picnic tables, bear-proof food lockers, fire rings, firewood for sale, swimming lake. No water.

Open: April to October

More Info: Cat Lake Recreation Site

Paradise Valley Campground

This family-oriented campground doesn’t allow generators or music, so it has a really peaceful atmosphere. However, it’s worth noting that a railway track runs along the side of the campground (trains pass a few times a week) so that can add some noise.

It is located in the Paradise Valley about 20 minutes from Squamish. The Cheakamus River is just across the street. The campground has a very natural setting with tons of trees. As well, there is a dedicated adult camping area on one side of the site for people who don’t want to camp next to screaming kids.

It is also a great location for hikers since the Thompson Trail to Brohm Lake starts right behind the campground. It’s a great trail to hike if you want to go for a swim in the lake.

Location: 3520 Paradise Valley Road, Squamish (a 20-minute drive up the Paradise Valley from Squamish)

Sites: 84 drive-in sites plus 8 walk-in tent sites

Nightly Rates: $45/night for unserviced sites or grass tenting; $65/night for serviced sites

Reservations: Yes. All sites are reservable.

Amenities: Pay showers, potable water taps, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, wash sinks, bear-proof food lockers, general store

Open: Late April to early October

More Info and Reservations: Paradise Valley Campground

Levette Lake Recreation Site

This rustic campsite can only be reached by a rough 4WD drive-only road. It is located in the Paradise Valley about 30 minutes north of Squamish.

The small lake has a gorgeous setting and mountain views. The lake is warm enough for swimming. The other half of the lake has private cabins, so be respectful and keep the noise down.

There is no water source here, so bring your own. You can also collect water from the lake, but boil, filter, or treat it first as it isn’t safe to drink otherwise.

Location: Levette Lake Forest Service Road, Squamish (30 minutes up the Paradise Valley from Squamish. The last 2 km are on a 4WD-only road)

Sites: 9

Nightly Rates: $18/night/vehicle

Reservations: No. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Amenities: Pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, bear-proof food caches. No water.

Open: May to October

More info: Levette Lake Recreation Site

Squamish Valley Campground

This campground is located right on the Squamish River with a private sandy beach. Keep in mind that the water is really cold and the current is fast, so it’s more of a quick dip or hang-out spot and not a swimming beach.

The campground is rustic and set in a grove of trees. Some of the campsites are right on the river and have incredible mountain views.

There is no water source here, so bring your own. You can also collect water from the lake, but boil, filter, or treat it first as it isn’t safe to drink otherwise.

Location: 12975 Squamish Valley Road, Squamish (about 30 minutes up the Squamish Valley from Squamish)

Sites: 65 sites

Nightly Rates: $20/person/night + $5/vehicle/night or $10/RV night (no hook-ups)

Reservations: Yes. Reservations are required on weekends. Weekdays are first-come, first-served.

Amenities: Pit toilets, picnic tables. No water.

Open: May to September

More Info and Reservations: Squamish Valley Campground

Free Camping Near Squamish

Since Squamish is a popular destination, there are very few free places to camp close to town.

Squamish is a very popular van life destination, which has unfortunately led to a situation with a lot of garbage, human waste, and noise. Locals were tired of disrespectful campers, so the town made it illegal to sleep in your vehicle on most roads within the District of Squamish. You also can’t camp in any municipal parks.

If you do choose to take advantage of free camping in Squamish, keep in mind that most places have no facilities so you will need to pack out all trash with you. You will also need to use Leave No Trace toilet practices – dig a cat hole 6″ deep well away from trails, camp and water and bury your waste.

If you choose to camp for free in Squamish, please respect other campers and the wilderness. Locations that have lots of garbage, human waste, damage, illegal fires, and noise complaints get shut down and closed to future campers.

Many of these campsites are located outside of cell service and the road networks can be confusing, so it’s best to use a GPS app like Gaia GPS or the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Backroad Mapbook.

Psst! Want to save 20% off a premium Gaia GPS annual membership, which includes the maps I use on my trips? Use this link.

Here are a few legal places to camp for free near Squamish:

Squamish Walmart Parking Lot

If you are in a jam and need a place for the night, you can sleep in your RV or van for free in the Walmart parking lot. Since it is private property, Squamish’s no camping rule doesn’t apply. The Squamish Walmart is located in the industrial park just off the highway.

It’s worth noting that the Walmart parking lot has a few year-round residents. The parking lot sometimes feels a little seedy, but it is generally fairly safe.

Where: 39210 Discovery Way, Squamish

Squamish Riverside Recreation Site Campground

This free campground near Squamish has nine sites, picnic tables and a pit toilet. It is located on the banks of the Squamish River near Ashlu Creek.

The site has a history of bear issues, so keep a clean campsite and store all food and garbage inside your car.

You will have to drive a bumpy gravel road to get here, but it is usually 2WD-accessible.

Where: Ashlu Road, Squamish Valley (about 35 minutes north of Squamish in the Squamish Valley)

More info: Squamish Riverside Recreation Site

Squamish High Falls Recreation Site

This rustic camping area in the Squamish River Valley has no designated campsites or toilets. Instead, it is just a spur road with some informal campsites off the Squamish River Forest Road near the river.

The forested campsite is prone to flooding in the spring and during periods of hot weather. It is conveniently located near the trailhead for the High Falls Creek hike.

You will have to drive a bumpy gravel road to get here, but it is usually 2WD-accessible.

Where: Squamish River Forest Service Road, Squamish (about 40 minutes north of Squamish in the Squamish River Valley)

More info: High Falls Recreation Site

Hideaway Recreation Site Campground

This is a small, rustic campground with no toilets or designated campsites. However, it is located next to the Squamish River, which is gorgeous. Unfortunately, it is a common place for illegal raves so it can be very busy and noisy on weekends.

The Squamish River FSR to get here is bumpy but mostly 2WD accessible. However, the spur road into the campsite (about 100m long) is really rough and requires 4WD. Use caution in hot weather or during times of snowmelt as the road can flood.

Where: KM 26.5 on the Squamish River Forest Service Road, Squamish (about 1.5 hours north of Squamish in the Squamish River Valley)

More info: Hideaway Recreation Site

Squamish-Elaho Recreation Site Campground

This is another rustic campground with no toilets and no designated campsites. It is located near the confluence of the Squamish and Elaho Rivers. This is another place where illegal raves and parties are common.

You can get here via the Squamish River FSR and Elaho Mainline FSR. They are bumpy, but mostly 2WD accessible. Use caution in hot weather or during times of snowmelt as the road can flood.

Where: Near the intersection of the Squamish River FSR and Elaho Mainline FSR (about 1.5 hours north of Squamish in the Squamish River Valley)

More info: Squamish-Elaho Recreation Site

Molson Memorial Recreation Site Campground

The Molson Memorial Recreation site is located beside a beautiful waterfall in the upper Elaho Valley. It is a rustic campsite with no toilets or designated campsites, but it does have one picnic table. The small site fits only one or two groups. Depending on water levels, there are also lots of camping areas nearby on the riverbed.

To get here you will need to drive 28 km on the Squamish River FSR, then turn onto the Elaho FSR and continue for another 8 km where you turn off onto a spur road for the campsite. The Elaho FSR can be rough and 4WD is likely required.

Where: G-Main FSR off the Elaho Main FSR, Squamish (about 2 hours northwest of Squamish in the Squamish River Valley)

More info: Molson Memorial Recreation Site

Chek Canyon Recreation Site Campground

The Chek Canyon Recreation Site is a very popular rock climbing area located in the Cheakamus Canyon south of Whistler. To get there, you’ll need to drive a few kilometres along the steep and bumpy Conroy Forest Service Road. A 4WD or AWD vehicle is recommended.

The small site has room for three tents, along with picnic tables and a toilet. On weekends, it is usually fully occupied by rock climbers

Where: Conroy Forest Service Road (about 25 minutes north of Squamish via Highway 99)

More info: Chek Canyon Recreation Site

Forest Service Roads

The Squamish area has many forest service roads snaking uphill into the mountains. These are rough gravel roads and many require 4WD vehicles.

Some of these roads have pullouts or clearings where you can pitch a tent for the night. There are no formal facilities so you must pack out all trash and use Leave No Trace practices for going to the bathroom. Please be respectful and don’t make a mess.

To find locations, you’ll need to explore the forest service roads. You will need to go far enough down the road to be outside of the town of Squamish.

As well, the roads lead to trailheads for hiking, mountain biking, dirt biking, and rock climbing so you will need to share space with other users. Please clean up after yourself and be respectful of other users.

The road networks can be confusing, so it’s best to use a GPS app like Gaia GPS or the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Backroad Mapbook.

Psst! Want to save 20% off a premium Gaia GPS annual membership, which includes the maps I use on my trips? Use this link.

Camping in Whistler

Whistler is just 45 minutes from Squamish so camping in Whistler can be a good way to spend time in Squamish. Here are the four main campgrounds in Whistler you should know about:

Cal-Cheak Recreation Site: 55 rustic first-come, first-served sites next to the Cheakamus River. The location is 35 minutes north of Squamish, just outside Whistler. More info: Cal-Cheak Recreation Site.

Whistler RV Park and Campground: Large RV park with tent sites located 40 minutes north of Squamish just outside of Whistler. It’s close to the highway, Brandywine Falls, and ATV trails. More info: Whistler RV Park and campground.

Whistler Riverside Camping and RV Resort: Large 156-site RV park with tent sites, yurts, and log cabins close to everything right in Whistler. More info: Whistler Riverside Camping and RV Resort

Nairn Falls Provincial Park: Beautiful provincial park next to the Green River in between Whistler and Pemberton, 1.25 hours north of Squamish. More info: Nairn Falls Provincial Park

Want to go camping in Whistler? I’ve got a whole guide to camping in Whistler that includes info for 17 places to camp in Whistler.

Backcountry Camping in Squamish

The Squamish area is home to many gorgeous hiking trails, some of which have backcountry campgrounds. Keep in mind that these campsites are several hours’ hike from the trailhead. You will need to carry in all your gear.

Most of the backcountry campsites are in Garibaldi Provincial Park including Garibaldi Lake, Elfin Lakes, and Cheakamus Lake.

Other Squamish backcountry camping options include Brew Hut, Lake Lovely Water, Watersprite Lake, and the House Sound Crest Trail.

You can find details for all of these trips in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Camping in Squamish FAQ

Wondering if you need a reservation to camp in Squamish? Or if you’ve allowed to have a fire. What about weather – what’s it like in Squamish? And will you see bears if you camp in Squamish? Here’s everything you need to know to plan a camping trip to Squamish.

That’s everything you need to know to plan a fabulous Squamish camping trip. Do you have questions about finding a campground in Squamish? Let me know in the comments. I’m happy to help!

READ NEXT:

• 70+ Things to do in Squamish (By a Local)
• The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local)
• 10 Best Hotels in Squamish
• Squamish Canyon at Mamquam Falls: Is it Worth it?
• Camping in Whistler, BC – 17 Places to Camp Near Whistler
• Camping Near Vancouver, BC: 40+ Best Campgrounds
• The Best Camping Cancellation Apps: Campnab vs. Schnerp
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

The post Camping in Squamish, BC: 22 Places to Camp Near Squamish appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’m going to be straight with you though: there aren’t that many places to camp in Whistler, and the closer to the village you are, the more expensive it is. As well, you’ll need reservations at most campgrounds.

However, if you’re willing to drive a little ways out of town (up to 40 minutes), I’ve got great recommendations for places to camp near Whistler.

This post includes:

• A Whistler camping map: 18 different Whistler area campgrounds on one handy map
• Tips for responsible camping in Whistler – how to respect the wilderness, other campers, and local residents
• Detailed listings for the 8 best Whistler campgrounds including rates, reservations, location, amenities, and site types
• Tips on where to camp for free near Whistler
• Recommendations for campgrounds in Squamish, a town about 45 minutes from Whistler
• A quick overview of backcountry (hike-in) camping in Whistler
• Tips for camping in Whistler including info about weather, campfires, bears, RV sani dump stations, showers, and more

Looking for things to do in Whistler? Check out my list of over 80 Whistler activities for both winter and summer.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Whistler Camping Map

Curious about where to find camping in Whistler? I made this custom Google Map for you. It includes all the campgrounds I mention in this post.

Responsible Camping in Whistler

Whistler is a popular destination for campers. But it is also home for thousands of residents and lots of wildlife. Do your part to be a responsible camper in Whistler.

• Learn and follow the principles of Leave No Trace.
• Respect local residents and fellow campers by keeping music and noise low, especially at night.
• Plan ahead by making a reservation or having a back-up plan if the campground you want to stay at is full.
• Follow bear safe camping practices.
• If fires are permitted, keep yours small and inside a fire ring.
• Use a toilet or outhouse whenever possible. If not, go to the bathroom the Leave No Trace way. Don’t leave human waste or toilet paper on the ground where dogs or other humans may discover it.
• Don’t leave garbage in campsites. Bring it to garbage cans or recycling bins, even if that means driving a few kilometres with it.
• Do not pollute creeks and rivers with human waste or soap.

Whistler Riverside Camping and RV Resort

If you want to camp in Whistler, this campground has the best location. It’s the only place to camp that is actually right in the town of Whistler. It’s located near the golf course and Lost Lake Park. You can drive to Whistler village in 5 minutes or walk there in 30 minutes via the Valley Trail.

Whistler Riverside is a full-service campground with everything you need including showers, laundry, wifi, sani station, and a convenience store. Some areas of the campground have lots of trees and the rushing waters of Fitzsimmons Creek run through the centre.

This is one of the few campgrounds that is open year-round. If you’re visiting in winter, expect snow. And be sure to check out my list of the best things to do in Whistler in winter.

Location: 8018 Mons Road, Whistler (5-minute drive or 30-minute walk to Whistler Village)

Sites: 156 sites with a mix of full-service, partially serviced, and unserviced RV sites, plus tent-only sites. They also have log cabins and yurts.

Nightly Rates: $47.75/tent; $71.75/RV; $90/yurt; $140/log cabin

Reservations: Yes. All sites can be reserved

Amenities: Showers, flush toilets, convenience store, wifi, laundry, barbecues, sani station, dishwashing station, picnic tables, fire rings, potable water taps

Open: Year-round (expect snow between November and March)

More Info: Riverside Camping and RV

Check prices: Booking.com

Whistler RV Park and Campground

This campground is located 20 minutes south of Whistler just off Highway 99. Since it is up the hill, many of the sites have beautiful views of the valley.

The Whistler RV Park campground is popular with ATV and dirt bikers in summer and snowmobilers in winter since the trails start right at the campground.

This Whistler area campground is also really close to Brandywine Falls – the parking lot is just across the highway and from there it’s an easy 10-minute walk to the falls. There are lots of other hiking trails in the park too.

Location: 55 Highway 99, Whistler (20-minute drive south of Whistler Village)

Sites: 89 sites with both full hook-up and unserviced RV sites as well as some tent-only sites

Nightly Rates: $45/tent; $45/small RV with no services; $65/full hook-up RV site

Reservations: Yes. All sites can be reserved

Amenities: Showers, flush toilets, cafe, laundry, ping pong tables, picnic tables, fire rings, potable water taps

Open: Year-round (expect snow between November and March)

More Info and Reservations: Whistler RV Park and Campground

READ NEXT: 42 Things to do in Whistler in Winter

Whistler Olympic Park RV & Campground

This campground is brand-new in 2023 so there isn’t a lot of information about it yet. The campground is located at Whistler Olympic Park, near the ski jumps and biathlon facility from the 2010 Olympics.

It’s a great location for hikers as there are some great trails in the area. It’s close to spectacular Alexander Falls.

Location: 1500 Callaghan Road, Whistler (30-minute drive south of Whistler Village)

Sites: 39 sites with both full hook-up RV sites and unserviced tent and RV sites

Nightly Rates: $40 unservices; $70/night full hook up RV site

Reservations: Yes. All sites can be reserved

Amenities: Showers, flush toilets, shop, laundry, indoor common area with games, dish washing station, picnic tables, fire rings, potable water taps, bear safe storage, Wi-Fi

Open: late June to early October

More Info and Reservations: Whistler Olympic Park RV & Campground

Cal-Cheak Recreation Site Campground

This rustic campground is located in the forest close to Highway 99, making it easy to have a wilderness experience while still being a short drive to Whistler.

The sites are arranged in three separate loops a few minutes apart. Callaghan Camp is next to Callaghan Creek (16 sites). North Camp is next to the Cheakamus River (10 sites). And South Camp is located at the confluence of the Cheakamus River and Callaghan Creek (23 sites).

There is no water source here, so bring your own. You can also collect water from the creeks, but boil, filter, or treat it first as it isn’t safe to drink otherwise.

You can hike and mountain bike right from the campground. A fun suspension bridge leads from South Camp across the Cheakamus River to the trail to Brandywine Falls, about an hour away.

Location: Cal Cheak, Highway 99, Whistler (15-minute drive south of Whistler Village)

Sites: 55 sites, most of which are large enough to fit RVs.

Nightly Rate: $15

Reservations: No. All sites are first-come, first-served

Amenities: Firewood for sale, pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, bear-proof food lockers. No water.

Open: April 1 to October 31

More Info: Cal-Cheak Recreation Site

Nairn Falls Provincial Park Campground

Nairn Falls is the closest provincial park campground to Whistler at only 25 minutes away. The campground has lots of big campsites with trees and is my favourite campground near Whistler. Some of the sites have great views of the river from the top of a cliff.

This is a great campground for outdoor lovers. It’s an easy 1-hour hike to spectacular Nairn Falls. You can also head north up Highway 99 for a few minutes to One Mile Lake, which has SUP rentals and a great swimming beach. (If you don’t want to drive, it’s a 40-minute hike.)

There is also a huge network of trails between Nairn Falls and One Mile Lake that is great for hiking and mountain biking. If you brought frisbees, you can even play disc golf on the heavily wooded course next to the Sea to Sky Trail.

Location: Highway 99, Pemberton (25-minute drive north of Whistler Village)

Sites: 94 sites, many of which will fit RVs.

Nightly Rate: $22

Reservations: Yes. All sites can be reserved.

Amenities: Pit toilets, picnic tables, potable water via hand pumps, fire rings

Open: Mid-May to late September

More Info and Reservations: Nairn Falls Provincial Park

Psst! Nairn Falls is popular can get booked up really fast. One of the best ways to get a spot is to use an app like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.

READ NEXT: 40 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler

Owl Creek Recreation Site Campground

This small recreation site is located just north of the village of Mount Currie. It’s a bit under-the-radar and doesn’t accept reservations, so it’s great for a last-minute trip.

The campsite is set in an old orchard alongside the Birkenhead River and Owl Creek so the sites are grassy. However, train tracks run right past the campground, so it can be noisy.

There is no water source here, so bring your own. You can also collect water from the creeks, but boil, filter, or treat it first as it isn’t safe to drink otherwise.

Location: Pemberton Portage Road, Mount Currie (40 minutes north of Whistler)

Sites: 15 sites, most of which will fit RVs

Nightly Rate: $15

Reservations: No. All sites are first-come, first-served.

Amenities: Pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, bear-proof food storage lockers, firewood for sale. No water.

Open: Early April to late October

More Info: Owl Creek Recreation Site

Cat Lake Recreation Site Campground

This lakeside campground is one of the most popular spots to camp in the Whistler area. It’s located 40 minutes south of Whistler near the town of Squamish. It’s a short drive from the highway on a gravel road which can be bumpy but is fine for all vehicles.

The sites are arranged on walking paths around the lake, so be prepared to carry your gear for up to 10 minutes. There is no water source here, so bring your own. You can also collect water from the lake, but boil, filter, or treat it first as it isn’t safe to drink otherwise.

The main attraction here is the beautiful lake, which has relatively warm water and three different docks dive off. There are also lots of mountain bike and dirt bike trails in the area. On summer weekends it’s a popular spot for parties.

Location: Cheekeye Forest Service Road, Squamish (40 minutes south of Whistler)

Sites: 50 tent-onlyy sites, all of which are walk-in

Nightly Rate: $15

Reservations: No. All sites are first-come, first-serve.

Amenities: Pit toilets, picnic tables, bear-proof food lockers, fire rings, firewood for sale, swimming lake. No water.

Open: April to October

More Info: Cat Lake Recreation Site

Alice Lake Provincial Park Campground

This family-friendly campground is a worthy destination, but since it’s just 40 minutes south of Whistler, it’s a good spot to base yourself. The large campground is set in a shady forest. Most of the campsites are large enough for RVs and some of them have electrical hook-ups.

The sandy beach at Alice Lake is a short walk from the campground. You can rent a kayak or SUP or swim over to the floating dock.

The park also has lots of hiking and mountain biking trails. The most popular trail is the Four Lakes Trail which loops around Alice, Fawn, Stump, and Edith Lakes. I live a short hike away from Alice Lake and love the trails here.

Location: Alice Lake Road, Squamish (40 minutes south of Whistler)

Sites: 96, most of which are big enough for RVs, some of which have electric hook-ups, and 12 walk-in tent sites.

Nightly Rates: $35 (unserviced); $43 (electrical hookups)

Reservations: Yes. All sites can be reserved.

Amenities: Showers, flush toilets and pit toilets, picnic tables, potable water taps, fire rings, playground, sani station, swimming lake

Open: Mid March to end of October

More Info and Reservations: Alice Lake Provincial Park

MTN Fun Basecamp

This conveniently located campground is right next to Highway 99 at the north end of Squamish. That makes it an easy 40-minute drive to Whistler.

The campground is set in the forest at the base of Debeck’s Hill. You can hike up Debeck’s Hill (my favourite local viewpoint) or to Alice Lake right from the campground. It’s also a great spot for mountain bikers with lots of trails right at the campground and bike rentals on-site. They even have a bike wash station.

Location: 1796 Depot Road, Squamish (40 minutes south of Whistler)

Sites: 48 sites with a mix of serviced and unserviced RV sites and tent-only sites. They also have a small motel.

Nightly Rates: $40-80/unserviced sites (depending on size); $70/serviced sites; $125-149/motel room

Reservations: Yes. All sites can be reserved.

Amenities: Showers, flush toilets, convenience store, wifi, laundry, picnic tables, fire rings, potable water taps, bike wash station

Open: Year-round

More Info and Reservations: MTN Fun Base Camp

Free Camping Near Whistler

Since Whistler is a popular destination, there are very few free places to camp. You aren’t allowed to sleep in your vehicle on roads or in parking lots within the Resort Municipality of Whistler. You also can’t camp in any municipal parks.

If you do choose to take advantage of free camping in Whistler, keep in mind that there are no facilities so you will need to pack out all trash with you. You will also need to use Leave No Trace toilet practcies – dig a cat hole 6″ deep well away from trails, camp and water and bury your waste.

If you choose to camp for free in Whistler, please respect other campers and the wilderness. Locations that have lots of garbage, human waste, damage, illegal fires, and noise complaints get shut down and closed to future campers.

Here are a few places to camp for free near Whistler:

Callaghan Lake Provincial Park

Located in the Callaghan Valley past Whistler Olympic Park, Callaghan Lake Provincial Park has a free campsite. The road to get there is very rough and requires a 4WD vehicle.

The campground is an informal clearing that fits four or five tents or truck campers. It has a pit toilet but no other facilities. The campground is snow-free between mid-June and late October.

Chek Canyon Recreation Site

The Chek Canyon Recreation Site is a very popular rock climbing area located in the Cheakamus Canyon south of Whistler. To get there, you’ll need to drive a few kilometres along the steep and bumpy Conroy Forest Service Road. A 4WD or AWD vehicle is recommended.

The small site has room for three tents, along with picnic tables and a toilet. On weekends, it is usually fully occupied by rock climbers.

Forest Service Roads

The Whistler area has many forest service roads snaking uphill into the mountains. These are rough gravel roads and many require 4WD vehicles.

Some of these roads have pullouts or clearings where you can pitch a tent for the night. There are no formal facilities so you must pack out all trash and use Leave No Trace practices for going to the bathroom.

One commonly used spot is Riverside Drive along the Green River north of Whistler. To find other locations, you’ll need to explore the forest service roads. The road networks can be confusing, so it’s best to use a GPS app like Gaia GPS or the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Backroad Mapbook.

Camping in Squamish

If you’re willing to drive a little further to get to Whistler (about an hour), there are lots of campgrounds in Squamish.

Paradise Valley Campground: Family-friendly campground for tents and RVs (hook-ups available) with a no speakers policy near the Cheakamus River in the Paradise Valley northwest of Squamish. More info: Paradise Valley Campground

Squamish Valley Campground: A rustic campground on the Squamish River that accepts both tents and RVs (no hook-ups). More info: Squamish Valley Campground.

Squamish Riverside Recreation Site Campground: A small rustic rec site on the Squamish River with no fees. It can get very busy and is sometimes rowdy. More info: Squamish Riverside Recreation Site

Mamquam River Campground: Basic campground with a community feel next to the Mamquam River for tents and RVs (no hookups). More info: Mamquam River Campground.

Squamish Municipal Campground: Basic city-owned campground near the Brennan Park Recreation Centre for tents and RVs (no hookups). Currently closed with no reopening date. More info: District of Squamish

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park Campground: Forested walk-in campsites and a few drive-in sites at the base of the Stawamus Chief. Primarily used by rock-climbers. More info: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

Klahanie Campground: Large campground near Shannon Falls with a mix of tent and RV sites (semi-serviced). More info: Klahanie Campground

Looking for more Squamish camping options? Check out my complete guide to camping in Squamish.

Backcountry Camping in Whistler

The Whistler area is home to many gorgeous hiking trails, some of which have backcountry campgrounds. Keep in mind that these campsites are several hours hike from the trailhead.

Most of the backcountry campsites are in Garibaldi Provincial Park including Garibaldi Lake, Elfin Lakes, Cheakamus Lake, Russet Lake, and Wedgemount Lake.

Other Whistler backcountry camping options include Joffre Lakes, Hanging Lake, Tenquille Lake, and Marriott Meadows.

You can find details for all of these trips in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Whistler Camping FAQ

Wondering if you need a reservation to camp in Whistler? Or if you’ve allowed to have a fire. What about weather – what’s it like in Whistler? And will you see bears if you camp in Whistler? Here’s everything you need to know to plan a camping trip to Whistler.

That’s everything you need to know to plan a fabulous Whistler camping trip. Do you have questions about finding a campground in Whistler? Let me know in the comments. I’m happy to help!

More Whistler posts:

• 80+ Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)
• Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer (By a Local)
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• 40+ Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• 44 Best Things to Do in Whistler in Winter
• The Best Camping Cancellation Apps: Campnab vs. Schnerp
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler
• Camping in Squamish, BC: 22 Places to Camp Near Squamish

The post Camping in Whistler, BC: 18 Places to Camp Near Whistler appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve hiked this trail a few times, so I’ve put together a complete Tunnel Bluffs trail guide for you. It has everything you need to know about finding the current trailhead (it moved!) and navigating the trail.

This Tunnel Bluffs trail guide includes:

• Key trail stats for the hike to Tunnel Bluffs
• A Tunnel Bluffs trail map and elevation profile
• How to get to the trailhead by car or bus and details on where to park
• Turn-by-turn hiking directions with lots of photos
• Info on camping at Tunnel Bluffs (spoiler – it’s not allowed)
• Why is it called Tunnel Bluffs? The story behind the name
• Tunnel Bluffs Hike FAQ – all your questions answered

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Tunnel Bluffs Hike Basics

Tunnel Bluffs is a spectacular viewpoint on a bluff above Howe Sound. It’s a popular spot for sunset since it faces west – you can watch the sunset over the ocean and islands. It’s an Instagram favourite since the views are so spectacular.

The trailhead in Lions Bay is easy to reach by car or bus (although parking is a bit complicated and can be expensive – more details on that below.) The trail is easy to follow as long as you read the signs at each junction. The hike has a steep first half and an easy and nearly flat second half, so overall, I would give it a moderate rating.

The Tunnel Bluffs trail is located on the traditional territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish). To learn more about the Indigenous context of the area, visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. Online resources include the Squamish Nation website and the Squamish Atlas.

Important Note: The trailhead for Tunnel Bluffs is on Sunset Drive in Lions Bay. There is an older trailhead on Highway 99 that is now closed. This trail guide has directions for the Lions Bay trailhead since that is the only place you can start the hike now.

Trail Stats

Distance: 11 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 450 m

Duration: 3.5-4.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Season: March to November

Toilets: At the trailhead

Dogs: Allowed off-leash

Tunnel Bluffs Trail Map

I made a map and elevation profile of the Tunnel Bluffs Trail for you using Gaia GPS, my favourite GPS and mapping app. Click through to zoom in.

How to Get to the Tunnel Bluffs Trail

You can get to Tunnel Bluffs by car and by bus on public transit. But it can be a bit confusing to navigate in Lions Bay or figure out where the trailhead is now. (It used to be somewhere else!) In this section, I’ve got everything you need to know for driving, parking, and taking the bus to the Tunnel Bluffs trail.

Where is the Trailhead for the Tunnel Bluffs Hike?

The current trailhead for Tunnel Bluffs is on Sunset Drive in the Village of Lions Bay. There is an old trailhead on Highway 99 at Tunnel Point. However, in March 2020 new 30-minute parking restrictions and no-parking zones went into effect that made it impossible to park there to start the hike. As well, you had to cross the Highway from the parking lot to the trailhead, which was really dangerous.

Now, the only way to hike to Tunnel Bluffs is to start at Sunset Drive in Lions Bay. It is a much safer and easier place to get to. Below I’ve got both driving and public transit directions for getting to the trailhead.

Driving Directions for the Tunnel Bluffs Hike

From Vancouver, head over the Lions Gate Bridge, then go west on Highway 1. Follow the signs to switch to Highway 99 North before Horseshoe Bay. In Lions Bay, take the Lions Bay Avenue exit off the Highway.

The streets in Lions Bay can be a bit confusing, so I find it easiest to put “Sunset Trailhead Public Pay Parking” into Google Maps, then follow my GPS.

After getting off the highway, follow the road up the hill, then turn left onto Crosscreek Road and cross the bridge. At the stop sign, turn right onto Centre Road and go uphill past the fire hall. At the next intersection go left onto Bayview Road. Stay on Bayview, passing over several sections of speed bumps in front of the school then going uphill around a few curves.

At a T-junction, turn left onto Mountain Drive. Keep going uphill to another T-junction. Turn left onto Sunset Drive. The parking lot and trailhead are at the end of this road. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Parking in Lions Bay

Lions Bay is a small community and unfortunately, they are not that welcoming to hikers. In 2021, Lions Bay implemented pay parking everywhere in the village, along with tons of no-parking zones. They are very strict with their parking regulations so make sure you pay for parking and park in approved areas or you risk getting ticketed towed. Read more about parking in Lions Bay.

You can pay for parking at a kiosk at the Sunset trailhead or using the Flowbird App. Cell service in Lions Bay isn’t great, so download the app and make an account before you get there.

The best place to park for the Tunnel Bluffs hike is the parking lot on Sunset Drive. However, there are only about 15 parking spots, and they fill up fast. Parking here costs $3/hour ($24 max per day) with a 3-day maximum.

The next closest place to park is street parking on the east side of Mountain Drive. Read the parking regulations signs carefully to be sure that you are parked legally. Parking is $2/hour here and you can pay via the Flowbird app or at the meter at the corner of Bayview Road and Mountain Drive. Parking here will add 0.5-1 km and 40 m of elevation gain each way to your hike.

During the summer and on the weekends you can park for free at the lower lot at Lions Bay Elementary School on Bayview Road. Parking here will add 1 km and 120 m of elevation gain each way to your hike.

How to get to the Tunnel Bluffs Hike on the Bus

Tunnel Bluffs is a great public transit-accessible hike. From downtown Vancouver, take the 257 or 250 bus to Horseshoe Bay. Transfer to the 262 bus to Lions Bay. Get off the bus on Crosscreek Road at Oceanview Road in Lions Bay. From here, turn right on Centre Road, then walk up Bayview Road, following the driving directions above. Taking the bus will add 1.8 km and 160 m of elevation gain each way to your hike.

Tunnel Bluffs Hiking Directions

The trail to Tunnel Bluffs is fairly easy to follow with signs at every junction. However, the signs are all homemade and can be hard to spot, so pay attention as you hike. There are also kilometre markers on the trees to mark your progress.

The trail starts at the end of the parking lot on Sunset Drive. Walk past the info kiosk and pit toilets and around the gate onto a wide gravel road.

The first half of your hike will be on this road as it snakes uphill. There is no escaping it – the beginning of this hike is really steep. You will gain 350 m in 2 km. This section of the hike is also fairly boring as it is on a wide road with no views.

From the trailhead, follow the old road uphill as it curls to the right around the first switchback past a water tank. If you watch closely, you will see the Missing Link Trail leaving the road on the right, then the Harrison Trail on the left. Ignore both of these trails and stay on the main gravel road.

A few minutes later the road curls back to the left. Stay on the road and keep climbing. At the 1 km mark, the trail forks. Stay right as the road to the left goes to a locked fence. A few minutes later, the road curls through two more tight switchbacks, then heads south and continues uphill.

Round one curve as the road starts back north, then arrive at a major junction at the 2 km mark. Stop to catch your breath as you have finished the bulk of the elevation gain – the rest of the hike is much flatter!

Go left at the junction to continue towards Tunnel Bluffs. The road to the right leads to the Lions. Shortly after the junction, cross a small stream by hopping across the rocks. It dries up to a trickle in summer.

About 2.7 km from the trailhead, arrive at a log bridge over Magnesia Creek. It should take about 40 minutes to 1 hour to hike this far.

The bridge is made of two logs with wire decking for grip. It has a rope handrail for balance. Some hikers may find this bridge (and the one that comes later) a little intimidating, but most will find crossing it a fun adventure. The logs can be a little bouncy, but they are wide and secure. Go one at a time if you are nervous.

The old road you have been hiking on starts to look a bit more like a trail, but it is still fairly wide. A few hundred meters after the bridge, near the 3 km mark, arrive at another junction. Signs on the trees point the way to Tunnel Bluffs on the left along the old road. The route to the right is the steep trail to the summit of Brunswick Mountain.

Keep hiking along the road, which looks more and more like a trail as the trees grow in on the sides. At one point the trail gets rocky as it crosses below a scree slope.

Near the 4 km mark, reach a log bridge over M Creek, also known as Yahoo Creek. This bridge has the same construction as the first.

About half a kilometre later, stay on the road old, ignoring an overgrown trail dropping down to your left. An info sign and map here mark the start of the old Tunnel Bluffs Trail that comes up from the highway. It has fallen into disuse now that parking restrictions on the highway prevent hikers from coming up that way.

A few minutes after that, reach another junction. The Hat Mountain Trail heads uphill to the right. Follow the Tunnel Bluffs Trail straight.

A few minutes later the trail leaves the old road bed and heads left towards the ocean. This is the only part of the route that is not on an old road, so it is much narrower and rockier. The path is obvious as you scramble up a short rock outcropping, then find yourself at the top of the bluff.

The view from the top is spectacular, but it’s even better further down. Work your way down the left (south) side of the bluff, using whichever route seems easiest to you. At the bottom, a wide flat area makes a great spot to take a break and enjoy the view.

You can see the Sea to Sky Highway stretching down the coast to the south to Horseshoe Bay. The bigger islands in Howe Sound are Bowen Island to the southwest and Gambier Island to the west. You can also see Keats Island behind Bowen and the Gibsons area of the Sunshine Coast. Around the corner to your right, you can also see Anvil Island. The tiny rock islands in front of Gambier are called Seal Rocks.

There is a wooden box attached to a tree with a log book in a drawer that you can sign. Please resist the temptation to leave anything in the box – pack out all your garbage with you.

After you have enjoyed the view (perhaps at sunset), retrace your steps back to the trailhead. Take care on the steep descent through the switchbacks as some of the rocks are quite loose.

Camping at Tunnel Bluffs

While you may have seen photos of people camping at Tunnel Bluffs, unfortunately, it is not officially allowed. There is no toilet here and the area is very rocky, so camping leads to a disgusting build-up of human waste. In the past, campers have started campfires that got out of control. Enjoy the area at sunset (or any time of day), but don’t stay overnight.

Why is it Called Tunnel Bluffs?

There are no tunnels at Tunnel Bluffs – just an amazing view. The bluffs are named for Tunnel Point, the area just below it on Highway 99. (The parking area and viewpoint at Tunnel Point is where the old trail to Tunnel Bluffs starts.) Tunnel Point got its name because there is a train tunnel that runs through it (and actually goes under the highway in that area).

Tunnel Bluffs Hike FAQ

Now you have all the info you need to hike to Tunnel Bluffs in Lions Bay. Do you have questions about the trail or how to get there? Ask them in the comments – I’m happy to help!

READ NEXT:

• The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local)
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler
• 70+ Things to Do in Squamish
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• Alternatives to the Grouse Grind: Steep Workout Hikes Near Vancouver

The post Tunnel Bluffs Hike in Lions Bay appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The Sea to Sky Highway is a gorgeous drive along the side of Howe Sound, an ocean fjord, and then up into the snowy mountains to the Whistler ski village. Along the way you’ll pass through the town of Squamish (where I live), one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures and home to world class hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

Instead of just speeding through all the way to Whistler, take a little longer and get out of your car. There are so many amazing places to stop including viewpoints, waterfalls, hikes, swimming, picnic spots and museums.

In this guide I’ll give you directions to all my favourite places along the Sea to Sky Highway, plus include tips for driving and recommendations for where to eat and stay.

This post includes:

• Sea to Sky Highway driving directions
• Sea to Sky Highway map including locations of all the places I recommend to stop
• How long it takes to drive the Sea to Sky Highway
• Sea to Sky Highway road conditions and driving tips
• How to take a Sea to Sky Highway road trip without a car – shuttle bus services, tours, and more
• The best places to stop on the Sea to Sky Highway – 20 of my favourite places to stop
• My favourite places to eat and drink on the Sea to Sky Highway
• Where to stay along the Sea to Sky Highway: hotels, cabins, hostels, and more
• Sea to Sky Highway FAQ: all your Sea to Sky road trip questions answered

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Sea to Sky Highway Driving Directions

Total Distance: About 120km from Vancouver to Whistler

The Sea to Sky highway (also known as Highway 99) runs from West Vancouver to Whistler, passing Squamish about half way between the two. It also extends past Whistler to the towns of Pemberton and Mount Currie before ending at Lillooet. 

To get to the Sea to Sky Highway, take the Lions Gate bridge from Vancouver. Once over the bridge, follow the signs left for Highway 99 and Whistler. Turn right onto Taylor Way, continuing to follow the signs. Go up the hill on Taylor Way. Then go under the highway and turn left to merge on to the highway.

At this point you are on a highway that is both Highway 1 and Highway 99. Continue for about 10km. Watch for the signs for Whistler where the highway splits. Stay in the left lane to continue onto Highway 99 (the Sea to Sky Highway). Continue following the Sea to Sky Highway for another 100 kilometres to Whistler. You stay on the same highway the whole time so it’s easy to follow.

Click here for Google maps driving directions.

Sea to Sky Highway Map

I’ve made a custom clickable map of the Sea to Sky Highway for you showing all my recommended stops including places to eat and sleep. 

Sea to Sky Highway Driving Times 

Driving Time: Minimum 2 hours

If traffic is light and the weather is good, you can drive the entire Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler in about 2 hours. However, if you want to make a lot of stops, allow a full day. If you want to make any longer stops, I’d recommend splitting the trip up over 2 or 3 days.

Sea to Sky Highway Road Conditions and Driving Tips

Best time to drive the Sea to Sky Highway: June-September

You can drive the Sea to Sky Highway all year, but the best time to go is from June to September when the snow has melted and the hiking trails are accessible. The most popular time is July and August on the weekend. If possible, try to go mid-week.

The Sea to Sky Highway was upgraded for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, so it’s in much better shape than it was before. However, it is still narrow in a few places and very winding, especially south of Squamish. Accidents are common so take your time and go slow (even if the locals are speeding). 

The weather can also be a huge factor when you drive from Vancouver to Whistler. There can be lots of snow in the winter. Heavy rain and fog can make the drive treacherous any time of the year. You can check conditions before you go on the highway webcams.

From October 1st to March 31st you must have winter tires on your car to drive the Sea to Sky highway. If you don’t, you could be fined. 

There are lots of gas stations, restaurants and shops in Squamish, but there are few services along the rest of the drive.

The Sea to Sky Highway is in the ancestral territory of the Squamish (Skwxwú7mesh) and Lil’wat First Nations. Along the way there are interpretive signs in kiosks in the shape of traditional cedar bark hats. If you want to learn more about First Nations culture and history, be sure to stop when you see one.

The highway can be busy with a mix of tourists who want to go slow to enjoy the view and locals who are in a hurry to get home. Be a courteous driver and stay out of the left lane, except to pass.

It’s easy to rent a car in Vancouver or at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). I use Discover Cars since they let you compare prices between tons of different rental companies.

Experiencing the Sea to Sky Highway Without a Car

If you don’t want to drive yourself, you have a few options for experiencing the Sea to Sky Highway.

Sea to Sky Shuttle Bus Services

There are several bus services that go from Vancouver to Squamish and Whistler. These services are intended to get you to your destination. They don’t stop at any attractions. However, you will still get great views out the window.

For the best views, sit on the left side of the bus on the way to Whistler and the right on the way back.

Local companies currently offering shuttle services include:

• YVR Skylynx (Vancouver airport, downtown Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler)
• Epic Rides (Downtown Vancouver, Whistler)
• Whistler Shuttle (Vancouver airport, Whistler)
• Squamish Connector (Downtown Vancouver, West Vancouver, Squamish)

Sea to Sky Tours

Several companies offer Sea to Sky bus and small group van tours.

A popular option is a 10-hour Sea to Sky small van tour that goes from Vancouver to Whistler and back, stopping at popular spots like Shannon Falls and Porteau Cove along the way. Check prices.

If you want to include the Sea to to Sky Gondola, book a Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler day trip. The tour includes stops at Shannon Falls, the Sea to Sky Gondola, and Whistler. Check prices.

Taxis, Limos, and Private Transfers

You can also take a taxi, limousine or private transfer from Vancouver to Whistler. Prices vary depending on what you book and how many stops you want to make.

Some Vancouver taxi companies will pick you up at the airport or downtown and take you to Whistler. However, it’s fairly expensive (about $350 one way) and the driver won’t want to make any stops since they will be in a hurry to get back to Vancouver to get their next customer.

If you want to customize your itinerary or are travelling with a group, a private transfer in a limo or van makes the most sense. With vehicles ranging from town cars to luxe mini buses, they can come up with a quote and itinerary that works for your group. Check prices.

Places to Stop on the Sea to Sky Highway

Whytecliff Park

This beautiful park is nestled into a pocket cove surrounded by fancy West Vancouver mansions. Head down to the beach for great views of Howe Sound and the nearby Sunshine Coast. Or explore the trails to various bluff-top viewpoints.

At low tide you can scramble across the rocks out to Whyte Islet, the rocky island just offshore. 

Getting there: 7102 Marine Dr, West Vancouver. From the highway, take exit 2 for Eagleridge Drive. Go right at the round about and continue past the the ticket booths for the ferry terminal. Turn left onto Marine Drive.

At next two roundabouts, go straight to continue on Marine Drive. Stay on Marine Drive as it winds through the neighbourhood and ends at the Whytecliff parking lot. Click here for Google maps driving directions.

Lions Bay

The tiny village of Lions Bay (population 1300) is perched on the side of the steep mountainside. If you need a snack, there is a small general store and cafe accessed via the Lions Bay Avenue exit. There are also several small beaches (Lions Bay Beach, Kelvin Grove Beach), but parking is quite limited.

One of the main reasons to visit Lions Bay is the hiking trails. Challenging routes lead high into the mountains to the summits of iconic peaks like the Lions (for which the town is named). An easier and equally picturesque option is the 4 hour hike to Tunnel Bluffs, which has an incredible view.

READ NEXT: My guide to the Tunnel Bluffs Hike in Lions Bay

Porteau Cove

This small provincial park is wedged between the Sea to Sky Highway, a rail line and the deep waters of Howe Sound. The day use area is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. Be sure to take a walk out on the pier for great views of the surrounding mountains.

Fun fact: The pier actually doubles as an emergency ferry terminal in case parts of the Sea to Sky Highway are impassable. However, it’s never actually been used for that purpose.

Getting There: Turn left at the sign for Porteau Cove Provincial Park. Click here for google maps driving directions.

More info: Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Psst! Porteau Cove Provincial Park is on my list of the best places to camp near Vancouver and the best places to camp near Squamish.

Britannia Mine Museum

This little village of Britannia Beach used to be home to the largest copper mine in the British Commonwealth. These days the mine is a museum and the village is exploding with new condo developments.

The museum is pretty cool. They have lots of old hulking machinery on display, including a GIANT truck. But I found the historical displays the most interesting. They explain the history of the village and what it was like for the miners and their families who lived there. In the mine’s heyday, there was no road to Britannia so it was a pretty isolated spot.

The highlight of the museum is the underground mine tour. You get to ride on an old mine train, wear a hardhat and experience what it was actually like to mine for copper. (Hint: It was LOUD!) 

They also have a new multimedia show called BOOM! that provides a behind the scenes look at what the giant mill building looked, sounded, and smelled like when it was operational. I sometimes find shows like this to be a little cheesy, but this one was really well done.

Getting There: 1 Forbes Way, Britannia Beach. Turn right off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Copper Drive at the traffic light in Britannia Beach. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Britannia Mine Museum

Detour: If you’re hungry, don’t miss Mountain Woman Take-Out. This tiny old-school shack of a restaurant in Britannia Beach has great fish and chips. If you’re looking for something a bit more hip, check out Outbound Station, also in Britannia Beach. They have great burgers and coffee.

Murrin Provincial Park

On summer weekends you’ll be lucky to get a spot in the parking lot at Murrin Provincial Park. That’s because tiny Browning Lake is a super popular swimming spot with warm water and a nice sandy beach. It’s a nice spot for a picnic any time of year too. Keep an eye out for rock climbers on the nearby cliffs.

If you are adventurous, there is also a fun hike up onto the bluffs with incredible views. However, it involves a bit of scrambling so it’s best for experienced hikers.

Getting There: Turn left at the flashing yellow light and signs for Murrin Provincial Park. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Murrin Provincial Park

Nch’kay Viewpoint

As you round the corner into Squamish, you’ll see a pull out on the left. This is the Nch’kay viewpoint. From here you get a great view of Mount Garibaldi, known as Nch’kay in the Indigenous Skwxwu7mesh language.

Mount Garibaldi is a huge dormant volcano that towers over the town. If the weather is clear, pull over here for a quick photo op of Nch’kay and the town of Squamish.

Getting there: Turn left into the pullout about 1.5km after Murrin Park.

Shannon Falls

At 335m tall, Shannon Falls is the 3rd highest waterfall in BC. It’s a short 5 minute hike to the falls. Be sure to check out both the upper and lower viewing platforms to see the falls from different vantage points.

Getting there: Turn right at the Darrell Bay Road traffic light and follow the park road into the parking lot. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Shannon Falls Provincial Park, my guide to Vancouver area waterfall hikes

Sea to Sky Gondola

Opened in 2014, the Sea to Sky gondola is one of best attractions in between Vancouver and Whistler. I have an annual pass and head up there every few months.

The gondola carries passengers from the side of the highway, up past granite cliffs to a lodge perched high above Howe Sound. It’s an easy way to get up into the mountains without a breaking a sweat. (Although it will give your wallet a minor workout.) 

If you want to save some money, you can also hike up to the top via the challenging Sea to Summit Trail. It climbs 900m over 7km and will take most people about 3.5 hours. If you want, you can take the gondola down for a fraction of the price it costs to go up.

Once you arrive at the top, be sure to check out the viewing platforms and suspension bridge near the lodge. For more epic views, walk the Panorama Trail. It’s mostly flat and quite easy and at only 1.6km long, it’s short enough for almost everyone.

If you are up for a longer hike, Al’s Habrich Trail made my list as one of the best hikes near Vancouver. In the winter, the Sea to Sky Gondola also has some of the best snowshoeing trails in Squamish.

If you get hungry, the lodge has a small cafe. Grab a bowl of poutine and a beer, then sit out on the patio in the sunshine and enjoy the views.

Tip: Save time by buying your Sea to Sky Gondola tickets ahead of time.

Getting there: 36800 Highway 99, Squamish, BC. Watch for the entrance on the right hand side of the Sea to Sky highway just after the Darrell Bay Road traffic light. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Sea to Sky Gondola 

Stawamus Chief

The Stawamus Chief is a huge granite dome that towers over the town of Squamish. The Sea to Sky highway passes right beneath the base. The Chief is 700m tall and is one of the largest granite monoliths in the world.

If you just want to pull over for a quick look, the best place is the roadside parking lot just after the pedestrian overpass. See if you can spot rock climbers high above you! If you want to try it out, you can go on a guided rock climbing trip that’s geared for beginners.

However, you don’t need a rope and harness to get to the top. There’s a steep hike up the backside of the Stawamus Chief that takes you all the way to the top of the cliffs. Be careful as there are no railings and it’s a LONG way down! This is a popular hike and is one of Vancouver’s most Instagrammed hikes.

Getting there: For the best view, turn right off the Sea to Sky highway into the parking lot next to the highway just past the pedestrian overpass. (This isn’t the main parking lot.) Click here for Google maps driving directions.

More info: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

Downtown Squamish

Be sure to turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway to explore downtown Squamish along Cleveland Avenue. As a local, my favourites are Billie’s House for house plants and home goods, Empire of Dirt for gifts and housewares, Lucas Tea, and Xocolat chocolates.

If you are driving the Sea to Sky Highway on a Saturday in the spring, summer, or fall, be sure to stop in at the Farmer’s Market for local produce, baked goods, crafts, and live music.

Getting There: Turn left at Cleveland Avenue and follow it a few blocks into downtown Squamish. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Squamish Farmer’s Market

Psst! Looking for even more things to do in Squamish? Check out my Squamish activities guide – it has over 70 ideas.

Railway Museum of British Columbia

I’m not into trains, so I have to be honest and say I’ve never been here. However, my nephew loves it and has been several times. The Railway Museum of British Columbia has all kinds of vintage train cars, engines, and parts (over 90 of them!) Some of them are over 100 years old.

They also have a miniature railway that is popular with kids. At Christmas they have a special Polar Express Event. There’s also a Thomas the Tank Engine event in the spring.

Getting There: 39645 Government Rd, Squamish, BC. Turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Commercial Way. Go straight through the roundabout, then turn right on Queens Way. Follow Queens Way as it curves around to the left and becomes Government Road. Cross the railway tracks and find the entrance to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park on your right. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Hours: The museum is only open on Saturdays in the summer. The rest of the year they are open for special events like the Polar Express and Thomas the Tank Engine.

More Info: Railway Museum of British Columbia

Squamish Estuary and Spit

For the best view of the Stawamus Chief, head to the Squamish Estuary and Spit. This finger of land sticks out into Howe Sound at the mouth of the Squamish River. There are several short, flat trails where you can spot birds and other wildlife.

But for the best views, head out to the end of the spit. Squamish means Mother of the Wind, and the spit is the windiest place in Squamish. There are usually lots of kitesurfers and windsurfers playing in the waves just offshore.

Getting There: Turn left on Commercial Way. Go straight through the roundabout, then turn right onto Queen’s Way. Follow this road as it curves around to the left and becomes Government Road. Cross the train tracks and keep going on Government.

Look for Spit Road on your right. It’s gravel, and can be very bumpy, but it’s fine for 2WD vehicles if you go slow. Follow Spit Road to a T-junction and turn left. Keep going to the end of the road. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Brackendale Eagle Viewing

Squamish has more eagles than anywhere else in the world, usually around 1,300 every year. Many eagles migrate to Squamish in the fall to feed on spawning salmon, then stay for the winter. Head to the dykes along the Squamish River in the Brackendale neighbourhood to see them.

From November until January there are volunteers along the dyke on weekends with telescopes to help you get a better look. You can also bring your own binoculars of course!

Another great way to see the eagles is on a floating raft tour. I did this eagle float tour a few years ago and had a great time. 

Getting There: Turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Garibaldi Way. Turn right at Government Road and follow it as it approaches the river. Park in the gravel parking lot on the right just before the Watershed Grill or on the shoulder. Cross the road and follow the path to the top of the dyke. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Alice Lake Provincial Park

Alice Lake has a popular campground and picnic area that makes a great place for break when driving to Whistler. You can go for a swim in the lake or rent a paddleboard or kayak. It’s also a great place to swim on a hot day.

There’s also an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails. If you’re looking for an easy hike, I like the Four Lakes Trail. It’s mostly flat and only takes 2 hours to complete. Details are in my guide to hiking in Squamish.

Getting There: Turn right off the Sea to Sky Highway at the flashing yellow light at Alice Lake Road. Follow the road into the park. On busy summer weekends when the parking lot fills up park rangers may close the entrance gate. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Alice Lake Provincial Park 

Psst! Alice Lake Provincial Park is on my list of the best places to camp near Vancouver and the best places to camp near Squamish.

Cat Lake

This small lake 15 minutes north of Squamish gets fairly warm in the summer. It also has several docks you can jump off. The lake is surrounded by walk-in campsites. It’s a popular spot for partiers on the weekend, but during the week you can have it mostly to yourself.

Getting There: Turn right off the Sea to Sky Highway onto the Cheekeye Forest Service Road about 3 minutes after you pass the turn off to Alice Lake. Follow the gravel road about 2.5km to the parking lot. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Cat Lake Recreation Site

Brohm Lake

From the highway Brohm Lake looks pretty marshy. However, if you head around the corner you’ll discover a pretty little lake surrounded by forest and granite bluffs. There’s a trail around the lake so you can stake out your own lakeside spot.

There is also a great network of hiking trails that lead to several viewpoints. Get more details in my guide to the best hikes in Squamish.

Locals love to swing into the water from the rope swing or jump off the short cliffs. The parking lot is small so go early on summer weekends to get a spot.

Getting There: Turn left off the Sea to Sky highway at the sign for Brohm Lake. There’s a small left-hand turn lane. It’s just past the turn off for Cat Lake. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: My guide to Brohm Lake trails

Tantalus Lookout

The snow-capped mountains on the west side of the Squamish River are called the Tantalus Range. There are no roads and just a few trails that access the jagged peaks. But you can get a great view just by pulling off the road. 

Getting There: Turn right off the highway at the viewpoint sign. It’s about 2.5km past the Brohm Lake turnoff. Follow the road uphill for a few meters to a parking lot on the left. Click here for Google Maps driving directions. (Use these if you are going northbound.)

There’s actually an even better view, but you can only access it when you are driving southbound from Whistler to Vancouver. Look for it on the west side of the highway. (You can’t turn left going northbound so save it for the drive home.) Click here for Google Maps driving directions. (Use these if you are going southbound.)

Garibaldi Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer 2023. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

The hike to Garibaldi Lake is one of the most popular (and most beautiful) hikes in BC. It’s a long hike so allow a full day to get there. It is 18km return with 800m of elevation gain and will take at least 5 hours. Make sure to leave enough time at the top to take photos or even go for a dip in the freezing cold glacial lake.

If you’re really keen, you can add on the hike to Panorama Ridge. The views are great but it will add another 12km, 700m and 6 hours to your hike. You can also camp overnight.

(FYI: Garibaldi Lake is on my list of the 10 best hikes near Vancouver, so if you’re a hiker, you shouldn’t miss it.)

Getting there: Watch for the sign for Garibaldi Provincial Park, then turn right on Daisy Lake Road just after going over a bridge. The trailhead is 2.5km down the road from the Sea to Sky Highway. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park

Brandywine Falls

The 70m tall Brandywine Falls are pretty spectacular since they have carved a huge canyon into lava columns. The waterfall is one of the Sea to Sky Highway’s best known attractions. It’s a short half-kilometre hike to the viewing platforms.

There’s a steep and dangerous trail down to the bottom of the falls, but it’s officially out of bounds so I don’t recommend it.

If you visit in the winter, the trails around Brandywine Falls are also one of the best places near Squamish to go snowshoeing.

Getting there: Turn right off the highway at the sign for Brandywine Falls. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: My Brandywine Falls hiking guide

Alexander Falls

It’s a bit off the beaten track, so Alexander Falls doesn’t get as much buzz as Brandywine Falls or Shannon Falls. But I’d argue that it is equally impressive. It’s 43m tall and drops down over several tiers. You can drive right up to the viewing platform.

Getting there: Watch for the sign for Whistler Olympic Park, and turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Callaghan Road. Follow the road for about 10 minutes. Look for the Alexander Falls Recreation Site sign on the left and turn into the gravel parking lot. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Whistler Olympic Park

During the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics, the nordic skiing, biathlon and ski jump events were held at Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan Valley. In the winter you can cross country ski or snowshoe here. (Checkout my guide to snowshoe trails.)

The trails are open in the summer too, including hiking up the ski jump. You can also sign up for biathlon lessons and shoot on the same course as the Olympians! There’s a small fee to get in.

It’s also worth a drive up this road as its one of the best places in the Sea to Sky corridor to see bears. If you see a bear, stay in your car and take photos from a distance. Never, ever feed a bear! Read more about bear safety. 

Getting there: 5 Callaghan Rd, Whistler, BC. Watch for the sign for Whistler Olympic Park, and turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Callaghan Road. Follow the road for about 15 minutes to the lodge, passing Alexander Falls along the way. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Whistler Olympic Park

Whistler Bungee

I’m a chicken and have never bungee jumped. (And I likely never will unless someone is paying me to do it!)  But if bungee jumping is on your bucket list, you can do it in Whistler.

You’ll plummet 50 metres (160 feet) off a narrow bridge into the Cheakamus River canyon. The river is glacially fed so it’s a beautiful bright blue colour. Even if you don’t jump, it’s worth a detour to see the canyon. If you’re up for a slightly longer hike, you can also get to Brandywine Falls from here.

Getting there: Calcheak Forest Service Rd, Whistler, BC. Just after the turn-off to Whistler Olympic Park, turn right off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Cal-Cheak Forest Service Road. You’ll cross train tracks right away and then the road turns to gravel. Follow the road for about 7 minutes to the bungee bridge. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Whistler Bungee

Whistler

From skiing to mountain biking, to hiking, to food, Whistler has something for everyone. I’ve got a huge list of the best things to do in Whistler.

Best Places to Eat and Drink on the Sea to Sky Highway

As a Squamish local, I’ve eaten at pretty much every restaurant along the Sea to Sky Highway. Here are my favourites.

Taka Ramen & Sushi

The BEST Japanese food in the Sea to Sky area. Top notch sushi, delicious ramen, and great staff. The only downside is that they don’t take reservations, so you often have to wait for a table.

Getting There: 38065 Cleveland Avenue, Squamish. From Highway 99, turn left onto Cleveland Avenue and follow it for a few blocks. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Fox & Oak

This is my favourite spot in Squamish for coffee and a sweet treat. The interior is gorgeous with sleek wood, tile, and lots of plants They have under cover outdoor seating too. Their coffee is great, but the real reason to visit is their artisanal doughnuts.

They have cake doughnuts, brioche doughnuts, and vegan doughnuts in classic flavours like chocolate glaze and more experimental flavours like Earl Grey tea. I always get the mango passion fruit.

Getting there: 1396 Main Street, Squamish. From Highway 99, turn left on Cleveland and follow it for a few blocks to the intersection with Main Street. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Zephyr Cafe

Want a healthy meal in Squamish? Head to Zephyr Cafe downtown. They serve breakfast and lunch, including lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. I usually get the qunioa bowl with their delicious sesame dressing.

Getting there: 8084 Cleveland Ave, Squamish. Turn left off Highway 99 onto Cleveland Avenue. Zephyr Cafe is on the left hand side about half a block past Winnipeg Street. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Luz Tacos at Geo Cider

Squamish has several great places to get Mexican food, but I think Luz tacos is by far the best. Their burritos are huge and oh so good. They are located inside Geo Cider, so you can get your food to go or enjoy it along with their tasty cider.

Getting there: 1201 Commercial Way, Squamish. From Highway 99, turn left on Industrial Way. Go right at the T-junction on to Queens’s Way, then turn right at the first driveway into the parking lot. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Watershed Grill

The Watershed Grill in Brackendale is one of my favourite places to eat in Squamish. It’s right on the banks of the river, so the patio has a great view. They have tasty pub-style food. It’s a locals hangout so expect crowds on nights when there’s hockey on TV.

Getting There: 41101 Government Rd, Brackendale. Turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Garibaldi Way. Turn right at Government Road and follow it as it approaches the river. Look for a gravel parking lot on the right just after a cross walk. Park here and cross the road. The restaurant is just ahead behind the trees. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Fergie’s Cafe

Fergie’s Cafe has some of the best food in Squamish. In fact, I think they have the best eggs Benedict I’ve ever had! This small restaurant is attached to the Sunwolf resort. They moved into a new building a few years ago with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. They’re just open for breakfast and brunch. Go early (especially on wekends) to get a table as they don’t take reservations.

Getting There: 70002 Squamish Valley Rd, Brackendale. Turn left off the highway at the flashing yellow light onto Squamish Valley Road. Look for the entrance to Fergie’s on the right hand side just before going over a bridge. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Where to Stay Along the Sea to Sky Highway

If you really want to make the most out of your Sea to Sky Highway road trip, you should break it up over a few days and stay overnight.

The easiest place to base yourself is in Squamish where there are lots of options from cabins to hotels to hostels. (In fact, Squamish made my list of the best weekend getaways from Vancouver.)

I’ve got a whole guide to the best hotels in Squamish that you should check out. It’s got details on the best places for families, groups, those on a budget, and more.

Camping

For a complete list of campgrounds on the Sea to Sky Highway, check out my guides to camping in Squamish and camping in Whistler.

Some campgrounds require advance reservations while others are first-come, first served. Plan ahead on summer weekends as it can get REALLY busy.

Boutique Hotel: Howe Sound Inn

The Howe Sound Brewing Company also has their own boutique hotel, the Howe Sound Inn. It’s right in the heart of Squamish so you can walk to shops and cafes. And if it’s raining, you don’t even have to go outside – just go downstairs to the brew pub! Check rates. 

Hotel Suites: Executive Suites Hotel

Every room at the condo-style Executive Suites Hotel has a kitchen, which is great if you want more space or prefer to cook for yourself. It’s also one of the more upscale hotels in town. It’s located north of downtown Squamish, but there is a restaurant on site and lots of hiking trails nearby. Check rates.

Cabins: Sunwolf

I stayed at the Sunwolf cabins a few years ago. It’s an old fishing lodge right next to the Cheakamus River in Brackendale. The cozy wooden cabins have river views and fireplaces, but no TVs – just what you need for a wilderness getaway. Plus its on the same property as Fergie’s! Check rates.

(Want even more cabin options? Check out my list of the best cozy cabins near Vancouver.)

Hostel: Squamish Adventure Inn & Hostel

The Squamish Adventure Inn has both dorms and private rooms, a kitchen, and patios. It’s located just off the highway next to the river. If you’ve had enough driving, it’s within walking distance to bike trails, hiking, rock climbing, restaurants and groceries. My sister stayed here for the weekend and says it’s a great place to meet other travellers to go hiking or exploring. Check rates. 

Sea to Sky Highway FAQ

With all that info, you should be ready to head out on your own Sea to Sky Highway road trip. What’s your favourite spot to stop between Vancouver and Whistler? Do you have questions about driving the Sea to Sky highway? Let me know in the comments.

More Whistler posts:

• The Best Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)
• 42 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer (By a Local)
• 44 Best Things to Do in Whistler in Winter
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• Camping in Whistler
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Whistler

More Squamish posts:

• 70+ Things to do in Squamish (By a Local)
• 10 Best Hotels in Squamish
• Camping in Squamish
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish

More Vancouver posts:

• 20+ Beautiful Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• Cozy Cabins near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway
• Camping Near Vancouver, BC: 40+ Best Campgrounds

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