Places
Perfectly situated between Vancouver and Whistler, this fast-growing B.C. town is renowned for its “down-to-Earth” vibe, world-class hiking and adventure-oriented community
Perched at the tip of Howe Sound along B.C.’s Sea to Sky Highway, Squamish rises between granite cliffs, coastal rainforest and glacier-capped peaks. It’s a place where the stories of the Sḵwxw̱ ú7mesh Úxwumixw, the Squamish Nation, are woven into the land — and adventure feels close to home.
Few places in B.C. deliver summit views as quickly as Squamish. Within an hour or two of leaving downtown, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of land and sea from the top of Stawamus Chief, 700 metres above Howe Sound.
Tucked away in Brackendale, just north of Squamish, the Brackendale Art Gallery is a whimsical space, looking like something pulled straight from the set of Hook. A popular event venue and community hub, it’s also home to Zephyr Café, where art, coffee and locally sourced fare converge. The avocado halloumi toast is a must-try.
Head north, and within a few minutes you’ll arrive at the Squamish Airport, home to Sea to Sky Air. Since 2003, the small tour company has been lifting visitors into the skies, revealing the full scale of Squamish’s dramatic landscape. If you think Squamish is stunning from the ground, wait until you see it from the air.
Smoke Bluff Coffee House in the Valleycliffe neighbourhood is not to be missed. This cosy, open-air spot not only serves the perfect matcha but also has a mini market showcasing the work of local artisans. The space prioritizes community, the staff are friendly, and the coffee is good — positive vibes only.
In Squamish Canyon, the town’s newest eco-attraction, visitors are guided along a 1.4-kilometre elevated boardwalk through towering forests to the edge of the Mamquam River. Rest stops and cantilevered platforms are found throughout the immersive boardwalk, providing visitors with places to pause and reflect.
Complete with map-top tables, a 50-seat tasting room and immaculate 1970s ski cabin vibes, Backcountry Brewing is the place to decompress after a long day. New seasonal beers appear weekly, and the brewery also serves hand-tossed thin-crust pizzas. You know you’re close when the scent of freshly baked dough hits your nostrils.
From the comfort of a high-end e-bike, eco-tour company Blazing Saddles Adventures guides visitors through some of the area’s most scenic vistas: salmon-filled rivers, sweeping mountain viewpoints, temperate rainforest trails and laid-back city streets.
The 4.45-hectare Sp’akw’us Feather Park boasts an oceanfront public beach, a playground, a boardwalk and wide grassy areas perfect for picnics. The park is also home to striking art pieces by local artists and a playground designed in collaboration with Indigenous youth that retells the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw stories of the land.
Just off the Sea to Sky Highway, Sandman Hotel & Suites is the perfect home base for any Squamish adventure. Offering comfortable, spacious rooms, Sandman exudes a calm, quiet atmosphere, complete with mountain views and easy access to local amenities.
This story is from the May/June 2026 Issue
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