Squamish

Only an hour from Vancouver at the head of Howe Sound, Squamish is known as Canada’s adventure capital and has some of British Columbia’s most dramatic scenery. The Stawamus Chief granite monolith towers over the region where temperate forest meets the ocean. Spring snowmelt brings waterfalls such as Shannon Falls to full force.

Squamish deserves more than a quick stop on the way to Whistler. Trails and snowy peaks surround a town with local breweries, welcoming cafés, and a strong outdoor culture. Squamish Nation heritage is inseparable from this landscape. Crystal-clear lakes, granite mountains, and sunsets over the sound make it a place many travelers want to revisit.