Discovering Squamish on CTV Morning Live News
Located 45 minutes from Vancouver along the scenic Sea To Sky highway is the gorgeous town of Squamish, BC. A fantastic destination for a late summer or fall getaway, the city boasts a variety of adventures. From historic sites, scenic hiking, mountain biking, river rafting, golfing and wildlife viewing, Squamish has something for everyone. Before visiting, we always check out the Explore Squamish website for extensive Squamish travel information.
Disclaimer: While I share my own thoughts and stories about these experiences, should you click on the affiliate links, I may receive a small commission on that sale which helps fund Adventure Awaits.
Here are a few ways to extend your summer with a visit to Squamish:
Britannia Mine Museum
Britannia Mine Museum is a fun, family-friendly tourist attraction that provides unique and memorable experiences that engage visitors of all ages. Visitors can enjoy fun exhibits and crowd favourites like the underground mine train tour, the historic 20-storey mill building and its BOOM! special effects show, and gold panning.
This year, the museum is celebrating 100 Years of Mill No. 3, which is a National Historic Site, and was an architectural feat of engineering at its time, built on the side of Mount Sheer. The 20-storey, 8-level, Mill No. 3 building served as the heartbeat of the Britannia community, its history, technological innovations, and impact as an icon of the Sea to Sky Corridor.
From now until September 30th, the Britannia Mine Museum is piloting a unique and engaging Behind-the-Scenes experience, where small groups of visitors aged 18+ can explore with tour guides up the first three levels of the 20-storey Mill No. 3 building to get rare and raw views of upper levels of the 100-year-old copper concentrator building.
Get your tickets for the Britannia Mine Museum here!
Sea to Sky Gondola
One of British Columbia’s premier attractions, the Sea to Sky Gondola showcases unprecedented views of Howe Sound and the Sea to Sky Corridor. Hop inside one of the 40 accessible state-of-the-art, eight passenger cabins, where the gondola will transport you (885 meters above sea level) to the summit (a 10-minute ride), where you can enjoy a walk along the Sky Pilot suspension bridge, cantilevered viewing platforms, gain access to world renowned hiking/walking trails, and explore the 9,000 sq. ft. West Coast inspired Summit Lodge.
Whether you are a new, intermediate, or seasoned hiker, Sea to Sky Gondola and its accessible hiking trails, showcase some of the most stunning scenery in the world. From the spectacular array of fall colours to unobstructed views of Howe Sound, the Pacific Ocean, and majestic mountain peaks of the Alpine, this attraction is a must-see, must-do experience this fall season.
Sea to Sky Gondola offers a wide variety of internationally recognized hiking/walking trails to experience. Some of the most popular walks/hikes include Panorama Trail, Spirit Trail, Wonderland Lake Loop, and Alpine Alley.
Visitor Tip: Before heading on out on the trails that extend further into the backcountry, make sure to download the convenient Trail Map App.
With non-stop views, a thrilling gondola ride to/from the summit, fun activities, a variety of hiking/walking trails suitable for all fitness levels, along with tasty new food options, live music, and more, there’s never been a better time to visit and experience Sea to Sky Gondola.
Get your Sea to Sky Gondola ticket here!
Dialed in Cycling
It’s no secret that Squamish is home to some of BC’s most spectacular biking trails and Dialed In Cycling is the go-to shop for bike rentals in Squamish. Their convenient location allows you to park and ride right from their basecamp. The team at Dialed In Cycling LOVES biking and are thrilled to bring you the best mountain biking experience tailored to your needs.
In addition to rentals, coaching for adults, women’s only, kids, plus private group lessons (with certified and experienced instructors). Coaching and lessons explore everything from just wanting to learn to ride, building on existing skills, or adventurers wanting to take their biking to the next level. Lessons are fun and approachable for all ages and riding styles giving you the opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment.
Don’t want/need a lesson? Sign up for a guided ride and have a local show you the trails (family rides, and 2,3 or 4 hour guided rides available which are customizable). Voted Squamish’s ‘Best Adventure Guides’, you can bet that you are going to have the best biking experience!
Where to Stay in Squamish
From boutique to budget there is a range of accommodation options to suit everyone’s taste whether you are looking for a cozy cabin near the river or a comfy resort with a pool Squamish has you covered. For a listing of accommodations in Squamish, check out the Explore Squamish website.
We love the variety of options that Squamish has to offer, here are some of our favourite base camps for our adventures:
Executive Suites Hotel and Resort
The Executive Suites Hotel and Resort is perfect for families, as all of their rooms are suites (studio and one or two bedroom options) and feature fully equipped kitchens. Enjoy a swim in the heated outdoor pool and a soak in the hot tub, grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant, or marvel in the scenic sights from your private balcony after a day full of adventures. There is plenty of room for everyone (including your four legged dog family members!) at this condo-style getaway.
Book your stay at the Executive Suites Hotel and Resort here!
Sunwolf Riverside Resort
Looking for a cabin retreat experience? Sunwolf Riverside Resort is an ideal place to bask in the sounds and sights of nature from your own cabin in the woods. With 12 cabins to choose from (pet friendly), you can listen to the sounds of the Cheakamus and Cheekeye Rivers while enjoying the views of the Tantalus Mountain range. With an on-site restaurant, outdoor fire pit, barbeque area and easy access to hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, horseback mountain biking trails, this resort is a great basecamp for your Squamish adventures.
Book your stay at Sunwolf Riverside Resort here!
Sandman Hotel and Suites
Located right off the Sea to Sky highway, the Sandman Hotel and Suites Squamish is an ideal basecamp for all of your adventures. The hotel is packed with family friendly amenities including an indoor pool with waterslide, guest laundry, pet friendly rooms, hot continental breakfast and a variety of room types and sizes. Centrally located, this hotel is a great choice no matter what activities you choose to fill your days with.
Book your stay at Sandman Hotel and Suites Squamish here!
Other Squamish Adventures
Squamish truly is an outdoor mecca full of exciting adventures. Here are a few more reccomendations:
Rope Runner
The Rope Runner Aerial Adventure Park allows visitors of all ages to push their limits as they work their way through a high ropes course full of cargo nets, climbing walls, slacklines, suspended bridges, monkey bars, and even a suspended kayak and snowmobile!
Book your Rope Runner Ropes Course Adventure here!
River Rafting
Enjoy a wet and wild river rafting experience with Canadian Outback Adventures as you navigate through the twists and turns of the Elaho River’s class 3-4 rapids. With your knowledgeable and professional guide, you are sure to enjoy lots of laughs and maybe a few screams as you paddle your way through the rapids downstream!
Book your Canadian Outback Adventures River Rafting excursion here!
Squamish Via Ferrata Tour
Want to take your adventures to new heights on a daring but safe climbing experience? Italian for “Iron Way,” the Squamish Via Ferrata is an engineered vertical adventure consisting of metal rungs and a specialized cable system, allowing you to climb your way up for fantastic views of Howe Sound and surrounding mountains. With a fully secure route throughout, this fully guided tour is one not to be missed!
Book your Squamish Via Ferrata Tour here!
We are excited for you to extend your summer and jump into fall exploring all that Squamish has to offer! What adventure are you going to experience first?
