Squamish Attractions and Things to Do.

Squamish is a natural playground with a host of historical, cultural and geological attractions to keep you busy for days. Each attraction and activity will put smiles on faces, creating unforgettable memories. Attractions in Squamish and the surrounding area offer a wide variety of activities suiting all ages and interests. With the diversity of attractions available there will be no shortage of things to do.

Squamish Days: The annual logging event and one of the biggest attractions in BC. Celebarating its 50th anniversary in 2007. Squamish Days is five days of excitement, fun and magic aimed to make every member of the family smile. There are music events, children's activities, a parade, wacky bed races, a 10 km run, pancake breakfast and two world class Loggers Sports Shows with competitors from all around the world. This event showcases not only Squamish’s rich heritage, but also it’s strong and vibrant community spirit. Events include: Tree Climbing, Tree Topping, Birling, Chokerman's Race, Axe Throwing, Underhand Chop, Butcher Block Chop, Obstacle Pole Chop, Springboard Chop, Hand Bucking, Speed Bucking, Standing Block Chop, Tree Falling, Ladies Triple, Team Relay, 10k Run, Bed Races, Parade, Show N'Shine and Truck Rodeo

Ocean Attractions: The Squamish Ocean Front: is a keystone attraction that is undergoing development with the creation of a highly livable oceanfront village at the northern extremity of Howe Sound. Visit Nexen Beach for a picnic or walk, enjoy scenic panoramic views of the Squamish Valley. You can see the falls at Shannon Falls Provincial Park flowing down the mountain beside the Stawamus Chief and the Mamquam Glacier can be seen looming in the background between the Chief and Garibaldi Mountain.

Squamish Spit: The Spit is a long breakwater located at the mouth of the Squamish River. It is the launch pad for windsurfers and kitesurfers. At the very end of the spit is the windsurfer launch area; you can drive to a drop-off point beside it, unload your board, and park. The Spit is also a great place to access the many trails of the Squamish Estuary. The Estuary is where the fresh water river meets the sea. This provides a very unique eco-system that includes tidal canals with mud flats at low tide mixed with a canal like channel that flows through grassy wetlands. Naturally the Estuary is home to thousands of ducks and geese as well as over 200 species of birds such as Osprey or Hawks.

Come to Squamish and learn why this spectacular seaside mountain town will not be kept secret for long!

Natural Attractions:

Eagle Run:Significant numbers of eagles may be present from mid-November to mid-March but viewing is at its peak from mid-December to mid-January. The main "Eagle Run" viewing facility is located on the municipal dyke in Brackendale, an interpretive display explains the eagles and salmon life cycle. Having long been recognized as one of the most significant areas of wintering bald eagles in North America. Squamish had the world record count of 3,769 eagles in 1994. The river’s habitat is ideal for roosting, perching and feeding. The prolific runs of chum salmon in the Squamish, Cheakamus, and Mamquam rivers attract eagles from all over the Pacific Northwest each year.

Useful Link: Brackendale Eagles

Provincial Parks:

Alice Lake Provincial Park, Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park, Garibaldi Provincial Park: Garibaldi Provincial Park is one of the largest provincial parks in British Columbia and extends from Whistler to Squamish. Its unique geological features— many of which formed 10,000 years ago during the last ice age when several of the area's volcanic centres were active and include Mount Garibaldi, Black Tusk, Table Mountain, the Barrier and Garibaldi Lake to name a few — offer its visitor outstanding vistas in both the winter and summer. The park is a favourite Lower Mainland backcountry skiing destination in the winter and boasts fabulous hiking of all difficulties in the summer. Visitors to the park should be prepared for a backcountry experience: suitable footwear, clothing, water and food is necessary.

A public cabin in the Elfin Lakes area of Garibaldi can be used for $10 a night. Murrin Provincial Park, Porteau Cove Provincial Park, Shannon Falls Provincial Park, Stawamus Chief Provincial Park: Strawamus Provincial Park is Squamish's newest Provincial Park, created in 1996, features one of the world's largest granite monoliths, the Stawamus Chief (rising 650 metres), and one of North America's greatest rock climbing attractions. The three great walls of the Chief boast more than 100 climbs up to 11 rope pitches. Hikers can also reach the three summits of the Chief and the nearby Squaw via trails that can be accessed from the park headquarters or nearby Shannon Falls Provincial Park. Tent camping is available at the base of this unique mountain, just minutes from Squamish town centre. Tantalus Provincial Park.

West Coast Railway Heritage Park: The West Coast Railway Association has an impressive history. In its thirty-five years since it was incorporated it has amassed the largest collection of railway rolling stock and artefacts in Canada outside of Quebec. The West Coast Railway Association also opened the 12-acre West Coast Railway Heritage Park. The Heritage Park aims to present a typical railway facility of the mid 20th century. It now provides the visitor with the opportunity to tour authentic railway equipment in various stages of restoration. The West Coast Railway Heritage Park is an attraction designed to please the whole family, set in some of the most beautiful scenery in Canada. Open daily.

Museums and Centres:

BC Museum of Mining: The Britannia Beach Mine was operational for 70 years. In 1975 the B.C. Museum of Mining was opened to the public, and was designated as a National Historic Site in 1988. The following year, 1989, the Museum site was designated a British Columbia Historic Landmark. The dignity of the Historic Mill is being restored with the re-roofing and re-cladding of the exterior and the replacing of 18,792 windowpanes, honouring its role in the foundation of our British Columbian and Canadian Heritage. The BC Museum of Mining brings our exciting history alive with activities, displays and guided underground tours. Open daily May – October.

Brennan Park Recreation Centre: If sport, lifestyle, health, and community are important to you, you need to experience the Brennan Park Recreation Centre! Discover why so many health and lifestyle conscious enthusiasts of all ages are choosing to visit and play in one of B.C.’s most inviting and well—managed recreational facilities. Brennan Park offers washrooms, lockers, showers, exercise machines, swimming pool, hot tub, ice arena, bike showers and lockers. Adventure Centre - If there is anything that you need to do in Squamish then the Adventure Centre is your first port of call!

Come and take a look at historical Squamish and watch as history writes itself.