Nestled between Whistler and Vancouver, Squamish is a charming small town framed by majestic mountains, lush forests, and the glistening waters of Howe Sound. Whether you’re en route to Whistler or seeking a memorable day trip, Squamish is a wonderland filled with outdoor activities and opportunities for a leisurely stroll through its quaint streets. Squamish has a lot of culture to offer and is truly worth your time. If you have just 24 hours to spare, here’s our take on making the most of a day trip to Squamish.
Getting to Squamish
Whether you choose the scenic route by car or opt for the convenience of bus travel, the journey through the Sea to Sky Highway is breathtaking, offering ever-changing views of Howe Sound with each twist and turn of the road.
For our journey to Squamish, we opted for a Toyota Corolla rented from Independent Rent a Car in Downtown Vancouver. The staff were exceptional, understanding the potential for traffic delays and graciously allowing us extra time for our return. Despite minor exterior blemishes, the car was immaculate inside and provided a comfortable and reliable ride, granting us the freedom to explore at our own pace. Squamish was only a 45 minute drive away having left downtown Vancouver at 8 am on a Friday.
If navigating unfamiliar roads isn’t your preference, fear not—Squamish is accessible via coaches and buses. Skylynx buses depart from Vancouver Airport or Downtown (behind the Hyatt Regency Hotel), offering a convenient route directly to the Squamish Adventure Centre. Our past experience with Skylynx was seamless and dependable, ensuring stress-free travel to our destination.
The Stawamus Chief aka ‘The Chief’
Our adventure began with an early start at The Stawamus Chief Hike (affectionately known as The Chief) aiming to beat the crowds and the midday heat. The trail starts amidst campgrounds with a couple of drop toilets (handy for last minute needs as there are no other toilets on the trail) and progresses upward via a series of sturdy stairs, guiding us through lush forests and alongside trickling streams.
The path is well-marked, leading us past Lunch Rock, where hikers can pause to catch their breath before facing the decision point: ascend to the first peak or continue onward to the second or third. Opting for the first peak, we embraced the challenge of sturdy chains and ladders, which added an exhilarating dimension to our usual hikes. Upon reaching the summit, we enjoyed our lunch with panoramic views of Howe Sound, often shared with climbers scaling the Chief’s sheer cliffs nearby. The hike to the first peak typically spans 3-4 hours, catering to those seeking a challenging but immensely rewarding trek with stunning views.
Preparation is key for this adventure: sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, ample water, and nourishing snacks are essential. The Chief proved to be more challenging than we thought but we really felt accomplished having completed this trail.
Downtown Squamish
Your day trip to Squamish is incomplete without stopping in downtown. Just a short drive from the iconic Chief lies Downtown Squamish, a charming hub centred around main street lined with boutique shops and restaurants, all easily explored on foot. We were captivated by the town’s vibrant murals, many featuring the Chief as a backdrop, which beautifully encapsulate Squamish’s rich culture and artistic spirit.
For a satisfying meal, we tried The Cooper Coil Still and Grill, where we indulged in BBQ delights with a New Orleans twist. The Brisket Po Boy was a delicious with its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture complemented by just the right amount of richness in the dip, paired perfectly with a flavourful blackened chicken salad that provided a refreshing contrast.
If you’re in Downtown Squamish, Fox and Oak is also absolutely worth the stop. Here we sampled what can only be described as one of the best Vanilla donuts we’ve ever had—truly a delightful treat that exceeded expectations. Another fantastic sweet treat option is Alice & Brohm Ice Cream, serving ice cream made with fresh fruits, a refreshing palette cleanser.
If you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll, the recently reopened Oceanfront Trail provides serene views of the marshlands and tranquil waterside paths. It’s a favourite among locals for their morning runs and offers a peaceful retreat for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in Squamish’s natural beauty.
Alice Lake Provincial Park
A 20-minute drive from Squamish lies Alice Lake Provincial Park, a tranquil oasis consisting of four freshwater lakes. Renowned for its camping facilities, it’s a popular destination for groups seeking outdoor activities and gatherings, offering ample seating, picnic tables scattered around the lake-shore, and a cozy sandy beach area. If you have the time, paddle boarding or canoeing is a popular option, with convenient gear rentals available onsite.
During our visit, we chose to explore the scenic walking trails encircling Alice Lake—a leisurely 20-minute stroll through towering trees, glimpses of the shimmering lake, and framed by majestic mountain.
Shannon Falls
On our return journey from our day trip in Squamish, we made a stop at Shannon Falls, an immensely popular destination. While the main parking lot tends to fill up quickly, we were fortunate to find parking just across the road.
There are two paths to explore to reach Shannon Falls: one is wheelchair accessible, while the other has a couple of steps, leading you alongside the base of the waterfall, where you can witness the powerful stream of water over rocks. Further along, a designated viewpoint offers a breathtaking vantage point to admire Shannon Falls in all its majestic splendour.
For those seeking a bit more from Shannon Falls, a staircase leads higher up, providing an even closer perspective of the cascading waters and another view of the surroundings. On your way back, don’t forget to stop by the souvenir shop.
Looking For a Place to Stay?
If you’re looking to go at your own pace or want to extend your trip, we’ve previously enjoyed a stay at Crash Hotel Squamish – a unique, card-less and key-less establishment where everything from check-in to room access is seamlessly managed through your smartphone. This made for a hassle-free arrival and departure process. The hotel located right on Main St and is staffed up until 5pm. Staff are locals and know the area well providing recommendations on parking and short trails.
Our room at the Crash Hotel impressed with its spacious layout and appeared recently refurbished, boasting contemporary comforts that added a touch of luxury to our Squamish experience.
That’s what a day trip or 24 hours in Squamish could look like! We really enjoyed visiting, taking in the hikes, nature and can’t wait to go back. If you only had 24 hours in Squamish, what would you do? Let us know your recommendations for us to try next time.
*All photos taken by us with a Samsung Galaxy S21 & Pixel 5.