Summer is here and it’s time to explore the outdoors! Paula De Jong compiles insider tips to the newest & best ways to explore the waterways, hiking & biking trails, festivals & food in Squamish BC.
Explore New Hike & Bike Trails
Local trail builders have been busy over the last year, creating some new hike and bike trails that are destined to become the new classics routes. Here is the inside scoop on the newest hiking and biking trails for your summer exploring adventures.
The new Sea to Sky Gondola is a must for every visitor, however, if are looking for an extra challenge, take the path less traveled to the top! The new Summit Trail starts at the base of the gondola and takes you all the way to the top. It is a 3-4 hour hike of 9.8 km one way with an elevation gain of 918m. This is a mix of steep descents, stunning views & forested areas offering the best reward at the summit. Enjoy a locally brewed beverage at the top and rest your legs with gondola ride down for $10.00.
If you took the gondola up or still have energy after you reach the summit, then you definitely have to explore the walking trails at the top. The Panorama Trail is 1.6km long with a low grade that is accessible for most fitness levels and offers stunning views over the Chief. The Spirit Trail is a quick 400 meters long and offers a journey through First Nations History with interpretive pieces that build on the rich history of the surrounding landscape.
Located just off Highway 99, Murrin Lake has long been a destination for rock climbers and families is a great place for a quick dip before jumping back in the car for the remainder of your commute. The recently completed 1.8 km hiking trail loop offers similar views of the Howe Sound as the infamous Chief, with less work and less crowds. The trail head starts near the end of the lake, look for the Commonwealth, Quercus & Valley of the Lost Tribes sign and enjoy your exploring!
For biking trails, Mountain biking in Squamish has two new additions to the list of epic trail rides. Rupert and Man Boobs have both opened this year in the Alice Lake- Highlands trail network area. The entrance to Man Boobs is currently unmarked, but it is located directly to the right of Robs Corners entrance sign. This trail was masterfully hand built to be flowy and friendly for beginners, but offers some variety for more experienced riders.
Rupert is also new this year and has already become a favourite in the biking community. Rupert is classified as a black trail, but don’t let this discourage you from checking it out. The difficult lines have optional ride around if you want an escape route. Rupert starts with a short technical climb to the trail building sign, and then the real fun starts. If you like rock faces, this is the trail for you! The highlight is the scalloped wooden bridge and 180 degree wooden wall ride.
For more information on these new trails & a guide for a fun way to loop your trails together check out mountain bike trail updates by local talent & bike reporter Veronika Vorachek at www.sqamishadventure.com/news
Explore Waterways
In addition to the ocean, we are also blessed with many lakes and rivers offering endless opportunities to play in and around Squamish. Here are some insider tips to the best ways to explore the waterways of Squamish BC this summer.
The Elaho river in Upper Squamish Valley is home to some of the best Whitewater Rafting in BC. The world class views and exciting rapids create a great day trip for locals and visitors alike looking to escape the daily grind. If you are looking for a more mellow rafting trip, the Cheakamus river offers crystal blue waters, stunning scenery and wildlife viewing for the whole family to enjoy.
If you have ever wanted to learn to fly on the water, now is the time. The wind in Squamish has earned us the reputation as a world class kiteboarding destination. Take a lesson this summer or simply enjoy the sport as a spectator from the spit (remember to wear a windbreaker!).
Whitewater River Kayaking is also a must try sport in Squamish, the lakes offer great locations to learn and practice skills before trying your hand at the more challenging rapids on the Mamquam River. If you have always wanted to learn, Squamish is the best place to take an intro to whitewater kayaking and build your skills or improve on the ones you have!
Looking for a more relaxing day on the water? Why not rent a Stand Up Paddleboard and explore the lakes, rivers and ocean! Stand Up Paddleboarding has exploded in popularity all over BC, and it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors while getting a good core workout. Alice lake is a great place to begin with guiding & instruction. For a fun day enjoying stunning scenery from the river, try the Squamish River Stand up Paddle Tour, departing from the dyke near the watershed and explore the waterways near the estuary and kiteboarding spit.
If you’re finding things a bit too crowded for a swim at the usual lakes in Squamish, never fear, there’s a way to avoid the crowds! Hire a Float Plane and pack your friends and food for a private getaway to one of the many alpine lakes. Phantom Lake is a remote alpine lake with white sandy beaches perfect for a picnic lunch. Swimsuits are optional, but remember to pack your bug spray!
Explore Squamish Festivals & Events
Every weekend this summer is festival filled with fun options for families, artists, music lovers, athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
The biggest Festival of the summer is happening August 8th-10th. A star studded line up of musicians will be coming to town and bringing 30,000 fans with them for Squamish Valley Music Festival. The bonus? The trails will be all yours while the rest of town is dancing to Bruno Mars!
If you are interested in something a bit more low key, which combines the love of wind & water sports with our vibrant art community, be sure to check out the Squamish Wind festival happening from July 25th to 27th. This is the first year for the Squamish Wind Festival and the lineup of live music, sport events & art expos will make this a local favourite event for years to come.
If you’re looking for a fun day for the whole family, then don’t miss Squamish Days Loggers Sports on July 31st -August 4th. Squamish Logger Days is the largest logging sports event in North America and is celebrating the 57th year. With events like axe throwing, tree climbing, and log rolling, Logger Days is a fun filled weekend for spectators and competitors alike.
In addition to these signature events happening this summer be sure to check out the Downtown Summer Nights happening every Friday until August 29th. Downtown Squamish will transform into a place filled with food, music, family & friends with retails stores open late.
Festivals add to our community in a big way, but they aren’t the only events happening. Squamish is also home to many sports & recreation events that attract people from all over the world. Whatever you’re interest, Squamish has something for you!
If you would like more information on these events and more that are happening every weekend in Squamish this summer, be sure to check out: http://squamishadventure.com/events for a more detailed line up of local events
Explore Food & Dining
Dining in Squamish offers a diverse palate of delicious options and dining experiences for all budgets and preferences. Here are our insider tips to exploring food & dining in Squamish BC
Fergies Cafe is a local gem tucked away by the Cheakamus River just north of Brackendale. Offering locally sourced & grown food in a scenic location, Fergies has quickly become a local favourite. The kitchen will be undergoing a renovation to expand their kitchen to accommodate the weekend demand This is a great place for the whole family, including your furry companions.
Winner of the 2014 Best Brew Pub in BC, The Howe Sound Brew Pub offers an awesome assortment of pub food, pizza and of course, beer! The Howe Sound Brew Pub boasts a recently renovated patio with stunning views of the Chief. Live music with no cover every weekend and refreshing new seasonal beers make this a favourite hangout to locals and tourists,
Located in the Highlands, Pepe & Gringos offers a wide variety of delicious food. Steaks, pastas and a killer Butter Chicken, you’re guaranteed to find something that you’ll love. And to make things even tastier, they will be offering 10 per cent off food for anyone on a bike. So pull out your road bike, cruiser bike, downhill monster, XC country or kid’s push bike to take advantage of this offer. A perfect place to start & end your mountain bike shuttles.
The most recent addition to Squamish’s dining experience can be found at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola. Explore dining at new heights at the Summit Lodge. You can also enjoy a sumptuous brunch at The Nest restaurant, which recently reopened in Brackendale.
For information on Restaurant menus, locations, special deals & events by these local favourites, be sure to visithttp://squamishadventure.com/local-favourites
Stay & Explore More!
This guide is only a glimpse into a Squamish Adventure, and it is definitely going to take more than a day to explore summer! So why not stay a few days and really get a taste for what Squamish is offering? We definitely recommend a weekend or more, but be warned, you may never want to leave! Squamish has a variety of accommodation options that will suite your budget and style. Here is our insider tips for some of the best spots to stay & explore more.
If you are looking to camp in a beautiful location close to town, be sure to check out the recently opened Wonderland Valley Campground. Long-time locals, Craig and Courtney, have been working hard to give this place a fresh look and feel, and their work has paid off! Campsites and rooms available at great rates. Located just outside of town off Hwy 99, Wonderland is a great nature retreat while still having access to all the amenities of town.
A little further up the road, another great getaway can be found. The Sunwolf Riverside Cabins are situated on 5 acres, just North of Brackendale. The recently renovated cabins offer a nature getaway that is fun for the whole family, and they’re pet friendly too! Enjoy breakfast at Fergies, explore the hiking & walking trails around the property or just kick back and relax!
If you are looking for a little pampering in the mountains, look no further than the Executive Suites Hotel. Recently voted business of the year, the hotel offers all the amenities for a luxurious getaway with all the amenities of home.
For more details on these and other accommodation options in Squamish, be sure to check outhttp://squamishadventure.com/squamish-accommodation