Majority of Squamish residents will avoid tourism areas if asked to pay for parking: Survey

A majority of Squamish residents say they would avoid local tourism-based areas if required to pay for parking, according to a recent engagement summary released by the District of Squamish last week.

Of 2,675 survey respondents by District, 74% said they would avoid these areas altogether or seek alternate parking nearby if paid parking were introduced. Many emphasized that these are places they visit frequently for recreation, dog-walking, and family activities, and that charging for access would feel like being excluded.

People expressed concern that paid parking would negatively affect mental and physical health by making it harder to access the outdoors. Others questioned the need for tourism-based paid parking altogether, citing low congestion at many locations.

Smoke Bluffs Park was frequently mentioned as a problematic site for paid parking, especially for climbers who have to carry heavy gear. Paid parking plans for Fisherman’s Park and Perth Drive also drew opposition, with many saying it’s primarily locals who use these areas and should not be treated as tourist destinations.

When asked how paid parking would affect behavior, more than half said it would change how they travel to key sites like Smoke Bluffs (53%), the Squamish Adventure Centre (50%), and Fisherman’s Park (49%). Some said they would consider biking or using public transit, while others said they’d park in residential areas to avoid fees.

While there was strong opposition overall, some respondents supported a seasonal approach.  About 52% said parking fees should only apply during peak months, and 34% suggested modifying rates during slower seasons. The most common recommendation to ease local impacts was a free or low-cost resident permit system, supported by 69% of respondents.

Tourism Squamish, in a letter submitted in January, urged the district to conduct a cost-benefit analysis, monitor parking use patterns, and consider limiting paid parking to the busiest times of year. The group also backed the idea of local permits to ensure continued access for residents.

Mixed Views on Paid Parking Locations

When asked to rank effective locations for tourism-focused paid parking, respondents pointed to:

• Most suitable: Squamish Adventure Centre, Darrell Bay, and Smoke Bluffs.

• Least suitable: Mamquam Dike, Fisherman’s Park, and the north end of Tantalus Road.

Impacts on Travel and Behavior

Paid parking is expected to influence travel to key destinations directly:

• 53% said their visits to Smoke Bluffs would be affected.

• 50% mentioned the same for the Adventure Centre.

• 49% for Fisherman’s Park.

A majority (52%) supported limiting paid parking to peak tourism months only, with some proposing seasonal fee adjustments or reduced rates in the off-season.

Key suggestions to minimize local impact included:

• Implementing a free or low-cost resident parking permit system (recommended by 69%).

• Avoiding paid parking altogether (43%), to maintain a welcoming atmosphere and avoid complicating access to nature.