Squamish
Nestled between Vancouver and Whistler on one of North America’s most scenic stretches of highway, Squamish is a destination all by itself.
A mecca for watersports, rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking that attracts both adventure seekers and sightseers, it was named by the New York Times as one of the Top 52 Places to Go. And what goes better with outdoor activity than great local craft beer?
Squamish residents have plenty to celebrate in terms of craft beer thanks to a terrific trio of local breweries. Howe Sound Brewing, which operates a brewpub, restaurant and inn at its location on the southern edge of downtown, is the original local brewery dating back to 1996. Its devoted following packs the pub and patio every night, certain that there will be a good beer on tap, some tasty options for food, and likely some live music for entertainment.
The other two craft breweries are more recent additions, both located on the north side of downtown. A-FRAME Brewing celebrates west coast cabin culture in its rustic tasting room while Backcountry Brewing’s big tasting area serves up a range of beers along with delicious pizza made on-site. These two new operations have re-energized the Squamish craft beer scene, expanding on Howe Sound’s potential and giving residents and visitors alike options to choose from. And nothing is better than variety when it comes to beer.
Squamish offers epic outdoor adventures – from sea to sky – all within minutes of each other. The Squamish Estuary provides some of the best local unobstructed views of the Stawamus Chief and is home to literally hundreds of species of birds and other habitants. Take a walk through the estuary’s salt marshes, mudflats, and reeds or, paddle your way through the stream and take in one of our scenic sunsets. Fish for salmon or trout in the Cheakamus, Mamquam, or Squamish Rivers. Chase waterfalls bursting with vitality after heavy rain.
Squamish is an authentic West Coast mountain town with a legacy built around mining and forestry. Visit Britannia Mine Museum for a guided underground tour. Squamish offers farm-to-table dining experiences, sidewalk cafés, driftwood beaches, a rich First Nations culture, and an expansive network of walking, hiking and mountain biking trails. In other words, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Backcountry Brewing. Photo: Ben Haggar.
Howe Sound Brewing's spectacular patio views. Photo: Ben Haggar.
Squamish BC. Photo: Ben Haggar.
Sea to Sky Gondola
A-FRAME Brewing. Photo: Ben Haggar.
Stawamus Chief
Howe Sound Brewing
Stroll the dykes along the Mamquam River, Squamish.
A-FRAME Brewing Co
The Copper Coil Still & Grill
Backcountry Brewing
Backcountry Brewing
Squamish Highlands
Howe Sound Brewing
Fishing for salmon and trout on the Mamquam River, Squamish.
Paradise Valley Campground
Backcountry Brewing
Chase one of the many waterfalls you'll find bursting after a heavy rain.
Stawamus Chief
Backcountry Brewing
Sea to Sky Gondola, The Summit Eatery and Edge Bar
Sea to Sky Gondola
Squamish BC. Photo: Ben Hagaar.
Day 1
Travel Info
Travel: Drive from Vancouver along the stunning Sea to Sky Highway.
Famed for their fun, themed donuts, this downtown bakery & café offers Parallel 49 coffees as well as fresh bread, pastries, pies, sausage rolls, soup, sandwiches and salads.
Choose from fibreglass or inflatable stand up paddleboards. The perfect way to enjoy Squamish’s scenic views! Rentals and tours available.
Howe Sound Brewing offers house-made pub classics and seasonal dishes that focus on freshness & unique flavours! With options that are sure to satisfy your post-adventure cravings and pair with any of our craft beer on tap! The rustic Brewpub has space for your family and friends, with impressive views of the Stawamus Chief and surrounding mountains.
Located at the tip of the Howe Sound and bordered by the Spit on the west, the Squamish Estuary provides some of the best local unobstructed views of the Stawamus Chief and is home to literally hundreds of species of birds and other habitants.
Bringing together the character of New Orleans with the beauty and bounty of the Pacific Northwest.
A character northwest inn with everything you need to enjoy a relaxing stay.
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Find your ride!
Ranked by Mountain Bike Magazine as one of the top 25 wildest, most exotic places to ride in the world, Squamish is hardwired for adventure and one of the most talked-about destinations for outdoor lovers in North America. From famous free-ride trails to gnarly wilderness single-track and cruisy rainforest trails, you will not run out of single track in Squamish.
Chase a waterfall! Squamish is home of the third highest waterfall in BC.
Just south of Squamish on the Sea to Sky Highway is Shannon Falls Provincial Park. A small park, adjacent to the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, it is home of the third highest waterfall in British Columbia. Originating from the alpine massif below Sky Pilot Mountain and the Stadium Glacier, Shannon Creek tumbles some 335m down, over granite cliffs, to the valley below.
Day 2
This community coffee and bakehouse features naturally leavened brioche doughnuts and a rotating list of multiple coffee roasts that showcase changing regions, styles, and seasons.
Britannia Mine Museum offers visitors plenty of things to see and do – from guided underground tours to self-led exploration of the social history of Britannia Beach. The 10-acre site is itself an exhibit providing unique access to an important piece of Canadian history.
What began as The Locavore Food Truck, has grown into a full-service Bar & Grill. Grab your Locavore favourite to go for lunch, or enjoy them in the new dining space and bar. Located at The Squamish Town Hub, the menu features a popular assortment of burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads.
A-FRAME Brewing offers a “lakeside-meets-the-mountains” cabin vibe in its cozy, family-friendly tasting room.
Backcountry Brewing is a community hub in Squamish. Along with a wide selection of beer enjoy delicious pizzas and snacks from the kitchen.
A character northwest inn with everything you need to enjoy a relaxing stay.
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Stawamus Chief Provincial Park protects the 700 metre massive granite cliffs that stand at the southern entrance to Squamish on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway. Or take a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola where you’ll be treated to commanding views of the Howe Sound and its coastal mountains.
Road Trip Tasting Notes: Sea to Sky
Explore BC’s epic Sea to Sky with Fuel for the Sole
Only 30 minutes outside of Metro Vancouver begins the epic Sea to Sky country. Beginning in Horseshoe Bay and up through Squamish and Whistler to Pemberton, the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) takes you on a journey of spectacular sights, incredible adventure and welcoming communities. We’re Meagan and Andy of Fuel for the Sole — join us on an ale-venture!
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This authentic West Coast mountain town has people talking. It’s not just the spectacular setting that’s captured the world’s attention, its also the ease of access to the great outdoors for everything from wind and water sports to hiking and biking.
Unquestionably, the geography here will amaze you. The Pacific Ocean narrows into Howe Sound, where the spectacular Coastal Mountains surround the Stawamus Chief, a granite monolith unlike any other. From the ocean to the snowy mountain peaks; from the rocky cliffs and waterfalls to the forests, lakes, rivers and estuary, Squamish is truly extraordinary. The area’s unique mix of mountains and water has created a world-class playground for adventurers of all levels.
Less than an hour from either Vancouver or Whistler, Squamish is a unique fusion of rugged landscapes, stunning vistas and West Coast culture. Discover what the buzz is about. Start planning your Squamish adventure today!
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