Squamish day trip: Outdoor adventure in the heart of Howe Sound

by Erin Shaw

The town of Squamish, B.C. has experienced huge growth in recent years, especially since the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. It’s no longer just a pit stop on the drive up to Whistler; it’s a destination in its own right. With rugged mountains, trails and waterways, the scenic city off the Sea to Sky highway is a popular playground for outdoor enthusiasts, and is an easy day trip from Vancouver. Just pack your activewear, appetite and sense of adventure. [Image courtesy of Sea to Sky Gondola]

To pack everything into your day trip, you’ll need to get an early start. We recommend kicking off your morning at 1914 Coffee Company, a charming cafe nestled in the heart of downtown Squamish. If a strong brew is what you need, the coffee here is perfect – expect perfectly pulled espressos and velvety smooth flat whites. The baristas here take coffee geekery very seriously and offer some pretty obscure roasts from around the world. Plus the artisanal coffees pair nicely with the selection of fine local baked goods.

One of the newest and most renowned sites in Squamish is the Sea to Sky Gondola. The must-see attraction is open year-round, and is an easy way to take in some stunning high-up views of Howe Sound and the surrounding area. It’s also perfect for families, as the state-of-the-art gondola cabins and groomed trails are easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Once you get to the top, check out the scenic network of walking trails, grab a drink on the outdoor patio at the Summit Lodge, and pose for a photo on the impressive 100-metre Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. There are trails for all fitness levels as well as seasonal activities: think rock climbing and mountain-top yoga in the summer, and snow tubing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months. There’s certainly a lot to explore, so if you think you might be back for more, getting a season’s pass might be worthwhile.

Prefer to get a little wet? Sign up for a rafting adventure at Sunwolf Resort. Taking participants through beautiful scenery, the Elaho Whitewater Rafting Expedition and the Cheakamus Family Rafting Adventure are both safe, guided tours that require no previous rafting experience. Sunwolf also offers more mellow tours like the Eagle Watching Float Tours from mid November to February, during which guests can see the highest concentration of bald eagles in the world. All tours conclude at Sunwolf’s cozy lodge, where guests can enjoy a nice bowl of stew by the fire and a much-needed hot shower. And if that feeling of coziness overcomes you, Sunwolf offers rustic cabins starting at $100 per night.

All this outdoor activity is bound to make anyone hungry! Thankfully, Squamish has a few very quaint and satisfying places to eat and drink – especially if you’re a fan of local, farm-to-table cuisine.

• The picturesque Watershed Grill is situated right on the riverbed of the Squamish River. On a cold but sunny day, the view from the patio is worth the chilly temperatures. This place is simple, rustic and no-nonsense. The menu features locally sourced pub standards, including a highly-touted salmon burger. The Watershed is a great place to have a beer, visit with the locals and take in some live music.
• Part of Sunwolf Lodge, Fergie’s Cafe is a wonderful daytime spot for locavore foodies. The beloved café (open daily from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm) has views of Mount Alpha and serves dishes that are thoughtfully prepared by chef Jason Nadeau. Some of the most intriguing dishes – including sumptuous eggs Benedict – are made with simple, local ingredients. Hidden gem? Not for much longer.
• Just because Squamish is an outdoor town doesn’t mean it’s quiet after 4:00 pm. For a delicious and unique happy hour, check out Gillespie’s Fine Spirits for a cocktail or two. They have a tasting room serving an impressive selection of craft cocktails made with local, artisan spirits – many of which, including gin, vodka and Lemoncelllo, are are available to take home.
• If you prefer a pint over a cocktail, head to Howe Sound Brewing; the craft brewery and pub gets a lot of press, and deservedly so. It’s been around since 1996, and all of their micro-brewed lagers and ales are available on tap. Conveniently, they also have the adjoining inn where those who’ve had a bit too much fun can rest their heads. Guestrooms start at around $100 a night.
• For a truly special meal, book a table at the Salted Vine Kitchen + Bar. With a contemporary farmhouse feel, this elegant-yet-intimate eatery serves up Pacific Northwest cuisine that'll appeal to discerning foodies. Meat, seafood and vegetable-forward sharing plates change with the seasons to showcase premium, local ingredients.

No longer just a place to fuel up along Highway 99, Squamish really is coming into its own. Whether you’re looking for accessible alpine hiking, wet-and-wild rafting adventures, or gourmet grub paired with locally brewed beers, this scenic city has a little something for everyone and is well worth the one-hour trip from Vancouver, even if it’s just for a day.