B.C. rainforest ‘nobody knows about’ opening to public soon | Daily Hive

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A new forest boardwalk attraction called Squamish Canyon is opening in B.C., and it’s not your average day hike.

Tucked just outside Squamish, a brand-new eco-destination called Squamish Canyon is officially opening to the public on Aug. 1.

The experience includes scenic boardwalks weaving through a temperate rainforest, a forest lounge serving local food and drinks, and sweeping canyon views you’d normally have to hike deep into the backcountry to find, minus the hiking boots.

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“This is the rainforest nobody knows about,” said Nikki Walker, the guest experience manager for Squamish Canyon.

“We want people to walk away with a real appreciation for this place… it’s incredibly rare.”

Why it was built

The idea for Squamish Canyon started with a problem: more people were visiting Squamish, but there weren’t enough safe, sustainable places for them to explore.

“We were seeing increased tourism, especially people heading into challenging terrain around areas like Mamquam Falls,” said Ken Bailey, general manager.

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“Robin [Sherry, founder] realized that if we didn’t create infrastructure to handle it, people would just keep going further into fragile areas.”

Sherry, who spent years in search and rescue, saw it happening firsthand.

“It’s human nature to want to explore,” Bailey told Daily Hive.

“But outside of a couple iconic attractions like the Sea to Sky Gondola, people would come to Squamish and leave again. There needed to be more to do…and it needed to be built responsibly.”

What makes Squamish Canyon different?

Instead of carving new trails, the team built elevated walkways and a cantilevered bridge to minimize environmental impact.

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“You’re invited into nature… but it’s not invasive,” Walker said.

“You’re not stepping on forest roots. You’re not damaging the landscape. You’re hovering above it and still getting that immersive experience.”

Bailey added, “It might sound ironic, but this is tourism infrastructure designed with the least amount of impact possible. You’ll be marvelling at the engineering once you see it.”

What’s on-site?

The site isn’t just about walking, it’s a full forest experience.

A massive nature-inspired playground
A shop featuring Indigenous-made and local products from Squamish and Native Northwest
Moss and Mug, a pre-admission café open to everyone, including dog walkers and kayakers
The Forest Lounge, with grab-and-go eats, cocktails, B.C. wine, and local beer

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“We want it to feel playful,” said Walker. “We want kids to feel welcome, and adults to have a beautiful space to unwind in nature.”

She added, “Our shop and café will keep evolving based on what excites visitors. We’re still learning what people love.”

Local concerns and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw partnership

When asked about concerns that Squamish is becoming “too touristy,” Bailey was direct.

“We’re not going to stop people from visiting Squamish. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world,” he said. “But we can decide how they visit. That’s why we built this.”

Bailey said the team worked closely with the Squamish Nation and hopes to expand that relationship.

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“They’ve been great partners,” he said. “We’ve invited Elders for a private preview, and we’ve stopped sections of the forest that were previously marked for logging.”

Walker added, “We acknowledge this is not our story to tell… any cultural storytelling must be guided by the Nation. We’ve opened the door, and now it’s about earning trust.”

What’s next?

Bailey said the focus is on a smooth summer, but future expansions are on the table.

“We’ll get through opening, listen to feedback, and then see what’s possible for next year,” he said.

And if you’re someone dreaming up your own big idea? Bailey has advice: “Don’t take no for an answer,” he said. “If your vision adds value…to tourism, to housing, to community… keep pushing. Don’t give up.”

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As for what to expect on opening day, Squamish Canyon will welcome visitors starting at 9 a.m., with final entry at 5 p.m. to give guests enough time to fully explore before doors close at 6.

Timed entry slots are set at 100 people every half hour to avoid crowding, and the site can accommodate up to 130 vehicles. For now, it’s a drive-in-only experience.

There’ll also be family-friendly programming, including activity sheets and games for kids throughout the day.

“This is everyone’s first chance to see something that’s been 12 years in the making,” said Walker. “We’re just so excited to finally open the doors.”

And Bailey hopes that when people leave, they take something bigger with them.

“A sense of awe,” he said. “And a reminder of the power and beauty of where we live.”

Squamish Canyon

When: Opens Aug. 1, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (last entry at 5 p.m.)
Where: 39180 Powerhouse Springs Rd., Squamish, B.C., V8B 0C2
Tickets: Squamish Canyon website

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