Sea to Sky country: 10 hidden gems to discover in Squamish
Squamish is known as the outdoor recreation capital of Canada, and it’s easy to see why. The town is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts with its many hiking and biking trails, as well as wind and kite surfing spots.
But it’s also rapidly becoming a popular spot to dig into some tasty eats and sip on some craft beer.
Cheekye Ranch
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Take a scenic horseback ride through Squamish Valley courtesy of Cheekye Ranch. The ranch offers trail tours, lessons, and pony rides and can accommodate birthday parties. During the fall and winter months, it also hosts eagle viewing rides, as the region is full of majestic birds at that time of year.
Address: 60001 Squamish Valley Road, Squamish
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High Falls Creek
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Avid hikers must hit this intermediate 12-kilometre trail, which takes about five hours to complete round trip. The hike offers breathtaking views of the Squamish Valley and Tantalus Range. However, it is a steep hike, so it is important to exercise safety precautions.
Address: Find the trailhead at Squamish River Forest Service Road, Squamish
Sea To Sky Air
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Get a bird’s-eye view of Squamish by hopping on a seaplane and taking a scenic tour via Sea To Sky Air. The company offers tours of giant icefields and glaciers that are carved through Squamish and Whistler. Plus, they have an introduction to flight experience that you can give as a gift to the aviation lover in your life.
Address: 46041 Government Road, Squamish
Via Ferrata
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Take your sea-to-sky experience to new heights. Via Ferrata fits guests with a climbing harness and helmet before leading them on a short hike to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking Howe Sound. Thrill seekers are then clipped into a safety cable, and they can traverse a catwalk, cross suspended bridges, and ascend glacier-worn granite slabs.
Address: Find it at the Sea to Sky Gondola Summit Lodge, Squamish
Squamish Estuary and Spit
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Those who don’t kite surf may not even think to visit this spot, but it’s a must for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. It’s nestled at the tip of Howe Sound and provides unobstructed views of the Stawamus Chief. It’s also home to literally hundreds of species of birds and other incredible wildlife. Take a walk through the salt marshes and mudflats to explore all the area has to offer.
Address: Spit Road, Squamish
Slhaney Trail
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Discover this moderate trail spanning just over five kilometres. Hikers will be treated to spectacular nature and may even spot some wildlife along the way. The trail is also dog-friendly, as long as the four-legged friend is kept on a leash.
Address: Find it just outside of Stawamus Chief, along the Stawamus River, Squamish
Levette Lake
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Find this magical place tucked away in the Paradise Valley region, just north of Squamish. The intermediate hike spans 11 kilometres and takes about five hours to complete. The trail has an elevation gain of about 300 meters. It leads hikers through mossy groves and onto views of the Tantalus Range before returning through the lush Evans Lake Forest.
Address: Levette Lake Forestry Road, near Squamish
Fergie’s Cafe
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Be like one of the locals by checking out this hidden gem tucked away among lush trees. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before heading out for a day on the trails. They offer a killer brunch, with menu items like eggs Benny, avocado halloumi toast, pulled pork hash, and truffle mushroom toast.
Address: 70002 Squamish Valley Road, Squamish
The Salted Vine Kitchen & Bar
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Visit this rustic yet contemporary restaurant inside a historic 1910 building. The eatery is best known for its sharing plates, happy hour, and lively patio. The menu has several must-try items, including charcuterie, scallop ceviche, confit duck leg, and more. They also serve a variety of unique after-dinner cocktails.
Address: 37991 2 Avenue, Squamish
Backcountry Brewing
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After a long day exploring the backcountry, unwind at this beloved spot. The brewery offers a variety of craft beers, wine, bubbles, and delicious food items. Their menu has nine different pizzas, including a Hawaii Five-O, dill pickle, prosciutto and fig, forager, Mediterranean, and more.
Address: 405-1201 Commercial Way, Squamish