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Squamish
Squamish is located 44 km (28 miles) north of West
Vancouver at Horseshoe Bay and (58 km 36 miles) south of Whistler
on Hwy 99 the Sea-to-Sky highway.
'Outdoor
Recreation Capital of Canada'
Squamish is situated at the northern end of Howe Sound. Bounded
by the ocean at one end and surrounding mountain chains called the
Garibaldi Mountains and Tantalus Range, Squamish is often referred
to as the 'Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.'
Unique
Communities
Squamish is made up a number of unique surrounding communities along
Hwy 99 starting in the south called Valley Cliff, the downtown area,
Garibaldi Estates and Highlands, Brakendale and the countryside
and acreages north of Brakendale up the Squamish Valley and Cheakamus
River.
Outdoor
Pursuits
Within these communities are excellent outdoor pursuits taking place
throughout the year such as mountain biking, kayaking, whitewater
adventures, rock climbing and hiking.
Brakendale
Bald Eagles
If you enjoy nature, Squamish can offer you excellent opportunities
to view various wildlife including one of North America's largest
bald eagle populations in the nearby community of Brakendale.
Stawamus
Chief
Travelling on Hwy 99 just south of Squamish you'll notice a large
impressive rock-faced wall, which happens to be the world's second
largest granite monolith called the Stawamus Chief. 'The Chief'
is one of British Columbia's best-known areas for rock climbing
with numerous climbs available.
Shannon
Falls
The Stawamus Chief also offers a very steep hiking trail up to three
different points where you'll enjoy a beautiful view of Howe Sound
and Squamish below. One trailhead starts near Shannon Falls - a
very popular area for tourists - well-known for its beautiful waterfall
with lots of parking available.
SORCA
- Squamish Off-Road Cycling
There are other hikes and mountain bike trails throughout the whole
region stretching north-east into Whistler. The local bike society,
SORCA - (Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association) has developed some
excellent trails that offer lots of diversity throughout the region
for you to enjoy.
- SORCA
- Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association
'Test
of Metal'
Happening every year in June Squamish also plays host to perhaps
the most successful mountain bike races in North America. The race
called 'Test of Metal' offers 800 riders a cross-country mountain
bike race course 67 km (42 miles) through the backcountry around
Squamish.
Windsurfing
and Kitesailing
For windsurfing and kitesailing, the late afternoon Howe Sound winds
offer some excellent opportunities. Well-known for the ferocity
flowing through Howe Sound, the winds will present you with some
of BC's best for these sports.
Squamish
Days
One of the best logger sport festival happens every year in Squamish
called Squamish Days. If you happen to be here on the BC Day August
long weekend expect to see an excellent celebration that commemorates
the local economy and the proud heritage that exists in Squamish.
Squamish
Classics Show 'n Shine
If you enjoy hot rods and antique cars, try and make it to the Squamish
Classics Show 'n Shine which also happens during Squamish Days'
Festival in August.
Golfing
There are two golf courses in the Squamish area where you can play
both offering beautiful settings. The 18-hole Squamish Valley Public
Golf Course plays along Mamquam River is located in the Garibaldi
Estates at 2458 Mamquam Road. Then there is the new 18-hole course
called Garibaldi Springs located off Hwy 99 just north of the Garibaldi
Estates.
Brohm
Lake
There are quite a few swimming lakes around which can provide a
welcome break from the summer's heat of Squamish. Brohm Lake, located
just north of Brakendale, is one of the best swimming lakes in British
Columbia. With walking paths, crystal clear water, nice rocks to
dive off set in the spectacular beauty of the 'Sea-to-Sky' country,
it's hard to argue.
Squamish
Lakes
Other nearby Squamish lakes include Alice, Browning, Butterfly,
Cat, Edith, Fawn, Garibaldi, Lewis, Lucille,
Pilchuk, Starvation and Stump Lake. There is also a 25-metre (83-feet)
indoor swimming pool at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre. Remember
if you do go to Brohm Lake vehicle parking there can be a little
hard to get, so arrive early.
Alice
Lake Provincial Park
There is a campground at Alice
Lake Provincial Park located just next to Brakendale making
it convenient to camp and enjoy the Squamish area. From Alice Lake
Provincial Park there are numerous routes and paths making it possible
to explore the landscape around Brakendale by mountain bike or hiking.
Porteau
Cove Provincial Park just south of Squamish has a campground
as well, just make sure you get a reservation.
Mount
Garibaldi
Hot topic going around Squamish is the future development of Mount
Garibaldi. There are plans to have is a full four-season recreational
destination. Now proposed in the plans are on-site condominiums,
high-speed chairlifts, and hiking trails throughout. Mount Garibaldi
Provincial Park has always been a favourite with the locals and
now it can only get better.
Squamish
to Powell River
Another controversial subject going around is a proposal that has
been made for the construction of a road from Squamish to Powell
River over existing Forest Service roads going near the Elaho
Valley. This would help cut the need for ferry service via Langdale
near Gibsons and Earls Cove near Egmont.
Elaho
Valley
Located about 102 km (64 miles) out of Squamish via the Squamish
River and Valley the Elaho Valley is perhaps the most sacred area
for the local First Nations of Squamish. The Elaho Valley in the
past was subject of the logging interests clashing with environmental
protests. Now environmentally protected the Elaho Valley can give
you the opportunity to view one thousand year old trees in the wild.
Good
Meal or Beverage
Squamish has a few good places to catch a good meal or beverage.
A couple of notable places include the Howe Sound Brewing Company
where you can enjoy a cottage brewery with a beautiful view of the
'The Chief.' The other pub across Hwy 99 from the Chevron Service
Station and Sea-to-Sky hotel at Garibaldi Estates is called the
Shady Tree. Then if you are downtown go to Chef Big D's on Cleveland
Avenue.
Information
on Squamish
BC
Parks
Recreation
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