Squamish Hiking

There are about a dozen good to great hikes close to Squamish – some of the best and most popular hikes in Canada.  A few of them – The Chief, Read more...Elfin Lakes, and Garibaldi Lake/Black Tusk are truly outstanding and should not be missed by the hiking enthusiast visiting this area of Canada.  Due to the mild coastal climate of the area, many of these hikes can be done year round.

The Stawamus Chief ( 4 - 6 hours)

            One of the best and most famous hikes on the west coast.  The hike to the top of this imposing granite monolith is an excellent and popular day hike from Squamish.  On a good day, the views from the top are spectacular with the blue waters of Howe Sound to the southwest, The Squamish Valley to the North, and the mountains of Garibaldi Park to the East.  The hike up is steep and some parts are rugged.  The trail is well marked.

The trail starts south of Squamish off Highway 99 – the Highway improvement project has provided an improved access from the Highway.  Go through the campground to the start of the trail which is actually a large rock you must scramble over.  The first part of the trail is steep and much of it is on stairs.  There are three different peaks, all offering slightly different views, with First and Second Peaks probably offering the best views, and the Third Peak being the longest hike.  The trails to the three peaks are well marked, and the most difficult part can be finding the start of the trail again as you begin to descend,  so make sure to note the way back as you approach the summits.  

Suggested diversion: Start from Shannon Falls and check out the falls first.  From the viewpoint there are signs to the start of the trail up the Chief.  This also cuts out some of the steepest part of the trail.

Shannon Falls

            There is also an excellent hike to the top of Shannon Falls.  This starts the same as the trails for The Chief, but cuts right partway up.  This hike does not go as high as the hike to the top of the Chief, but still offers good views of Howe Sound.  

Elfin Lakes/Mamquam Lake, Diamond Head

            This is another outstanding day hike in the area, the main difficulty is that it is far (16 km on a gravel road) from the highway and thus the only way to get there is by car.  That said, this hike is not as steep as the others and the panoramic views through alpine meadows start early and continue for most of the hike as you traverse a ridgeline across from the spectacular Mount Garibaldi.  There is often quite a bit of snow still on the ground here, sometimes even into August depending on the year's snowpack.  The trail is well marked to Elfin Lakes which is the recommended destination for an great day hike.  There are picnic tables and phenomenal views from here.  Take a dip in the small, very cold lakes if you dare.  Allow 6 - 7 hours.  

There is also a shelter and campground at Elfin Lakes if you plan an overnight hike.  Popular destinations from here might be Mamquam Lake, another 8 hours return trip from Elfin Lakes.  Opal Cone, Little Diamond Head, or the Gargoyles are also possible long day trips or overnight trips in this area.  Mount Garibaldi (8787 ft) is also a possibility, but only for experienced mountaineering parties and only at certain times of the year.

Gardibaldi Lake / Black Tusk / Panorama Ridge 

            Easier to get to without a vehicle and taking you to a great setting is the hike up to Garibaldi Lake, a huge glacial lake high in the mountains.  In summer the glacial run-off turns the lake a brilliant turquoise blue.  The hike starts about 30 km north of Squamish just off Highway 99.  The turn-off is well marked if you are driving. The hike to the Lake is 9 kilometres and takes about 3 hours.  Be warned that the first 6 km through the forest are steady uphill, but the trail eventually levels off and soon you will pass a couple of smaller lakes before arriving at Garibaldi Lake.  This is an excellent rest spot, and there is also a good campground here if you plan a multi-day trip.

The prominent volcanic tower of Black Tusk can also be reached in a long day-hike (10 - 12 hours).  And even if it is not your destination, starting up the trail will take you to alpine meadows and spectacular views of Garibaldi Lake from above.

If you want to climb to the top of Black Tusk, this is possible but the last part involves a bit of scrambling on occasionally loose rock. The views from the top, as can be expected, are spectacular, particularly on a clear day.

A slightly shorter option from Garibaldi Lake which does not involve any scrambling, but still offers great views and is almost as high as Black Tusk is the aptly named Panorama Ridge.  From here  you can see Mount Garibaldi, Black Tusk, Whistler, and Garibaldi Lake, as well as a number of other volcanic features, all in one sweeping view.

All of these hikes are well marked.

Henrietta Lake/Mount Roderick

This is a great hike on the much less travelled (virtually isolated) side of Howe Sound.  If you really want to get away from the crowds, this hike is for you.  The challenge is getting across Howe Sound.  Sea Kayak or Jet Boat may be options.  

Begin the hike up the gravel road (right then left at the top of the wood covered staircase you can see from the first aid office.  The route continues up the main gravel road for a while, then after crossing a narrow bridge heads through dense forest – rugged but easily passable.  The trail is well marked.  Decades ago there was some logging in the area, and there are still some relics of this era along the trail.  After perhaps an hour you arrive at a dam, cabin, and Henrietta Lake.  This is a great destination and a fine place to relax and have lunch.  Fishing is rumoured to be good.  

            If you are more ambitious, then Mount Roderick (or even Mount Sedgewick) may be your objective.   They are obtainable in long day hikes by fit parties (10 hours recommended for Rodderick).  Otherwise you may choose to make this an over-nite adventure..  After the Lake, the trail climbs very steeply for a while until you reach a ridge, which takes you much of the way to Roderick.  The views along the way are outstanding. 

Other Walks & Hikes

            Although the above hikes are outstanding, there are some other hikes in the area which are also good and many of them are shorter and easier.  The first two (The Smoke Bluffs and the Estuary) can be considered easy walks.  

The Estuary

The Squamish River Estuary is right next to downtown and there is a good maze of trails here which take you to a number of good views of The Chief, Shannon Falls, Garibaldi, and Howe Sound.  This is also a good bird-watching area where you can see  Herons, Falcons, and particularly in the winter, Bald Eagles.  On a good windy day in summer you can see dozens of wind-surfers out in Howe Sound.  

The Smoke Bluffs

Across Highway 99 from downtown Squamish is the Smoke Bluffs, and although this is mainly a climbing area, there are also trails throughout this area where you can see climbers or head up to the microwave tower for good views overlooking Squamish & Howe Sound.  

The Squaw

            This hike – up to 4-5 hours – starts the same place as the hike up The Chief and the trails are marked from this trail.  The main views here are to the east where you can see the major peaks and mountains of Garibaldi Park.

Other good hikes in the area include Four Lakes Trail at Alice Lake Park, Brohm Lake Interpertive Forest, Petgill Lake, High Falls Creek, Evans Lake, Sky Pilot, Lake Lovely Water, and Echo Lake.