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Stawamus Chief and around
A day in Squamish · 9:30–15:30 · 3 stops
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mapvivid.com/squamish/itineraries/stawamus-chief-and-aroundA walking day around Stawamus Chief and Sea to Sky Gondola, with a lunch break nearby and Shannon Falls to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Stawamus Chief ↗2 h 30 minGo early · Allow a few hours
Giant granite monolith with a steep hike to three summit peaks.
- Chains and ladders near the top
↓ 11 min walk
12:152Sea to Sky Gondola ↗1 hBook ahead
Gondola to a summit lodge, suspension bridge and trails above Howe Sound.
- Cross the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge
- Hike up the Sea to Summit trail, ride down
Lunch
13:15Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 10 min walk
Afternoon
14:303335-metre waterfall a short walk from the highway.
- Only 5 minutes from the car park
- Most powerful in spring
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Squamish tips
Cultural
- Learn Squamish Nation history: the area is the traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw; look for cultural signage and art.
- Enjoy the outdoor culture: Squamish is a climbing, biking and kiteboarding hub, so expect a laid-back, active community.
- Try local craft beer: Howe Sound Brewing and other local breweries are popular after-hike spots.
Local Hacks
- See bald eagles in winter: from December to January hundreds of eagles gather at Brackendale to feed on salmon.
- Get a Garibaldi day pass: some trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park require a free BC Parks day-use pass in summer, so book online ahead.
- Watch kiteboarders at the Spit: on windy summer afternoons the Squamish Spit is a great spot to watch kiteboarders.
Saving
- Pack a picnic: buy groceries in town and eat at Alice Lake or the Squamish Spit instead of restaurants.
- Camp or stay in town: camping or staying in Squamish is far cheaper than Whistler, with the same access to the corridor.
- Enjoy free trails: many hikes, including Shannon Falls and the Squamish estuary trails, are free to explore.
Security
- Carry bear spray: black bears are common on trails around Squamish; make noise, carry bear spray and store food properly.
- Respect the Chief: the Stawamus Chief hike is steep with ladders and chains; start early, wear good shoes and bring water.
- Use winter tires: winter tires are required on Highway 99 in the colder months; check road conditions before driving.
Transportation
- Drive the Sea to Sky Highway: Highway 99 from Vancouver to Squamish is stunning but busy; leave early on weekends to avoid traffic.
- Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola: the gondola climbs from the highway to viewing platforms and trails above Howe Sound.
- Use local transit: BC Transit buses serve Squamish neighbourhoods, though a car or bike is handier for trailheads.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect lots of rain: fall and winter are wet and grey; bring waterproof jackets, pants and boots.
- Pack for warm summers: July and August are sunny and warm; bring sun protection and light hiking gear.
- Layer for the gondola: the summit of the Sea to Sky Gondola is cooler and windier, so carry a jacket even in summer.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/squamish/itineraries/stawamus-chief-and-around
Day 1 of 19:30–15:303 stops
Stawamus Chief and around
A walking day around Stawamus Chief and Sea to Sky Gondola, with a lunch break nearby and Shannon Falls to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 2 h 30 minGiant granite monolith with a steep hike to three summit peaks.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Allow a few hours
1 tip
- Chains and ladders near the top
📷 Photos
11 min walk
212:15 · 1 hGondola to a summit lodge, suspension bridge and trails above Howe Sound.
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Cross the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge
- Hike up the Sea to Summit trail, ride down
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:15
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps10 min walk
Afternoon
314:30 · 1 h335-metre waterfall a short walk from the highway.
3 tips
- Only 5 minutes from the car park
- Most powerful in spring
- Free entry
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Squamish. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.