Squamish
S quamish is situated at the top of spectacular Howe Sound, between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Its location midway between Whistler and Vancouver is ideal for access to 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games events.
Squamish’s popularity as a year-round destination for myriad activities has earned it the title of “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada”. Winter visitors can enjoy backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, fishing and horseback riding, among other activities.
The community’s skyline is dominated by the Stawamus Chief, an imposing granite monolith famous for rock climbing. Squamish’s dramatic scenery inspires local artists whose work is on display at numerous venues, along with that of national and international contemporary artists.
Bird watchers will be busy here; in 1994 a record 3,769 bald eagles were spotted on a single day in Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park. The Squamish River Valley is an important wintering area for the eagles, providing a magnificent spectacle as they feed on salmon in the nearby rivers.
Transportation
To Richmond:
Richmond is approximately 1.5 hours’ drive from Squamish with the journey along the Sea to Sky Highway passing stunning ocean and mountain scenery. Passengers can take a Greyhound bus from Squamish to Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, or get off the coach in Vancouver and transfer to public transit to Richmond. It’s interesting too - albania apartments!
To Vancouver:
Vancouver is just over an hour’s drive south of Squamish along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Greyhound coaches regularly make this trip.
To West Vancouver:
West Vancouver is approximately fifty minutes’ drive from Squamish. Greyhound coach services between Vancouver and Squamish will stop in West Vancouver at the request of passengers.
To Whistler:
It takes approximately an hour to drive to Whistler from Squamish. The Whistler and Valley Express (WAVE) public buses link the two cities. There is a Greyhound coach service between Squamish and Whistler.
Accommodation
Squamish has several budget and chain hotels and motels downtown. The Garibaldi Estates area has several independent and chain hotels and motels, while numerous bed and breakfasts are located in Garibaldi Highlands. The community also has RV parks and hostel-style accommodation.
Things To Do
Nature lovers will be fascinated by the spectacle of wintering bald eagles feeding on salmon spawning in the three local rivers. Eagle-viewing float plane or horseback trips offer the best vantage point.
Squamish’s extensive trail network makes horseback riding a popular winter pursuit. Visitors also have access to excellent backcountry and cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Tours of the snowmobiling areas offer a safe environment for beginners. Anglers will find winter a good time to fish for all five varieties of Pacific salmon, as well as Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout.
Downhill skiers will find it hard to choose between Whistler to the north — Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games — and the three popular ski areas on Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains. One of these — Cypress Mountain — will host freestyle skiing and snowboard events during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Squamish plays a significant part in the rail and mining history of British Columbia. Train spotters will be delighted by the authentic railway equipment at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. The British Columbia Museum of Mining offers tours of an underground copper mine which operated for 70 years.
Vancouver:
