Plizio Visual Lab
Squamish
Located beautifully where the ocean meets the mountains, Squamish is globally recognized as the outdoor recreation capital of Canada. The town is dominated by the Stawamus Chief, a massive granite monolith that attracts rock climbers from all over the world. Howe Sound, the southernmost fjord in North America, provides a dramatic coastal backdrop and constant winds that make the area a hotspot for kiteboarding and windsurfing. Once a quiet logging town, Squamish has evolved into a lively community filled with craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and outdoor gear shops. The Sea to Sky Gondola is a major attraction, sweeping visitors up into the alpine for sweeping views of the fjord and access to suspension bridges and hiking trails. In the winter, the region is a prime spot for bald eagle watching along the Squamish River. Squamish is perfectly located on the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99), exactly halfway between Vancouver and Whistler. Summer is the busiest season for rock climbing, hiking, and water sports, but the mild coastal winters make it a fantastic year-round destination.
- Location: Canada
- Top sights: Nighthawk Lookout · Squamish Adventure Cenre · Sea to Sky Gondola
- Nearby: Lions Bay (17 km)
- Population: ~23.819 (2025)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 8 | 2 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 323 | 165 | 253 | 145 | 96 | 84 | 50 | 61 | 122 | 233 | 348 | 295 |
Geography
Facts
- Population of around 23,000 residents.
- Known as Canada's outdoor recreation capital.
- Home to the massive Stawamus Chief monolith.
- Located on the Howe Sound fjord.
- Halfway between Vancouver and Whistler.
- Prime location for bald eagle watching in winter.
- Features the Sea to Sky Gondola.
- Global hotspot for rock climbing and kiteboarding.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Squamish (7)
Frequently asked questions
Squamish: where is it located?
Squamish: what is there to see?
Squamish: when is the best time to visit?
Squamish: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
