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24 hours in Squamish

Nestled right in between Vancouver, and Whistler, Squamish offers a peaceful, and quiet getaway that anyone can take advantage of.

Squamish (population: 17, 158) is a community and district municipality located at the north end of Howe Sound on the Sea to Sky Highway.

Its history is one filled with stories, and memories that has helped shape it to the beautiful community it is today.

History

historic squamishvia Squamish Archives

Squamish was coming alive during the construction of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway in the 1910s. That same railway is now part of CN today, creating long linkages all across the province. Forestry has traditionally been the main industry in the area, and that has not changed much today.

It was during the Gold Rush years (1858-1860’s) that saw the first white people explore the area, with the help of aboriginal guides.

Several reports of Squamish River gold discoveries began to appear during this period – in newspapers in New Westminster, Victoria, San Francisco, and even in Australia. This was brought to trusted companies like the Hudson’s Bay Company, or at New Westminster by Squamish Chiefs.

As the prospects of finding gold diminished, Squamish started to shift away to new industries.

Squamish Today

squamish today

House prices in nearby Vancouver, and Whistler have skyrocketed in recent years resulting in more, and more people flooding the region in hopes of finding a new home.

Additionally, Squamish has an overabundance of natural beauty, and adventure waiting for you to check out! There is something that ought to satisfy your adventurous side, while escaping from your busy life.

So what we have done is compiled a list of the top things to do while in Squamish.

Fergie’s Cafe

Fergies_Cafe

Thinking of eating local and affordable? Then you can’t go wrong with Fergie’s, offering fresh ingredients, and a beautiful location for guests to enjoy. Fergie’s Cafe is open daily from 8am to 3pm for fabulous breakfasts and lunches. Keep your eye out for their summer dinners on the yard, that is perfect for a relaxing, romantic date.

Howe Sound Brewery

Howe Sound Brewing

Great beer, and amazing food is a constant at Howe Sound Brewery, proudly serving serving the residents of Squamish, and beyond since 1996. Their brew pub has all of our micro-brewed ales and lagers on tap, or available to go out of our fridge. What better way of celebrating hiking the Stawamus Chief than enjoying a fresh, cold beer on the patio, soaking in the Squamish scenery.

Sea To Sky Air

Sea To Sky Air

A good old fashioned plane ride can never be beaten. Sea To Sky Air is the #1 flightseeing in BC by Tripadvisor, and offers a variety of packages depending on what you want to experience. They offer scenic flights, charter services, and even train you to fly yourself one day. Once in the air, you are captivated by the beautiful surroundings that make up Squamish.

Sea To Sky Gondola

Sea To Sky Gondola

I hope you are not afraid of heights, and if you are lets hope breakfast stays down. Squamish’s newest, and biggest attractions offer up an experience like few others. Summer hours take effect May 20. Open Sunday to Thursday from 10am – 5pm, Fridays and Saturdays open 10am – 8pm. The gondola ride is 10 minutes long, and has an elevation of 885 metres at the very top, surpassing the Grouse Grinds 853 elevation. Once at the top, there are numerous hiking trails that can take you into the back country, so make sure you ask a staff member to ensure you are well equipped. Hungry? The Summit Eatery and Edge Bar is the only place where you can dine 885 metres above Howe Sound.

Britannia Mine Museum

Britannia Mine Museum

This one is for the whole family to enjoy. The Britannia Mine Museum was established in 1971 to preserve the material and social history of mining in British Columbia, and to educate the public about mining. It is a National Historic Site and a non-profit organization encouraging mining awareness through entertaining, experiential education programs and exhibits, important historic collection preservation and insightful public engagement that allows guests to leave with a better understanding of mining in British Columbia; past, present and future. Activities such as gold mining, and a underground tour make it worthwhile to check out Squamish’s mining history.

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