Vacation rentals in Squamish

As the self-proclaimed outdoor capital of Canada, Squamish, British Columbia, is rich in opportunities to be active that back up its bold claim. Located at the edge of Howe Sound fjord, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and granite monoliths and intersected by rivers and trails, Squamish is a magnet for thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts. The perfect combination of water, wind, and land makes watersports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding accessible and thrilling, while the region has some of the finest mountain bike trails, bouldering, and rock climbing in the province.

Family-friendly attractions, museums, and the Sea-to-Sky Gondola ensure that everyone can participate in fresh air adventures, no matter their size or ability. Whether you’re exploring local lakes, rafting white-water rapids, hiking up the many mountain trails, or enjoying a craft beer tour downtown, Squamish will leave you eager to chart new adventures.

Surrounded by mountains and nestled on the shore of Howe Sound, Squamish is an outdoor-oriented town that is busy every season. Between November and March, winter enthusiasts revel in snowshoeing and fat-biking opportunities in the valley and winter hiking at the Sea to Sky Summit. The summer season between May and August attracts mountain bikers, hikers, kite-surfers, and paddleboarders. November to January is best for birders keen to spot majestic bald eagles in nearby Brackendale. Squamish weather tends towards colder temperatures in winter with snowfalls throughout the season. In summer, you should prepare for warm but often windy days; have a fleece jacket or windbreaker at the ready for cool nights when the sun sets.

Britannia Mine Museum

Located in Britannia Beach just 10 minutes south of Squamish, the impressive Britannia Mine Museum brings British Columbia’s industrial past to life. Through interactive mining displays, fun activities like gold-panning, and tours through an old copper mining tunnel, learn how miners lived and worked at the mine and townsite. The exciting BOOM! multimedia experience brings the immense century-old mill building back to life with a cool light and sound show.

Sea to Sky Gondola

The Sea to Sky Gondola is an all-season gateway to mountain adventure south of Squamish. The short 10-minute gondola ride leads to the summit. Once there you can enjoy panoramic vistas of Howe Sound fjord and suspension bridges in view of the snow-covered Garibaldi Mountains, as well as easy looping walks or more challenging backcountry trails, including to the granite giant and climbing mecca, Stawamus Chief.

Brackendale

Just north of town, Brackendale is bustling with mountain bikers and birders keen to spot members of the largest concentration of more than 1,000 wintering bald eagles in North America. You can view these magnificent raptors at a distance on an Eagle Float Tour on the Cheakamus River, or by visiting the Eagle Viewing Shelter at Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park.