Billed as “The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada”, Squamish is a mecca for those wanting to walk on British Columbia’s wild side. From hiking, rock-climbing and mountain biking to river rafting, cross-country skiing and paragliding, Squamish is a place where the ocean and the mountains collide.

The region is peppered with fantastic provincial parks, as well as the scenic waters of Howe Sound which are a great place to kayak or canoe. Cruising along the Sea-to-Sky Highway is an iconic Vancouver experience and gives way to breathtaking mountain and ocean views. For more adventurous visitors, making the trek up the imposing Stawamus Chief boulder is a rite of passage.

Conveniently sandwiched between the 2010 Olympic Winter Games host city of Vancouver and the world-famous ski resort of Whistler, Squamish is perfectly positioned for outdoor adventures. It’s just a one hour drive from Vancouver and around 45 minutes from Whistler.

In addition to its outdoor allure, Squamish is underpinned by a rich history of railway operations, mining and forestry. Its roots date back to 1910 when it was founded as the first southern terminus of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway. The region draws its unusual name from the indigenous Squamish people, who refer to the region by its native title, Keh Kait.