Up for some fun, tranquil, exhilarating winter paddling? Along with more winter fun, too! Squamish your four-season destination for time outdoors!
For anyone who’s visited at this time of year, Squamish, British Columbia, is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts during the winter months. And, yes, winter paddling is totally a thing! In addition to the usual skiing and snowboarding that defines winter recreation in this area, bring kiteboarding (snowkiting) to the slopes and still get on the water!
It’s true that a winter trip requires a bit more planning, but with so many ways to enjoy Squamish during the winter – including winter padding! – it’s worth a little extra effort. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the six great ways you can enjoy this area in the wintertime.
Squamish offers exhilarating and refreshing cold-weather activities for just about everyone:
Winter sports
Without a doubt, Squamish is one of the most popular destinations for skiing (alpine, nordic and backcountry), snowboarding, and snowshoeing. With so many ski resorts, nordic ski trails and snowshoeing trails within an easy drive, Squamish is a fabulous home base.
Ice climbing
The area around Squamish is known for its impressive granite cliffs. Many of them are climbable during winter months when they’re coated in ice, and there’s a choice of ice-climbing routes, ranging in skill level from beginner to advanced.
Snowkiting
Talk about some serious winter fun! Snowkiting offers an exhilarating ride on the local slopes. Requiring a combination of kiteboarding skills and experience on the slopes, snowkiting is gaining in popularity right alongside its summer kiteboarding counterpart. And, like kitesurfing in water, with the proper instruction, you can get up boarding relatively easily. Distinct from other winter alpine sports where the direction is most often down, snowkiting allows the kiter to travel up and down the hill regardless of the wind direction.
Hiking
While the weather in Squamish during the winter can be cold and wet, the city is surrounded by accessible hiking trails within only a few minutes drive. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors on the trail and get up to amazing vantage points over Squamish and Howe Sound. Enjoy a choice of scenic hikes with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Winter paddling
Winter paddling in Squamish throughout the colder months is a uniquely rewarding experience, offering an entirely different perspective of the landscape and wildlife. While the trees may be bare, you may see bald eagles, seals, and other wildlife active during the colder months. Certainly, you can expect the weather to be cold and wet, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius. Dress in appropriate clothing, in layers, to stay warm and dry. The water, too, can be very cold, ranging from only 5 to 8 degrees Celsius. Wear a wet or dry suit to protect against the cold. With fewer crowds in Squamish in the winter, it’s often a much more peaceful paddling experience.
Want to experience the waters around Squamish in winter? Enjoy winter paddling with our Winter Rentals through March. We’ve got four-hour and full-day eight-hour paddle rentals available by appointment only. BOOK NOW to request your appointment today, or send us an email with your inquiry.
Shopping and dining
No trip is complete without great dining and shopping. Home to a variety of great shops and restaurants, Squamish is a full-service destination year-round. Enjoy a break from the cold and revel in a warm meal – cafes, brew pubs, and other unique eateries from casual to fine dining.
In addition to winter paddling, which is a particularly beautiful and rewarding experience at this time of year, Squamish offers a wide range of activities and experiences for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors during the winter months. See you soon!
BOOK NOW to get out on the winter waters – request your trip TODAY!