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DISCOVER HOWE SOUND
Squamish Weather
Squamish means ‘mother of wind’ this means we get some of the best conditions for kiteboarding, windsurfing & sailing in the world. The shape of the Howe Sound creates a bottleneck around Squamish which brings amazingly consistent and strong winds throughout the Howe Sound on a daily basis. The weather in Squamish varies throughout the year from months of rain to months of nothing but sunshine!
where to stay
Other Accommodations in Squamish
Hostels
Squamish Adventure Inn is a beautifully redesigned building providing private and shared rooms for reasonable prices.
Camping
There are several campgrounds around Squamish. As we experience amazing weather and outdoor activities through the summer, spaces are sometimes limited. Book early to get the best spots! Campgrounds range from easy access to backcountry adventures. Look below for a few options.
- Alice Lake Provincial Park
- Paradise Valley Campground
- Mountain Fun Basecamp
- Klahanie Campground
- Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
- Mamquam River Campground
- Squamish Valley Campground
- Squamish Municipal Campground
- Porteau Cove
Motel
Hotels
There are a wide variety of hotels in Squamish. Only a block away from the shop you can find the Howe Sound Inn & Brewery. Pet friendly, a restaurant, a brewery and great access to a variety of estuary and waterfront trails.
The Executive Suites provides a refined experience and is on the far side of town overlooking a retired golf course filled with wildlife.
Coming with a family? Squamish has 2 hotels with waterslides available: the Mountain Retreat Hotel and the Sandman Hotel.
THINGS TO DO
There are so many things to do in Squamish, especially in the summer. Squamish is an adventure hub with so many sports and activities to enjoy. From the Chief to the Spit to Garibaldi Highlands there is so much to explore.
Hiking
Hiking options in Squamish are endless from beginner to extremely advanced. Head up the famous Chief for unbeatable views over Squamish and the Howe Sound, check out High Falls up the Squamish Valley or if you’re looking for a bigger adventure check out Sigurd Peak or The Lion Peak. Make sure to wear the proper footwear and get ready to experience an amazingly rewarding workout.
Mountain Biking
Along with Whistler, Squamish is also an amazing place to get out for some mountain biking. From the Ray Peters trails, the Garibaldi Highlands to Valleycliffe, there is something for everyone. Some top trails in Squamish include Half Nelson, Pseudo Pseuga, Man Boobs and Meadow of the Grizzly. There are many rental shops in Squamish to get daily rentals in case you didn’t bring your own.
Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding is one of the top things to do in Squamish this weekend. Head out to the Spit and watch the pros throwing some amazing tricks or sign up for a lesson at Aerial Kiteboarding. If you have never tried before you can try a group lesson available at a discount price. This is a great way to give the sport a try without breaking the bank and who knows maybe this is your next new sport!
Rock Climbing
Hire a guide or head out on your own. Rock climbing is one of the most popular things to do in Squamish. The Chief, The Smoke Bluffs and Murrin Park are some of the most popular climbing spots but you can also find spots in Whistler and Chek Canyon. Stop by Vallhalla or one of the climbing shops in town to pick up “Squamish Select” the ultimate guide to Squamish climbing.
Snowmobiling
With endless mountains, snowmobile conditions here are one of the best. Some of the more popular places in the Sea to Sky area are Brohm Ridge, Seagrams, Brandywine and the Pemberton Ice Caves. The Rutherford is a phenomenal beginner and intermediate spot that also includes advanced terrain. The multiple flat glaciers that connect different areas make it very user friendly for beginners. Brohm Ridge is one of the most popular spots for local riders as it is nice and close to home. Stop into No Limits Motorsports to sort out any needed rentals or gear purchases before an amazing day out on the mountain.
Backcountry Touring
Backcountry touring is extremely popular throughout the winter months in Squamish and Whistler and can be done on a split board or skis. Many take advantage of the Whistler and Squamish Gondola to quickly gain elevation and further their access to the backcountry. Some of the most popular trails are Elfin lakes, Red Heather Meadows and Little Diamond Head.
Before venturing into the vast backcountry, make sure you have all the necessary safety gear and avalanche knowledge to stay safe on your adventure.
Sea to Sky Gondola
A relatively new addition to Squamish, BC, the Sea to Sky Gondola has gained popularity by the masses for the plethora of things they offer. From live concerts and beautiful views to Easter Egg hunts and Halloween on the mountain, the Sea to Sky Gondola always has a new event around the corner. In the summer, enjoy various hiking trails and amazing views with a quick and easy stop for lunch or dinner. In the winter, the Sea to Sky Gondola allow for easy backcountry access as well as snowshoeing trails and tubing. You’ll never miss the snow again when it is just a short gondola ride away.
Micro Brewery Tour
After your awesome weekend of activities don’t miss out on all the Breweries Squamish has to offer. Backcountry Brewery, A-Frame and the Howe Sound Brew Pub are all popular pubs with unique beers to try. More breweries and cideries pop up all the time in Squamish so keep your eyes open to find some of the best drinks around.
Squamish is an amazing place to hangout for a weekend or more! Other than the above options go paddle boarding, hangout at the lake, try rafting or kayaking or spend the day fishing. The options are endless!
Useful Links
Active from May 15 – Sept 15
Lets you see when the wind switches to inflow
Paid app, good to see current conditions (the forecasts are not at all accurate) and when the wind is predicted to switch directions.
*The Squamish Terminal Sensor & the iKitesurf Sensor sit further downwind of the spit. As a result there maybe a few more knots on the spit than shown on the sensor
This site gives a good summary of rare spots but is not always reliable
This site has a great deal of forecast information and all kinds of useful information as long as people talk on the forum about where they are going and when.
Come experience