This Hidden Town 1 Hour Away From Vancouver Is The Perfect Summer Weekend Spot
There's a beautiful retreat for adventure lovers in B.C. this summer, and it's no more than a quick drive away from Vancouver. Take a trip to this outdoorsy community and dive into adventure. From rock climbing and hiking to floating on a pristine lake, you'll have no shortage of things to do in Squamish.
The city is located "at the end of one of the Pacific Coast's deepest Fjords," according to Explore Squamish, and most of their routes are mere minutes from downtown.
Plus, there's the Sea to Sky Gondola that takes you straight to breathtaking views of the sea, the mountains, and the forests. Make sure to check out their three viewing platforms at the top of the ride that'll make you feel like Simba from The Lion King.
Vancouverites love Squamish its hiking trails. From day-hikes to multi-day adventures, from simple strolls for beginners to monstrous treks and everything in between, they have it all.
Whether you want to walk downtown and sip in coffee shops you've never seen before or find the bluest lake hike you can find, this super-quick road trip from Vancouver has to be on your summer bucket list.
If you're a fan of the water, Squamish has also got you covered.
They've got everything from stand-up paddleboarding on Alice Lake or Nexen Beach, to windsurfing on the Squamish Spit, to even white-water rafting down the frothing Cheakamus River.
You can get caffeinated before your hike in town, too, at local spots like Zephyr Cafe and you feel a world away from a Starbucks on Robson Street in Vancouver.
For a dose of nostalgia, you can check out the Britannia Mining Museum. It's a fun national historic site that actually takes you underground into an early haulage tunnel on their mine train.
Every Vancouverite had to go at some point on a school trip but now that you're grown you'll enjoy it even more.
Squamish
Address: Squamish, BC
Why You Need To Go: Hike to your heart's content and check out this spot just one hour from the big city.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment and obey any local laws.