Another summer is coming and going – we’re halfway through the season. If you’re starting to feel summer is slipping away, we have 10 local activities to tick off your bucket list before temperatures drop.
Take advantage of our local businesses and natural surroundings to learn something new: we have suggestions to explore Howe Sound, our world-famous rivers, local culture, breweries and produce.
1. Explore the rivers with whitewater rafting
Squamish is fortunate to have two awesome whitewater routes – the Cheakamus and the Elaho rivers, offering two very different day-trip experiences. The Cheakamus is a family-friendly way to get on the water that includes class II rapids for a bit of excitement. For the adventurous, the Elaho River offers glacial splashes on class IV rapids.
Squamish Rafting Company offers a range of experiences, from exhilarating adventures to fun, “splashy” journeys. Eagle-viewing tours are also available.
Canadian Outback Rafting is another local company.
“One of the main reasons we say you have to go rafting at least once in your life is that on the river, you’re seeing scenery and views in a completely different light,” said Laura Firth of Canadian Outback Rafting. “People go climbing and hiking, but what you see on the river is amazing.”
Depending on the time of season, locals’ discounts are often offered, so it’s worth asking.
2. Get your logger on with axe-throwing
Inspired by Logger Days but not sure where to start? Squamish owes its heritage to logging, so pay homage before the end of the summer by breaking out the plaid and the axes. Axewood offer a safe way to try your hand at “hucking hatchets.” Catch them at the Sea to Sky Gondola and at events around town.
3. Mix up your yoga routine
Whether you’re a regular yogi or have yet to try yoga, there’s lots of different ways to practise in Squamish. Core Intentions offers introductory lessons to anti-gravity yoga – poses held while hanging from aerial silks. If this summer hasn’t been sweaty enough for you, Moksha Yoga in Squamish offers hot yoga. North Yoga and Sea to Sky Parks offer morning and afternoon yoga practise atop stand-up paddleboards on Alice Lake.
“It can really help with the idea of being present. You need to be really engaged and focused to keep your balance,” said SUP yoga instructor Jodi Dodd.
If it’s your first time trying yoga, most local studios offer introductory passes at a discounted rate.
4. If you’ve never been, it’s time to try climbing
Squamish is well-known for having some of the most accessible outdoor rock climbing in Canada – but there’s lots of people who have never tried it, whether it’s a fear of heights holding you back or not knowing where to start with gear.
While it can be hard to set up outdoors without experienced pals, proper gear and knowledge, it’s much easier to get started in a gym environment.
Take advantage of Ground Up climbing centre’s quieter summer atmosphere with their $50 “Ground School” package that includes lessons, rentals and a two-week complimentary membership. Also take a look at the Grand Wall Bouldering Co-op in downtown Squamish.
5. Explore (underneath) Howe Sound
Sure you’ve seen Howe Sound, but have you ever ventured beneath the surface? Diving requires certification and extensive gear, but snorkelling can be an easier introduction to the watery world below. Tours don’t leave from inside Squamish, but Sea Dragon Charters in nearby Horseshoe Bay offers kayaking and snorkeling charters to give you an idea of what it’s like down below in our backyard ocean.
6. Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Feel like a small roadtrip? The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler is a great place to learn about what it means to be living in traditional Squamish Nation territory – a boundary that extends from Vancouver to Whistler and includes the municipality of Squamish. Learn about both local nations, take in music and dance, songs and stories and try unique modern cuisine at the Thunderbird Cafe.
“One of the biggest draws to the Sea to Sky corridor is the beautiful land we live in. It’s really great to understand the history of this area, and have that same understanding,” said junior curator Alison Pascal. “It’s also a really great way for Squamish residents to have the opportunity to meet First Nations people in general and to hear their stories.”
A free family pass to the centre can be temporarily “checked out” with your Squamish Library card.
7. Grocery shop at the Squamish Farmers’ Market
Grab a friend or a date and spend your Saturday grocery shopping and cooking a meal together. Finding local ingredients will be easy and enjoyable at the Squamish Farmer’s Market, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday until October 28. Vendors are offering everything from veggies and fruit to raw meat and fresh herbs, and live music is played at every market.
8. Catch a sunset from the Sea to Sky Gondola
The gondola is a big tourist attraction in Squamish. But locals, with a $149 season’s pass to the lift, show that it’s not a one-and-done activity.
There’s plenty more than just great views when you get to the top – this year programming includes live music, group hikes in the morning, axe-throwing and yoga. On Saturdays after 5 p.m., tickets to the top are half price. And from August 4 to 19 the gondola will be open for sunset viewings, with a final ride down at 9 p.m.
9. Hook a pink salmon
Salmon is an emblem of the West Coast, and the primary sport fish of British Columbia. If you have yet to catch one, this year could be an excellent time. Easy-to-attract pink salmon only run on odd years and are the most plentiful of the pacific salmon species. The fish can be targeted with hot pink lures and streamers that are easy to find in local shops.
This year, since returns have been low, pink salmon fishing is prohibited in the Mamquam and Cheakamus rivers above the powerline, at 9 Mile.
The Squamish River below the power line at 9 Mile remains open, though with a daily limit of one pink salmon per day, until further notice.
10. Embark on a Squamish brewery tour
Did you miss the Squamish Beer Festival? How about finding a designated driver (perhaps bribed with snacks and booze-free bevvies) and doing a craft beer brew crawl? You don’t need to leave Squamish to sample beverages at Backcountry, Howe Sound and A-Frame, as well as Gillespie’s Fine Spirits.
Each brewery offers a flight; meaning you can sample four beers at a time and pace your tour out. The tasting room at Gillespie’s is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Backcountry also offers cider, soda and wine, and at A-Frame you can add kombucha or cider as beverages in your flight.
