It was like a scene out of a Walt Whitman poem.
Strolling to the water's edge in Alice Lake Provincial Park, the effervescent Kristin Cowles awaited next to a surreal and exceedingly romantic outdoor picnic setting: quilted Turkish-inspired throws covered the ground and plump velvety pillows for seating set off the beautifully adorned table, replete with a lace cloth, cut wildflowers, and linens tied with fresh lavender sprigs. Nearby, a pail filled with ice and bottles of sparkling water was the perfect antidote for the hot sun.
Cowles, a mother of two young children who moved to Squamish from Toronto with her web developer husband three years ago, calls herself an "experience curator." She recently launched Picnosh – a company that offers sublime private and public picnic experiences from May to September, in and around town.
Over the next hour we sampled many of the staples Picnosh provides, including a delightful charcuterie board comprised of a variety of Italian meats, hard and soft cheeses, and a delicious tomato and bocconcini salad adorned with fresh figs and local vegetables, prepared by The Green Olive Café. A zippy Thai hummus with a selection of crackers rounded things off. We finished with what I would argue is the best chocolate available in the corridor, Xoco Westcoast Chocolatiers hand-painted artisanal delights alongside a sinfully delicious chocolate covered almond caramel crunch bar. Other dessert offerings typically include brownies, strawberries and toasted marshmallows on a skewer.
The idea for Picnosh came about while Cowles and her husband were hiking last year.
"We just thought ‘wouldn't this be amazing if we could have a picnic up here on the Chief?' and it just sort of snowballed from there!" said the former communications manager and travel blogger, adding she's inspired to build memories that will last a lifetime for others. "I am incredibly social. I love people."
"An event with Picnosh is a way to slow down and connect, not only with people but also with nature. There's just so many ways to enjoy Squamish. It's adrenaline-driven, right? Jump off a mountain, bike down a mountain, go paddle some rapids, but there's less on offer for someone who doesn't necessarily want to end up with a broken bone," she said, laughing. "This is just a way to enjoy the surroundings, indulge your senses and kind of reenergize in nature and have a different experience of Squamish — a little bit slower, more relaxed."
Picnosh can entertain parties of up to 16 in local provincial parks, permission that took some time to obtain. Key destinations including the Stawamus Chief's second peak and the shores of Edith Lake — which can also include big lawn games like giant Scrabble or Yahtzee.
And while Picnosh's offerings in a provincial park cannot include alcohol, Cowles can offer libations for events hosted on private property, whether it be a romantic meal for two, or a bridal party or baby shower of 20. Cowles notes that Picnosh also has access to private land in Squamish Valley for such bookings. Depending on the type of package you choose, the price point for such an outing is between $100 and $229 per person. Dietary restrictions and allergies are always accommodated.
"It's a lot of work to carry all of that up to a destination like the Chief and really make that moment for somebody," she said, adding backpacks can weight up to 50 pounds. "But the views are hard to beat! We are throwing some really sweet posh picnic parties all around here – literally in the woods, on the cliffs, on lake shores."
The romantic package on the Chief takes things above and beyond.
"It has a little more extravagance built in including a photographer and other special touches, like when you arrive we are there waiting for you with a freshen up station with chilled lavender face clothes, body spray, mints and hand sanitizer. So that after you are done hiking and you're all sweaty and what-not, you can freshen up and feel great when you have your four-course mea.!"
Locals get a discount when booking at picnosh.com. The company can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.
Two joint Picnosh-Breathe Yoga Studio special events are coming down the pike. On June 9 and June 23 Yogapic takes place at the Squamish Valley Hop Company. Visit breathesquamish.com for a link to the Mind Body app to register.
