Bikes & Brews: 3-Day Squamish Itinerary
Home to over 300km of singletrack, Squamish is one of British Columbia's top mountain biking destinations. With 5 unique zones to ride and an abundance of bike-friendly businesses, it's easy to spend a few days getting acquainted with the Squamish trails and ales.
Day 1
Start your day with a morning coffee and breakfast from Squamish's bike-themed RideHub Cafe. The cafe has a mechanic on hand so you can have your bike tuned while you eat. Enjoy a cup of coffee from a branded mug and pick up some pocket snacks for your day on the trails.
Get acquainted with Squamish singletrack on a morning ride in the Alice Lake Mountain Biking Zone, the trails here range from beginner to expert and are flowy, fast and fun to ride. Must-do intermediate trails include Man Boobs, Rollercoaster and Leave of Absence.
After your morning, check into Executive Suites Hotel & Resort. The hotel is equipped with a bike wash, secure storage and allows bikes in your room, so you never have to be far from your trusty steed. Now that you've worked up an appetite, head downstairs to the onsite restaurant. The eatery boasts a massive, bike-friendly patio and has a menu with essential post-ride delights like tacos, avocado fries, burgers and more.
Leave your car at the hotel and head on an afternoon ride to visit a few more sweet spots in the Alice Lake Zone. Enter the trail network via nearby Jacks (from the end of Tantalus Road) and check out White Rabbit to Wonderland which will take you right back to your hotel. Want to go for a longer ride? You can also start in the Brackendale Zone before heading to White Rabbit and Wonderland!
Finish off your day with a visit to downtown Squamish where you can shop at local favourite bike shop Corsa Cycles and head for dinner and brews at Howe Sound Brewing. Be sure to bring your growler or pick up a new one; you will want to take home some beer! Local's tip: Squamish's Pamplemousse bike trail inspired Howe Sound Brewing's Pamplemousse Pale Ale. Give it a try!
Day 2
Rise early to go for breakfast at Crabapple Cafe then head to the Valleycliffe Mountain Bike Zone for the morning. The trails here are intermediate to advanced and are full of slabs and technical descents. Must ride trails include Endo, Meet Yer Maker and Rampage.
After your morning on the trails, visit Match Eatery & Public House for lunch. Located near the Valleycliffe trail network, this awesome spot includes a huge patio with jaw-dropping views of the Stawamus Chief.
In the afternoon, hit up the Diamond Head Zone. This zone is serviced by the Squamish Shred Shuttle or can be accessed via the Legacy Climb (Stl'lhalem Sintl'). The crown jewel of the area is Half Nelson, but a plethora of other amazing trails can be found here such as Somewhere Over There and Word of Mouth.
Once you're done riding for the day, treat yourself to a pour of A-FRAME Brewing's lake-inspired beverages. If you have the time, why not take a bottle to-go and order take-out dinner from Saha Eatery to munch on at a local lake. Alice and Cat Lake are both surrounded by bike trails and are a favourite place for a post-ride dip. Plan your visit after 5 pm to get parking.
Day 3
After two days of biking, there's no shame in wanting to rest your legs. E-bike rentals are available from Corsa Cycles, Blazing Saddles Adventures and Flying Spirit Rentals. After you've sorted out your bike for the day, grab breakfast from Sunflower Bakery and head on a guided alpine ride with Ride BC or RideHub, both companies will shuttle you to the Diamond Head Zone to start your alpine ride to Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park. From the trailhead, ride 11km uphill to reach a pair of stunning mountain lakes perfect for swimming. After a quick dip to refresh your legs, it's time to enjoy a massive downhill descent surrounded by wildflowers and epic views of Mount Garibaldi!
After your tour, go to Locavore Bar & Grill. You can order your meal from the saddle of your bike at the food truck window and choose to sit outside or in their greenhouse-inspired dining area. After lunch head, next door to Alice & Brohm for a real fruit ice cream and much deserved sugar break.
Stop in at Backcountry Brewing for a pizza dinner and to try out one of Squamish's most talked about craft beverages. The Trailbreaker Pale Ale is a local favourite.
