6 Kid-Friendly Hikes in Squamish
Posted on: January 7, 2025
Roam through moss-covered forests and surround yourself with fresh mountain air, big Squamish views and a slice of solitude to enjoy with your family. Squamish is home to plenty of trails suited to youngsters. Read on to discover our favourite kid-approved trails.
Local's Tip: Because they are most accessible, these trails tend to get busy on nice weather days, and become busier as the day goes on. We recommend visiting mid-week or first thing in the morning to avoid crowds!
Shannon Falls is the third highest waterfall in BC and is a spectacular sight to see. The hiking trail to its base is easy and accessible to people of all ages and abilities. From the parking lot, you will pass by a large picnic area and continue on the gravel trail beside Shannon Creek. In the summer kids can splash around the creek surrounded by some of the oldest forests in Squamish. Along the trail, there are two viewpoints to the falls about 200 metres apart. Both viewpoints are well worth the walk and make a fantastic setting for family photos! Parking can be found in the Shannon Falls parking lot just south of Squamish on Highway 99. On busy days additional parking can be found across the street in the Darrel Bay parking lot.
Stroller-friendly: Yes
Length: 1 km
Duration: 5 minutes to 1 hour
One of the best family-friendly hikes in Squamish, the Four Lakes Trail is located 10 minutes north of Squamish in Alice Lake Provincial Park. This trail is a loop that wanders through beautiful coastal forest to four distinct mountain lakes; Stump, Edith, Fawn, and Alice. For those looking for a shorter hike, the loop around Alice Lake takes about 30 minutes and is suitable for all abilities. Alice Lake itself is a great swimming lake for a post-hike dip with sandy beach areas and a walkout dock on one side of the lake. The park also features one of the best family campgrounds in the Sea to Sky Corridor as well as a playground and day-use picnic table seating.
Stroller-friendly: Yes, jogging / off-road strollers only
Length: 6 km
Duration: 2-3 hours
3. Murrin Park
Murrin Provincial Park is located just off Highway 99, approximately ten-minutes south of downtown Squamish. The 24-hectare park features easy-access lake swimming, picnicking, hiking, fishing and rock climbing. Right at the entrance to the park is Browning Lake, there is a beautiful trail that meanders around it with picnic tables along the west side. If your kids are feeling adventurous, the Murrin Park Loop Trail offers a few lookouts over Howe Sound that are breathtaking. The start of the trail is located on the west side of the lake and follows well-marked signs up and left ascending a series of wooden stairs. Near the top of the stairs, follow the marked junction to the Quercus Lookout (pictured above). Continue along the loop trail where you will pass the Capilano Lookout before returning to the lake.
Stroller-friendly: Lake Trail yes, Murrin Park Loop Trail no
Length: 2 km
Duration: 1-2 hours.
Take a hike through one of Squamish's most popular rock climbing areas on a trail that features views of the Stawamus Chief, Howe Sound and all of Squamish from above. The park is located moments down the road from the Squamish Adventure Centre and the trailhead can be found on the south end of the parking lot. There are picnic tables and benches to take breaks in the shade and to get an up-close look at the rock climbers in action. About halfway along the trail is the Smoke Bluffs playground which is always a highlight for kids. From the playground follow the signs that lead uphill to Octopus's Garden, along the way keep your eyes peeled for viewpoints, most are marked with viewing benches so the whole family can take a well-deserved break. At Octopus's Garden continue on the trail downhill which returns back to the playground.
Stroller-friendly: No (you can take an off-road stroller from the parking lot up to the playground but not around the loop trail).
Length: 2.3km
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
5. Brohm Lake Interpretive Trail
Hike through the enchanting forests around Brohm Lake, located approximately 15 minutes north of Squamish. Families can opt for a 3.5km loop around the lake or make use of the larger trail network and hike to the Tantalus Lookout. From the parking lot take the north entrance to the lake and follow the clear trail as it loops around the water. There are a few sections with steep stairs to watch out for, but apart from that, most kids can walk the trail on their own. You will return over a beautiful wooden bridge and follow a short northbound trail to the parking lot. For those wishing to reach the Tantalus Lookout, watch for the marked turnoff on the southwest side of the lake. The stunning viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Tantalus Range and can be reached as an out and back from the Brohm Lake Loop Trail or can be combined with the High Trail to create an 8km loop.
Stroller-friendly: No
Length: 3.5 km
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
6. Sea to Sky Gondola Spirit Trail
A short, easy trail with minimal elevation change and breathtaking views of Howe Sound, Sky Pilot, and Goat Ridge. The Spirit Trail can be accessed from the Backyard Plaza and from the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. Interpretive signage along the trail provides information on history, wildlife, and alpine vegetation. There is entire network of trails at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, so if you decide to keep going the adventure awaits you!
Stroller-friendly: Yes
Length: 400 metres
Duration: 20 minutes
Keep in mind that because these trails are easily accessible as well as relatively easy walking (so most anyone can do them!) they do tend to be busier than the more off-the-beaten-path trails. We recommend heading out earlier in the day to get ahead of any possible crowds. Happy hiking!
