The Ultimate Squamish Winter Bucket List

The Ultimate Squamish Winter Bucket List

As the snow starts to fall in the alpine, people don their down jackets and the cozy appeal of comfort food draws visitors into Squamish's local eateries. The season of snowballs and tobogganing is just around the corner and now is the perfect time to start planning for your upcoming snow days.

1. See the Eagles

Photo: MJ Blanchet, Canadian Outback Rafting

Year-after-year an average of 1,300 eagles are counted in Squamish. Prime eagle viewing is available at the Eagle Run viewing shelter in Brackendale. Look for volunteers from the EagleWatch Interpretive Program who will be counting these majestic birds, or keep an eye out for the helpful resources located on-site. You can always do some research online regarding safe and ethical eagle viewing practices, the life and habits of wintering Eagles if you want to learn more.

Locals tip: Remember to #exploresquamishresponsibly and maintain a safe distance from wildlife and keep your dogs on a leash.  Do not disturb the eagles or their natural habitats, and take only photos and memories with you when you leave.  
 

2. Discover Solitude on Snowshoes

Wander where the forests are doused with snow and trade in the white noise of daily life for the blissful blank palate of snowy solitude. Snowshoe rentals are available through the Olympic Park, Escape Route and Valhalla Pure Outfitters. You can also rent snowshoes and hit the network of trails in the alpine after riding the Sea to Sky Gondola to the top. Not sure where to go? Join a snowshoe tour with the folks from Rise Mountains Adventures.
 

3.Try Nordic Skiing 

Photo: Whistler Olympic Park

Glide, stride or skate in the stunning alpine environment of the Callaghan Valley. No experience is required to give Nordic skiing a try and rentals are available through Olympic Park for every member of your family. 
 

4. Take the Whole Family Tubing 

Photo: Paul Bride/Sea to Sky Gondola

Give your kids the gift of a snow day and take them for a tubing adventure at the Sea to Sky Gondola. The tube park offers sliding fun for all ages and the viewing deck is a great place to watch all of the action if you are not tubing. Close your day with a cup of hot chocolate or a soup in the Summit Lodge before boarding the gondola to return to the base.

*Winter 2024 Tube Park opening date is TBA

5. Go on a Winter Heli or Flight-Seeing Trip

Photo: Sea to Sky Air

See the winter wonderland of Squamish from the skies and soar above snowcovered mountains, frozen lakes, and ice-cold rivers. You have yet to see Squamish until you have seen it from hundreds of feet in the air. Flight and heli-seeing tours are offered daily (weather permitting).

Heli-seeing tour providers: Blackcomb Helicopters, Black Tusk Helicopters
Flight-seeing tour providers:  Sea to Sky Air

6. Climb the Iron Way

Image: Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures

Take your Sea to Sky experience to new heights as you climb Squamish's Via Ferrata or 'Iron Way'. The expert guides from Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures will lead you through beautiful old-growth forest to a stunning viewpoint high above Howe Sound. The Via Ferrata route starts where the guide clips you into the safety cable and your adventure begins! Traverse a catwalk, cross suspended bridges, and ascend glacier-worn granite slabs using the steel rungs and the fixed cable system. Finally, the route completes with a spectacular finish near the viewing deck of the Summit Lodge.

7. Apres On The Craft Tasting Trail 

Photo: Howe Sound Inn and Brewing

After your adventurous day unwind at one of Squamish's many craft beverage makers. Kick it off at the Howe Sound Brew Pub for a hearty meal, and a delicious pint then let your taste buds guide you where to go next; beer, spirits, cider, coffee, kombucha or water kefir, its all available in Squamish. Download or pick up a Craft Tasting Trail Passport from the Squamish Adventure Centre and win a prize when you garner three or more stamps from various makers.