Hiking in Squamish
Fall in love with Squamish on foot. Travel along one of the many trails to winding rivers, glacial lakes, ancient rainforests and vast mountainous terrain.
Hiking is a great equalizer. It’s accessible to anyone with a good pair of shoes and is simple living at its finest. With 8 provincial parks and wilderness at our doorstep, Squamish has a whole host of hiking trails to choose from. Take a walk through the Smoke Bluffs and marvel at the rock climbers dangling from their ropes. Enjoy watching the kiteboarders on a sunny afternoon from the oceanfront trail. Or hike through some of the dual-purpose trails and see what mountain bikers talk about when they refer to 'epic singletrack'.
The more adventurous hikers can head into the Squamish Valley or up to the alpine for a multi-day backpacking exploration of the terrain around Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park.
Whatever the weather or the day holds, Squamish has some truly spectacular hikes for all levels and abilities. Come and join us for a walk in the woods.
Where to go
It’s hard to put a foot wrong when it comes to choosing a great hike in Squamish. However, we do have a few recommendations to get you started.
Alice Lake Provincial Park
Home to one of Squamish's most vibrant sections of rainforest, Alice Lake Provincial Park offers shelter from the rain underneath a thick canopy of trees, gorgeous lake viewpoints, and plenty of space to wander in the woods. Many Squamish trail running races take place here and with good reason as some of Squamish's best singletrack can be found in this park. Hikers can delight in a visit to one of the park's four charming mountain lakes: Stump, Edith, Fawn and Alice. There are dozens of trails waiting to be discovered - the most popular are Four Lakes Trail, the Swamp Lantern Trail, Jacks and Wonderland.
Brohm Lake
Enjoy 10km of wooden trails circumnavigating Brohm Lake and the surrounding area. The forest here is breathtaking and includes a few old-growth trees and plenty of tall second-growth. The west side of the trail network includes jaw-dropping views towards the Tantalus Range and even an old fire lookout that is a fun place to explore. Another highlight is the old wooden bridge immediately south of the main parking lot. Popular day hikes in the area include Brohm Lake Trail around the lake's perimeter, the High Trail, which leads to the fire lookout and the Alder Trail, which doubles as a second access point if the main parking lot is full.
Squamish Valley
A crown jewel of Squamish. Home to tall mountains and lots of off-the-radar hikes. This whole zone is one of the most remote hiking areas in Squamish and features expansive viewpoints looking towards the snaking Squamish River. Beware of bear activity and be extra mindful of leaving food along the trail. The most popular hikes in this zone are Crooked Falls and High Falls Creek. There are also plenty of mountaineering and scrambling routes up local peaks such as Tricouni and Cypress Peak and Cloudburst Mountain.
Useful Information
Play it safe
Remember that hiking is often in remote places where even a small injury can turn into an epic rescue. There is wildlife and inherent risk associated with tramping through the woods. Please keep this in mind and be mindful of your surroundings. Bring extra food, water and clothing as weather and conditions in the mountains can change instantly. Finally, pack out what you pack in to help keep our area clean.
Visit the Visitor Information Centre in the Squamish Adventure Centre for maps, guidebooks, suggested trail routes and everything you need to know to help plan your day out.
When
Be sure to check the BC Parks website for the latest seasonal, trail and park updates.
