Spring Break in Squamish: Five Days of Mountain Moments
Spring break is a great time to head to the mountains. In Squamish, days fill easily with forest trails, hands-on activities, and meals at local favourites. Here’s a five-day, four-night itinerary to help you make the most of it.
Day 1: Arrive, Discover and Play
Start your mountain getaway with breakfast at Chatterbox Café, a convenient stop along the Sea to Sky Highway at the Britannia Mine Museum, just 15 minutes south of Squamish. Fuel up with breakfast wraps, fresh-baked rolls, and strong coffee while taking in views of Howe Sound. With indoor-outdoor seating plus lawn space for the kids to stretch their legs, it’s a great first stop on your trip.
Spend the morning learning and discovering at the Britannia Mine Museum. Grab a hard hat and ride the train into the historic tunnel, try gold panning and explore hands-on exhibits that showcase the region’s mining past. They even have a real Cat Model 793C on-site that you can get up close with. Don’t miss the BOOM! Show, where you’ll experience the mine come back to life with sounds, lights and special effects.
After taking in some mining history, it’s time for lunch at Outbound Station, just a few minutes away by foot. This burger place is a hot spot and sure to recharge you for the afternoon ahead. Sit at one of their picnic tables and enjoy the view.
When you’re filled up on burgers, head to Squamish and visit The Squamish Store inside the Adventure Centre to pick up locally made goods and Squamish souvenirs. Wander around the building to discover interactive installations and fun Squamish facts.
Next, head to The Ninja Gym for a 90-minute drop-in session. Inspired by American Ninja Warrior, this indoor obstacle gym is designed for kids aged five and up and features warped walls, rings, bars, and other challenges to climb, jump, and swing through in a safe, padded space. It’s a fun, confidence-building activity the whole family can cheer on and enjoy together.
Got smaller kids? Make your way to Tiny Tots Gym for a two-hour drop-in session. This indoor gym is designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. With soft play structures, low climbing features and age-appropriate obstacles, it gives kids a chance to move, explore, and build coordination in a safe, supervised space. It’s a perfect spring break stop for families with younger children.
For dinner, head down the street to Backcountry Brewing, a spot known for its hand-tossed, thin-crust pizza. Their house-made dough is crafted with organic, non-GMO and unbleached flour, which is said to be easier to digest for those with gluten sensitivities.
It’s now time to settle in for the night at the family-friendly Sandman Hotel & Suites. Families love it for the indoor pool and waterslide, where kids can burn off any extra energy before bed. Spacious rooms and suites give everyone room to spread out, and the included breakfast makes mornings easy before heading out to explore Squamish.
Day 2: Climb Cliffs and Explore a Provincial Park
Each morning at Sandman Hotel & Suites, families can enjoy a continental breakfast with plenty of choices to start the day right. Options include fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and hot favourites like waffles and French toast. It’s a simple, tasty way to fuel up before heading out for a day of spring break adventures.
After breakfast, take a walk along the Squamish waterfront at Sp’akw’us Feather Park, a welcoming green space right on the ocean. The paved paths are perfect for strollers, and there’s lots of room to wander, explore the beach, and enjoy the views. With colourful public art and a playground for the kids, it’s a laid‑back way to stretch your legs and take in the scenery together.
From Sp'akw'us Feather Park, make your way to the Sea to Sky Gondola for your guided morning Via Ferrata experience with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures. Over the course of an hour and a half, you and the family will climb along coastal rock faces using secure cables, fixed ladders and suspension bridges. Take in sweeping views of fjords, ocean inlets, and snow‑capped mountains. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the dramatic landscape up close, even for beginners as young as 12 years old.
When you’ve finished scaling the side of a mountain, have lunch in the Sea to Sy Gondola’s Summit Lodge at the Sky Pilot Smokehouse. Choose from pulled pork sandwiches, chicken tenders and chili to warm up after a morning of climbing. After lunch, explore the family-friendly trails, cross the suspension bridge, and if the weather permits, try ice skating, tobogganing and snowshoeing to complete your summit adventure.
Spend the afternoon walking the trails at Alice Lake Provincial Park. Loop around the lakes, wander through towering trees and pause along the shoreline. There’s even a playground and children’s bike park on-site where kids can burn off extra energy with a lakeside view.
After exploring Squamish’s trails, have dinner at Locavore Bar and Grill. Their food truck serves up favourites like grilled chicken, veggie burgers, and hot dogs. Sit in their hybrid indoor- outdoor space, and if you’re lucky, catch a live set from a local band while you eat.
Wrap up the evening with a sweet treat next door from Alice and Brohm, known for inventive small-batch flavours. Unwind and swap stories about your favourite moments after a full day of adventure and exploration.
Day 3: Wheels and Farm Animals
Start your morning at Peak Provisions Mountain Grocery & Goods, a downtown café filled with the smell of fresh baked goods. Choose from a breakfast sandwich, sausage roll, or other tasty treats to fill you up. Check out their deli, butcher, and cheesemonger and pick up something to snack on throughout the day.
After breakfast, drive over to Dialed in Cycling to rent pedal or electric bikes. From the shop you can set off along Squamish’s scenic trail network winding through local neighbourhoods and forested paths. Be sure to pre-book your rentals so you can hit the trails without delay. Explore nearby beginner and intermediate friendly trails like Wonderland, Rusty Bucket, Sweet Judy, and Live Wire.
When you and the crew start feeling hungry, pedal to Hop Creek Farm, a short ride from the trails you’ve been exploring. With crackling fires, local brews, and friendly farm animals the kids can pet and feed. Sit by the outdoor fire pits or cozy up inside the greenhouse for a relaxed, family atmosphere.
After lunch, cross the road to take a ride along the Squamish River. This path is great for taking in views and spotting wildlife such as eagles, seals and fish. It’s a perfect time to take out those snacks from Peak Provisions. From there, make your way back to Dialed in Cycling to drop your bikes off before 4:00 p.m.
For dinner, head to Freebird Table & Bar located on the way back to the Sandman. Their Southern-inspired menu features crowd-pleasers like Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, pulled pork mac and cheese and fish and chips. With hearty dishes and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to recharge after a day on the trails.
Day 4: Hiking and Waterfalls
Start with breakfast at Smoke Bluffs Café, a popular stop for locals and visitors. This cozy place has freshly baked options and lots of warm drinks to begin your day.
From the café, explore Smoke Bluffs Park, where easy to intermediate forest trails lead to impressive granite walls that have drawn climbers for decades. The Smoke Bluffs Park Hike starts right from Smoke Bluffs Café and will take about an hour to an hour and a half.
After hiking, head to Unique Slow Rise Bakery for lunch and enjoy carefully homemade dumplings and buns. Rest with stunning views of Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief before your next adventure.
Once everyone is filled up on dumplings, visit Shannon Falls Provincial Park. A short walk leads you up to one of British Columbia’s tallest waterfalls. At 335 metres (1,105 feet), Shannon Falls is the third tallest in the province. Feel the mist, be mesmerized by the power of the waterfall, and don’t forget to look around for climbers scaling the granite walls.
Next, drive to Squamish Canyon to watch the river surge through narrow rock walls while you stand on viewing platforms over the canyon and elevated platforms in the forest. They have an on-site café and playground where you can warm up with a hot chocolate and let the kids play while surrounded by a dreamy forest.
It’s now time for a Middle Eastern dinner downtown at Saha Eatery. Their dining room invites you to expand your palette through fresh herbs, ethically sourced meats, and spices. Kids can choose from hummus & veggies, falafel wraps and grilled chicken breast.
Day 5: Indoor fun and Downtown Wandering
Sleep in and ease your away into the day with brunch at Crabapple Café. This longstanding local favourite is known for classic comfort dishes. The menu features fluffy pancakes, loaded breakfast wraps and rich eggs benedict. Their heated, covered patio is a comfortable spot to kick off the morning.
After brunch, stop by Arrow Wood Games for a late morning Game Room drop-in session. The shop is filled with board games, role-playing adventures, trading cards, miniatures, dice, and toys to explore. Be sure to check out their shelves for a gift or a puzzle to take home and keep the fun going after your visit.
While you’re in the area, pop into Book Mountain, a beloved local bookstore that feels like a treasure trove for readers of all ages. Wander through five rooms of floor‑to‑ceiling shelves packed with thousands of new and used titles. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and discover a story that sparks your imagination.
For lunch, head to Howe Sound Brewing for a meal that hits the spot. The large, rustic Brewpub has plenty of room to spread out. Parents can sample locally crafted beers while kids dig into classic favourites.
Spend the afternoon exploring Squamish’s local shops, including Valhalla Outfitters and Urban Alpine. Browse for outdoor gear, unique gifts, and mountain-inspired finds, then take time to wander through nearby local boutiques. Along the way, you’ll uncover one-of-a-kind treasures and get a true sense of the local community.
For dinner, reserve a table at Autostrada in nearby Britannia Beach. The Italian-inspired menu features fresh oysters, seafood towers, handmade pastas, and elevated burgers, striking a delicious balance between classic flavours and coastal favourites. It’s an awesome spot for your final meal.
Before heading home, stop by Kawartha Dairy, located next to Autostrada, for a scoop of classic ice cream flavors to cap off your spring break in Squamish. Take a moment to savor your treat and enjoy a sweet finish to your getaway.
