11 Stunning Stops on a Winter Road Trip to Squamish
11 Stunning Stops on a Winter Road Trip to Squamish
Drive alongside North America's southernmost fjord spanning 46km from Horseshoe Bay to downtown Squamish. Along the way, see the sights and savour the wintry seaside views as you make your way to the heart of Sea to Sky Country.
1) Porteau Cove Provincial Park
The perfect place to break up your drive and stop for a photo-op at the iconic viewing deck. Families may enjoy skipping stones on the rocky shoreline or packing a picnic to eat at one of the many picnic tables.
2) Furry Creek
Driftwood strewn beaches and lush coastal trees and plants line the shore of Furry Creek. The area's namesake creek runs through the middle of town beneath an old rail bridge which serves as a popular footpath for visitors looking to capture the unique view.
3) Britannia Mine Museum & Britannia Beach
No drive to Britannia Beach is complete without a stroll along the Beach itself and a journey inside the Britannia Mine Museum, a living relic of the yesteryears of the British Commonwealth and copper mining era. The once bustling copper mine now stands as an interactive museum complete with an underground tour, gold panning pavilion and rampant with Sea to Sky views from every window, deck and doorway.
Reminder - we’re open today and Sunday but closed Mon Dec 24th and Tues Dec 25th. #happyholidays A post shared by Britannia Mine Museum (@britanniaminemuseum) on
4) Galileo Coffee Company
Located in the over 100-year-old Matheson House a visit to Galileo Coffee Company is an experience as well as a coffee shop. A Sea to Sky favourite for Squamish-roasted coffee and in-house baking. Be sure to pick up a Squamish Craft Tasting Trail Passport during your visit and collect a stamp. Collect stamps from two additional Squamish craft beverage makers to earn a prize!
5) Murrin Provincial Park
Stretch your legs at the roadside Browning Lake which is both picturesque and easily accessible. For those looking for a more extended activity, hike around the 1.8km Murrin Park Loop Trail where you will walk alongside steep rocky bluffs and moss drenched rainforests to the stunning Howe Sound viewpoint pictured below.
6) Shannon Falls
Squamish's most accessible waterfall is in Shannon Falls Provincial Park. The base of the falls is just a 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot. It is impressive any time of year, but in winter when the lighting is just right, it comes alive.
7) Sea to Sky Gondola
Ascend 885m above the Sea to Sky Highway to gain a vantage of the road you travelled like no other. From the tippy top of the Sea to Sky Gondola step out on the viewing deck and use a zoom lens to spot the highway, now a faint line hundreds of feet below you. Enjoy a day surrounded by snowfall in the cool air and look out and see the shape of the finger-like Howe Sound fjord rimmed with wintery snow-capped peaks.
8) Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
Whether you plan on hiking up the mountain or viewing it from town–the Stawamus Chief is one of Squamish's most iconic landmarks. During winter the 4km roundtrip trail to the first peak can be icy, hikers should carry microspikes and allow between 2-4 hours to complete the trail. For those wishing to view the monolith from town, the best views can be seen from the Shannon Falls parking lot, the Squamish Estuary or from outside the Visitor Information Centre.
9) Downtown Squamish
The streets of downtown Squamish are dripping with charm and paved with rainbow crosswalks and decorated streets. In the winter, the view of Mount Garibaldi covered in snow from Cleveland Avenue is a sight that will thaw you from the inside out. Take some time to explore the quirky shops and eateries, they will not disappoint.
10) Brohm Lake
Head into the woods for a relaxing winter walk around the roadside Brohm Lake. Popular viewpoints include the wooden bridge directly south of the parking lot (a 10-minute walk) and the view of Brohm Lake (a 5-minute walk). For those looking for a longer hike, the Tantalus Viewpoint on the west side of the lake is a worthy winter destination, you can read the trail summary here.
11) Tantalus Lookout
A worthwhile destination to complete your winter road trip. The viewpoint is located just off the Sea to Sky Highway and looks out towards Squamish and Paradise Valley and the Tantalus Mountain Range located in Tantalus Provincial Park which remains snow-covered year-round. Keen eyes can also spot the Stawamus Chief and the tip of the Howe Sound Fjord on the southern side of the valley.