Best Places to See Autumn Colours in Squamish
Posted on: September 1, 2023
Best Places to See Autumn Colours in Squamish
Autumn in Squamish is a time of unparalleled beauty. The mixed forests of deciduous and coniferous trees come alive with strokes of red, yellow, orange and green. From a high vantage, you can see the teal blue waters of Howe Sound and glacier-capped peaks of the alpine. The whole scene is a patchwork of colours few visitors are lucky enough to see. If you are among the most fortunate, you may even see the first dusting of snow brightening up the entire landscape.
1. Shannon Falls Provincial Park
Image: @picturesbypawelserafin
The colourful mix of trees in Shannon Falls Provincial Park makes each season an entirely new sight to behold. While summer is lush and full of green, fall gives way to an amber oasis of deciduous trees ready to drop their leaves for the winter. The outflow of the falls only adds to the excitement, keep an eye out for leaves coating the boulders and floating delicately downstream.
Leave no trace reminder: This is a sensitive habitat, remember to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures.
2. Squamish Estuary Looking Towards Mount Garibaldi
Image: @rachael_mallory_
You'll be impressed after you head into the calm of the Squamish Estuary when you catch full views of the Stawamus Chief and Mount Garibaldi amongst the fall foliage. Home to literally hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife, a walk through the estuary’s salt marshes, mudflats and reeds will leave you with a feeling of peace and tranquility.
3. The Top of The Stawamus Chief
Image: @jenannross
Pack a hat, some layers and your camera before making your way up the Stawamus Chief. Throughout the trail, feast your eyes on forest views from underneath the canopy. From the top, take a breath of the crisp fall air, don your toque and stay awhile drinking in the unobstructed views.
4. Stawamus River Behind Valleycliffe
Image: @msa_adventures
Take the Valley Drive exit next to Chances Casino and park your car along the side of the road on the gravel parking area. A few hundred metres from the highway, watch for a pedestrian bridge on the right side of the road. Enter the trail network here and walk along the Stawamus Dike. The colours along the length of the dike are stunning, and there are many offshoots to walk closer to the river and explore the area. Be extra cautious of water levels and mind your footing falling leaves have a habit of making river rocks extra slippery!
Leave no trace reminder: This is a sensitive habitat, remember to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures.
5. Squamish Mountain Bike Trails
Image: @sauceofchaos
Home to over 300km of singletrack, most of which is surrounded by lush Squamish forests, mountain bikers can ride through the changing seasons in as little as one ride. Popular fall trails include Wonderland, Pseudo-Tsuga and the entire Valleycliffe area.
6. Panorama Ridge in Garibaldi Provincial Park
Image: @moverseas
Panorama Ridge is a popular summer trail, but on a good day with no precipitation in the forecast, it is also a terrific fall hike. Fall is a short season in the alpine, lasting until the end of October at the latest, but on a lucky day, the views and crisp air of fall will blow your mind. Make sure to pack extra layers, a headlamp and have a firm turnaround time. Shorter, colder days are less forgiving than in summer.
7. Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park
Image: @munchgee
Autumn excursions to Elfin Lakes are met with unparalleled beauty. The views from the lake looking toward the Gargoyles reveal a stretch of golden meadow that comes aglow at sunset. You may see sun, rain or even snow all in one day. It is not uncommon for snow to fall as early as September in Garibaldi Provincial Park.