5 Best Squamish Hikes
Easy to Moderate Trails with Spectacular Views
Nestled between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish has earned its reputation as the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada" for good reason. With its stunning network of BC trails offering breathtaking views of Howe Sound, lush forests, and majestic mountains, Squamish hikes deliver incredible experiences for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. What makes a day on the trails even better? Knowing exactly where to refuel afterward with both delicious food and spectacular views.
We've compiled five of the easy and moderate hikes in the Squamish area, one of the top BC hikes destinations. These hikes offer exceptional effort-to-reward ratios, plus the perfect spots to satisfy your post-hike appetite while still soaking in those mountain views
Quick comparison of Squamish Trails
Sea to Sky Gondola
- Distance: 7.5 km (one-way)
- Elevation Gain: 918 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Forest trails, waterfalls, Howe Sound views, gondola descent option
Shannon Falls Pools
- Distance: 2 km (round trip)
- Elevation Gain: 220 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Waterfall views, chain-assisted sections, forest setting
Jurassic Ridge
- Distance: 2.5 km (loop)
- Elevation Gain: 300 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Multiple scenic viewpoints, unique rock formations, swimming lake
Crooked Falls
- Distance: 6 km (round trip)
- Elevation Gain: 350 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Old-growth forest, two different waterfall viewpoints
Cheakamus High Tantalus
- Distance: 5 km (round trip)
- Elevation Gain: 150 meters
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Mountain views, river scenery, eagle habitat
Sea to Sky Gondola Trail: Forest, Falls, and Panoramic Views
Distance: 7.5 km one-way | Elevation Gain: 918 meters | Difficulty: Moderate
The Sea to Sky Gondola Trail stands out as one of the most rewarding Squamish hikes for those willing to put in some effort. This 7.5 km trail (one way) starts the same way as the famous Chief hike, going up a grueling set of stairs, but then turns right into the forest. The trail takes you through beautiful forest sections, offers glimpses of waterfalls, and rewards you with increasingly spectacular views of Howe Sound as you climb.
The 918-meter elevation gain provides a solid workout, typically taking about 3-4 hours to complete. What makes this trail special is the flexibility at the summit – you can enjoy a well-deserved meal at the Summit Lodge before taking the gondola back down (gondola ticket required), or add on more adventure with Al's Habrich Trail if you're still feeling energetic.
The trail is particularly magical in early morning light when the mist often hangs over Howe Sound, creating an ethereal landscape perfect for photographers. During summer months, start early to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Be sure to check the gondola schedule before your hike to plan your return trip.
Beyond the Stairs: The Making of a Signature Squamish Route
Officially called the Sea to Summit Trail, this path was developed through collaboration between the Sea to Sky Gondola and local trail builders in 2014. The trail crosses Olesen Creek several times as it winds through diverse ecosystems of coastal rainforest. At the Shannon Falls junction about 1.5 km into the hike, you can take a short detour to view the base of the impressive falls before continuing your ascent.
The trail was specifically designed to provide a more accessible and varied alternative route to the summit than the neighboring Stawamus Chief trail, though "accessible" is relative—it's still a challenging climb! As you ascend, you'll experience changing vegetation zones, from dense cedar and hemlock forest to more open, rocky terrain near the top. The original trail builders incorporated natural features like rock slabs and existing game trails to create minimal environmental impact while maximizing the hiking experience.
Shannon Falls Pools Trail: Big Rewards for Minimal Effort
Distance: 2 km round trip | Elevation Gain: Minimal | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
For those seeking an impressive payoff with minimal hiking time, the Shannon Falls Pools Trail delivers in spades. At under 2 km round trip, this BC hike takes you through beautiful forest to incredible pools with up-close views of Shannon Falls (BC's third highest waterfall) and glimpses of Howe Sound. Though short, the trail has some steep sections that require careful footing.
What makes this trail interesting are the chain-assisted sections that add a sense of adventure without requiring technical skills. These sections are manageable for most hikers and create a sense of accomplishment when you reach the stunning pools area beside the waterfall.
This trail is ideal for visitors with limited time in the area who still want an authentic Squamish hiking experience. Important to note: follow your hiking app closely to find the trailhead, as it's off the driving road and isn't marked in any way—just a path up the hill. Weekends and summer afternoons can get quite busy, so plan accordingly.
BC's Third-Highest Waterfall
Shannon Falls stands at an impressive 335 meters (1,105 feet), making it BC's third-highest waterfall. The falls are named after William Shannon, who settled the area in 1889 and established a small logging operation nearby. This magnificent cascade is fed by the snowfields of the Habrich and Skywalker mountains above, creating a year-round water flow that varies dramatically with seasonal conditions.
The area became Shannon Falls Provincial Park in 1984, protecting the natural beauty of this iconic landmark. When you visit, you're witnessing the culmination of water's journey from high alpine snowfields to Howe Sound, as Shannon Creek joins the Stawamus River just before emptying into the ocean. The cool mist created by the falls supports a unique microclimate, with lush mosses and ferns thriving in the perpetually damp environment near the base of this natural wonder.
Jurassic Ridge Trail: The Ultimate Viewpoint Loop
Distance: 2.5 km loop | Elevation Gain: 300 meters | Difficulty: Moderate
Jurassic Ridge in Murrin Provincial Park offers perhaps the best views-per-kilometer ratio of any Squamish hike. This 2.5 km loop with 300 meters of elevation gain rewards hikers with multiple spectacular vantage points over Howe Sound, making it a perfect choice for photographers. The trail can be expanded into nearby trails for a longer hike if you're looking for more adventure.
The trail features interesting rock formations and a satisfying loop format that eliminates backtracking. The moderate difficulty level makes it accessible to most hikers while still providing a sense of accomplishment. After your hike, you have the option to cool off with a refreshing swim in Murrin Lake, especially welcome during summer months.
Locals recommend doing the loop clockwise, which offers a more gradual ascent and saves the best viewpoints for the second half of your hike. This orientation provides that wonderful sense of building anticipation as each viewpoint seems to outdo the last one. Caution is advised on rainy days as the rock surfaces can become extremely slippery, making this year-round accessible trail a bit more challenging in wet conditions.
From BC Electric to Beloved Park: Murrin's Transformation
Murrin Provincial Park, established on land transferred from BC Electric in 1960, was named after W.G. Murrin, a former BC Electric president. The park's Quercus Trail (aka Murrin Loop) offers hikers a choice between the shorter 2 km loop or a longer 4.5 km adventure covering all viewpoints. Quercus Viewpoint provides an impressive vista of Howe Sound, one of North America's southernmost fjords, with the Sea to Sky Highway visible cutting through the forested landscape below.
Crooked Falls (Sigurd Trail): Ancient Forest and Waterfall
Distance: 6 km round trip | Elevation Gain: 350 meters | Difficulty: Moderate
The Crooked Falls trail in Squamish Valley takes you through moss-draped forest to not one but two incredible waterfall viewpoints. This 6 km round trip with 350 meters of elevation gain offers a true wilderness feel despite being relatively accessible.
Crooked Falls is a spectacular BC trail year-round but the falls puts on an especially impressive show during spring runoff when the water volume is at its peak. The trail can get muddy after rainfall, so waterproof hiking boots are recommended, especially in spring and fall. The reward of standing near the powerful falls makes any muddy boots well worth it.
The story of the Sigurd Trail
Crooked Falls is accessed via the Sigurd Trail, named in honor of Sigurd Hall, a Norwegian-Canadian mountaineer who tragically died in 1940 during a skiing accident. The trail takes hikers through genuine old-growth forest that includes trees estimated to be over 500 years old, offering a glimpse into what coastal BC looked like before extensive logging.
The Sigurd Creek watershed supports diverse wildlife, including black bears and mountain goats that occasionally can be spotted on the surrounding slopes. The falls themselves drop approximately 30 meters in a series of dramatic cascades, creating a thunderous display during the April-June spring runoff when snowmelt from the mountains above feeds the creek to capacity. The unique bent shape of the falls as they navigate around a rocky outcrop gives them their distinctive "crooked" name and creates multiple vantage points for photographers.
Cheakamus High Tantalus View: Gentle Hiking with Spectacular Vistas
Distance: 5 km round trip | Elevation Gain: 150 meters | Difficulty: Easy
For those seeking incredible views without punishing elevation gain, the Cheakamus High Tantalus View trail in Brackendale delivers beautifully. This 5 km round trip with only 150 meters of elevation gain offers multiple viewpoints of the Tantalus Range and Cheakamus River with minimal effort.
This lesser-known Squamish hike is perfect for families, newer hikers, or anyone recovering from harder trails who still wants scenic rewards.
What many visitors don't realize is that this area is part of one of North America's largest eagle habitats. During winter months (November-February), bring binoculars for potential eagle spotting, adding another dimension to an already rewarding trail experience.
Eagle Viewing in the Cheakamus River Valley
The Cheakamus River valley serves as a critical salmon spawning ground, particularly for pink and coho salmon whose life cycles are essential to the local ecosystem. When you hike here, you're looking across at the impressive Tantalus Range, which includes peaks over 2,600 meters high that form a dramatic backdrop to the river below.
The area around the Cheakamus River becomes especially significant during winter months when it hosts one of North America's largest concentrations of bald eagles. These magnificent birds gather to feed on salmon during the winter run, creating a spectacular wildlife viewing opportunity for hikers.
Post-Hike: Best Places to Eat in Squamish
Squamish is famous for its hiking trails, but most people just drive through, stopping only at gas stations and fast food places along the highway. There's actually a bunch of great local spots if you know where to look. From awesome brunches and surprising dim sum to really good coffee and some seriously amazing doughnuts, here are five local favorites that locals and regular visitors love. These places not only serve delicious food but also offer some pretty sweet views – definitely worth checking out after your hike.
Fergie's Café in Paradise Valley (Brackendale) features a beautiful outdoor patio with both mountain views and river rapids. Their famous all-day bennies and Paradise Valley Hash make this the perfect reward after the nearby Cheakamus High Tantalus View hike.
Unique Slow Rise Bakery near Shannon Falls offers what might be the most spectacular dining view in Squamish. Their garden patio provides unobstructed views of Shannon Falls while you enjoy soup dumplings and tea after completing the Shannon Falls Pools Trail.
Fox & Oak in downtown Squamish positions you with perfect views of The Chief mountain while enjoying specialty coffee and handcrafted donuts that convert even non-donut lovers into fans. Their dog-friendly outdoor seating makes it ideal for hikers with four-legged companions.
A-Frame Brewing's outdoor patio surrounds you with mountain views while you celebrate your hiking achievement with craft beer and satisfying pub fare. Their Okanagan Lake Cream Ale pairs perfectly with a post-Sea to Sky Gondola burger.
Crabapple Cafe offers mountain views with freshly baked goods and exceptional coffee, creating a cozy cafe feel right in Squamish. Their homemade pastries provide the perfect energy boost after a morning on the trails.
When to Hike Squamish Trails
The BC hiking season in Squamish extends year-round, though each season offers different experiences. Spring brings spectacular waterfalls and vibrant greenery but often muddy trails. Summer provides long days and warm temperatures ideal for combining hikes with lake swims. Fall offers beautiful colors and more solitude on popular trails, while winter keeps many lower-elevation Squamish hikes accessible with the added bonus of eagle watching near Brackendale.
For the most comfortable experience on these best BC hikes, start early (especially in summer), bring appropriate layers, and always check current trail conditions before heading out. The reward of combining these spectacular trails with equally impressive post-hike dining spots creates the perfect Squamish day.
Safety on Squamish Trails: What Should Hikers Know?
Hiking in Squamish requires proper preparation regardless of trail difficulty. Always check the BC Parks trail reports before heading out and consider carrying the AdventureSmart essentials. For current trail conditions, the Squamish Trail Society maintains up-to-date information on closures and maintenance.
Even on easier trails, always tell someone where you're going, carry extra water, and be prepared for weather changes – Squamish's coastal mountain climate can shift quickly. Consider downloading offline maps through apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS, as cell service can be unreliable on many of these trails.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squamish Hiking
When is the best time of year to hike in Squamish?
While Squamish offers year-round hiking opportunities, late spring through early fall (May-October) provides the most reliable weather and trail conditions. Summer offers warmer temperatures but busier trails, while spring showcases waterfalls at peak flow and fall delivers beautiful foliage with fewer crowds.
Are these Squamish trails dog-friendly?
Most of these trails allow dogs, but leash requirements vary. Shannon Falls Provincial Park and Murrin Provincial Park require dogs to be on-leash at all times. Always pack out waste, bring extra water for your pet, and be aware that some trails have sections that might be challenging for dogs (like the chain-assisted portions of Shannon Falls Pools).
How crowded are these trails on weekends?
The Sea to Sky Gondola and Shannon Falls trails can get very busy on summer weekends, especially between 10am-3pm. For a more peaceful experience, start early (before 8am) or visit on weekdays. The Cheakamus High Tantalus View and Crooked Falls trails typically remain less crowded even on weekends.
Additional Sources:
Stewart Tourism Auto Tour PDF
Signature Experiences: Salmon Glacier
