Planning A Day Trip from Vancouver to Squamish

A day trip to Squamish from Vancouver is an easy way to escape the city and experience stunning landscapes.

This small town, nestled between the mountains and the ocean, offers everything from outdoor adventures to great local eats. But is it really worth taking a full day for this trip?

Let’s break it down. Here’s everything you need to know before heading from Vancouver to Squamish.

Locals describe Squamish as being “hardwired for adventure.” Why do you ask? Well, in my opinion, the city might be the premier outdoor recreation destination in the country.

Sound like an exaggeration? Its mountains, forests, and lakes provide visitors with a year-round outdoor playground for adventures of all kinds.

This places it at the top of our list for the 16 top-day trips from Vancouver for outdoorsy types.

👍 Why Take a Day Trip to Squamish?

• ✅ Breathtaking Natural Beauty – Squamish is packed with stunning scenery, from towering cliffs to dense rainforests.
• ✅ Outdoor Adventure – World-class hiking, rock climbing, and even kiteboarding await.
• ✅ Top-class Attractions – The Sea to Sky Gondola and Britannia Beach Museum are two of BC’s top attractions.
• ✅ A Unique Vibe – It’s smaller and more laid-back than Vancouver but still has great spots for food and coffee.
• ✅ Closeness to Whistler – The city is perfectly situated at the halfway point between Vancouver and Whistler. This makes it a great option for a pitstop on your way to this world-class destination.
• ✅ Easy to Get To – Just an hour from Vancouver, it’s one of the best quick getaways in BC.

Why Not Take a Day Trip to Squamish?

• ❌ Proximity to Whistler – Many visitors from further afield may opt for a day trip to nearby Whistler, which carries more international cache.
• ❌ Limited Without a Car – While buses exist, having a vehicle makes exploring much more straightforward as most sites are located outside of town.

For most people, though, this isn’t a dealbreaker! There are plenty of exciting day trip packages available to remedy this problem.

🗺️ Where is Squamish Relative to Vancouver?

Squamish is about halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. The 64 km drive, which is quite windy, typically takes around an hour.

But you can take your time. This scenic highway is surrounded by mountains and bordered by Howe Sound, making it one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

On an ease-of-reach scale? I’d give it an 8/10.

If you have a car, it’s a simple drive. Without one, buses are an option, but they require some planning.

Driving? Check Highway 99 Road Conditions for more.

Feel a bit far? Check out another mountain escape with a day trip to Grouse Mountain from Vancouver.

🚀 How to Get to Squamish

• 🚗 By Car: About 1 hour, fuel cost around $15-$20 each way.
• 🚌 By Bus: The Skylynx Bus from the City Centre takes 1.5 hours and costs around $47 each way.
• 🚂 By Train: Not an option.
• ⛴️ By Ferry: Also not an option.
• 🛩️ By Seaplane: A seaplane base is in the works! We’ll keep you updated.

🎒 Guided Tour: Various companies offer full-day tours for around $200-$250, including stops at key Squamish attractions on the way to Whistler.

😎Easiest Way to Make a Squamish Day Trip

There’s no question that driving is the best option. It lets you stop at scenic viewpoints and explore the area at your own pace.

If driving is not possible, a guided tour is the next best thing. But most packages also include trips to Whistler, minimizing the time spent in Squamish itself.

Nevertheless, many include stops at Shannon Falls and the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, so you get more out of the trip.

You’re half-way there! Check out Whistler too: planning a day trip to Whistler.

🔎 What to See While You’re in Squamish

• Sea to Sky Gondola – Epic views, a suspension bridge, and great hiking trails.
• Via Ferrata Experience – An exciting rock climbing adventure suitable for all skill levels.
• Shannon Falls – A quick walk to a massive, roaring waterfall.
• The Chief – A steep but rewarding hike with panoramic mountain views.
• Britannia Mine Museum – Learn about BC’s mining history with an underground train ride.
• Squamish Estuary – A peaceful spot for birdwatching and photography.
• Alice Lake Provincial Park – A great place for a swim or picnic.

🥇 Best Thing to Do on a Day Trip to Squamish

For food, Fergie’s Café is the best breakfast stop, and The Watershed Grill has delicious burgers with a riverside view. Need coffee? Counterpart Coffee serves some of the best in town.

But if there’s only time for one activity, make it the Sea to Sky Gondola. What makes it so special?

• Stunning panoramic views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains.
• An exciting 10-minute ride up Mt. Habrich aboard an Austrian-style ski gondola.
• Easy access to beautiful hiking trails without an intense climb.
• The suspension bridge offers a thrilling (but safe) experience.
• Great spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.
• Cozy mountaintop café with incredible scenery.

Just check out a few reviews:

The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary to Squamish

• 7:30 AM – Grab breakfast and coffee in Vancouver, then hit the road.
• 8:00 AM – Drive up the Sea-to-Sky Highway, quickly stopping at viewpoints like Britannia Beach or Porteau Cove Provincial Park.
• 10:00 AM – Take the Sea to Sky Gondola to the top.
• 12:30 PM – Lunch at a local spot like The Watershed Grill or Fergies Cafe.
• 2:00 PM – Hike to Shannon Falls.
• 4:00 PM – Explore the Britannia Mine Museum or check out downtown Squamish.
• 6:00 PM – Grab a quick dinner at Haru or The Salted Vine.
• 7:00 PM – Drive back to Vancouver.
• 9:00 PM – Arrive home, tired but happy.

🙋 Is a Day Trip to Squamish Worth It? My Personal Experience

The first time I went to Squamish, I didn’t expect much. I figured it’d be a nice pit stop on the way to Whistler, but wow—I was wrong.

Standing at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, I saw the entire valley stretched out below, with Howe Sound glittering in the distance. It felt like stepping into a postcard.

Looking for something more active? Try the hike up to The Chief. It’s tough, but the view is 100% worth it.

Options like snowshoeing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and kayaking ensure you’ll never be bored.

I also discovered the city has a burgeoning craft beer scene with hotspots like Backcountry Brewing and Howe Sound Brewing. A quick craft brew made for the perfect cap to a day spent exploring the outdoors.

All in all, Squamish is not to be slept on. That said, if you’re visiting from out of town, my Vancouver 2-day itinerary might be more up your alley.

❓Squamish Day Trip FAQs

Is this day trip to Squamish worth it if I only have a few hours?

Yes, but focus on the Sea to Sky Gondola and Shannon Falls.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

Spring through fall is ideal, with its warmer weather. Just remember, the never-ending array of winter snow sports options makes it a year-round destination.

Can I do this trip without a car?

Yes, but you’ll need to take the bus or join a tour.

Are there any hidden costs?

The Sea to Sky Gondola isn’t cheap ($60+ per person), but totally worth it. Otherwise, the best sites are provided free by mother nature!

What should I pack?

Layers, comfy shoes, rain jackets, a camera, and a sense of adventure!

Still looking to take a day trip to Squamish from Vancouver?

I’ve covered a few of the best Vancouver to Squamish day trip options above. But maybe it’s not enough.

If you have any custom needs, hit me up in the comments below. I’ll be glad to help you out.

Enjoy your Vancouver to Squamish day trip!