Squamish
Quick Facts
- Population (2006 Census)... 14,949
- Distance from Vancouver... 69 km (43 mi)
- Distance from Richmond... 82 km (51 mi)
- Distance from Whistler... 60 km (37 mi)
Squamish is situated at the top of spectacular Howe Sound, between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Its location midway between Whistler and Vancouver is ideal for access to 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games events.
Squamish's popularity as a year-round destination for myriad activities has earned it the title of "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada". Winter visitors can enjoy backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, fishing and horseback riding, among other activities.
The community's skyline is dominated by the Stawamus Chief, an imposing granite monolith famous for rock climbing. Squamish's dramatic scenery inspires local artists whose work is on display at numerous venues, along with that of national and international contemporary artists.
Bird watchers will be busy here; in 1994 a record 3,769 bald eagles were spotted on a single day in Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park. The Squamish River Valley is an important wintering area for the eagles, providing a magnificent spectacle as they feed on salmon in the nearby rivers.
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Transportation
Transportation
Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.
There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.
To Richmond:
Richmond is approximately a two-hour drive south of Squamish along the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway (Hwy 99) which passes by stunning ocean and mountain scenery.
Transit passengers can take a bus coach directly into Richmond. Alternatively, passengers can travel to downtown Vancouver by coach then transfer to public transit via the Canada Line rapid rail system or bus to go on to Richmond.
The Richmond Olympic Oval can be accessed by the Canada Line rapid transit system and connecting public buses.
To Vancouver:
Vancouver is just over an hour south of Squamish by car along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99). Greyhound coaches regularly make this trip. Squamish is also a drop-off and pick-up location for Pacific Coach Lines along its Vancouver- Whistler route.
During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.
To West Vancouver:
West Vancouver is approximately a 50-minute drive south of Squamish. Greyhound coach services between Vancouver and Squamish stop in West Vancouver at the request of passengers.
Tickets holders can only access Olympic events on Cypress Mountain via the Olympic Bus Network. View travel information and reserve bus tickets here.
To Whistler:
Whistler is approximately an hour drive north of Squamish. Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99) during peak Games times.
The Whistler and Valley Express (WAVE) public buses links the two cities. There is also Greyhound coach service between Squamish and Whistler.
Squamish has several budget and chain hotels and motels downtown. The Garibaldi Estates area has several independent and chain hotels and motels, while numerous bed and breakfasts are located in Garibaldi Highlands. The community also has RV parks and hostel-style accommodation.
Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.
Things To Do
Nature lovers will be fascinated by the spectacle of wintering bald eagles feeding on salmon spawning in the three local rivers. Eagle-viewing float plane or horseback trips offer the best vantage point.
Squamish's extensive trail network makes horseback riding a popular winter pursuit. Visitors also have access to excellent backcountry and cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Tours of the snowmobiling areas offer a safe environment for beginners. Anglers will find winter a good time to fish for all five varieties of Pacific salmon, as well as Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout.
Downhill skiers will find it hard to choose between Whistler to the north -- Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games -- and the three popular ski areas on Vancouver's North Shore Mountains. One of these -- Cypress Mountain -- will host freestyle skiing and snowboard events during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Squamish plays a significant part in the rail and mining history of British Columbia. Train spotters will be delighted by the authentic railway equipment at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. The British Columbia Museum of Mining offers tours of an underground copper mine which operated for 70 years.
Read more about what's happening in Squamish.