'''Squamish''' is in British Columbia. Located half-way between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish calls itself "The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada" due to the abundant Rock Climbing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Golf, Fishing, Kayaking, Bouldering, White Water Rafting, Horseback Riding, Scuba Diving, and other activities readily available in the area.
Get in
Squamish is located on '''Highway 99''', 44 km North of Vancouver. From Vancouver, head north over either the Lions Gate Bridge or the Second Narrows Bridge. If you are on the '''Second Narrows Bridge''', stay on Highway 1 through Horseshoe Bay, keeping right as you approach the BC Ferry Terminal. Highway 99 starts here - Just follow the signs for Squamish and Whistler. From '''The Lion's Gate Bridge''', get onto Marine Drive heading towards West Vancouver, turn right on Taylor Way after you loop around under the bridge, head up the hill and turn left onto Highway 1 towards Horseshoe Bay. This is all well signed.
The "Greyhound Bus" travels between Vancouver and Whistler six to seven times per day, stopping in Squamish.
Get around
See
The '''West Coast Railway Heritage Park''' [http://www.wcra.org/heritage/] houses a treasure trove of old train paraphernalia reflecting Western Canada's Heritage. The star attraction is "The Royal Hudson", a steam train currently being restored there.
The '''BC Museum of Mining''' is located at Britannia Beach 11km south of Squamish. Once the largest copper producer in the British Empire, the museum offers and outstanding insight into how mining worked a hundred years ago. There are regular tours in the summer.
In winter, Squamish hosts thousands of '''Bald Eagles''' who winter here and feast on the plentiful salmon coming up the rivers to spawn. On any given day between mid-November and late February it is usually easy to see dozens of eagles if you go for a walk in the right place. The most popular viewing area is Eagle Run on Government Road. Turn west off Highway 99 at Garibaldi Way. This is a right turn if you are coming from Whistler, and a right turn from the south [Petrocan, 7-11, and Husky mark the corner]. Turn right on Government at the T-junction 30 metres later, and wind down the road about 1km. There is ample parking next to the Easter Seal Camp/Camp Summit area. Eaglewatch volunteers staff the viewing area on the dyke on some days and sometimes there are telescopes set up at the interpretive centre.
'''Shannon Falls''' - this is a provincial park near Squamish on Highway 99. It is about a 10 minute walk from the parking lot to a viewpoint at the bottom of the falls.
Do
'''Rock Climbing''' - Squamish is world renowned among climbers. The towering granite monolith, the Stawamus Chief, serves as the primary draw. There are over 600 established routes in the area, most of them traditional in nature, requiring the placement of gear for protection. There are many sport routes in the area with fixed/bolted protection though the majority of sport climbing in the area is along the Squamish-Whistler corridor. The boulders lodated at the base of the Stawamus Chief are starting to attract many climbers. This is to be partially attributed to the Climbing DVD 'Rampage' staring Chris Sharma. There are several quality guide books available for the established climbers as well as several commercial guides for hire.
'''Rafting''' - Squamish has amazing rafting on the Elaho and Squamish Rivers a mere 25 miles north of the town in the Squamish Valley. The rapids are class 3 and 4, including the spectacular "Devils Elbow". [http://www.canadianoutback.com Canadian Outback Adventures] is the primary outfitter in this region.
Buy
'''Squamish Real Estate''' is becoming increasingly popular, both for those wishing to live in an outdoor recreation paradise and those looking to invest in vacation property. There are high expectations for the town and its future as the 2010 Olympics approach and Highway 99 is upgrades make the commute to Vancouver or Whistler shorter. Companies such as [http://www.myseatosky.com Remax Sea to Sky Real Estate] is the main real estate company in downtown Squamish.
Eat
Along Highway 99 you'll find the usual fastfood fare with a higher concentration near the city center exit.
'''North Beach Lounge & Grill''' 37801 Cleveland., (604) 892-2603. (''at the Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Co'') [http://www.howesound.com]
Drink
'''Chieftain Pub'''. 38005 Cleveland, (604) 892-9119.
'''Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Company''' 37801 Cleveland Ave.
'''Cliffside Neighbourhood Pub''' 1893 Maple, (604) 892-5955. Pool, Kareoke, Bingo. Music Friday and Saturday nights.
Sleep
'''Sea To Sky Hotel''' [http://www.seatoskyhotel.com/] is a full service hotel located on Highway 99 in the northern part of the town.
August Jack Motor Inn. 7947 Cleveland Avenue. 604) 892-3504?. ugustjack.com. Located between Vancouver and Whistler, golf, and or ski
Get out
Sea to Sky - the corridor that runs from Vancouver to Whistler holds many sightseeing and recreation possibilities
Whistler