Squamish has a way of making you reconsider your life choices. Specifically, the choice to live anywhere else.
Tucked between a glacially carved fjord and towering mountain peaks, this Sea-to-Sky enclave of just over 23,000 residents feels equal parts adventure hub and wellness retreat. It’s the kind of place where locals head out for an early-morning trail run before grabbing coffee, where granite cliffs attract climbers from around the world, and where nature isn’t something you visit—it’s woven into everyday life.
Our own Squamish escape reached its crescendo 885 metres above sea level.
On a sunny afternoon, we boarded the Sea to Sky Gondola and were whisked up the face of Mount Habrich, a breathtaking 10-minute ascent revealing increasingly dramatic views of Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound, Sky Pilot, Goat Ridge, Shannon Falls, and the iconic Squamish Chief.
At the summit, the Sea to Sky Gondola’s Mountain Music Series transformed an already spectacular setting into something unforgettable. As the Bluesberry Jam Showband—a powerhouse rhythm-and-blues ensemble featuring three female vocalists backed by trombone, bass, guitar, and drums—launched into one dance-worthy number after another, guests settled onto the Summit Patio for barbecue dinners and sunset cocktails. Between songs, our eyes drifted back to the panorama of rugged peaks and ocean below. Few concert venues can compete with that backdrop.
Of course, Squamish had been working its charm on us long before the first note played.
Driving north from Vancouver, we made our obligatory Tacofino stop, because some traditions simply shouldn’t be questioned. Their grilled burritos remain worth every napkin required to consume them.
That evening, we checked into Sunwolf Riverside Resort, where cozy cabins tucked beside the confluence of the Cheekye and Cheakamus rivers offered an immediate invitation to slow down. With no internet and little temptation to do anything beyond sit by the river or curl up fireside, the resort encourages a kind of unplugging that’s increasingly rare—and surprisingly restorative.
Dinner that night came courtesy of Lil Chef Bistro, an unassuming European gem where chef-owner Mihaela Boaru serves recipes rooted in family tradition. The homemade perogies were comfort on a plate, while ravioli stuffed with butternut squash and goat cheese in garlic confit delivered exactly the sort of indulgence vacation dining should.
The following morning, we joined the lineup at Fergie’s Café, the beloved woodland brunch spot hidden beneath a canopy of trees. My Cheekye Breakfast Sandwich layered egg, avocado, and tomato aioli into one satisfying bite after another, while Trace opted for eggs Benny elevated with stout bacon jam, smoked cheddar, and pickled apples.
Fueled appropriately, we spent the afternoon exploring Squamish by e-bike with Blazing Saddles Adventures. Co-owner Brent guided us through the coastal rainforest and along the Squamish estuary, sharing stories about the region’s history and culture, including the legend of The Two Sisters—the peaks known to many as The Lions and deeply connected to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.
After our mountaintop concert experience, we settled into Executive Suites Hotel & Resort for our final evening. Quiet, comfortable, and framed by mountain views in every direction, it provided the perfect place to recharge before heading home.
Not before one last adventure, though.
At Smoke Bluffs Park, climbers scaled towering granite faces while we watched in admiration as a young visitor from Japan attempted a particularly challenging route. The determination—and joy—on his face seemed to capture the spirit of Squamish itself.
Even our drive home offered one final reason to linger. We pulled into Outbound Station in Britannia Beach for smash burgers so deliciously messy they demanded complete surrender, followed by vegan ice cream cones enjoyed with one eye already on the road ahead.
By the time we merged back onto the highway toward Vancouver, one thing had become abundantly clear: Squamish isn’t simply a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a place that reminds you how good life can feel when spectacular scenery, great food, genuine hospitality, and a little adventure all coexist in one remarkably beautiful corner of British Columbia. —Michelle Hopkins
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