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Home » Recent posts » Everything You Need to Know about the Stawamus Chief in Vancouver

Everything You Need to Know about the Stawamus Chief in Vancouver

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Nestled just outside Vancouver, the Stawamus Chief hike offers breathtaking vistas and exhilarating trails. As one of British Columbia’s most iconic outdoor experiences, this trek provides both a physical challenge and a deep connection with nature. 

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time explorer, the Chief promises stunning views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Where is Stawamus Chief?

stawamus-chief-map

The Chief is located on Highway 99, just south of Squamish and north of Shannon Falls. It lies side-by-side along Hwy 99, between Vancouver and Squamish. 

How to Get to Stawamus Chief

Head north on Highway #99 from Horseshoe Bay towards Squamish. Follow the scenic Sea to Sky highway for approximately 35 minutes until you spot the signs for Shannon Falls.

How to Get to Stawamus Chief Trailhead

The trailhead of the Stawamus Chief starts at the eastern edge of the campground.Initially, you’ll follow a broad and straightforward path that passes by the campsite. 

As the trail progresses, it transitions into climbing terrain marked by a sequence of wooden stairs running alongside Oleson Creek.

The initial section of the trail overlaps with the Sea To Summit Trail, which leads to the summit of the Gondola. This segment tends to be bustling with activity, as it is popular among hikers.

What to Do and See in Stawamus Chief

Hike the Summits

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Address: 38049 3 Ave, Squamish, BC V0N 1T0, Canada

Phone: +1 604-986-9371

Website

The Stawamus Chief is not just one big mountain, in fact, it’s divided into three summits, each their own difficulty and size, and are all accessible from the main hiking trail.

Okay, so the first peak is by far the easiest of the three. It’s close to the parking lot, and since this is the first one, you won’t be huffing and puffing just yet (unlike us).

It takes around 2 to 3 hours to finish the first peak, and the best part of it is the awesome view of Howe Sound. 

On to the next one! The second peak is the largest of the peaks. This one’s got a lot of viewpoints and some of the places you’ll see are Howe Sound, Squamish and the peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park.

You also have some nice views of Peak 1 and Peak 3 and the surrounding mountains from here. This hike will take approximately two hours.

As for the third and last peak, this is undoubtedly the most challenging of the three peaks as it’s the highest. We’re serious, it’s going to feel like it’s endless.

But what’s cool is that, hiking the third peak will have you passing over the North Gully, one of the best viewpoints in the Stawamus Chief. We’re talking about a stunning view of Mt. Garibaldi and the Squamish townsite.

Go Rock Climbing

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Address: 38049 3 Ave, Squamish, BC V0N 1T0, Canada

Phone: +1 604-986-9371

Website

The Chief towers over Squamish, a colossal cliff face that locals boast as one of North America’s largest granite monoliths. Climbing aficionados revere its Grand Wall, considered legendary among big wall enthusiasts.

Watch out for precarious boulders in this zone; the weathered granite can surprise with sudden breakage, crumbling into gravel unexpectedly.

Set up Camp

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Address: 38049 3 Ave, Squamish, BC V0N 1T0, Canada

Phone: +1 604-986-9371

Website

The Stawamus Chief campgrounds are just a short walk from the parking lot. There are 47 raised gravel tent pads here and a number of vehicle campsites, too.

The campgrounds here are quite nice and comfy, including a camp shelter, running water, pit toilets, picnic areas, bear-proof storage lockers, and a pay phone.

However, the facilities are not available during winter so camp at your own risk if you choose to visit during that time.

Soak in the View of Mount Garibaldi and the Tantalus Range

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Address: 38049 3 Ave, Squamish, BC V0N 1T0, Canada

Phone: +1 604-986-9371

Website

From the summit of The Squamish Chief, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Garibaldi and the Tantalus Range while giving your legs a well-deserved break before the descent. 

The panoramic vistas of Howe Sound and the lush surrounding forests make the challenging hike to the top incredibly rewarding.

Start Your Hike at Shannon Falls

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Address: BC-97, Squamish-Lillooet D, BC V0N 1T0, Canada

Phone: +1 800-689-9025

Website

Another way to approach this hike is to begin from nearby Shannon Falls and follow the trail signs leading to the base of the Chief. If you haven’t visited the falls before, it’s definitely worth the additional distance. 

Starting from Shannon Falls provides a unique perspective of the area and allows you to enjoy both the waterfall and the breathtaking views from the Chief. Be sure to pack ample water and snacks for this longer trek.

Where to Eat and Drink near Stawamus Chief

Match Eatery & Public House

Address: 9000 Valley Dr, Squamish, BC V8B 0B3, Canada

Phone: +1 604-892-2946

Pricing: $$

Website

This neighborhood pub is the place to be if you’re looking for a place with good food and good company. The atmosphere inside is lively, like those sports bars with huge TVs playing sports.

We tried the Spicy Hawaiian, Margherita, and BBQ Chicken pizzas, and started with the Pulled Pork Poutines. They also have amazing draft beers.

Sunny Chibas

Address: 1584 BC-99, Squamish, BC V8B 0H2, Canada

Phone: +1 604-898-1306

Pricing: $$

Website

Sunny Chiba is known for its fried chicken but also offers a wide range of Mexican dishes. The fried chicken is excellent, with both spicy and regular options available.

Everything about Sunny Chiba is pitch-perfect. From the enthusiastic way they announce your name when your order is ready to the incredible art on the walls, it’s an experience to savor.

The Broken Seal

Address: 38038 Loggers Ln, Squamish, BC V8B 0V7, Canada

Phone: 604-555-5555

Pricing: $$

Website

Exactly what Squamish needed. The views of the Chief, Garibaldi Mountain, and Howe Sound are incredible. The atmosphere and menu celebrate the spirit of Squamish and the West Coast.

If you get the chance, the watermelon tartare is well worth the hype! Their cocktail menu is unique, and they can make many other drinks not listed on the menu.

Tacofino Squamish

Address: 1200 Hunter Pl #520, Squamish, BC V8B 0G8, Canada

Phone: +1 672-895-2545

Pricing: $

Website

Here’s another fantastic taco spot in Squamish, highly recommended because their Tofino location is legendary—and you won’t have to wait an hour and a half for your food.

The taste is excellent, and the ingredients are super fresh! The Chilorio burrito is incredibly tasty, with perfectly cooked rice and black beans. The pulled pork in the burrito is delicious.

Hellcrust Pizza

Address: 38346 Buckley Ave unit b4, Squamish, BC V8B 0E4, Canada

Phone: +1 604-390-5006

Pricing: $$

Website

We absolutely loved the original taste of the pizza at Hellcrust. You can’t go wrong with a slice and a drink for less than $5. 

The pizza is cooked to perfection—we couldn’t help but eat the entire medium in one sitting. The fresh ingredients really make a difference, especially the standout jalapeños. Nothing comes from a jar or a can.

Where to Stay near Stawamus Chief

Sandman Hotel & Suites

Address: 39400 Discovery Way, Squamish, BC V8B 0R5, Canada

Phone: +1 604-848-6000

Pricing: $$

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Right off the Sea-to-Sky highway, the Sandman Hotel is sandwiched between Vancouver and Whistler, so you’re near the city and ski resorts. It’s a pretty standard hotel with continental breakfast, but the amenities are booming.

Staying here means you have access to a fitness room, an indoor pool with a whirltub, and a waterslide. It’s not a bad deal. 

Crash Hotel Squamish

Address: 38005 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC V8B 0C3, Canada

Phone: +1 604-815-3403

Pricing: $

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Located in the heart of a small town, the  Crash Hotel Squamish is a cozy spot to stay, 7 minutes away from the Stawamus Chief. It’s a fun and trendy boutique hotel, with a great view of the Chief.

With its central location, this place is an ideal spot for exploring downtown. You’ll find plenty of food and drink options within walking distance. Plus, don’t miss Tricksters Retreat, which you can access right through the back of the hotel!

Howe Sound Inn & Brewing

Address: 37801 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC V8B 0A7, Canada

Phone: +1 604-892-2603

Pricing: $

Book Now

Howe Sound Inn & Brewing boasts stunning views of the Stawamus Chief and offers tours of the on-site Howe Sound Brewing Company, a craft brewery.

The Inn has four types of rooms to choose from: Queen Daybed View, Queen Daybed, Double Room, and Corner Room. All rooms come with standard amenities and easy access to the Howe Sound Brewing and Brewpub.

Squamish Adventure Inn & Hostel

Address: 38220 BC-99, Squamish, BC V8B 0A5, Canada

Phone: +1 604-892-9240

Pricing: $

Book Now

Absolutely a gem in the valley surrounded by mountains and water. The Squamish Adventure Inn & Hostel features casual dorms that’ll make you feel like you’re part of a community of fellow adventurers. 

With a shared kitchen area and lounge areas, this hostel is the perfect base for exploring the Stawamus Chief. They have several outdoor spots set up for relaxation, and there’s even a BBQ available for guests to use.

August Jack Motor Inn

@augustjacksquamish #augustjack #squamish #seatosky #adventuremotel #seatoskygondola ♬ cat partying from tiktok – Hardstyle Factory

Address: 37947 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC V8B 0A3, Canada

Phone: +1 604-892-3504

Pricing: $

Book Now

August Jack Motor Inn offers a range of affordable rooms with kitchenettes. Conveniently located near Stawamus Chief, the inn features a garden, a playground, and laundry facilities.

The location is fantastic, with plenty of free parking and proximity to some of the best restaurants and cafes. For the price, it’s more than you could hope for.


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