Archie MontroseOn a crisp morning, as the sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, our legs dangled over the edge of the Stawamus Chief.
Somehow, the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and forests seemed even more awe-inspiring from this vantage point.
Trust us, it’ll change your life. We never felt more alive, more connected to the ancient rock beneath us and the vast expanse stretching out before us.
So, for all of you adventure seekers out there, make sure to add hiking the Stawamus Chief to your bucket list. Here’s a guide to help you plan your unforgettable journey to this iconic peak in BC.
- Time Zone
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know
- How long does The Chief hike take?
- Do I need a day pass to hike The Chief in Squamish?
- How to Get to the Stawamus Chief
- Where to Stay near Stawamus Chief
- Where to Eat near Stawamus Chief
- What to Do in Stawamus Chief
- Embark on a Bird-Watching Adventure
- Apps to Download for a Trip to Stawamus Chief
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (UTC-8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Stawamus Chief is during the summer months of March through October. The trails are less muddy and slippery during this time, making for a more enjoyable hiking experience.
However, if you want to avoid the long lines of people hiking up and down the trail, go during the week or in the spring and fall.
Things to Know
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Language: English
Calling Code: +1
How long does The Chief hike take?
The Stawamus Chief in Squamish is a towering granite monolith renowned for its world-class rock climbing and hiking trails.
Important for outdoor enthusiasts and of cultural significance to the indigenous Squamish Nation, it serves as a beloved destination for locals and tourists seeking adventure and connection with nature.
The Stawamus Chief Hike takes around 3 to 6 hours, depending on how many peaks you do. There are three peaks, with a total roundtrip of 8.11 kilometers.
- Peak 1: 2.11 kilometers – South Peak
- Peak 2: 3.75 kilometers – Center Peak
- Peak 3: 4.6 kilometers – North Peak
Do I need a day pass to hike The Chief in Squamish?
As of 2023, hiking the backside of Stawamus Chief no longer requires a day pass. But, due to the parking lot filling quickly, it’s wise to arrive early in the day. However, it’s worth noting that they may decide to reinstate the pass system in the future.
How to Get to the Stawamus Chief
To reach the Stawamus Chief, just exit Highway 99 at Shannon Falls or Stawamus Chief Provincial Park.
Although the trail kicks off near the Chief Campground, finding it from Shannon Falls or the Sea to Sky Gondola is easy – the signs are clear, and it’s just a short drive away.
Where to Stay near Stawamus Chief
Squamish Adventure Inn & Hostel
Address: 38220 BC-99, Squamish, BC V8B 0A5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-892-9240
Pricing: $
The Squamish Adventure Inn & Hostel sits on a private waterfront spot next to a spacious public park. Every room boasts breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including access to Narwhals Ice Cream, cozy lounge areas, complimentary parking, and much more.
Crash Hotel Squamish
Address: 38005 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC V8B 0C3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-815-3403
Pricing: $
Nestled beside the awe-inspiring scenery of Squamish and conveniently situated just off Highway 99, this hotel stands out as a unique destination. Guests can revel in the stunning vistas of Chief Mountain from their rooms.
The hotel features an on-site restaurant, a cozy lounge/bar, a lively nightclub, and even a convenient liquor store for guests’ enjoyment.
August Jack Motor Inn
Address: 37947 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC V8B 0A3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-892-3504
Pricing: $
Established in 1969, August Jack Motor Inn is right in downtown Squamish. This motel offers fully renovated suites with a kitchenette and views of the Chief Mountain, a granitic dome towering over the motel and downtown Squamish.
While the motel may have a vintage charm, its spacious room sizes and serene surroundings make it a peaceful retreat. Situated amidst parks, guests can enjoy a tranquil atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle.
Howe Sound Inn & Brewing
Address: 37801 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC V8B 0A7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-892-2603
Pricing: $
At Howe Sound Inn & Brewing, you’re treated to stunning vistas of the Stawamus Chief. The rooms are elegantly adorned with wooden furnishings, snug duvet comforters atop the beds, and picturesque mountain panoramas from every angle.
The inn boasts its own taphouse and kitchen, where visitors can savor locally brewed beers alongside delectable pizzas, creating a perfect blend of comfort and culinary delight.
Sandman Hotel & Suites
Address: 39400 Discovery Way, Squamish, BC V8B 0R5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-848-6000
Pricing: $$
Situated just off the Sea & Sky Highway and a mere 2 miles from downtown Squamish, Sandman Hotel & Suites offers a prime location surrounded by majestic mountains, ensuring guests a scenic stay.
You can enjoy complimentary perks such as a continental breakfast and parking. The hotel also features a fitness room and an indoor pool equipped with a whirlpool tub and a thrilling waterslide.
Where to Eat near Stawamus Chief
Sunflower Bakery Café
Address: 38086 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC V8B 0B7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-892-2231
Pricing: $$
Since its inception in 1999, Sunflower Bakery Café is the place for indulgent sweets and artisanal coffee. In addition to their exceptional pastry selection, they offer a carefully curated assortment of wines and spirits.
Their iconic Homer donut is a must-try, while the vegan sandwich stands out as another crowd favorite.
Taka Ramen & Sushi
Address: 38065 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC V8B 0A1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-390-0077
Pricing: $$
At Taka Ramen & Sushi, our menu is centered around authentic Japanese cuisine, featuring a delightful array of ramen, sashimi, sushi, rolls, and traditional dishes.
One of our standout recommendations is the Asahikawa Miso & Vegetable, a flavorful delight. Its rich broth, perfectly balanced with vegetables, offers a satisfying experience without overwhelming the palate.
Teriyaki Boys
Address: Squamish, BC V8B 0C4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-389-8335
Pricing: $
Teriyaki Boys is a beloved Japanese street food trailer nestled in Squamish, serving up a tantalizing array of hot rice bowls, yakisoba, garlic shrimp, ginger pork, and ginger eggplant.
The chicken Teriyaki with rice and the tofu teriyaki with rice are standout favorites. Prepared fresh to order, both dishes boast the signature gummy texture of perfectly cooked rice, adding to the delectable experience.
Pizzalicious Donair shop
Address: 38163 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC V8B 0A1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-390-0090
Pricing: $
This shop offers a delightful combination of classic American pies and slices, alongside froyo and smoothies. Renowned for their exceptionally well-executed doner, it’s the closest to authentic you’ll find in the area.
Their 4 cheese pizza boasts a wonderfully soft crust and an abundance of cheese. The chicken and beef rice dishes are bursting with flavor, providing a satisfying and savory experience.
The Copper Coil Still & Grill
Address: 37996 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC V8B 0A7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-892-0646
Pricing: $$
The Copper Coil Still and Grill combines southern-style cuisine with a unique west coast twist, offering dishes inspired by the rich flavors of Louisiana and the culinary treasures of the Pacific Northwest.
Their beef dip is nothing short of exemplary and deserves a place in any textbook on how to craft the perfect smoked brisket beef dip. Packed with generous portions of tender meat that practically melts in your mouth.
What to Do in Stawamus Chief
Climb the Chief’s Granite Cliffs
Media credit: yestheory
Address: 38049 3 Ave, Squamish, BC, CA
Phone: +1 604-986-9371
The Chief is a massive cliff face known locally as one of North America’s biggest granite monoliths. Renowned as a top-notch climbing spot, its Grand Wall is legendary among big wall climbing enthusiasts.
Be cautious of unstable boulders in this area, as the granite here is heavily weathered. What may appear firm could potentially break off and crumble into gravel.
Explore the Chief Peaks Trail
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Address: 38049 3 Ave, Squamish, BC, CA
Phone: +1 604-986-9371
The Stawamus Chief stands as one of the region’s iconic hikes, leading adventurers up a steep trail to one of its three peaks, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
The First Peak, a 4km round trip from the Chief parking lot, typically requires 3 to 4 hours for an average group.
The Second Peak, a bit longer at 5km, generally takes most groups 4 to 5 hours to complete. For the Third Peak, spanning 7km, it’s recommended to allocate 5 to 7 hours for the hike.
Enjoy a Leisurely Picnic
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Address: 38049 3 Ave, Squamish, BC, CA
Phone: +1 604-986-9371
For those coming here for a relaxing day-out, Stawamus Chief Park also has a day-use and picnicking spot situated within the highway pull-out area.
This area has picnic tables, a covered shelter, an information kiosk, and pit toilets. It also serves as a vantage point for observing climbers scaling the cliffs and catching glimpses of the majestic peregrine falcons in flight.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy another day-use area adjacent to the campground, featuring picnic tables and providing breathtaking views of Squamish and Howe Sound.
Capture Stunning Photographs of the Scenic Landscapes
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Address: 38049 3 Ave, Squamish, BC, CA
Phone: +1 604-986-9371
The Stawamus Chief is not only a hiking destination but also a great spot for nature and landscape photography. You’re treated to stunning vistas of downtown Squamish, the Squamish Estuary, and the peak of the Sea to Sky Gondola.
You also get to see the pedestrian bridge accessible from the Stawamus Chief parking lot.
Camp at the Chief
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Address: 38049 3 Ave, Squamish, BC, CA
Phone: +1 604-986-9371
Within Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, you’ll find 57 walk-in campsites, all conveniently located within a brief five-minute stroll from the parking lot.
These campsites benefit from the natural shade provided by towering, mature coniferous trees. Here, you’ll find a raised gravel tent pad enclosed by a wooden border.
Additionally, food storage lockers are placed throughout the campground and within the cooking shelter, providing campers with secure storage options for their supplies.
Embark on a Bird-Watching Adventure
Media credit: squamishaccesssociety
Address: 38049 3 Ave, Squamish, BC, CA
Phone: +1 604-986-9371
Stawamus Chief Park provides breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the Squamish Valley from each of its peaks. You can also catch sight of peregrine falcons from the day-use area located at the highway pull-out.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Stawamus Chief
PayByPhone: cashless parking app that lets you register and pay for parking in Vancouver.
GasBuddy: locates gas stations near you and displays prices, sends price hike alerts, and notifies you of deals.
Waze: online navigation app that provides turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and user-generated reports on accidents, hazards, and road closures.
AllTrails: a running and hiking app with over 400,000 trails, trail information, maps, detailed reviews, and photos.
