Squamish, located between Vancouver and Whistler, is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Its mountains, rivers, and lakes make it one of British Columbia’s top hiking destinations, and you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it. Whether visiting for a Squamish vacation or just passing through, there are plenty of easy hikes in Squamish that are scenic, approachable, and perfect for families.
The weather is fairly mild, though it changes with the seasons. Summers are warm and sunny, ideal for lakeside walks or forest loops. Spring and fall bring rain, keeping trails lush, so a waterproof jacket and muddy buddy can be essential. Winters are wet but rarely overly cold, and most lowland trails stay accessible year-round.
When hiking with children, realistic expectations help. Even short hikes can feel longer with toddlers or frequent stops. Luckily, these easy hikes in Squamish with kids are designed for all skill levels, allowing families to enjoy nature, spot wildlife, and learn about the local ecosystem. This guide covers some of the best easy hikes Squamish BC that both locals and visitors love.
Brohm Lake Hike is the quintessential family-friendly hike in Squamish. Nestled amidst towering pines and tranquil waters, this trail offers a peaceful escape from busy city life. The loop is mostly flat, making it perfect for younger children or beginners who want to ease into hiking. As you stroll along the lakeside path, you’ll find plenty of spots to stop for a snack, watch birds, or dip your toes in the water. The surrounding forest is dense enough to feel like a proper wilderness adventure, yet the trail is wide and well-maintained, so getting lost is not a worry.
One of the best parts of this hike is how versatile it is. In spring, wildflowers dot the path, while summer brings calm waters perfect for paddling. Fall adds a golden glow as leaves change colour, and even in winter, the path is accessible with proper footwear. Families often appreciate the quiet picnic spots along the way, ideal for a lunch break or a quick nature lesson with the kids. There are interpretive signs along the trail explaining the local flora and fauna, adding a little educational twist to the adventure.
The Brohm Lake Fire Lookout Hike is slightly more elevated but still remains an easy Squamish hike suitable for families with older kids. This trail provides a bit more variety in terrain, with gentle uphill sections that reward you with breathtaking views of the Tantalus Range. Along the way, you’ll pass through a mixed forest of evergreens and deciduous trees, creating a dynamic, ever-changing scenery. The lookout itself is a perfect spot to pause, take photos, and enjoy panoramic views without the crowds that more popular trails attract.
Parents and casual hikers appreciate that the path is well-marked and not overly technical, which means you can focus on enjoying the outdoors rather than navigating tricky sections. The hike is long enough to feel like a proper adventure but short enough that younger family members won’t get too exhausted. Wildlife sightings are common, with birds, squirrels, and even the occasional deer appearing along the trail. The mix of shaded forest and open viewpoints makes it a rewarding hike any time of year, whether you’re visiting in the warmth of summer or the crisp air of fall.
This trail is a nice step up for families wanting more than a flat stroll but still needing something approachable. It’s the kind of hike that feels like a hidden gem, giving a taste of Squamish’s rugged beauty with minimal effort.
Coho Park Trail is Squamish’s hidden gem, perfect for those seeking an easy hike around Squamish that feels intimate and peaceful. This small loop is tucked into a quiet neighbourhood forest, giving families a sense of seclusion without venturing far from town. The trail meanders through lush woodland, with occasional clearings that reveal small streams and moss-covered rocks. Kids love hopping across wooden bridges and following the trail as it curves gently along natural terrain.
Because it is so easy to navigate, Coho Park Trail is a popular choice for stroller walks or casual morning strolls. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will enjoy the chance to spot local wildlife in a calm setting. The path is well-maintained, and there are benches at strategic points for quick breaks or snack stops. One of the charms of this trail is its year-round accessibility; no matter when you visit Squamish, this loop remains inviting and safe. Families often combine it with a picnic at nearby parks, making it a full morning or afternoon outing.
The understated beauty of Coho Park Trail lies in its simplicity. You can enjoy forest scents, the sound of flowing water, and the gentle rustle of leaves without worrying about challenging climbs. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best hiking experiences don’t require long treks or steep ascents.
Four Lakes Trail at Alice Lake is an excellent example of an easy hikes in Squamish BC that caters to families. This loop trail winds around a series of four small, serene lakes, making it a visual delight at every turn. The path is mostly flat, with a few gentle inclines, which makes it very approachable for children or those new to hiking. Along the way, hikers are treated to glimpses of the surrounding mountains reflecting off the calm water surfaces.
The trail offers lots of opportunities to interact with nature. Kids can throw stones into the lakes, spot fish, or watch ducks and other waterfowl. The forest sections provide shade on hot summer days, while open areas let you enjoy a sunny picnic. Seasonal changes add charm to the trail: wildflowers bloom in spring, lush greenery dominates summer, brilliant foliage appears in fall, and light snow dusts the ground in winter. Families will also appreciate nearby amenities at Alice Lake Provincial Park, including washrooms and designated picnic areas.
It’s a hike that balances ease with engagement, offering plenty of natural wonders for young explorers. Whether you’re aiming for a relaxing walk or a mini-adventure with children, Four Lakes Trail delivers.
Travelling with young kids can be overwhelming, but renting baby equipment makes it so much easier. Instead of hauling strollers, portable chairs, or travel cribs, families can rent everything they need in Squamish. Sea to Sky Tots offers baby-quality equipment rentals, ensuring parents have all the essentials without the extra baggage.
Renting gear also allows families to try out premium equipment, like all-terrain strollers for Squamish’s trails or portable cribs for vacation rentals. Whether you’re exploring outdoor spots or indoor attractions, this simple travel hack makes family trips smoother and more enjoyable. It also gives parents the freedom to focus on what to do in Squamish with kids, making every hike, picnic, or playtime hassle-free.
Shannon Falls Hike Squamish is a must-see for families seeking an easy Squamish hike that impresses without the challenge. The trail leads to the base of the stunning Shannon Falls, one of British Columbia’s most photographed waterfalls. The hike is short, well-maintained, and mostly flat, making it approachable for kids and casual walkers. Along the way, interpretive signs offer insights into the local ecology and history, giving a little educational bonus.
The viewing platforms provide safe and breathtaking vantage points to admire the waterfall’s thunderous drop and surrounding cliffs. Kids are often mesmerized by the sheer scale and roar of the water, making it a trail that combines natural wonder with simplicity. The surrounding forest is lush, and in summer, wildflowers add pops of colour to the path. Because the trail is popular but not overly crowded, it maintains a peaceful vibe.
For families, Shannon Falls offers the perfect balance of spectacle and accessibility, ensuring everyone can enjoy a memorable adventure.
Smoke Bluffs Trail is an easy squamish hikes favourite for families and beginner climbers alike. The trail offers gentle loops through forested areas with occasional open viewpoints of the surrounding valley. Hikers enjoy a quiet, shaded path with plenty of opportunities to pause and explore. Rock formations along the trail also make it an exciting backdrop for kids to climb safely under supervision.
The trail connects to bouldering areas, making it popular among families who want a mix of walking and light climbing fun. Wildlife is abundant, and in spring, the trail is carpeted with moss and wildflowers. Its proximity to town makes it accessible for short trips, perfect for half-day adventures.
Murrin Loop Trail is another approachable hike ideal for families. This trail winds through scenic forested terrain with small streams and open rock faces. The loop design makes it easy to gauge distance, ensuring kids can handle the hike without getting too tired. Hikers often comment on the peaceful atmosphere and the mix of shaded and open sections. Birds, squirrels, and small wildlife sightings are common, adding interest for younger explorers. The trail’s well-maintained path ensures safe footing and accessibility year-round.
Squamish Estuary Trails offer a completely different flavour of easy hikes in Squamish. Flat and wide, these trails meander along the estuary, providing stunning views of water, mountains, and migratory birds. Families enjoy leisurely walks while spotting eagles, herons, and playful seals in the distance. The trails are stroller-friendly, making it ideal for young kids or anyone looking for a gentle stroll. Picnic areas along the trail make it easy to pause, enjoy a snack, and soak in the serene environment. It’s an accessible trail that combines scenic beauty with ease, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
There is something magical about exploring Squamish’s trails through a child’s eyes. Each step along a forest path, each ripple across a quiet lake, feels like a small adventure waiting to be discovered. Kids notice the little things, like the way sunlight dances through the trees, the splash of water on a skipping stone, or the sudden flutter of a bird overhead. Hiking here is not just exercise, it is a chance for adults to rediscover the joy of being curious, playful, and fully present.
Families often find themselves pausing more than planned, not out of fatigue but because the trails encourage exploration and wonder. A simple walk becomes a series of discoveries, moss-covered logs to balance on, tiny creatures to spot, or panoramic views that take everyone’s breath away. Watching children experience the world with such unfiltered excitement reminds adults how fun it is to notice the little things, to laugh without reason, and to move through the world more freely—even if you are hauling a backpack, stroller, or a small army of gear.
Whether you are venturing along a lakeside loop, climbing to a lookout, or wandering a gentle forest path, these easy Squamish hikes offer more than scenery. They offer a chance to connect to nature, to family, and to the sense of wonder that often fades with adulthood. Hiking with kids encourages everyone to slow down, notice the details, and embrace the small joys of the outdoors. It is a reminder that the most memorable adventures are not about the distance covered, but the shared moments that inspire awe and spark that childlike sense of freedom in both young and old.
