Squamish is full of natural beauty, but few sights feel as quietly magical as the lupins in Squamish when they bloom each spring. Every year, these vibrant purple and pink wildflowers spill along trail edges and open spaces, creating a scene that feels special without being hard to reach. It is the kind of simple seasonal moment that families, photographers, and locals all look forward to.
One of the best places to explore this is along the Sea to Sky Trail. Now, to be clear, the Sea to Sky Trail is a bit of a beast overall. It stretches for kilometres through the corridor and includes plenty of rugged, backcountry sections that are very much not a casual family stroll. Thankfully, that is not the part we are talking about here. There is a sweet spot that is very easy and approachable in Squamish, winding from the Squamish Adventure Centre down to the dike. This portion gives you all the beauty and none of the stress, making it perfect for kids, strollers, and anyone who wants to enjoy the lupins without feeling like they accidentally signed up for an expedition.
If you’re ever wondering what to do in Squamish with kids, this stretch of the Sea to Sky Trail checks a lot of boxes. It feels special without being demanding, and there are plenty of places to stop, wander, and enjoy the scenery along the way.
The lupins in Squamish are especially fun with kids because they feel immersive. During peak bloom, the flowers can reach up to kids belly’s or even their shoulders, depending on the year or the kid in question. Wandering through them can feel like a proper little bush whack, which kids tend to love. There is something exciting about moving through tall flowers, spotting bees and bugs, and feeling surrounded by colour without being far from town or the trail.
Starting from the Squamish Adventure Centre, this outing along the Sea to Sky Trail can easily become a longer, more immersive experience. The path is stroller-friendly and partly paved, winding through shady forest, past little streams, and alongside quiet ponds. Consider renting a Bob Revolution jogging stroller from Sea to Sky Tots to make your trip easier and more enjoyable, letting little ones ride comfortably while you take in the scenery. While you’re there, you can also check out our other baby equipment rentals to help make your trip to Squamish even smoother. Along the trail, bursts of vibrant lupins add playful splashes of colour, keeping the walk lively and engaging for the whole family.
The best time to see lupins in Squamish is generally from late May through June, with peak blooms often happening in June along roadsides and the dike. Alpine lupins, like those in Garibaldi Provincial Park at Taylor Meadows, bloom a bit later, usually from July through August. Early mornings or late afternoons are perfect for quieter walks and great lighting for photos.
For families, the easiest lupin viewing is along the dike by the Mamquam River. Great spots to park include the dog pound off Government Road or Brennan Park on Centennial Way. These areas put you right at the trail edges, which are full of vibrant lupins, and the path is flat, safe, and stroller-friendly.
Yes! The section of the Sea to Sky Trail from the Squamish Adventure Centre down to the dike is very stroller-friendly. Parts of the path are even paved, making it easy for little legs or wheels. It’s perfect for families looking for a gentle, scenic walk surrounded by nature and bursts of lupins without the challenge of a strenuous hike.
Pack the essentials for a relaxed family outing: water, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the vibrant blooms. A small picnic can also make the walk more enjoyable. If you have young children, a stroller—or even better, a rental from Sea to Sky Tots—can make the experience easier and more comfortable.
Yes! Sea to Sky Tots offers a variety of baby equipment rentals to make family outings easier, including the Bob revolution jogging stroller. Rentals help little ones rest comfortably while you explore the Sea to Sky Trail and enjoy the blooms, and there are options to help make your trip to Squamish smoother overall.
