Okay, so if you’re planning a Squamish vacation and you’ve been Googling what to do in squamish with kids, I want to let you in on one of those trails that locals genuinely love but that doesn’t always make it to the top of the tourist lists. The Murrin Loop Trail is one of those spots that feels like a little gem, even though it absolutely deserves to be on every list. It’s got the views, the easy footing, the lake, and the kind of payoff that makes you feel like you earned something without completely wrecking yourself or your kids in the process.
I’ve done a lot of trails around Squamish, and this one delivers every time. Whether you’ve got a baby in a carrier, a toddler who insists on walking every single step themselves, or older, the Murrin Park Loop Trail has a way of meeting everyone where they’re at. It’s one of those spots I find myself recommending over and over again when friends come up from the city or when visitors ask me what to do in squamish with kids beyond the obvious stuff.
Let me walk you through what you can actually expect when you show up.
Murrin Provincial Park sits right on the Sea to Sky Highway, about 10 minutes south of Squamish (or roughly 15 minutes north of Britannia Beach). There’s a small parking lot right off the highway, and the trailhead is easy to find once you’re there. On weekends in the summer you’ll want to arrive reasonably early, because this spot is popular, and the parking lot is not enormous. Weekday mornings are honestly dreamy though. You can park, unload the kids, get the carrier sorted, and not feel rushed at all.
The Murrin Loop Trail itself is just under 3 kilometres, and most families complete it in about an hour to an hour and a half depending on pace (and how many times you stop to look at bugs, throw rocks in the lake, or convince someone to put their shoes back on). The elevation gain is gentle enough that it’s genuinely accessible for young families. It’s not a flat paved path, so you’re going to want sturdy footwear and a good quality hiking carrier if you’ve got a baby or a young toddler, but it’s not technical in any way that’s going to stress you out.
The Murrin Park Loop Trail takes you around Browning Lake, through some lovely forested sections and out to some stunning viewpoints. The combination of water, forest, and rock makes it interesting for kids because the scenery keeps changing. You’re not just staring at the same view for 45 minutes. It feels like you’re moving through a series of little adventure landscapes, and you’re likely to pass rock climbers scaling the granite faces not too far into the hike.
There’s a section that connects to the Jurassic Ridge trail, which branches off and takes you higher for bigger views. Most families with very young kids stick to the main Murrin Lake Trail loop, which is completely satisfying on its own. But if you’ve got older kids who have some energy to burn and want to push a little further, the Jurassic Ridge trail extension offers an impressive rocky ridge with views that genuinely stop you in your tracks. It adds some distance and elevation, so you’ll want to read the Murrin loop trail review for families that matches your specific kids’ ages and fitness levels before committing. That said, I’ve seen families with kids around 6 or 7 do the full loop including the ridge and have an absolute blast.
One of my favourite parts of this trail is the Murrin loop trail lookout which you hit halfway through the hike. It sits up on a rocky bluff overlooking Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains, and it’s genuinely stunning. On a clear day the reflections of the mountains on the ocean are postcard-perfect. Right before you hit the viewpoint is a tiny climb up some rocky terrain. Just take it slow and it’s totally manageable, even with little ones. Kids of all ages will love scrambling up the rocks to get to this spot.
The Murrin loop trail lookout is also a nice natural rest spot. The bench looking out over the ocean is pretty darn perfect. If you can snag it this is a great picnic spot, sunset, even better. Some of the loveliest photos I have are here, and even if you’re visiting for the first time you’ll want to linger. You can sit on the rocks, have a snack, let the kids run around a bit before continuing. I always pack more snacks than I think I’ll need, because there is something about fresh mountain air that makes small children absolutely ravenous.
The lake itself is a big draw for kids. There are often birds to spot on and around the water, and the forested sections have plenty of the small critter activity that sends kids into a delighted spiral. Depending on the time of year you visit, you might spot frogs near the water’s edge, various birds of prey circling overhead, or just a lot of really enthusiastic chipmunks. Check the trail map before you go. Tacking a picture is always a great trick, and always share your hiking plans with someone else.
Spring and early summer bring wildflowers to some of the open rocky sections, which adds a really pretty layer to the whole experience. Late summer tends to be hot and dry up on the exposed parts, so sunscreen, hats, and lots of water are non-negotiable.
Carry more water than you think you need. There’s no water source on the trail and kids dehydrate faster than they’ll ever admit to you. I usually pack at minimum one litre per person plus extra. Start early if you’re visiting on a summer weekend. Not only will you beat the parking crunch, but the light on the lake in the morning is genuinely something special. Pack a change of clothes for the kids in the car.
If you’ve got time, plan to stay for a splash in Browning Lake after you’ve completed the hike. It’s a great way to cool down and recharge before the drive home, and honestly the kids will never want to leave.
This is where I want to share something that I think is genuinely useful if you’re visiting from out of town. If you’re staying in the area and figuring out logistics for your Squamish vacation, think about how you’re going to wind down after a hike like this. Little bodies that have been out exploring all morning tend to hit a wall fast in the early afternoon, and that’s actually prime time for some quiet reading or snuggle time back at your rental or accommodations.
One thing I always suggest to visiting families is checking out our baby equipment rentals for your stay rather than trying to lug everything from home. It makes such a difference to your trip to just show up and have what you need waiting for you. And once you’ve seen everything the trail has to offer and you’re back in cosy mode, there’s something really sweet about curling up with your little one and a stack of our rental board books to get stories of the day flowing. After all that fresh air and adventure, a quiet story time feels like the perfect way to end an outdoors driven day. It’s the kind of time that makes a trip feel like home, even when you’re away.
Honestly, every single time. I’ve taken this trail in every season and with kids at every age, and it keeps being awesome. The Murrin Loop Trail sits in this sweet spot of being beautiful enough to feel like a real adventure and accessible enough that you’re not white-knuckling it the whole way around and not too long. For families visiting the Sea to Sky corridor, it belongs on the list. Full stop.
Whether you’re doing a longer Squamish vacation and looking to fill a couple of mornings with easy outdoor activities, or you’re just passing through for a long weekend and want one really good thing to do with the kids, this trail delivers. Combine it with a stop at the lake, a snack break at the lookout, and a relaxed afternoon back at base and you’ve got a pretty perfect family day honestly.
If you’re still in the planning stages and wondering about gear and logistics, go explore what’s available through Sea to Sky Tots for your trip. Having the right stuff on hand without the packing stress really does change the travel experience with little ones, and this trail deserves to be enjoyed without the mental load of overpacking.
Wrapping up, finding kid friendly patios in Squamish doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right spot, a simple meal out can turn into one of those easy, memorable family days where everyone gets to relax a little more. Whether it’s post trail, post ride, or just a sunny afternoon, these patios make it easier to say yes to going out with kids.
If you’re visiting or just want to make your day even smoother, it’s worth checking out our baby equipment rentals at Sea to Sky Tots. From everyday essentials to adventure ready gear like the Thule Chariot stroller, we’ve got what you need for those bigger days out without the extra hassle of bringing everything with you.
Because in a place like Squamish, the best days are the ones where you can explore more, stress less, and actually enjoy the moment.
Yes, the Murrin Loop Trail is one of the most family-friendly hikes in the Squamish area. The trail is roughly 3 kilometres with gentle elevation gain, making it accessible for toddlers who are confident walkers and babies in carriers. The varied terrain of forest, lake, and rocky bluffs keeps kids engaged the whole way around.
Most families complete the Murrin Loop Trail in about one and a half hours, though plan for longer if you want to stop at the Murrin loop trail lookout halfway through, have a snack break, or let the kids splash in Browning Lake at the end. It’s worth building in extra time because you’ll want to linger.
The Murrin Loop Trail is located within Murrin Provincial Park on the Sea to Sky Highway, about 10 minutes south of Squamish and roughly 15 minutes north of Britannia Beach. There is a small parking lot right off the highway and the trailhead is easy to find from the lot. Once you walk out of the parking lot, you’ll be headed south, passing Browning Lake on your way into the forest trailhead.
Yes, Browning Lake is located right at the beginning of the Murrin Loop Trail and is a popular spot for a post-hike splash, especially in summer. It’s a lovely way to cool down after the hike and kids absolutely love it.
The Jurassic Ridge trail branches off from the main Murrin Lake Trail loop and adds distance and elevation for a more challenging experience. It’s best suited to kids around age six and up who have some hiking experience. The views from the ridge are spectacular and well worth the extra effort for families with older children.
