Travel Light. Adventure Happy!

Squamish Tourist Attractions

Squamish, British Columbia, is a gem for travelers of all ages, offering an unbeatable mix of outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences. Known as the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada, Squamish tourist attractions draw families seeking everything from sky-high views to hands-on learning adventures.

Just a short and stunning one-hour drive from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway, this mountain town is both accessible and unforgettable. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a full family vacation, you will find endless Squamish tourist attractions for families that blend fun, education, and breathtaking nature.

Top Iconic Attractions for Families

sea to sky gondola cable car squamish BC

Sea to Sky Gondola

The Sea to Sky Gondola is one of Squamish’s most popular attractions, offering panoramic views of Howe Sound and the surrounding coastal mountains. Families can ride to the summit and explore easy alpine trails, viewpoints, and the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. The gondola makes it easy for all ages to experience breathtaking scenery without a strenuous hike. Picnic areas and interpretive signs add to the educational and family-friendly appeal. It is a must-visit destination for both adventure and sightseeing in Squamish.

shannon falls squamish bc

Shannon Falls

Shannon Falls is one of British Columbia’s tallest waterfalls and a highlight of Squamish tourist attractions. Easy-access viewing platforms make it perfect for families with children or strollers. Short trails allow visitors to explore the surrounding forest while enjoying the misty, refreshing atmosphere. Picnic areas near the falls make it a great spot for a family break. The combination of natural beauty and accessibility makes Shannon Falls ideal for all ages.

DUMP TRUCK Brittania Mine Museum

Britannia Mine Museum:

The Britannia Mine Museum combines history, adventure, and hands-on learning for all ages. Visitors can ride the underground mining train, try gold panning, and explore interactive exhibits about British Columbia’s mining past. The museum offers educational programs that make learning about mining history fun for children and adults alike. Its location in a historic copper mine adds authenticity and excitement to the experience. Families leave with a deeper appreciation of local history and industrial heritage.

Outdoor Attractions and thrilling Wonders

Squamish’s natural landscapes are second to none, offering a mix of mountain, forest, and ocean scenery that is ideal for outdoor-loving families.

Squamish Chief Hike

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park:

Stawamus Chief, or The Chief, is a massive granite monolith and a must-see Squamish landmark. While summit hikes are challenging, families can enjoy base trails and scenic viewpoints that showcase rock formations and soaring eagles. The park is ideal for wildlife observation, short hikes, and family photos. Interpretive signs provide educational information about the area’s natural and cultural history. It offers a rewarding experience for families seeking both adventure and learning.

squamish canyon walk

Canyon Walk

Located just off the Sea to Sky Highway, Squamish Canyon offers an elevated boardwalk experience through the lush coastal rainforest where waterfalls cascade into the canyon depths. Families can stroll safely above the forest floor on boardwalk trails, explore the nature‑inspired play area for younger children, and pause at viewpoints like Mamquam Falls for memorable photos. Educational displays woven along the route bring the region’s ecological and cultural heritage to life, making this attraction not just scenic, but also informative. It is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with last entry at 3:00 pm, and tickets must be booked in advance to secure your spot.
white water rafting squamish valley

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting in Squamish is a thrilling way for families to experience the region’s rivers safely and actively. Canadian Outback Rafting offers a variety of excursions, including gentle family-friendly trips suitable for children and beginners, as well as more challenging adventures for older kids and teens. Guided tours focus on safety while allowing participants to enjoy rapids, scenic canyon views, and local wildlife. All equipment, including life jackets and helmets, is provided, and expert guides ensure a fun and educational experience. Family trips offer a mix of excitement, nature appreciation, and hands-on learning about Squamish’s rivers and ecosystem.

garibaldi lake bc

Garibaldi Lake

Garibaldi Lake is a striking alpine lake with turquoise waters, surrounded by rugged peaks. Families with older children can hike the scenic trails to reach the lake, experiencing the natural beauty of British Columbia’s mountains. The area offers opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. Interpretive signs highlight the local flora, fauna, and glacial history. Garibaldi Lake is both a rewarding hike and an educational outdoor adventure for families.

via ferrata squamish

Via Ferrata – Sea to Sky Gondola

The Via Ferrata at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola is a guided climbing experience along protected routes. Families and older children can safely climb cliffs with harnesses while enjoying breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. Guides provide instruction and ensure safety while sharing insights about the area’s geology and history. The activity combines adventure with education, giving participants a unique perspective on Squamish’s natural environment. It is an unforgettable experience for thrill-seeking families.

brohm lake squamish bc ()

Brohm Lake

Brohm Lake is a local favourite for families seeking a slightly more adventurous experience than Alice Lake, with clear waters surrounded by forest and plenty of rocks and logs for jumping, swimming, or relaxing. Paddleboarding and swimming are popular activities, giving kids and adults a chance to enjoy the lake in an active, engaging way. Several easy trails circle the lake, including one that leads to a historic fire lookout with panoramic views of the surrounding area. Picnic areas and open spaces make it perfect for a full day outdoors. Brohm Lake combines water fun, gentle exploration, and natural beauty for a memorable family outing.

Travel Light: Baby Equipment rentals in Squamish

Traveling with young children can feel overwhelming, but baby equipment rental in Squamish makes family adventures much easier. Instead of lugging strollers, high chairs, or travel cribs across town, families can rent everything they need locally. Sea to Sky Tots provides high-quality baby equipment rentals, giving parents all the essentials without the extra baggage.

Renting equipment also gives families the chance to use premium items, such as all-terrain strollers for exploring Squamish trails or portable cribs for vacation rentals. Whether you are visiting outdoor attractions like Brohm Lake and the Sea to Sky Gondola or indoor spots like museums and cultural centers, baby equipment rental simplifies your trip and ensures a smoother, more enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Educational and Cultural Attractions

Squamish Train Museum

West Coast Railway Heritage Park

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park is a top family attraction in Squamish, showcasing restored locomotives, passenger cars, and the historic Royal Hudson steam engine. Visitors can explore vintage trains, climb aboard cabooses, and enjoy miniature train rides that delight kids and adults alike. Interactive exhibits teach the history of rail travel and its importance to British Columbia’s communities. The park hosts seasonal events, including the popular Polar Express in winter, and is generally open from 10 AM to 4 PM, with hours varying by season. With both indoor and outdoor attractions, picnic areas, and a gift shop, it offers an educational and fun experience for the whole family.

cheakamus centre squamish bc

Cheakamus Centre

The Cheakamus Centre is an environmental and cultural learning hub located in a beautiful forest setting along the Cheakamus River. While it primarily hosts school programs, retreats, and private events, the best opportunity for families to explore the site is during its annual Open House, held on the first Sunday of May. This family-friendly event features interactive exhibits, cultural demonstrations, and hands-on outdoor activities, offering visitors a chance to experience the centre’s unique blend of environmental education and Indigenous learning. Rooted in collaboration with local First Nations, the Cheakamus Centre emphasizes the deep cultural connection between people and the land, inspiring respect for the natural world through storytelling, ecology, and shared stewardship.

pacific salmon cycle display

Tenderfoot Creek Hatchery

Tenderfoot Creek Hatchery plays an important role in restoring and enhancing coho, pink, chum, and chinook salmon populations within the Squamish River watershed. The hatchery releases more than 3.3 million juvenile salmon each year and uses sustainable methods such as rafts and gillnets to capture returning adults for spawning. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours with informative signage explaining each stage of the salmon life cycle, or request a guided tour depending on staff availability. The hatchery also hosts a community salmon fry release event each spring, where families can help release young coho into local waters—a memorable and educational experience for kids. Open daily from 9 AM to 3 PM, the site includes public washrooms, picnic tables, and opportunities to view salmon and eagles up close, making it a fascinating stop for families exploring Squamish’s natural and cultural attractions.
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Located in nearby Whistler, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre celebrates the rich heritage and living traditions of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations, whose territories meet in this region. The centre offers an engaging experience for families through guided forest walks, hands-on crafting workshops, and interactive exhibits that bring Indigenous stories and artistry to life. Hourly guided tours, included with admission, provide deeper insight into the Nations’ history, cultural practices, and enduring connection to the land. Visiting the centre offers families a meaningful way to learn about local Indigenous cultures while honouring the deep respect and observance these communities maintain for their shared territories.
joffree lake bc

Joffre Lakes:

Located northeast of Squamish, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is known for its brilliant turquoise lakes and dramatic alpine scenery. Beyond its natural beauty, the area holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua. The park occasionally closes to allow the land to recover from heavy use and to give Indigenous communities time to reconnect with it through traditional and spiritual practices. Visitors should note that a free day-use pass is required, which can only be booked a few days in advance, so it is important to check availability and plan ahead before visiting.

Seasonal Attractions and Best Times to Visit Squamish

Squamish shines in every season. Summer (June to September): Ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and water activities. Summer also brings the Squamish Wind Festival, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts. Fall (October to November): Best for eagle watching in Brackendale and quieter trails. Winter (December to February): Try snowshoeing, visit winter markets, or hop aboard the Polar Express at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Spring (March to May): Waterfalls are at their fullest, and the forests burst with greenery, a perfect time for exploring the most scenic Squamish tourist attractions.

Start Planning Your Family Adventure Today

With so many Squamish tourist attractions to explore, from waterfalls and gondolas to lakes and museums, there is no shortage of unforgettable moments waiting for families here. Whether you are seeking thrills, nature, or culture, Squamish tourist attractions for families promise a perfect blend of fun and discovery for all ages. If you are wondering what to do in Squamish with kids, the answer is simple: everything. Start planning your trip and experience the magic of Squamish attractions for kids that make this mountain town one of British Columbia’s best family destinations.

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