Camping near Squamish, British Columbia

Where to Go

Shannon Falls Provincial Park

Here, the falls are the star of the show. Walk a 350-metre trail along Shannon Creek, through Douglas firs, western red cedars, and western hemlocks, to a viewing platform overlooking the falls, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife.

Garibaldi Provincial Park

Encompassing more than 1,800 square kilometres and abutting the east side of Highway 99 between Squamish and Whistler, this massive park is named for the 2,678-metre Mount Garibaldi. You’ll find outdoor pleasures to keep you busy, including hiking along 90 kilometres of trails and swimming at five lakes, plus opportunities for cycling, climbing, canoeing, and kayaking.  

Alice Lake Provincial Park

Just north of town, you can pick your pace at Alice Lake. Those looking for a challenge can hike one of 10 trails, including the Four Lakes Trail, which traverses a six-kilometre course around all four park lakes. And if you’re just looking for a nice afternoon in the sun, drop your line to fish for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden, or head to one of two beaches to swim the calm waters of Alice Lake to an anchored platform.

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

This park is all about the soaring peaks, so come for climbing and hiking. If you opt for the latter, lace up your boots and pack good equipment and plenty of stamina—while routes tend to be relatively short, they’re steep. The trail to First Peak, for example, runs only 1.5 kilometres, but involves a 540-metre gain in elevation.  

When to Go

Located in a temperate coastal climate, the summer months here are perfect for camping, with highs rarely reaching the mid-20s, and evenings cooling off quickly, perfect for sweaters and campfires. Spring and fall can be chilly, and winter is very wet—the town is doused by about 2,200 millimetres of rain every year, and most of that falls during the winter months. If you’re coming in the summer, make sure to book ahead, and this is a very popular tourist destination. 

Know Before You Go

• Fishing requires a license, which can be easily purchased at local hardware stores and other retail outlets.
• Highway 99 can become extremely busy during peak season, especially on Fridays (headed out of Vancouver) and Sundays (going back).
• Climbers should be aware that closures can be in effect on Stawamus Chief from March to July, to allow for peregrine falcons to nest on its flanks.