A Perfect Day Trip to Squamish from Vancouver (With Filming Locations)
Squamish comes up constantly when people ask me about day trips from Vancouver. And every time, I say the same thing: go, but go with a plan.
It’s only an hour up the Sea to Sky Highway, and that proximity is a bit deceptive. You figure you’ll sort it out when you get there.
But I’ve done that version of this trip, and I’ve done the planned version, and they feel completely different. One of them involves a lot of standing around in car parks. This itinerary is the other one.
If you like spending time in nature without committing to a 4-hour+ hike or fearlessly climbing the many rock faces around here, this is the plan I’d actually tell a friend who was heading up for the day. You’ll get gentle, soft adventures, time to take in the views, and insider details on filming locations, too!
Okay, shall we go?
Morning: Fox & Oak First
Head straight to Fox & Oak on Main Street when you arrive.
It’s a coffee and bakehouse run by a local couple, and the doughnuts are the real reason you’re going. Naturally leavened brioche, made fresh every morning, with the flavours rotating monthly.
They usually have three vegan options on any given day, things like raspberry almond or Earl Grey glaze, and they sell out well before noon. So don’t wander in late and expect a full spread.
Get your coffee, find a spot outside if it’s dry, and start the day properly instead of rushing straight into something.
Oh, and if you’re thinking of doing the Sea to Sky Gondola, it’s actually easier to stop there on the way up rather than on the way back, since the entrance sits on the right side of Highway 99 heading north. So, if you plan on going there, head to the Fox & Oak right afterwards.
The gondola takes you up to views of Howe Sound and the mountains. There are walking trails at different levels at the top, and there’s a café if you skipped breakfast. I almost always recommend it to people who haven’t been before.
🎥 One thing Virgin River fans will appreciate: the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge at the summit was a filming location in Season 5. It also appeared in the movie Eternity (on AppleTV+).
Lunch: Watershed Grill
The Watershed Grill on Logger’s Lane is a relaxed waterfront restaurant with a pub-style menu, good, uncomplicated food with a view toward the water. I stopped here as part of a Cineventure tour of Squamish filming locations, and it’s one of those places that earns its reputation for the right reasons.
🎥 Virgin River fans will already know it as Jack’s Bar; the Watershed Grill is the real location used throughout the Netflix series. And honestly, sitting there, you can completely see why they chose it. It already has that feel. Don’t be too disappointed: the interior of the restaurant is not the same as in Virgin River…the interior of Jack’s Bar is actually filmed on a sound stage!
🎥 Virgin River is far from the only production that’s filmed in Squamish, by the way. Supernatural used the area across multiple seasons. So did The Man in the High Castle, Bates Motel, The Shack, Star Trek Beyond, and iZombie.
🎞The Sea to Sky corridor has been a working film location for decades, which is one of those things you appreciate a bit more once you’re walking around in it.
Afternoon: Railway Museum, Then the Estuary
After lunch, the Railway Museum of British Columbia is worth an hour of your time.
I have a real soft spot for this place. It covers the history of rail travel across BC through restored railcars and interactive exhibits, and if you’re even slightly interested in how this province was connected and built, it’s genuinely engaging.
They also run seasonal events, a Day Out With Thomas in summer, Christmas trains in December — so worth keeping in mind if you’re planning a trip with kids.
After that, drive to the Squamish Estuary.
It’s a flat walk through marsh and forest at the edge of town, good for birdwatching year-round. Herons, waterfowl, all sorts.
If you’re visiting between late November and February, the Brackendale area nearby draws enormous numbers of bald eagles when the salmon are running; it’s one of the largest concentrations of them in North America, which still surprises people who haven’t seen it. There are also guided eagle-viewing floats if you want to get closer.
Evening: Dinner, Then a Wander
Essence of India is my pick for dinner, especially if you eat plant-based. The Chana Masala and Baingan Bharta are both consistently good, and after a day on your feet, it’s exactly the kind of food you want.
After dinner, walk along Cleveland Avenue. There are some good independent shops, and there are murals painted across several of the building walls that are worth taking your time with. It’s a low-key way to end the day before the drive back.
Other Things Worth Knowing About
A day trip only has so many hours, so these didn’t make the main plan — but they’re worth noting.
Mamquam Falls Trail — a quieter, less-visited forest trail to a waterfall, and especially lovely in autumn. Free.
For more insights on this trail, check out this post: Mamquam Falls Trail.
Stawamus Chief — the iconic hike with three peaks and views over Howe Sound. It’s steep, it’s popular, and it wasn’t actually my favourite — but I can see why it makes so many people’s lists. [Read my honest take →]
Brohm Lake — a good swimming spot in summer if you want something calm and forested.
Shannon Falls — one of the tallest waterfalls in BC at 335 metres, and an easy stop right off the highway.
Squamish Canyon — opened in 2025, and it gets a lot of attention. It’s a 1.5 km elevated boardwalk through the forest with views of Mamquam Falls. Worth knowing too that it’s not accessible for anyone using a mobility aid, a walking stick, or a stroller.
Eagle Viewing
Squamish is famous for its annual bald eagle migration, with some of the largest eagle populations in North America gathering here each winter.
The best time to view these majestic birds is from late November to February, particularly around the Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park.
Located along the Squamish River, this area offers prime eagle-viewing opportunities as the birds feed on the spawning salmon. Bring binoculars and visit one of the viewing platforms or take a guided eagle-watching tour for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
How to Get to Squamish from Vancouver
Squamish is a short and scenic 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). Here’s how you can get there:
- By Car: Driving is the most convenient option. Take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west from Vancouver, then follow Highway 99 north. Be sure to stop at viewpoints like Porteau Cove along the way.
- By Bus: Several shuttle services run between Vancouver and Squamish, including the Squamish Connector, which offers affordable daily round-trip tickets.
- By Bike: For the more adventurous, you can cycle to Squamish from Vancouver. It’s a challenging but scenic ride along the highway.
Best Time to Visit
Squamish is a year-round destination, but the spring and summer months offer the best weather for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, and water sports.
Fall into winter is the best time to visit to do some eagle viewing in Squamish and nearby Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park.
Winter is ideal for snowshoeing and exploring the wintery landscape.
🧗🏽♂️ Where to Stay in Squamish:
- Budget: Squamish Adventure Inn
- Mid-range: Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish
- Higher-end: Executive Suites Hotel & Resort, Squamish
FAQs for Daytrips to Squamish from Vancouver
Is Squamish walkable?
There are many ways to get around Squamish, like you can walk within Downtown Squamish, but to access the many nature and hiking trails and attractions you will need to bike, take a ride-sharing service, or drive.
What is there to do in Squamish indoors?
The Railway Museum of British Columbia is my top choice for what to do indoors in Squamish. You can also check out the shops and restaurants in Downtown Squamish.
Does Squamish have a beach?
There is a small beach called Nexen Beach, which is just a few minutes from Downtown Squamish.
A Few Tips Before You Go
Leave early in the summer. Parking at the gondola and near the waterfront fills up faster than you’d expect, especially on weekends.
Fox & Oak’s vegan doughnuts go quickly; if this is part of your plan, it really is worth getting there in the morning.
Pack layers and a rain jacket even in July. Squamish has its own weather, and it doesn’t always match what Vancouver is doing.
If you’re travelling with someone with limited mobility, the estuary walk and the Railway Museum are both accessible. Most of the main hiking trails aren’t, and Squamish Canyon isn’t either — worth checking ahead for anything else on your list.
🌲 ➡️ Join our community at BC Travel: Scenic Outdoor & Cultural Attractions to keep the conversation going, ask questions, and share your love for exploring British Columbia’s top outdoor and cultural experiences!🌲
Visiting these nearby locations along the Sea to Sky Highway adds excitement and exploration to your Squamish getaway. Each stop offers unique experiences that enhance your journey through this magnificent region.
More Stops Along the Sea to Sky Highway
- The Mamquam Falls Trail: Hidden Gem in Squamish
- Porteau Cove Provincial Park: A Hidden Gem on the Sea-to-Sky Highway
- The Best Shannon Falls Hiking Trails
- Is the Britannia Mine Museum Worth Visiting?
- Is Whistler Worth Visiting? (With Insider Tips)
- Day Trip to Squamish from Vancouver
- Is the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish Worth Visiting?
- Birdwatching in Squamish, BC: Ethical Wildlife Viewing Tour
- Squamish Canyon and Mamquam Falls: What to Know Before You Visit
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