September 20, Squamish, B.C- It’s no secret, Squamish’s popularity is on the rise and there are many reasons why. Travellers have discovered this gem adventure destination and know that each season brings something new. With the arrival of fall this week, Squamish continues to impress with its wide range of active activities and cultural events. Here are the top 5 seasonal highlights to choose from.
1- Try the newest craze. “Rope Running” is the newest attraction in town, Rope Runner Aerial Adventure Park. Standing 17 meters high and 20 meters in diameter the structure is built of steel, wood, ropes and wire where guides are assisting visitors to ‘run the rope’ and take part in various ‘games’. A full body harness and unique safety system keeps visitors safe, giving them the ability to move through the various level ropes course where they get to choose their unique path along the circuit, balancing over wooden beams, running like a ninja warrior, jumping off the tower at 15 meters or simply navigating through the obstacles. A selection of 50 games is offered, including logger sports (high wire log rolling), Ninja warriors (running boards, monkey bars, rings of madness and more), biking (pedaling a bike on a beam 40 feet in the air), climbing (big spider-web climbing net) and more.
For information: www.exploresquamish.com/explore/aerial-adventure-park
For information: www.exploresquamish.com/explore/aerial-adventure-park
2- Take a hike. Enjoy the best activity Squamish has to offer at this time of the year. Trails lead everywhere in this region, along rivers, lakes, ancient rainforests and vast mountainous terrain. There are many great trails to enjoy and here are three that can’t be missed, starting with the ‘Sea to Summit’ trail accessible from the Sea to Sky Gondola’s parking lot at the base to its peak at the Summit Lodge. The moderate 7.5 km trail with 900 meters elevation gain offers spectacular vistas of Shannon Falls, Howe Sound, Sky Pilot and the surrounding peaks. While at the Sea to Sky Gondola visitors may want to do something different and join a guided nature hike with a local indigenous cultural ambassador from the Talking Trees guided tour company. During the tour the local guide helps visitors to connect with the surrounding nature and shares cultural uses of the regional alpine forest, local plants and food that leave visitors with a deeper connection and appreciation for the local First Nations culture and nature. The Stawamus Chief trail remains a classic for its stunning views and diverse terrain made of a mix of steep stairs, ladders and mossy west coast forest. The intermediate 7.5 km trail with 550 meters elevation gain is a true pleaser. Brohm Lake trailsin Interpretive Forest located 12 km North of Squamish is the most scenic of all in the fall. The lake trail is 3.6 km long with elevation gain between 220 and 348 meters and offers panoramic views of the Tantalus range, Paradise Valley, The Chief, Shannon Falls and Howe Sound.
For more information: www.exploresquamish.com/explore/hiking
3- Dig into cultural events of all kinds. The Sea to Sky Gondola’s Annual Mountain Music Series concludes September 22nd with the Sea to Sky Orchestra. The popularSquamish Artwalk is a month long celebration of local Visual Arts. During September visitors can view the creations of over 40+ artists in unique venues across town.
A unique opportunity to mingle with locals and meet local and renown artists and artisans up close. Guided Bike Art Tours take visitors to various art venues in town.Tour departs September 23 at 2:30pm from Brennan Park Rereation Centre. Reservations required. Weekly Creative Workshops are also taking place throughout the event. The last Workshop on Chinese Brush Painting takes place on September 30th.
For more information: www.squamishvisuals.com/artwalk
4- Socialize with friendly locals. The Squamish Farmer’s Market runs every Saturday in downtown Squamish, until October 25th. It’s the ideal venue to stock up on fresh produce and artisan-made goods while supporting the community. Refresh Market takes place at the West Coast Railway Park’s CN Roundhouse, November 17-18. The popular fall event is the town’s biggest shopping venue for handmade vintage and curated wares. Known for its highly edited mix of locally made clothing, jewelry, dry goods and more, Refresh features 100 vendors from Pemberton to Vancouver alongside food trucks, music and good vibes.
For more information: http://www.exploresquamish.com/events/refresh-market
5- Please the kids in preparation for their favorite late fall / early winter event. From October 25-31, The Mystery of the Magic Pumpkin takes place at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. It’s a fun-filled day exploring the pumpkin patch and jumping aboard the Magic Pumpkin ride in search of a personal magic pumpkin full of surprise. November 25- December 17, The Polar Express is back to town. Kids can take a ride on their favorite Christmas train when it returns to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park and go on an hour-long train ride complete with treats and stops in the North Pole Workshop and Gingerbread Village. For more information: www.exploresquamish.com/events/magic-pumpkin-train /www.exploresquamish.com/events/polar-express
6- Observe Mother Nature at its best with the return of the salmon spawning in Squamish’s rivers, and the majestic bald eagles enjoying the feast. Industry experts predict a record year for regional pink salmon run this year. A delight for our majestic feathery friends, the Bald Eagles. Keep an eye out this eagle watching season, it may as well be a record year. The season begins at the end of November and runs until February.
There is plenty to enjoy year-round in Squamish. For more information on Squamish’s fall activities and events please visit: www.exploresquamish.com .