Squamish-Lillooet: Trails, Waterfalls and Mountain Landscapes

Squamish-Lillooet combines impressive nature experiences with trails that reveal a range of landscapes. Its extensive network of parks and trails includes ocean views, river access, forested paths and pristine wetlands. There are also waterfalls, mountain landscapes and designated hiking routes. If you’re traveling with your family and deciding which experiences you’d like to shape your vacation, the region offers options for both active days and outings focused on nature and culture.

Parks and Trails in a Variety of Landscapes

The Sea to Sky Trail stretches 180 km from the waterfront promenade in Squamish to D’Arcy. These two endpoints alone provide a clear reference for anyone interested in longer trails. The route’s length is a concrete factor to consider when planning your trip; it does not, however, provide information about walking time or difficulty.

Brandywine Falls Park centers on a 70-meter-high waterfall, framed by views of the surrounding mountains. There are opportunities for hiking, picnicking and mountain biking, as well as visiting the waterfall. Depending on your interests, you can combine a visit to the park with some exercise or a break outdoors. Garibaldi Park adds to the region’s natural offerings with more than 90 km of designated hiking trails.

In South Chilcotin Mountains Park, the landscape ranges from mid-elevation grasslands to subalpine and alpine meadows, lakes and mountain peaks. More than 200 km of trails pass through broad valleys and alpine meadows and over mountain ridges. They are suitable for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. When choosing activities, you can therefore consider whether you’d like to experience the landscape on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. Wildlife sightings there include grizzly bears, mountain goats and deer.

Active Days in Every Season

South Chilcotin Mountains Park also offers a range of winter activities, including cross-country skiing, ski mountaineering, heli-skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. If you’re traveling with children, you can decide together which type of activity best suits your family’s interests.

In Callaghan Valley, visitors can explore old-growth forests, ancient volcanoes, wetlands and wildlife around Callaghan Lake Provincial Park. Cross-country skiing is available at Whistler Olympic Park in Callaghan Valley. The Nordic and ski jumping events of the 2010 Winter Olympics were held there. This combination of present-day activities and a connection to sports history offers a different way to experience the landscape than hiking or wildlife watching.

Cultural History and Regional Agriculture

Nature is not the only way to experience Squamish-Lillooet. Nairn Falls Park has long been a spiritual site for the Lil’wat Nation and protects an area of particular natural and cultural significance. Exhibits at the Pemberton & District Museum & Archives highlight connections to the history of the St’át’imc and Lil’wat Nations, early Gold Rush travelers, and the trappers, loggers and farming families who shaped the region. At the Britannia Mine Museum, BOOM! is a multisensory experience featuring light, sound and special effects.

The Slow Food Cycle Sunday takes place every year on the third Sunday in August in Pemberton Meadows. This pedal-powered celebration puts local agriculture, food and community at its center. The set date is important when planning your trip: it makes this a special opportunity to discover regional food culture and community in August.

Places to Help Plan Your Trip

If South Chilcotin Mountains Park is one of your priorities, getting there is also a factor when choosing a base: from Pemberton, you can reach the park via the Hurley Forest Service Road toward Gold Bridge. You can choose a vacation rental to suit the experiences you’d like to prioritize on your trip; the places and activities mentioned offer options for a range of interests.

For more options at this destination level: Whistler, Squamish, Pemberton, D'arcy, Furry Creek, Shalalth, Lillooet and Gold Bridge.

For the broader travel overview: British Columbia.