A New, Different Squamish

Gibsons is a great jumping off point for exploring Howe Sound.  Most boaters stay in the southern reaches of Howe Sound, namely Gibsons; Snug Cove on Bowen Island; and the anchorages on the south side of Gambier Island.  Very few pleasure boaters venture through the emerald green waters further north, and even fewer go to Squamish at the head of Howe Sound, and that’s a shame. 

The beautiful town of Squamish has much to offer

Like us, some boaters may remember Squamish as a quiet, sleepy town with little to offer from a boater's perspective.  When we arrived at Squamish, the town we remembered couldn’t be found; it had disappeared and something new has taken its place.  

Great pubs and eateries are found in Squamish

This vibrant, active town filled with young people and young families, is now the place to be.  Condos have sprung up all along the waterway where the marinas are located, and more apartments and condos are currently under construction.  We shouldn’t be surprised that people are drawn to this beautiful location surrounded by majestic mountains, a place that offers many outdoor activities: rock climbing, mountain biking, snow skiing, and kite boarding, and numerous sport clubs. 

As we approached Mamquam Blind Channel, the boat entrance into Squamish, dozens of kite boarders were riding the winds off Squamish Spit. 

Squamish is the site of Canada's largest kite boarding competition

In fact, Canada’s largest kite boarding competition is held annually in Squamish.  The world class Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort is a bus ride away; and the Sea to Sky Gondola, just 2 ½ miles from Squamish, can also be accessed by bus. 

Don't miss the gondola ride with views of Squamish and Howe Sound

A ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola is not to be missed.  The views from Summit Lodge are spectacular. 

Views of Howe Sound, with its emerald green waters, from Summit Lodge are spectacular

The length of the gondola is 6,300 feet with a vertical rise of 2,790 feet; it takes 12 minutes to reach the top, where you are 2,900 feet above sea level. 

The Suspension Bridge at Summit Lodge is an added thrill

From the lodge, a suspension bridge crosses a canyon to another viewing platform.  From here, visitors can hike several trails with viewpoints and interpretive signage along the way. 

The Summit Lodge via the Gondola

The lodge offers food and drink, or you can purchase a picnic basket at the outdoor venue.  It’s all very well done and very impressive.  It is no wonder so many folks have moved to Squamish. 

The Saturday Farmers' Market at Squamish has quality produce and craft products

The growing community hosts many festivals throughout the year and has an excellent Farmers Market.  We also found that the pubs and restaurants have excellent food with the latest creative fare.  Boaters may find that entering Squamish can be a little challenging, but it’s worth the effort.  Be sure to check the tides and call ahead for space. 

Enter the Mamquam Channel on mid or high tides

To access the docks at Squamish, boaters should enter Mamquam Blind Channel at mid-tide or high-tide.  The channel has a lighted range.  On entry, follow the yellow marked steel pilings, favoring the starboard side until abeam of Stawamus River, then favor the port (west) side of the channel through the charted quarter-mile shallow area, staying close to the piling painted green, white, green.  After passing the shallow area, there are private red, green lateral buoys marking the channel. 

Docks at Squamish Yacht Club

Boaters have two viable options for moorage, the Harbour Authority docks of Squamish, (604-892-3725) for vessels up to 55 feet, and the Squamish Yacht Club (604-815-9533) which accepts boaters from just about any yacht club.  The marina and yacht club are located side by side, divided visually by the small Harbour Authority office building; yacht club docks are on the north end, Authority docks are south of the office building.  When we visited, we observed that a sailboat was anchored just north of the yacht club docks.  

Harbour Authority of Squamish Boat Harbour

Plans are in the works to add additional docks at the Harbour Authority facility, and we were told that a condo, marina facility is planned to go in across the channel.  A short walk from the docks and you're in town where all the action is; the good pubs and eateries, and the Saturday Farmers Market held April through October.  Next time you're in Howe Sound, consider visiting Squamish.  

Condos along the Stawamus River in Squamish