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Squamish isn’t just for the hikers and bikers. This two-day itinerary filled with wellness and wilderness showcases a new side of the mountain town
When people first think of visiting Squamish, it’s often mountain biking, hiking or rock climbing that come to mind. Before I spent two days in Squamish, my very limited experience in the town was just merely as a pit stop on the drive up to Whistler.
But as I recently discovered, there’s so much more than just rough and tumble adventure activities in Squamish. In fact, a number of women-owned, wellness-focused businesses are starting to thrive in a town that’s making a name for itself in B.C. tourism. Here’s how I spent two days in Squamish, from places to eat and sites to see, enjoying all the wellness and wilderness it has to offer.
If you’re driving up to Squamish from Vancouver, leave first thing in the morning to bypass traffic. Making the most of the two days means you’re in for a packed itinerary, so be ready to explore and enjoy.
It’s really just a 45-minute drive from downtown Vancouver to get to Squamish, but speaking for myself, I could always go for a meal after any kind of car ride. Peak Provisions in the heart of downtown Squamish is the perfect first stop. The restaurant is ideal for a delicious lunch made with fresh ingredients, whether it’s the tuna melt toasty or the classic Cobb salad. Doubling as a grocer, Peak Provisions is also the spot to stock up on wine and snacks from B.C. and Canadian brands for the trip, or visit the deli counter to browse specialty cheeses and charcuterie also from local producers.
Squamish is rich in lush nature and trails, so what better way to explore than guided by somebody who knows it well. Caracopia offers guided “forest bathing” walks for the whole family through Whistler and Squamish’s coastal rainforests. Founder and forest bathing guide Andrea Andres (who goes by Cara when guiding), walked my group through the Squamish Estuary. We had time off the beaten path to sit and reflect on our connection to nature, but also to learn more about the common edible plants around us, making an all-natural tea as we walked. This interactive learning element made for a richer experience.
Full disclosure, I went into my guided breathing session at BreathWorks studio a complete skeptic. Throughout the session, the instructor guides you through calming yin yoga practices and meditative breathing techniques with the goal of reducing stress and enhancing wellbeing. And wow, did those 45 minutes ever change my mind. I had a very vivid and visceral experience—in a good way. Laying down comfortably with black-out eye masks, a blanket and pillow, the owner and certified instructor Loretta Cella walked our group through the session. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced (indescribable, some might say), and I came out feeling so refreshed and reinvigorated. Admittedly, this may not be for everybody. I did experience numbness and tingling sensations. But if you’re feeling particularly stuck or stressed, I would recommend giving it a try. You’ll have a very supportive and knowledgeable person there to guide you along the way.
To end the day on a delicious note, look no further than Squamish’s very own occasional Dine Wilder dinners. The women-only dinner series focuses on connection and conversation, and is quickly gaining momentum outside of Squamish (with founder Emily Shimwell hosting future events in North and West Vancouver). Every dinner has a theme, and ours was Dining in Adventure, which was naturally hosted at Valhalla Pure Outfitters in Squamish. We ate a fresh, four-course meal prepared by Fierce Fuel surrounded by canoes, kayaks and Patagonia sweaters while listening to the featured guest, professional rock climber Bronwyn Hodgins, talk about her journey as a free climber and how she navigates fear. It was a pretty inspiring way to end the night.
For the second (and last) day in Squamish, start the morning off with a coffee, smoothie, workout—or all three at FILI Space. New in Squamish, customers can come to this funky place (as described by owner and instructor Jaimie Szarko) for a workout, drink or both. I did the FILI Core class, a full-body Pilates class that is totally accessible for people of all levels while still definitely giving a full body burn (trust me, I was sore). My post-workout smoothie of choice was the Alpenglow, a blueberry, banana and almond butter blend of goodness.
What’s a good wellness trip if there isn’t a sauna and cold plunge moment? For a group-friendly experience, head to Plunge Wellness. Aside from the sauna (which was built by owner Layne Jordan), there are several cold plunge baths next to one another so friends can see who can handle the 6° Celsius water. Spend 15 to 20 minutes in the sauna and move to a quick cold shower rinse off before hitting the cold plunge, repeating as much as you want during the session. There’s also a small shop at the entrance to browse local goods or second-hand items after the session. If that’s not enough, there’s a yoga studio upstairs where Plunge holds regular classes several times a week.
At this point in the day, I was getting pretty hungry, and headed to popular lunch spot Tall Tree Bakery for sandwiches and a sweet treat. I was torn between the chicken Caesar panini and the turkey and apple baguette. I decided to go for the fruit and French bread, which hit the spot. Plus, the generous slice of the gingerbread loaf was the icing on the cake.
Just a short drive from town, the Squamish Valley is home to many blossoming businesses, including the “u-pick” flower farm Bloom + Breeze. As soon as we arrived, Raven greeted us—not the owner and founder, that’s Paula de Jong—but the family farm dog. My group snuck in just at the end of tulip season to pick a few flowers and put together a lovely take-home bouquet before the patch got converted to dahlias.
The perfect way to end any trip (in this writer’s opinion) is with an ice cream. A cone from Squamish’s Alice & Brohm swirls up real fruit with B.C. dairy for a delicious treat. Head to the downtown location with outdoor patio seating and nearby shops for some extra goodies to take home with you.
Sip and stay at the original Howe Sound brewing location in Squamish, the Howe Sound Inn. With pet-friendly options and several room types available for the whole family, the restaurant and brewery is just steps away downstairs—along with the newly established Sp’akw’us Feather Park on the shores of the Howe Sound peninsula.
For those wanting a more fulsome room set-up with a fully equipped kitchen, the Executive Suites Hotel & Resort Squamish has various suite sizes on offer. On the resort side, guests will find a gym, heated pool, hot tub and bike rentals for those looking to enhance their stay.
