B.C.

The Ultimate B.C. Staycation Guide: Hiking the Stawamus Chief

Get this iconic trek in at least once a year.

By Stephen Hui /

Round trip: 14 kilometres
Elevation gain: 625 metres
Location: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park (Squamish)

Climb the three peaks of the Stawamus Chief for classic clifftop views of Howe Sound and the Squamish River valley.

From the day-use parking area, stroll through the campground to the trailhead. The steep Chief Peaks Trail kicks off with lots of stairs, soon merging with the Sea to Summit Trail. After the Sea to Summit exits right, take a left fork, signed for the First and Second Peaks. Before long, the trail splits again. Go left and ascend to the bare rock of First Peak.

Stawamus Chief

MORE STAYCATIONS: 21 Hidden Places to Hike, Bike, Paddle and Chill in Your Own Backyard

Back at the fork, proceed north to the top of the South Gully. Ascend a ledge with the help of a fixed chain, traverse a cleft covered by logs and climb a short ladder to Second Peak. Follow the markers northeast to North Gully. Stay left at the junction with the third backside trail to visit Third Peak. Return to the last junction and plunge down the rough North Gully Trail. Turn right and head back to the trailhead.

Stephen Hui is the author of Best Hikes and Nature Walks With Kids In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, a new guide to 55 hiking trails in B.C. and Washington.

His first two books, 105 Hikes and Destination Hikes, were #1 B.C. bestsellers.

Learn more: 105hikes.com