That’s why guided activities with groups and qualified, experienced guides are so ideal for enjoying frozen nature at twilight and in the early evenings, like the popular Squamish Headlamp Hike, offered between January and March by the Sea to Sky Gondola.
Hiking is one of the most popular pastimes for visitors to Squamish, British Columbia. With hundreds of criss-crossing trails of various challenge levels running throughout the no less than five provincial parks in the region, hikers descend on Squamish throughout the year to enjoy nature’s beauty. The Headlamp Hike, however, is quite unique, in that it takes place from 4:30pm every Saturday from 1 January until the end of March. Depending on conditions, the hike can also be undertaken as a snowshoe adventure. Lasting an hour, the hike gives up to eight participants an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the route at an unusual and serene time of day.
Of course, no frozen dusky walk would be complete without the chance to enjoy excellent hot meals and drinks while gazing out over Howe Sound. The Summit Lodge sits atop Stawamus Chief, 885m above sea level, and offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery while enjoying dinner after their dusky hike. The lodge is just one of the eateries and snack stops visitors to the Chief, the world’s second-largest piece of freestanding granite and a popular and challenging hike or climb, can use to refuel after an exciting and fun day challenging yourself. And climbing or hiking The Chief is just one of the various activities visitors to Squamish can participate in year-round.
The Sea to Sky Gondola is a popular tourist attraction that allows visitors to enjoy a leisurely ride to the summit of Stawamus Chief year-round. Once at the top, you can look out from any of the three viewing platforms that each give a unique view of the surrounds, while learning more about the Stawamus First Nations people and their connection to the landscape.
Located just 45 minutes away from popular skiing destination, Whistler, Squamish is quickly becoming one of the preferred spots for visitors to Whistler, partly thanks to the plentiful and affordable accommodation and partly due to the wide variety of additional activities offered in and around the city, including its own excellent Nordic and backcountry skiing and snowboarding terrain. The region boasts between 26cm and 31cm of snowfall during December and January, giving snow-sports enthusiasts plenty of opportunity to engage in various activities. With similar amenities and no shortage of its own winter attractions, Squamish is an attractive alternative to accommodation within Whistler itself.
Squamish is a fantastic tourist destination for all seasons, offering attractions and activities all year round and welcoming guests with its vibrant entertainment, attractive and affordable accommodation and spectacular scenery from every angle. When visiting British Columbia, Squamish is a must-see on anyone’s itinerary.
Time: 4:30 on Saturdays, January 1 through March
Price: $10.00 per person, not including gondola day ticket or season pass
Snowshoe or crampon rentals: $5.00
Headlamps: provided
More information: Sea to Sky Gondola
Squamish accommodations: book here