Things To Do in Squamish: 12 Local Gems to Visit
If you’re looking for things to do in Squamish, you’ve got to check out the 12 local gems on this list.
One of my favourite things about Squamish, British Columbia, is that it’s full of amazing businesses! From restaurants to gift shops to happy hours to fun activities and more, this list will help you craft the perfect Squamish itinerary—whether you’re just visiting or you’re a local looking to mix things up a little.
The Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Squamish, British Columbia
Alice + Brohm: The Best Ice Cream in Squamish
Got a craving for something sweet and refreshing? I’ve got the perfect solution for you!
Alice + Brohm is a must-stop for hot days—and cold days because, let's be honest, there’s no such thing as a wrong time for ice cream!
This small-batch ice cream shop started out in an adorable 1972 Boler trailer and has since grown and expanded to two locations in the city. Alice + Brohm offers traditional, New Zealand-style fresh fruit-pressed ice cream that is just to die for (If you know, you know!). This local Squamish business is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
If you’re grabbing a sweet treat at Alice + Brohm’s Garibaldi location, don’t forget to check out Nootka + Sea right there in the same building!
Nootka + Sea: Squamish Gift Shop and Apothecary
If you’re looking for the perfect quirky little something, Nootka + Sea is the place to go! This local apothecary sells aromatherapy and self-care goodies, home essentials, plants, and more.
Amazing skincare products, bath products, perfumes, candles, decor, accessories, and plants are just a few of the items you’ll find at this eclectic local shop. If you’re like me, you can never have too many nice-smelling-things and houseplants.
It’s one of my go-to places to visit in Squamish when I’m looking for a unique gift, whether it’s for a friend or for myself when I need a little pick-me-up. Everything is made in small batches and smells amazing. My favourite product is the Tobacco Rose Aromatherapy Mist.
Locavore Bar & Grill: A Fave Squamish Restaurant
Right across from these two gems, you’ll find Locavore Bar & Grill. This is one of my favourite restaurants in Squamish whether I’m grabbing lunch, dinner, or a cold bevvie after a long mountain bike ride or hike.
The main restaurant is built in an old greenhouse and the patio is the perfect place to enjoy long summer days in town with friends. It’s the perfect place to cozy up with a coffee in the winter, too.
My go-to order is the donair + bacon + avocado, and potato wedges. So good!
Cliffside Cider: Squamish Cidery
In an unassuming back alley downtown, you can find Cliffside Cider. Cliffside is a local cidery in Squamish with an awesome patio adjacent to Flipside Burgers and (you guessed it) overlooking an impressive cliff also known as one of the largest granite monoliths in the world: The Stawamus Chief!
This local gem offers small batch craft blends, all handmade with care. Dry apple, cherry, ginger, peach passionfruit, pineapple, blueberry, and cranberry are just a few of the flavours you’re likely to find on the cider menu!
The indoor space is cute and welcoming and, if you’re lucky, you might just catch some live music. I highly recommend an order of cajun curly fries, and the burgers are so big you can probably split the order with a friend!
The Salted Vine Kitchen + Bar: Squamish Happy Hour and Fine Dining
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience or awesome happy hour in Squamish, The Salted Vine is a must-visit.
This downtown Squamish restaurant offers dishes that are fresh, thoughtful, and so tasty. The chefs make a point of using sustainable and seasonal ingredients, and you can tell! The space is located in the oldest standing building in Squamish and is so charming with its modern-country decor. I would say it’s one of the best places for a date night in Squamish.
Not to mention, the original cocktail menu is on-point! If you like a sour, the Hotel Georgia is unreal, with the Aviation coming in a close second.
Sunflower Bakery & Cafe: Squamish Coffee Shop and Bakery
Coffee, donuts, delicious sourdough, tasty lunches, and great staff—Sunflower Bakery & Cafe has it all! If you’re looking for places to eat in Squamish, this one is simply a must.
Ownership of the Sunflower Bakery in downtown Squamish was taken over by a pair of local families just months before everything was shut down in 2020. Talk about timing—and not in a good way! Seeing Ryan, Jamie, and the Sunflower crew became part of my daily routine once things reopened, I couldn’t be happier to see their business flourishing.
And, a bonus: Sunflower does so much good for the local community with donations and in-kind support of the Squamish Offroad Cycling Association (SORCA) alongside a host of other things. It’s hard not to love this crew!
My personal fave from this local hot spot: The bacon breaky sando or the Squamish Cream donut. Yum!
Muddy Marvels: Handmade Pottery and Pottery Lessons
This is one of my favourite things to do in Squamish! Muddy Marvels Pottery is a fabulous place to shop for all kinds of unique, handmade goodies for your home—from mugs to plates to bowls and more. Her pottery line is ever-changing and beautiful. Check out her current pottery collection!
On top of that, the owner and artist at Muddy Marvels, Meghan McCrone, runs in-person pottery workshops in her home studio each month. It’s such a fun, creative experience and a great way to connect with other folks in town while learning how to make your own custom pottery pieces.
Coastal Stoke Explore Tours with Norm Hann Expeditions: Squamish SUP Tours
Here’s another one of the best Squamish tourist attractions, especially if you’re looking for adventure! Explore the Howe Sound and safely learn the complex waterways of the Squamish area with Norm Hann Expeditions’ Coastal Stoke Explore Card, which gives you a sixth stand up paddle tour for free after you book five (kind of like a coffee card!).
Norm Hann Expeditions provides rental equipment and offers multiple guided tours each week. What a fantastic way to get out in nature and make some new friends in the Squamish SUP community!
7Mesh: Best Place to Buy Gear in Squamish
If you’re visiting or living in Squamish, there’s a good chance you’re hoping to explore the great outdoors. But let’s be real—if you aren’t dressed for the weather, you won’t be able to enjoy this place year-round! As they say, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear—so make sure you’re equipped and ready to enjoy everything this beautiful slice of BC has to offer!
If you’re on the hunt for some great gear, I recommend checking out my favourite hometown outdoor gear brand: 7Mesh. While 7Mesh technically makes mountain biking gear, I wear their stuff hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and stand up paddle boarding. The quality is amazing and the warranties are phenomenal, so the initial upfront cost is worth every penny.
Dunbar Cycles & Corsa Cycles: Squamish Bike Shop
If you’re planning on biking in Squamish and you’re in need of a new ride, check out my favourite local bike shop: CORSA Cycles
I bought my first bike here and I customized my dream bike with them, too. Shout outs to Zac for his expertise on the build and Nic for his help over the past few years as I got into this sport! If you need expert advice, you’ll definitely find it here.
Squamish Gondola: Must-See Squamish Tourist Attractions
No trip to Squamish would be complete without a trip up the Sea to Sky Gondola.
I remember when the gondola was just an idea. To be completely honest, many locals in the community (including myself) were apprehensive about this new tourist attraction. But once it opened, and I realized the footprint was minimal, it became clear that the gondola provided access to folks who would otherwise not be able to see the stunning views of Howe Sound by climbing the Stawamus Chief.
It has also given Squamish a terrific venue where the community can gather, hosting everything from live concerts to long-table dinners. And it’s a great way to get in an awesome climb without having to hike back down. Can’t complain about that!
The Valley Living: Home Goods Boutique in Squamish
There’s nothing quite like building a cozy home, where you can feel totally relaxed and at ease. The Valley Living can help you do just that!
The Valley Living is a home goods store in downtown Squamish with a lovely, curated selection of art, hand-crafted goods, and other items to take your home’s vibe to the next level. As an artist in Squamish, it’s important to me that my space is tranquil and inspiring, and I have purchased several pieces from this local shop!
Bonus: Stewart Art Studio
Speaking of art—if you’re looking for locally-made wall art for your home, check out my online art shop! As the owner and artist at Stewart Art Studio, I create and sell landscape oil paintings and photography prints inspired by nature and the West Coast.
Everything is made right here at my home studio in Squamish, with the goal of bringing the beauty of the outdoors right into your home. My shop is currently open online, but I love meeting locals and people visiting the Squamish area, so don’t be a stranger!
Connect with me on my website or on Instagram if you have any questions or if you’d like to grab a coffee (assuming I’m not off hosting one of my guided travel expeditions).
What are Your Favourite Things to Do in Squamish?
I hope you find this list of things to do in Squamish helpful, and that you enjoy them as much as I do!
What are your favourite things to do, places to visit, and business to support in Squamish? I would love to know! Check out the options above to connect with me and tell me all about it.
