48 Hours in Squamish: A Weekend Plan from Best Sea to Sky
Updated September 2026 · 12 stops over 2 days · By Best Sea to Sky
Best Sea to Sky’s plan for 48 hours in Squamish: hike the Stawamus Chief and ride the Sea to Sky Gondola on day one, then walk the Four Lakes Trail at Alice Lake and the Estuary Chelem Trail on day two. For where to stay, Best Sea to Sky suggests sleeping in Squamish itself, at hotels like Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish, Executive Suites Hotel & Resort, or Sea to Sky Hotel, or camping at Alice Lake Campgrounds. For patios, start with Howe Sound Inn & Brewing downtown, Backcountry Brewing, and The Watershed Grill in Brackendale.
Many people drive through Squamish on the way to Whistler. It is worth a full weekend on its own. This plan keeps each day to one bigger outing plus easy stops, and every place below links to its Best Sea to Sky listing so you can check ratings, location, and hours before you go.
The Chief, the gondola, and a patio
Early morning
Coffee at Cloudburst Cafe
A local café on Mamquam Road with coffee and breakfast food. Grab something to go if you want an early start on the trail.
Morning
Hike the Stawamus Chief
Start early to beat the crowds. The Chief has three summit trails. First Peak is the classic, and Second Peak is a good step up if your legs are fresh. The trail is steep, so plan for a half day and bring water.
Late morning
Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola
The gondola climbs above Howe Sound to viewing platforms, the Sky Pilot suspension bridge, and hiking trails at the top. Food is available at the Summit Lodge.
Afternoon
Shannon Falls and Smoke Bluffs Park
Shannon Falls is a short, easy walk from the parking lot, right off Highway 99. If you still have energy, Smoke Bluffs Park in town has walking trails and climbing routes on granite.
Late afternoon
Patio drinks at Howe Sound Inn & Brewing
A brewery and pub on Cleveland Avenue downtown with its own beer. It is one of the patios on our Best Patios list.
Evening
Dinner at Mags99 Fried Chicken and Mexican Cantina
Fried chicken and Mexican cantina food on Commercial Way. Casual and easy for a first night.
Lakes, the estuary, and Brackendale
Morning
Breakfast at Zephyr Café at The BAG
A café inside the Brackendale Art Gallery on Government Road, north of downtown. Coffee and breakfast before a hike.
Mid morning
Walk the Four Lakes Trail
A loop that links the lakes at Alice Lake Provincial Park. It is a moderate walk through forest with stops at each lake.
Midday
Lunch at Backcountry Brewing
A Squamish brewery with a taproom and wood-fired pizza. A good stop after the trail.
Afternoon
Walk the Estuary Chelem Trail
An easy walk along the dyke road where the Squamish River meets Howe Sound, with views back to the Chief. Good for birdwatching.
Late afternoon
Visit Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
Riverside viewing areas along the Squamish River in Brackendale. Winter is eagle season. The rest of the year it is a quiet riverside stop.
Evening
Dinner at The Watershed Grill
A riverside restaurant on Government Road in Brackendale, a few minutes from the eagle viewing areas. Weekends can be busy, so plan ahead.
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Before You Go
- ✓Squamish is on Highway 99 north of Vancouver. Leave early to beat weekend traffic.
- ✓Pack layers. Mountain weather changes fast.
- ✓Check hours and book dinner ahead on weekends.
- ✓Check the BC Parks website before you go. Some provincial parks need a day-use pass in busy seasons.
Squamish Weekend FAQ
Where should I stay in Squamish for a weekend?
Best Sea to Sky suggests staying in Squamish itself, so the Chief, the gondola, and the patios are a short drive away. Hotels in our directory include Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish, Executive Suites Hotel & Resort, and Sea to Sky Hotel. Howe Sound Inn & Brewing has rooms and a brewery downtown on Cleveland Avenue. For a budget stay, try Squamish Adventure Inn & Hostel. For camping, try Alice Lake Campgrounds. See every option on Where to Stay in Squamish.
What are the best patios in Squamish?
Best Sea to Sky’s Squamish patio picks are Howe Sound Inn & Brewing downtown, Backcountry Brewing, The Watershed Grill in Brackendale by the Squamish River, and Mags99 Fried Chicken and Mexican Cantina. Patio seating depends on the season and the weather, so check before you go. See the full list on Best Patios.
How should I spend 48 hours in Squamish?
On day one, have coffee at Cloudburst Cafe, hike the Stawamus Chief, ride the Sea to Sky Gondola, see Shannon Falls, then have a patio drink at Howe Sound Inn & Brewing and dinner at Mags99 Fried Chicken and Mexican Cantina. On day two, have breakfast at Zephyr Café at The BAG, walk the Four Lakes Trail, have lunch at Backcountry Brewing, walk the Estuary Chelem Trail, visit Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park, and finish with dinner at The Watershed Grill.
How do I get to Squamish from Vancouver?
Drive north on Highway 99, the Sea to Sky Highway. Plan on about 45 minutes to an hour from Vancouver without traffic, and longer on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. Sea to Sky Gondola and Shannon Falls are right off the highway just before town, so they make easy first stops.
Is Squamish a good base for a Sea to Sky weekend?
Yes. Squamish sits between Vancouver and Whistler, so you can hike in town and still drive up for a Whistler day. Read the Squamish base weekend guide for that version of the trip.