Downtown Squamish vs. Garibaldi Highlands: Where Should You Actually Stay?
Updated March 2026 · Written by a 20-year Squamish local
Squamish has two distinct personalities. Downtown is where the energy is — walkable, with restaurants and pubs and the kind of grit that makes a mountain town feel real. The Highlands is quieter, more residential, and closer to the big backcountry trailheads. Neither is "better." But one is probably better for you.
Downtown Squamish
Gritty, walkable, and where the locals actually hang out
Best for: Solo travellers, couples, and anyone who wants to walk to dinner after a day on the Chief
Where to Eat
- Howe Sound Brew Pub — the OG. Craft beer brewed on-site, solid pub food, mountain views from the patio.
- Mag's 99 — tacos and cocktails in a converted gas station. Sounds weird. Works perfectly.
- Zephyr Cafe — the breakfast spot locals won't stop talking about. Get there early or wait.
Where to Stay
- Squamish Adventure Inn — budget-friendly, right downtown, walking distance to everything.
- The Howe Sound Inn — comfortable rooms above the brew pub. Roll out of bed to a pint.
What to Do
- Stawamus Chief — the iconic granite monolith. Three peaks, all worth the sweat.
- Smoke Bluffs — quick loops through forest and rock. Perfect afternoon burn.
- Waterfront boardwalk — flat, easy, stunning. Start at the Spit, walk until you run out of boardwalk.
Local tip: Park at the Spit on a weekday evening. Watch the kiteboarders. Grab fish and chips from a food truck. This is the real Squamish.
Garibaldi Highlands
Quiet, residential, and closer to the big trailheads
Best for: Families, hikers who want an early start, and anyone who prefers quiet over nightlife
Where to Eat
- The Watershed Grill — upscale casual with locally sourced everything. The best dinner in the Highlands, period.
- Locavore Bar & Grill — neighbourhood gem with a solid craft beer selection and comfort food done right.
- Tim Hortons — just kidding. But honestly, the Highlands is more about cooking at your cabin than eating out.
Where to Stay
- Airbnb cabins — the Highlands is cabin country. Book one with a hot tub and mountain views.
- Executive Suites Hotel — modern, comfortable, pool and gym. The reliable option.
What to Do
- Garibaldi Lake — the crown jewel. Turquoise water, volcanic backdrop. 18 km round trip, every step earned.
- Elfin Lakes — another stunner. Slightly longer, equally jaw-dropping.
- Quest University trails — locals-only network through second-growth forest. Never crowded.
Local tip: If you're doing Garibaldi Lake, start at 6 AM. By 10, the parking lot is full and the trail is a highway. The early bird gets the turquoise water to themselves.
The Bottom Line
Choose Downtown if you want to walk to dinner, grab a craft beer, and be in the middle of the action. The Chief and Smoke Bluffs are a five-minute drive.
Choose the Highlands if you want quiet mornings, cabin vibes, and a head start on Garibaldi Lake before the crowds. You'll drive into town for dinner, but the 10-minute commute is worth the silence.