Vancouver Hiking Trails RatingThe Chief is the mammoth rock face that towers over Squamish. Though hardly believable from looking at, the summit is an easy two hour hike. In fact there are three peaks, South (First), Centre (Second), and North (Third). Each accessible from the single trailhead.  Growing in popularity as the newest brother to the Grouse Grind in Vancouver because there are quite a few stairs and considerable elevation gain.

  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProIncredible views from the top
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProEnjoyable, but very steep hike
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProFamous rock climbing destination
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProLots of terrain to wander at the top
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProConvenient trailhead on Hwy 99
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProBusy, but organized trails
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProDog friendly hiking trails
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProFree access & free parking
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ProNice campsites at the trailhead
  • Squamish Hiking Trails ConNo camping at the top

Hike in Squamish

Easy Hiking Trail - Vancouver HikingAlice Lake  Hiking Trail ModerateBlack Tusk  Easy Hiking Trail - Vancouver HikingBrandywine Falls  Hiking Trail Hard Dog FriendlyBrew Lake  Hiking Trail HardCirque Lake  Hiking Trail ModerateElfin Lakes  Hiking Trail ModerateGaribaldi Lake  Hiking Trail HardHigh Falls  Easy Hiking Trail - Vancouver HikingLevette Lake  Hiking Trail ModeratePanorama Ridge  Hiking Trail Hard Dog FriendlyRing Lake  Pay Use Hiking TrailSea to Sky  Easy Hiking Trail - Vancouver HikingShannon Falls  Hiking Trail HardThe Chief  Hiking Trail ModerateTaylor Meadows  Hiking Trail Hard Dog FriendlyThe Lions  Hiking Trail Hard Dog FriendlyUpper Shannon

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There is a nice campground with over 50 tent sites and a few drive-in sites.  This part of the world is somewhat expensive so this is an amazingly cheap option.  Officially open April 13 - October 15.  If you go outside these dates you just have to walk in from outside the gates and camping is free however there are no services available which means that the washrooms may be locked and no water available (though there is a creek running through the campsite).  There are no shower facilities here any time of the year.  From Cleveland Avenue and Highway 99 in Squamish (McDonalds is on this corner), drive south for about 2 minutes and watch for signs on your left.  You can either park at the Stawamus Chief trailhead or the Shannon Falls trailhead.  Both are close to each other but the Shannon Falls is much better for a day hike if you want to see both.  Seeing both only takes a few minutes more than hiking just The Chief.  If you are planning to camp overnight then The Chief trailhead is better to park as that is where the campsites are.

Stawamus Chief View

Stawamus Chief Trail Stairs

The Chief from Squamish Marina

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