Squamish, BC: A Paradise for Scouting in the Great Outdoors

Outdoor activities are an inevitable component of scouting that contributes to mental and physical health of youth. While there are lots of outdoor gems in nature throughout the world, for those living in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada, the opportunities are endless! From unique hiking and biking trails, to wonderful opportunities for snowshoeing, mountaineering, rock climbing, water sports, and camping, B.C. is a paradise for scouting in the great outdoor!

Here in Squamish, less than one hour from Vancouver, a group of our advisors recently hiked up the Sea to Sky (C2S) Gondola Trail to the Summit Lodge, which just opened in mid-May as BC’s newest major tourist attraction. The $22-million facility is situated on a strip of land between the famous Stawamus Chief Provincial Park (better known as “the Chief”) and Shannon Falls. There are various hiking trails to reach the summit, with various levels of difficulty; which make it an ideal hiking option for scouts of different ages.

Overall, there is 886 meters elevation gain to reach the C2S gondola terminus where it opens into a 9,000 SF Lodge/Restaurant with a grand deck/beer garden and a Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, where you can enjoy an astonishing view of the turquoise Howe Sound to the west and the soaring peaks to the east and north.

If time allows, there are various easy hikes/snowshoeing trails around the area. A network of walking trails provides access to the kind of alpine scenery usually accessible only to serious hikers. For the more adventurous type, there are the Habrich Ridge and Sky Pilot Peak to challenge oneself. The Mt. Habrich summit is a 7-pitch 5.9 rated rock climb.

All in all, it will be become a premier destination for tourists and locals alike. After all is said and done, one can take a 10 minute gondola ride down to the Highway 99 Base Station and parking lot. The entire hike up and ride down is an experience not to be missed. It is an event for the body and soul.