Squamish is one of the most magnetic communities in British Columbia, a place where ocean, mountains, forest, rivers and entrepreneurial energy all seem to meet at once. Set between Vancouver and Whistler, it has become much more than a stop along the Sea to Sky. It is a thriving mountain town with its own identity, its own rhythm, and a community of people who are drawn here to build a life that feels active, creative and deeply connected to nature.

People often come for the adventure first. Squamish is known for world-class climbing, mountain biking, hiking, kitesurfing, paddling, trail running and year-round outdoor recreation, with landmarks like the Stawamus Chief, Shannon Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola shaping the landscape around town. The District itself describes Squamish as “Hardwired for Adventure,” with mountain biking, climbing and kitesurfing all part of the local identity. 

But what makes Squamish so compelling is that the adventure is only one layer. This is also a town full of makers, builders, founders, artists, athletes, young families, independent businesses and people creating something of their own. The local economy has been shaped by fast population growth, outdoor recreation, tourism, construction, small business and emerging sectors tied to the mountain lifestyle. 

The local food and retail scene gives Squamish so much of its personality. Downtown, the Squamish Farmers’ Market, cafés, restaurants, specialty food shops, local boutiques, outdoor gear stores, bookstores and wellness spaces create a town that feels both practical and artisan. Tourism Squamish highlights places like Book Mountain, Gather Bookshop, Green Olive Market & Café, Peak Provisions, Capra Running, Corsa Cycles, Fox & Oak and the Squamish Farmers’ Market as part of the local shopping landscape. 

For people who love places with momentum, Squamish has a rare kind of energy. It is growing, but still grounded. Outdoorsy, but increasingly sophisticated. Independent, but deeply community-oriented. It is a place where you can build a business, raise a family, ride a trail after work, shop local on Saturday morning, and feel surrounded by people who are also choosing a more intentional way to live.