Mountain Retreat Hotel and Suites

Hiking the Chief

by Carmanah

One of the most famous short hikes in south-western BC. The hike takes you along the back of the Stawamus Chief (aka "the Chief") where you climb to the very top. The view from the top is supposed to be amazing... just don't fall off the cliff as there is a sheer drop-off when you get to the top!

Also, read the sign before you start the trail. It clearly states, "This is not just a walk in the park" and continues on to say that many hikers have had to be rescued from this trail in the past. It's a little disconcerning at first, but the trail is popular and rarely will you ever be alone for more than 10 minutes. Bring an excellent pair of hiking boots, and enough water to last you for the entire hike. While I only did part of the hike, they say it takes about 3 hours.

Squamish - Royal Hudson 2860 Steam Locomotive

by sunnywong

Royal Hudson 2860 at its new home on May 24th 2002, Squamish and the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.

As a summer 2002 exhibit, the beautiful locomotive is perfectly positioned for photographs.

Over the summer 2002, #2860 will be available as an exhibit, but you do need to see her by this fall, as she will then move into the shop for the start of refurbishment work ?a project that will take several years.

Visit an Underappreciated town Before its too late

by lazyman_1

"Valley of wonders"

Smack dab in the middle of the sea to sky highway between Vancouver and Whistler, I believe that Squamish is overshadowed by the two more famous cities that flank it. maybe you've stopped for gas or supplies on your way to whistler?. In my opinion Squamish is on the verge of becoming a tourist destination in its own right. The people of squamish were among the friendliest that i encountered in BC, the scenery was amazingwith an abundance of mountains, eagles and hiking trails Squamish should start to become a place where you drive to as opposed to a place that you drive through

Squamish touts itself as the outdoor activity capital of BC. in the summertime the city definately lives up to its title as you can go rock climbing, scuba diving, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, fish or golf.

Ascending the Cheif.........sort of

by lazyman_1

"Towards Howe sound"

Imagine thinking that after your 1.5 hours ascent of the chief you finally reached the top, then head back down, only to learn that the top was about 15 minutes up from here!! The viewpoint is about 85% of the way to the top. You'll know it by the large boulder just behind us. don't make the same mistake i did!! the chief got the best of me on that day but i'll be back to conquer him sometime!

"Looking down from the viewpoint"

The viewpoint is a large platform with a downward angle that overlooks the river valley and the mountain directly across. Please be careful if you decide to venture out here, especially if its wet. its a long way down over that edge

"The mountain across the valley"

the thing that i loved about the mountian across the valley was that you could see all the frozen pathways that would undoubtedly be spitting out water in the warmer weather.

"the mountain across the valley"

we stayed at the viewpoint for a good 20 minutes just taking in the scenery. the lookout was a nice treat after a long hike (although i'm still a little bitter i didn't make it to the top!!!)

"the viewpoint from the cheif"

This shot is looking towards shannon falls and the howe sound. I'd venture a guess and say that on a clear day you could actually see the water. it took us approx. 1.5 hours to get up to this point and even though it wasn't the top, it was well worth the time and effort