Squamish Car Tours: Top 5 Scenic Drives You Can’t Miss

Want to see the real Squamish? Think about checking out what it has to offer from the comfort of your car, that too it’s almost on some carefully planned tours. Instead of just sticking to the town, that could be a cool adventure around the region with stops at cool places. A self-guided driving adventure, that would give you a chance to check out those views and explore, very at your own pace. Grab those keys, make that playlist, and allow us to showcase our hand-picked list of Squamish car tours that’ll make you see why folks are constantly talking about this area.

1. Sea to Sky Highway: The Classic Route

You’ve probably seen some photos of the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99), and let me tell you, actually the hype is totally real. So, the drive coming from Vancouver to Squamish, and then onward to Whistler, just a little, is one that’s super renowned for good reason. The Squamish portion of the route runs roughly 60 kilometers. Very quickly you’re taken from ocean views into those snow-peaked mountain backdrops; basically, it really doesn’t take long to see some eye candy. Arguably, think about beginning nice and early for smaller crowds and to make multiple stops at various viewpoints, but that would require getting up early. Don’t forget about Shannon Falls Provincial Park, which is one of B.C.’s tallest waterfalls. Check it out from the parking lot or go on a short hike to see it up close!

Things to Check out On This Route:

Porteau Cove Provincial Park: Want to stop and take photos of Howe Sound views? This is the location.
Britannia Mine Museum: Want a bit of history added to your adventure? Take a tour around a national historic site and discover what life was like for those who labored here.
Squamish Chief: The hike is tough to the peak, yet the views it has are worth it. If you are up for a walk!

2. Squamish Valley Loop: A Local’s Favorite

For something different that most people aren’t quite as familiar with, as a matter of fact try out the Squamish Valley Loop. So, if you decide to veer off Highway 99 onto Squamish Valley Road, that might give you the possibility to see what the Sea to Sky region is really like outside the town itself. A bit the path generally leads you away from Howe Sound, plus, more or less, into the mountainous terrain and beautiful rivers this valley possesses. Instead, give your vehicle a shot on those logging roads to discover different spots for sightseeing. At the end of the day don’t get reckless, ok? This road runs maybe around 50 to 70 kilometers dependent upon the detours you take.

Things to Check out On This Route:

Paradise Valley Campground: Are you a fan of fishing? Bring those rods to have them ready! If swimming, the location has numerous swimming spots, too it’s almost with nice sandy shores to explore around.
Squamish River Eagle Viewing: During certain times of the year, as I was saying particularly those in the fall/winter, expect huge numbers of bald eagles congregating along that river in search of spawning salmon.
Cheakamus Canyon: Find a safe place in order to park so you can take in the picturesque surroundings and those vivid colors of the water running through.

3. Elaho Valley: The Rugged Experience

Looking for something beyond the standard tourist trail? Very maybe consider making your way into the Elaho Valley. That is to say, the drive out into the valley itself offers scenery for days. Honestly, just know it might not exactly be paved entirely. Just picture driving around winding gravel logging roads, while checking out thick old growth forest. Remember though, it’s recommended to come prepared if the terrain doesn’t look inviting.

Things to Check out On This Route:

Elaho River: Get pleasure from all those viewpoints and vistas to be experienced, where you’re going to be staring at water coursing with intensity between cliff-walls made of solid rock.
Old-Growth Forests: Look around and take in the grandeur which that natural resource showcases to be. I mean it’s one of the many awe-inspiring experiences!
Wildlife Spotting: Always be alert, I mean keep an eye out and have the camera totally ready too. It’s for those glimpses into animal life and other different species thriving around nature.

4. Mamquam River FSR: Adventure Awaits

To be honest, this might need that reliable 4×4 vehicle. If the challenge is something you want, as a matter of fact head down the Mamquam River Forest Service Road (FSR). As you know with other forest service roads, the terrain tends to become more unpredictable but beautiful when people venture further back to remote destinations, still those destinations give all the more spectacular natural wonders. Watch closely for changing circumstances on the roads.

Things to Check out On This Route:

Mamquam River: Are you wanting peace along that running body’s shoreline? Maybe consider picnicking to enhance that relaxing trip through.
Backcountry Camping: Want to make things exciting? Discover your perfect place to set up camp and settle in.
Hiking Trails: Give consideration and prepare appropriately before deciding on setting on trails around some spots. Hiking footwear is always smart!

5. Paradise Road Loop: Hidden Gem

Let’s keep our focus around what locals find quite beautiful when they need a calm escape! Give your attention over along Paradise Road Loop so you won’t only go all along that standard Sea-to-Sky. First think about taking this easy tour which has everything around mountain ranges together with beautiful forests on display all combined perfectly. That might allow one really different experience versus others located so adjacent to Highway 99. Still, this place has numerous amazing views waiting too.

Things to Check out On This Route:

Stunning Vistas: Take pauses at overlooks/ pull offs from where to observe everything that goes with nature around; be it majestic views over mountains to calm forest sceneries.
Alice Lake Provincial Park: Should anyone like exploring close towards where our proposed course finishes look just here near Britannia Beach Alice park. Basically they’ve a bit for anybody.