Guide Books

The definitive Squamish guides are published by Kevin McLane of Elaho Publishing: The Climbers Guide to Squamish (2005) and Whistler Rockclimbs (2000). The former covers all the climbs from North Vancouver to Squamish, including trad, sport and aid climbs. The latter covers all the climbing north of Squamish through the Whistler-Pemberton areas, mostly sport climbing with a reasonable fix of trad as well.

The ever-evolving bouldering in the Squamish area is covered by the Squamish Boulder Problems guide.

For those not wanting to shell out the dough for three guides, Squamish Select, by Marc Bourdon and Scott Tasaka is also available. It covers most of the best areas in the Squamish-Whistler corridor, including all the classic lines on the Chief, and the latest boulder problems at the base of the Grand Wall. The guide gives lots of detail on most routes using a system of descriptive icons.

Camping and Lodging

There are plenty of areas to camp around Squamish. At least a couple pay campgrounds right in Squamish, including one right at the base of the Chief, as well as a couple provincial campgrounds towards Whistler. Lots of hotels or motels in Squamish, and even more in Whistler. In addition, there is ample opportunity to camp along the many back roads in the area. Just be discrete and, clean up after yourself, and no one will mind.

Food and Drink

Squamish serves as a stopping point for hordes of tourists on their way for an expensive ski trip in Whistler. As such, it has more than its share of fast food joints just off the highway. For those willing to make the two minute drive into town, the options increase substantially. Groceries may be purchased at IGA or Save On Foods. Both are on the main street in town. For a good beer after a day of climbing or when it is raining, head to the brew pub at the Howe Sound Inn at the far end of the main street in Squamish. The micro-brew beer, the atmosphere and the food are all excellent. For lazy mornings or if the weather turns bad and it seems too early for a beer, try the Sunflower Bakery on the main street.

The Climbing Areas

The climbing at Squamish is spread out over at least 12 or 15 major crags and cliffs throughout the 100 km of the Squamish corridor. I have included information on the most popular areas, starting near Vancouver and working north: