Squamishrock

Camping & Lodging

There is a B.C. Parks campground at the base of the Chief, accessible from the carpark directly in front of the Chief. There are 15 vehicle sites (suitable for climbers vans, but not for RV's thank God!), and 45 walk in sites. Toilets and running water are provided. Camping costs $7 a night.

B.C. Parks also maintains a campground at Alice Lake, 10 km North of Squamish, which, while being further away, does boast a great lake to swim in after a hot days climbing!

There is another B.C. Parks campground at Porteaux Cove, 15km South of Squamish. While there is no lake, there are shower facilities. Expect to be sharing the place with lots of Scuba divers (apparantly this is also one of the best spot's in the area to dive as well...)

Finallyin the camping line, there is a campground in Loggers Lane (I'll get a map sometime!), operated by the Squamish District, phone (604) 898-3604. We haven't checked it out, anyone want to write about their facilities?

For those interested in more than nylon over there heads, Squamish has a number of motels, and the Howe Sound Brewing Company  offers hotel accomadations. For the more budget conscious, the Squamish Hostel might be an option. Located within walking distance of the Little Smoke Bluffs, several of the workers there are climbers and can provide information and/or help set you up with partners:

Squamish Hostel

38490 Buckley Ave

Squamish B.C. V0N 3G0

(604) 892-9240

$15/night, $40/3 nights, $70/week

Lastly, Dryden Creek Resorts offers a variety of camping, RV & motel accommadation.

Food

Several supermarkets exist in/around Squamish. There are also several good places to eat, the two of the most popular being Big Mountain Burgers and the Yiannis Taverna. The best is the Howe Sound Brewing Company (see the drink section below) which has great food and views, as well as beer. There is also the standard fast-food fare, McD's, KFC, etc. Drive around and you'll find something.

Drink

Never far from a true climbers heart, the best place to get beer and meet other climbers is probably the Howe Sound Brewing Company. Real beer, brewed on the premises (and you know they must be climbers, with a Cooper & Baldwin Ale!), that has to be some of the best in the lower mainland. Another place to go is the Cliffside Pub, in the Vallycliffe mall, just behind the Little Smoke Bluffs.

Climbing Supplies

The Mountain Equipment Co-op maintain a store in Vancouver, and are usually the best bet for equipment although there area number of other stores in town that may also server your needs, particularly Altus and Coast Mountain Sports. Locally, there is a climbing store in Squamish, Vertical Reality Sports Store, located at 38152 2nd Ave, ph. (604) 892-8248. In Whistler, there's The Escape Route, on Lorimer Road.

Other Facilities

The Squamish Aquatic Centre (on Loggers Lane, next to the campground mentioned above) has a pool, hot-tubs and showers.