The best traffic-free bike rides in Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

Squamish River Estuary is a vast mosaic of tidal marshes, mudflats, and channels where the Squamish River meets Howe Sound. It’s an ecologically important area spanning 673 hectares that provides habitat for salmon, harbour seals, and other wildlife, including over 200 migratory bird species, making it one of the best birdwatching destinations in British Columbia.

Trestle Trail is a short singletrack that branches off from the Coho Park Trail at a junction just inside the park, winding through old-growth forest along outcrops of smooth, glacier-polished granite. It’s mainly a mountain biking trail but is also popular with hikers and trail runners, and connects to the wider Garibaldi Highlands trail network.

The trail through the Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area follows the edge of Crescent Slough for much of the walk. This quiet tidal channel is part of the Squamish River estuary, where fresh river water mixes with the saltwater of Howe Sound. The calm waters and surrounding marsh provide important habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife, making this stretch of the trail especially good for spotting waterfowl and shorebirds as you walk along the estuary.

The Estuary Trail is an easy, mostly level route that winds through tidal wetlands where the Squamish River meets Howe Sound. The trail offers wide views across the estuary and surrounding mountains, including the Stawamus Chief and Diamond Head. It’s a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing because the estuary provides habitat for many species of migratory birds and fish.

Split Road runs along the edge of the Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area and connects with trails like the Estuary Chelem Trail. It provides easy access for walkers and bikers. From Split Road, there are great, up-close views of the estuary and surrounding mountains, such as Stawamus Chief.

The Estuary Chelem Trail winds through the Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area. The trail shows off beautiful tidal flats, marshes, and estuary channels, and the trail is relatively flat and easy, great for all ages and skill levels, including families. Keep an eye out for birdwatching, spotting waterfowl, herons, and other estuary wildlife. Interpretive signage along the trail provides insight into the area's ecology and cultural history.

Crossing the Squamish River to get to the trails on the west side of the river can be done either by a private company like Squamish Watersports or with your own pack raft or canoe, but check river conditions first.

The Squamish Cenotaph in British Columbia, located at 1361 Main Street, honors locals who served in the First and Second World Wars, with an added plaque for those who fought in Korea. It’s the centerpiece of the town’s Remembrance Day ceremony and a quiet spot year-round to reflect on the community’s history and sacrifices.