Hiking Stawamus Chief in Vancouver

"Walk with the Boss" is a popular rite of passage for Vancouver residents.

Towering 700 meters above Squamish, the Stawamus Chief is one of the largest granite monoliths in the world and covers the two protected hectares of the 530 hectares Stawamus Chief Provincial Park.

World-famous for its climbing opportunities, "The Chief" attracts adventurous visitors from around the world, as well as tourists wanting a breathtaking view of Howe Sound.

Getting to the Boss is an adventure in itself from Vancouver, with the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway hugging the coast a 45-minute drive from downtown.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about The Stawamus Chief: The Most Iconic Hike in Squamish, B.C.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XBWv_W3RQo

Source: Outdoor Vancouver

Background

Traditionally a site sacred to the Squamish Indigenous First Nations, many ancient creation stories involve Chief Stawamus, who was historically known as Siyám Smánit (meaning elder or respected member).

Established in 1997, Stawamus Chief Provincial Park is located 2 km from Squamish and about 60 km north of Vancouver.

What to Do There

The hiking trails lead to three peaks of varying difficulty, but hikers should note that the Chief trail is a steep and difficult climb.

You must be in good physical condition and have adequate footwear, clothing, food, and water for the walk, as it has steep slopes, steep slopes and can be very hot on summer days.

Closer to the parking lot, First Peak is the busiest route, as a 4 kilometer (two to three hour) hike takes you to a spectacular picnic spot (watch out for steep falls!)

Second Peak is a 5km hike that takes most people four to five hours, but the expansive ridge has more overhangs and views of Garibaldi Provincial Park, Squamish, and Howe Sound below.

Watch out for sudden drops (and watch out for climbers featured here as it's a popular spot).

Terceira Pico is a 7-kilometer hike (five to seven hours) that is generally accessed from the Segundo Pico Trail.

This is the most challenging hike and the highest of the three peaks, offering incredible views of Mount Garibaldi and Squamish.

Experienced hikers can give this hike a try, but be aware that the trail includes steep cliff faces, ravines, and other hazards, so proper footwear and technical hiking skills are best.

Allow around six to seven hours for this hike.

The most popular option is to climb the second and then the third peak in a day hike, but the First Peak Chief Trail is also a great option for intermediate hikers looking for an exhilarating adventure with rewarding views.

All trails feature challenging terrain and include sections where you'll climb wooden or stone steps and cling to chains of rock faces in potentially dangerous conditions.

The trails are well marked with diamond signs pointing to each peak along the way.

Internationally known for its incredible climbing opportunities, The Chief is full of climbers during the summer.

Experienced climbers can come alone or with an instructor.

Look out for warnings about the closure of the Chief's climbing routes during the critical nesting season of the Pilgrim Falcon.

Facilities

The parking lots have restrooms, but you are walking on a monolith, so be prepared.

Self-service and drop-in camps are available in the park at the trailhead, and the city of Squamish has lodging options, a thriving food scene (try The Salted Vine), and sunny patio drinking spots like Howe Sound Brewing.

What's Around

The impressive Shannon Falls are near the trailhead; These 335 meter falls make a scenic stop before reaching the first peak.

You'll also find the Sea to Sky gondola, which is an easy way for non-hikers to see the "Boss" from a cable car as he climbs 885 meters and you can see climbers and hikers heading towards the monolith.

How to Get There

Drive north on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway 99 and exit at Shannon Falls or Stawamus Chief Provincial Park.

Trails start near Chief Camp but are also easily accessed via Shannon Falls or the Sea to Sky Gondola parking lots (and this only adds a few minutes to your hike).

Due to the increase in visitor numbers, BC Parks has cracked down on illegal parking: If the parking lot is full, you must park in a designated area or your car can be towed.

Transportation services depart from Vancouver, such as The Squamish Connector.

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