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Hike and Climb the Chief

Britannia Beach, British Columbia

4.5/5
based on 11 reviews

Details

Distance

6.8 miles

Elevation Gain

1968.5 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Rachel Bertsch

The Stawamus Chief is a massive granite rock located in Squamish, BC. It's one of the top climbing and bouldering areas in North America and it also happens to be one of BC’s top hikes for good reason. The views of Howe Sound and the Coastal Mountains are spectacular. Duration: Full Day if climbing too.

If you are hiking this spot, you can do so even as a beginner so long as you have a good fitness level. I’ve seen people do this in jeans and dress shoes, although they are crazy. Wear some hikers and prepare to get your sweat on.

There are three peaks, first is the most popular, second has the best views and third makes it a longer 11km hike. There is a 600m elevation gain in 1.5km, so this is a steep hike on stairs. Keep in mind that you can hike all three peaks, but this is also a huge spot for bouldering and climbing.

The hikes are something you should do when in Vancouver. Consider it a right of passage. The views over the blue waters of Howe Sound, with windsurfers and kiteboarders sailing around in the windy straight below you looking so tiny as you tower above the famous Squamish rock.

Double up your hiking views by parking (for free) at Shannon Falls and start there. Shannon Falls is one of Canada’s largest waterfalls and black bears have been spotted just off the parking lot from time to time.

Head into Squamish and get your granola on by having some healthy organic options at Zepher’s Café.

If you're thinking of breaking up the hike, check out Hike the first peak of Stawamus Chief or Hike second and third peaks of Stawamus Chief.

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Features

Fitness
Rock Climbing
Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Forest
Picnic Area
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildlife

Hike and Climb the Chief Reviews

Such a great, classic hike! It's definitely popular, and can be busy (hence only 4 stars) but still totally worth it - and what a workout.. The view from the top is unbelievable as well - pack a lunch and enjoy it if you have time!

Hiked Nov 4, 2013 Gorgeous day, sunshine and clear! Was brisk and a bit of ice in a few places at the top, only a couple spots with mud or areas where water was running through a little bit. No snow yet! Starts with stairs pretty much right away! After 10 minutes though they are over and you can enjoy nature!! There was a helicopter for the first 30 minutes as well... Since they are building a gondola (unfortunate) but once that noise was gone it was fabulous to hear the water running, the occasional bird and just be in the great outdoors! Steady incline and nice changes from trail to a bit of scrambling. Loved it! Took us 1 hour and 40 minutes going directing to the 3rd peak. Enjoyed the view while we ate lunch and took our time coming down as you have such a great perspective of all of creation on the way down - took us 1 hour and 30 minutes, but that was at a very relaxed pace. Enjoy! :)

I recommend going to the third and final peak -the view is amazing and you are completely secluded. Takes about 2. 5 hrs to reach the top peak. See if you can spot the friendly chipmunk that lives there :)

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike BC's Shannon Falls

Scramble Sky Pilot

Hike Al's Habrich Trail

Snowshoe Al's Habrich Trail

Boulder at the Stawamus Chief

Hike the First Peak of the Stawamus Chief