Squamish Area Running Options

Squamish is a community of about 20,000 people nestled at the north end of Howe Sound in the Sea to Sky Corridor. It’s a fast-growing combination Vancouver suburb, gateway to the mountains, and outdoor recreation mecca, with Highway 99 dividing the water and the mountains. Squamish is famous for trail running. Our recommendations on the best places to run in Squamish, with a focus on road running and easier trail running options:

Oceanfront Loop. 2 km loop, or 4.5 km from town.  This short loop is near the center of Squamish, showcasing Newport Beach, with great views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains.   ROUTE MAP

Squamish Spit & Estuary. Up to 12 km (7.6 miles) out and back. Our favorite easy run in Squamish. This path on a dyke road along an estuary out to Howe Sound features panoramic water and mountain views. Best bet is to park at the southern end of Spit Rd. and run north, for up to 6 km. ROUTE MAP

Squamish River Run. An easy and scenic 7 km run. From the Mamquam Trailhead just north of town, a gravel path heads north along the river for 1 km, and then south for 2.2 km. Occasional water views.  ROUTE MAP

Sea to Sky Connector Trail. This is the easiest run from the Squamish Adventure Center — the gateway to a wealth of trail running options. This trail is a flat, mainly wooded gravel path paralleling Loggers Ln. It runs for 5 km between Highway 99/Centennial Way and the Squamish Adventure Center. ROUTE MAP

Triathlon Trail/Wonderland Trail Loop. 7.3 km (4.5 mile) loop, 158m gain. Combine the Ray Peters Trail and the Triathlon Trail, starting from the Don Ross Middle School. Take the Triathlon Trail (gravel path) north for 1.6 km to Squamish Valley Rd., and turn RIGHT, heading east for 1.5 on Squamish Valley Rd. (shoulder), or the wooded path along it into Alice Lake Provincial Park, then head south on the Wonderland Trail for 2.7 km. Complete the loop with a final 1 km along the Triathlon Trail. ROUTE MAP

Alice Lake Provincial Park:  Some of the easier trail running options in Squamish. Easiest is the 2 km trail around Alice Lake. Another good option is the 6 km Four Lakes Trail. East of the park, there are many more trails, but they’re more technical and challenging.

More Challenging Trail Running Options. Squamish is a mecca for trail running, with something for every level and spectacular scenery. Among the more popular are the Elfin Lakes, Panorama Ridge in Garibaldi Provincial Park, and the Howe Sound Crest Trail. Good resource: Trail Sisters

Additional Squamish Running Info: Capra is a fantastic trail and mountain running store in Squamish. They have an active Run Club. Also, Run Squamish is an active organization, which puts together, among other things, the Loop the Lakes trail race every May.