Geographical
Squamish is located at the north end of Howe Sound, North America's southernmost fjord.
Squamish (pop. 16,000) is located at the north end of Howe Sound, North America's southernmost fjord, in the Squamish River Valley. Occupying an area of 106.1sq km/41sq mi, this district municipality sits on the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) between the 2010 Olympic Winter Games host venues of Vancouver and Whistler. It takes less than one hour to drive 69 km (43 miles) north to Squamish from downtown Vancouver, or 75 minutes from Vancouver International Airport (YVR), a distance of 81 km( 51 miles) From Whistler heading south to Squamish, it's 60 km (37miles) for a 45-minute drive. Some five-million vehicles travel the Sea-to-Sky Highway each year, enjoying the awe-inspiring scenery and destinations.
Landscape
Stawamus Chief - The spectacular Coast Mountains scenery around Squamish developed during the end of the last ice age some 10,000 years ago. Receding glaciers left behind the crystal lakes, subalpine meadows, and volcanic mountains that abound in nearby provincial parks such as Garibaldi Provincial Park. The most visible landmark in Squamish is the Stawamus Chief, the second-largest granite monolith in North America, which offers numerous rock-climbing opportunities at a height of 700 m (2300 ft.) Squamish's terrain abounds with hiking trails, lush forests, and monumental waterfalls like Shannon Falls, the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia at 335 m (1099 ft.) The Squamish River empties into Howe Sound's north end, and has several tributaries, including the Cheakamus, Elaho, and Mamquam. Fishing, river rafting, kayaking, and bird-watching (including the famous Brackendale eagles) are popular activities along these rivers.
Climate and Weather
Squamish has a moderate British Columbia coastal climate. Average daily high temperatures hit 24°C (75°F) in July, and go down to 2.9°C (37°F) in January. The average annual rainfall is 213cm (84 in), and the average annual snowfall is 235cm (93in).