BRACKENDALE

The serene and beautiful neighbourhood of Brackendale is known by locals for the character of the houses, small-town friendliness, and perhaps most of all, the thousands of bald eagles that winter in the Eagle Run area of the neighbourhood. Brackendale has a more rural feel, with fewer streets and houses than some other neighbourhoods in Squamish. It’s less than 10 minutes from the downtown Squamish area by car, so it retains a small-town community feel while providing every amenity residents could desire just out the front door. Locals also enjoy being very close to plenty of recreational activities, from the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers to the public parks, trails and activity centers. It’s a laid-back community, with the weather remaining mild year round, due to the coastal climate.

Squamish is one of the fastest-growing areas within British Columbia. The population in 2011 was 17,158 and in 2016 was 19,512; the percentage of growth was 13.7%, more than double the growth for the whole province. The Squamish area is becoming progressively younger, as young families realize the benefits and advantages and move to the area. The median age of the population is just 37.8, quite a bit lower than British Columbia’s median age of 43.0. With some of the best shopping and dining around, a rich history and culture, and importance on art and education, Squamish is quickly becoming a favorite amongst families who want to raise their children in a wholesome, safe area.

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Employment Opportunities

The median income for Squamish residents in 2015 was 40,119 CAD, higher than the province’s median income of 33,012. The unemployment rate in 2019 was 4.8%. Squamish has always been a community centered on natural resources; residents have constantly worked in the mining, logging, pulp and fishing industries. The top industries in Squamish include sales and services, education services, health care and social services, manufacturing and retail trade. It’s not uncommon for professionals working in downtown Vancouver to relocate to the Brackendale neighbourhood; it offers lower home prices as well as a safer and more rural community. It’s just a 35-minute drive from Brackendale to downtown Vancouver.

Transportation

It’s easy to get around the Brackendale neighbourhood, as well as getting to and from the surrounding areas of Squamish. Most residents drive, but those who wish can take advantage of the Squamish Transit System. Buses travel all over Squamish, with numerous routes and stops. In addition, the Whistler and Valley Express bus offers transportation to Whistler. The Sea-to-Sky Highway is one of the most popular routes for getting to surrounding areas, as are the Coast Cariboo Circle Route and the Coast Mountain Circle Route. The Squamish Airport (CYSE) is also located in Brackendale, and features a runway long enough to handle light planes and helicopters.

The Arts

Individuals and families interested in living in areas that are rich with arts will appreciate Brackendale. The Brackendale Art Gallery is “a center for arts in the Squamish Valley.” Here, residents can see gorgeous gallery exhibits, enjoy concerts and theatre, workshops with artists and more. They can also grab something to eat at the diner, which serves up delicious homemade soups and bread, homemade Danish patries, tea and coffee, wine and beer.

Recreation/Sports

There are plenty of recreational and sporting activities in Brackendale. After all, Squamish is known as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.” Rock climbers enjoy the 300 plus climbing routes throughout the area, where they can scale cliffs utilizing traditional climbing protection and enjoy stunning views of the Howe Sound and Coast Mountains. Mountain biking is another popular recreational activity for Brackendale residents, as the area offers more than 600 trails that riders can enjoy – from the most novice riders to the most experienced. Every June, a mountain biking race is held called the “Test of Metal,” and is a 67-kilometre, cross-country race.

Other attractions and activities enjoyed near Brackendale include river-rafting on the Elaho and Squamish Rivers, wind-surfing and kite-surfing, and the provincial parks located throughout the area. Brackendale has one of North America’s largest populations of bald eagles, and neighbourhood residents love to watch these magnificent birds throughout the area. The most popular viewing area is the Eagle Run Park on Government Road, located on the Squamish River Dyke. An information kiosk is available there as well as telescopes. Birdwatchers will also appreciate that Squamish ocean, rivers and estuary are home to more than 200 migratory species of birds, offering plenty to see and enjoy. The Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park is a lush and beautiful state park where residents can enjoy nature, get in some fishing time, picnic or explore.

Britannia Beach / Furry Creek

The Britannia Beach community is located between Furry Creek and Squamish, and overlooks the Howe Sound, offering some of the most stunning views in the area. A lovely neighbourhood with a plethora of recreational activities available very nearby, residents enjoy the gorgeous views of the Coastal Mountain Range, point out bald eagles soaring overhead, and always have a moment to say hello to neighbours. Residents of Furry Creek enjoy their location just 25 minutes from West Vancouver, just off of Highway 99.

This neighbourhood is nestled at the mouth of Furry Creek, a salmon-bearing river, and is a blend of two and three-story townhomes, some of them located just steps from the beach. There are also single-family detached homes available. Recreational activities residents most often enjoy include a variety of sports near the gorgeous Furry Creek, with a round of golf at the Furry Creek Golf Club, and hiking, mountain-biking and exploring the numerous nearby trails.

These neighbourhoods are some of the most sought-after in Squamish, an area which is quickly becoming the “go to” location for small-town neighbourhoods with access to almost every possible urban amenity. Squamish experienced a 13.7% growth between the years 2011 and 2015; this rate is more than double that of the province. With a median age of 37.8 the area is full of younger professionals and young families drawn here for the excellent benefits and peaceful locations. 

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Employment Opportunities

Squamish has always been an area associated with mining, fishing, and logging as individuals took advantage of the rich natural resources. The
same goes for Britannia Beach, which was originally founded as a mining town when ore deposits were discovered in the late 1800’s. The largest industries in this neighbourhood today are primarily retail and home businesses, the BC Mining Museum, Betty’s Best Mushrooms, and Britannia Bay Properties. In the Squamish area as a whole, the largest industries are sales and services, educational services, manufacturing and retail trade.

Because it isn’t uncommon for Britannia Beach and Furry Creek residents to live in these neighbourhoods but work in larger urban areas like downtown Vancouver, they are often referred to as “bedroom communities.” Individuals sleep in these communities but work elsewhere, and the reason is because their homes are a fantastic retreat from the larger cities, and the commutes aren’t difficult. The median income for Squamish in 2015 was 40,119 CAD, which was quite a bit higher than British Columbia’s median income of 33,012.

Transportation

Residents in the Britannia Beach and Furry Creek neighbourhoods usually rely on their own vehicles to get out and about; the Sea-to-Sky Highway is the only option in and out of the area, and it connects to West Vancouver, Vancouver, Downtown Squamish and Whistler. The TransLink bus system offers transportation from Squamish to Lions Bay and West Vancouver.

The Arts

Residents of Britannia Beach and Furry Creek are just a short distance from the British Columbia Museum of Mining, on the site of what was once the largest copper-producer in the British Empire and now a heritage site. Exhibits include tours of the way mining worked a hundred years ago, the train which offers tours into old tunnels, and opportunities to pan for gold.

Recreation/Sports

The Furry Creek Golf & Country Club is nearby, offering an 18-hole, par-72 course rich with scenery and wildlife. It is known for being the location of the Happy Gilmore movie. Squamish has been dubbed “The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada,” and offers more than 300 climbing routes for rock-climbers, as well as more than 600 trails for hiking or mountain-biking. The Elaho and Squamish Rivers offer up plenty of water sports opportunities, from kayaking and canoeing to river-rafting. In the Brackendale neighbourhood at Eagle Run Park, residents enjoy watching the bald eagles, and telescopes and information kiosks are available there.

Downtown Squamish

Something exciting is happening in Downtown Squamish. While the area retains the historic charm and rich culture that it is known for, it is quickly becoming more refined. In recent years, Cleveland Avenue in Downtown Squamish has flourished, with new retailers moving in so that residents have all the amenities they could want right in their own neighbourhood. New townhomes and multi-family housing options are dotted amongst the older, historic homes, giving individuals more options and appealing to those with a variety of housing budgets. With an advantageous location halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish has grown significantly as of late; the population grew 13.7% between 2011 and 2016. This is more than double the growth that British Columbia experienced as a whole. The median age of 37.8 is significantly lower than the surrounding communities, and is due to a growing number of younger residents.

Employment Opportunities

Those living in the Downtown Squamish neighbourhoods typically work in sales and manufacturing, healthcare services, educational services, business or finance. One growing trend is the number of individuals who live in the Downtown Squamish area and work in areas like Downtown Vancouver. They are able to take advantage of the small-town environment while enjoying the amenities within their own neighbourhoods and the 45 minute commute to Vancouver. The unemployment rate for Squamish in 2019 was about 4.8%, relatively low and in line with that of the province as a whole. The median income for Squamish in 2015 was 40,119 CAD, which was quite a bit higher than British Columbia’s median income of 33,012.

Transportation

Individuals coming into Downtown Squamish can access it from the Sea-to-Sky Highway through Cleveland Avenue. A large portion of residents use their own vehicles to get around, though there are plenty of shops, services and dining establishments within walking distance. Individuals can also take advantage of the public transportation available through the Squamish Transit System, which offers buses that have several routes throughout Squamish. Bus service to Whistler is provided by the Whistler and Valley Express.

The Arts

From art galleries to museums to the Squamish Native Arts Store, residents have a variety of options when it comes to taking in the arts. Just a few miles away is the Brackendale Art Gallery, which is one of the main locations to experience art in Squamish. Here, residents can check out exhibitions featuring fantastic art, concerts with live music and talent, and theatre. Workshops take place often, allowing residents to learn under the guidance of established artists. The diner allows those who are enjoying the arts to grab a bite to eat as well, and they offer homemade soups and breads as well as pastries, croissants, coffee, tea, wine and beer. Not too far from downtown is the British Columbia Museum of Mining, which is at the site of the largest copper producer in the British Empire at one time. Families and individuals have a lot of fun seeing what mining was once like, visiting the old mining tunnels via the train, and panning for gold.

Recreation/Sports

Squamish offers world-class outdoor activity options, and is a huge draw to thrill-seekers around the province. This “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada” offers up hundreds of trails where individuals enjoy rock-climbing, mountain-biking, hiking and exploring. The rivers provide the perfect opportunity to kayak, canoe, river-raft, kite boarding, jet skiing and more. In addition, there are two golf courses, the Squamish Valley Golf Course and the Furry Creek Golf Course, both of which are beautiful 18-hole courses. One of the most popular attractions in the area takes place from November to February in the Brackendale neighbourhood; Eagle watching at Eagle Run Park, where thousands of eagles can be seen soaring overhead through the provided telescopes.

Garibaldi Estates

Garibaldi Estates is a stunningly gorgeous neighbourhood in the town of Squamish. It was once a community to itself between the original Squamish and the Brackendale community. In 1964, it merged with Squamish and Brackendale to become the Squamish of today. Recent developments have created new townhome complexes, as well as a variety of new retail and commercial establishments. Within the neighbourhood, residents have access to a variety of amenities including shops, professional services, specialty stores and excellent dining. One of the most impressive things about the Garibaldi Estates neighbourhood is the stunning views of the forests and mountains. As the population of Squamish continues to grow (it grew 13.7% between 2011 and 2016), new developments draw new residents into neighbourhoods like Garibaldi Estates and increase property demand. As of late, younger individuals and families have become interested in the area, resulting in a median age of 37.8.

Employment Opportunities

Top industries in the Garibaldi Estates area and the Squamish area in general include sales and services, educational services, manufacturing, and healthcare and social services. Unemployment is low, at 4.8% in 2019, which is in line with the province’s average. The median household income was 40,119 CAD in 2015, which was higher than the British Columbia household income (33,012 CAD). In 2016, the top industry was accomodation and food services, with 13% of residents working in the industry. It was followed closely by construction trade at 12%, health care and social assistance at 11%, and the retail trade (close to 11%).

Transportation

Many residents in Garibaldi Estates are within walking distance of a variety of amenities. Those who need to travel a little further often utilize their own cars or take advantage of the public transportation provided by the Squamish Transit System. Buses run throughout the Squamish area, and transportation is free to school-aged children over the summer. The Whistler and Valley Express provides bus service to Whistler, and the Sea-to-Sky Highway is the most popular thoroughfare.

The Arts

One of the best options for experiencing art Garibaldi Estates residents have is the Brackendale Art Gallery, just minutes away by car. Different days bring about a different type of art experience, from exhibitions to live concerts to plays and performances. Interested individuals can also join workshops led by established artists. Those busy taking in all the art will not go hungry, as the diner serves up a variety of homemade dishes including pastries, soups, breads, and of course coffee, tea, and wine. History is important as well, and residents can get their fix from the British Columbia Museum of Mining. The museum is located at the site of the once-largest copper producer in the British Empire. Those who visit get to experience history in a unique way, learning about the way mining was done a century ago, visiting the old mining tunnels via the train and trying their hand at panning for gold.

Recreation/Sports

Squamish, while offering plenty of amenities, is perhaps most well known for the huge array of outdoor recreation and sports. After all, it is known as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.” Over 600 trails are available where individuals can enjoy the thrill of rock climbing, hiking and exploring. Other activities that are very popular within the area include mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, river-rafting, waterskiing and kite-boarding. Two golf courses are available nearby, including the Squamish Valley Golf Course and the Furry Creek Golf Course. Two of the most popular attractions are the Eagle Run Park where individuals can do plenty of bird watching and enjoy the gorgeous bald eagles, and the Sea to Sky Gondola.

Garibaldi Highlands

Families or individuals who have ever wished for a cozy mountain home away from it all, but who don’t want to give up the comfort of nearby amenities and big-city living can have it all with Garibaldi Highlands. Residents can enjoy the trendiest, hippest retailers for some serious shopping downtown and within a few minutes, can be home enjoying breathtaking mountain, forest and ocean views. A highly sought after neighbourhood within the city of Squamish, Garibaldi Highlands is nestled on the hillside above the Garibaldi Estates neighbourhood.

Residents have excellent playgrounds and parks, trails for biking and hiking, tennis courts, a conveniently located elementary school and more. Nature lovers can literally walk just down the street and access the network of nature trails that runs through the area; perfect for mountain biking, hiking or just exploring. The Squamish River runs alongside the neighbourhood, providing a natural benefit for adventure-seekers, whether they want a gorgeous family picnic spot or a full-day water sports extravaganza. Garibaldi Highlands was the filming location for the drama/action series The Guard. In recent years (between 2011 and 2016), the population of Squamish grew 13.7%, more than double the growth of that of British Columbia. The median age of 37.8% is proof that a younger generation of parents and professionals are becoming interested in the area for the magnificent benefits and amenities.

Employment Opportunities

A large portion of residents in Squamish (13%) work in the accomodation and food services. This is the top employer within the area, with construction services coming in at a close second (12%). Health care and social assistance (11%) is next, and then the retail trade (close to 11%) after that. While many residents living in Garibaldi Estates work in the city of Squamish, many others commute to downtown Vancouver, taking advantage of the Squamish area’s more affordable housing, less congestion, and more serene neighbourhoods and public areas. The median household income of Squamish in 2015 was 40,119 CAD, high in comparison with the province’s median income of 33,012. The largest employer is the Squamish School District #48, followed by Vancouver Coastal Health, the District of Squamish and Sea to Sky Community Services. The unemployment rate for Squamish was 4.8% in 2019, which is very close to the rate of British Columbia as a whole.

Transportation

The primary method of transportation in Garibaldi Highlands is by car, however, there are plenty of residents who walk to local shops and stores. Public transportation is available to those who need it from the Squamish Transit System; buses travel throughout Squamish and make numerous stops. Those who need access to Whistler can take the bus provided by the Whistler and Valley Express.

The Arts

While the Squamish area isn’t as steeped in art as some of the other Vancouver neighbourhoods, it does have its fair share to offer. The Brackendale Art Gallery is an excellent location to soak up some delightful art, with fun and fascinating exhibits, live concerts and theater. Those who would like to try their own hand at art can take advantage of one of the many workshops available. Food is also served here, from homemade soups and bread to pastries, coffee, tea and wine. The British Columbia Museum of Mining is an excellent way to soak up some history, as it is located on the site of what was once the largest copper producer in the area. Visitors can pan for gold, experience mining the way it was a century ago, and ride the trains into the old mining tunnels.

Recreation/Sports

If residents of Garibaldi Highlands have a full plate when it comes to art and amenities, with outdoor recreation they would have a buffet. There are so many different activities to choose from, and world class recreation attractions draw in thrill-seekers from all over Canada. From the Garibaldi Highlands neighbourhood, residents can reach Alice Lake Provincial Park via a trail. Here, visitors can fish, camp or just explore beautiful nature. Throughout Squamish, more than 600 trails allow individuals to experience rock-climbing, hiking, mountain biking and exploring. Two nearby golf courses, the Furry Creek Golf Course and the Squamish Valley Golf Course, are perfect for golf lovers. One of the largest groups of wintering bald eagles in North America is present in Brackendale, and can be seen through the telescopes at Eagle Run Park.

Hospital Hill

The neighbourhood of Hospital Hill in Squamish is nowhere near as clinical as it sounds. Located just above downtown Squamish, Hospital Hill offers residents some of the most beautiful views of the Howe Sound and the nearby mountains. It’s a peaceful community where residents are friendly, and amenities within the neighbourhood include playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, tennis courts, and more. A network of trails including the Smoke Bluffs Trail, the Viewpoint Trail, and the Tunnel Rock Trail, are accessible right from the neighbourhood via Cliffside Lane, Smoke Bluff Road, Pennsylvane Place, and Plateau Drive. For this reason, nature-lovers are drawn to the neighbourhood, including those who love to hike, mountain bike, and explore. That doesn’t mean that civilization is far away, though. Also within walking distance is Comfy’s Internet Cafe and the Coffee Tree Cafe. Just across the highway, residents can access a variety of fast-food restaurants as well as the A&W Restaurant and White Spot Squamish, plus a variety of professional services.

The homes in this neighbourhood are a blend of older and newer, single-family and multi-family homes in prices that fit all budgets. Large, beautiful homes are located near townhouses and apartment complexes. Families appreciate the peace of mind knowing that Squamish General Hospital is located right in the neighbourhood, as well as excellent educational options. Squamish is a fast-growing area; the population increased 13.7% between 2011 and 2016. The median age is 37.8, younger than the province’s median age of 43.

Employment Opportunities

With the hospital being in the neighbourhood of Hospital Hill, it’s no surprise that many residents work in healthcare or other industries within the hospital. Top industries in Squamish include accommodation and food services, construction, healthcare and social assistance, and retail services with the largest employers being the Squamish School District, Vancouver Coastal Health, the District of Squamish and the Sea to Sky Community Services. The average household income of 40,119  CAD in 2015 was higher than the province’s average of 33,012 and unemployment in Squamish was just 4.8% in 2019.

Transportation

Residents of Hospital Hill enjoy amenities and services within walking distance, including cafes, shops and convenience stores. The most popular method of transportation in Squamish is car, but public transportation is available from the Squamish Transit System. Various bus stops are located throughout the city and buses travel routes regularly. Bus service to Whistler is available through the Whistler and Valley Express. Squamish is halfway between Whistler and Vancouver, making it a convenient location for work and play.

The Arts

Residents of Hospital Hill often take advantage of the Brackendale Art Gallery, which has a little something for everyone. Visitors can see live performances, exhibitions, and concerts. Workshops are often available to teach those who are interested, and food is served here as well. Folks love the homemade soup and bread, the pastries and filled croissants, as well as the coffee and tea. The British Columbia Museum of Mining is another important location nearby, and offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Squamish area. At the museum, visitors are able to learn what minint was like a hundred years ago, visit the mining tunnels with the train and pan for gold.

Recreation/Sports

The sheer number of recreation and sports attractions and opportunities nearby is unbelievable. Throughout the area of Squamish, there are 16 community parks totaling 59 hectares. Communities also offer up a variety of recreation centers where folks can enjoy soccer, baseball, tennis, field hockey or take advantage of running tracks. Thrill-seekers often visit the area for the more than 1200 rock-climbing routes in Squamish, as well as attractions like the Shannon Falls waterfall, the Squamish River, where visitors can kayak, river-raft, canoe, water ski and more.

More than 600 mountain-biking trails thread through the town as well. A large network of trails is accessed right from the Hospital Hill neighbourhood, so residents can decide on a whim to go exploring, and won’t even require a vehicle. McNaughton Park is located in the neighbourhood as well, offering a lush and green picnic and play area perfect for spending the day. The Stawamus River is just steps away as well, offering water sports, picnicking and adventure. Perhaps one of the most popular and amazing attractions is Eagle Run Park, where residents can watch the amazing bald eagles, wintering in the neighbourhood of Brackendale.

Upper Squamish / Paradise Valley

Residents looking for one of the most beautiful areas to live in Squamish need look no further than the Upper Squamish Valley and Paradise Valley neighbourhoods. The Upper Squamish Valley community is a rural residential farming area situated between the Tantalus Mountain Range and the Cloudburst Mountain, while Paradise Valley is located along the west bank of the Cheakamus River, providing residents with some breathtaking views in all directions. A variety of amenities is located nearby, despite the feeling that these homes are located in a secluded neighbourhood miles from civilization.

The area is popular amongst thrill-seekers as a fantastic place to find outdoor recreation attractions, from hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and whitewater rafting. Several campgrounds are nearby, including the Squamish Valley and Paradise Valley Campgrounds, and recreation attractions like Valley Fishing Guides populate the area. Being located in the valleys with mountains on all sides, both of these neighbourhoods boast the feeling of being totally separate from the rest of Squamish, but it’s just under half an hour by car to Downtown Squamish. The homes are a blend of single-family, detached housing and multi-family housing in all price ranges. As the growth of Squamish continues, these areas are more and more sought after. With a population increase of 13.7% between 2011 and 2016, the demand increases for excellent housing. Residents choose these neighbourhoods as a wonderful contrast to the hectic, bustling and congested urban areas.

Employment Opportunities

The employment industries in Squamish are as diverse as the individuals who live there. Approximately 13% of Squamish residents are employed in accomodation and food services, while the construction industry follows closely at 12%. Other top industries include healthcare, social assistance, and the retail trade. Unemployment was a mere 4.8% here in 2019, and the average household income was 40,119  CAD. This is high in comparison with British Columbia’s income of 33,012. The top Squamish employers include the school district, Vancouver Coastal Health, the District of Squamish and the Sea to Sky Community Services.

Transportation

The Sea to Sky Highway is the main method for getting to and from the Upper Squamish Valley and Paradise Valley, while Government Road is also available. Residents in this area rely very often on their vehicles for getting around, but public transportation is available as well. Buses operated by the Squamish Transit System stop frequently all over the Squamish area. The drive to Vancouver takes less than an hour and the Whistler and Valley Express offers bus service to Whistler.

The Arts

Brackendale Art Gallery, being described as “quirky” and “fun,” is the art “center” of the Squamish area. Visitors can see the exhibitions which often feature local established and up and coming artists. They can also check out the frequent concerts and theater options. Visitors to this gallery will never have to worry about being hungry, as the licensed kitchen serves up a slew of delicious homemade treats.

Recreation/Sports

If ever there was a neighbourhood perfect for avid campers, it would be the Upper Squamish Valley or Paradise Valley neighbourhood. The Squamish Valley Campground and RV site is located on a gorgeous private beach along the Squamish River, giving visitors the most breathtaking views of the water, the forests and waterfalls. Squamish in general has more than 59 hectares of public parkland, and more than 600 trails for mountain bikers and rock-climbers. Water sports are abundant, with plenty of places to enjoy kayaking, whitewater rafting, water skiing, canoeing and more. Residents are proud of Eagle Run Park, where it’s possible to watch the beautiful and majestic bald eagles flying above between the months of November and February. The outdoor recreation available here is second-to-none, which may be why Squamish has been dubbed the “Largest Recreation Capital in Canada.”

Valleycliffe

Squamish is known for its stunning views – from glistening water to gorgeous green forests to majestic mountains. Valleycliffe is the southernmost residential neighbourhood in the city of Squamish, and it is located just across the Stawamus River. Lots here tend to be flatter and more level than those in more northern neighbourhoods. Residents enjoy the views of the majestic and beloved Squamish Chief. Along the northern border of the Valleycliffe neighbourhood is the Smoke Bluff Provincial Park and Crumpit Woods. This makes Valleycliffe a fantastic location for individuals looking for adventure and ready to take on the next thrill.

A neighbourhood consisting of many new developments, Valleycliffe attracts young families and professionals who want to enjoy their lives in a secluded, peaceful neighbourhood but remain close to the best urban amenities. City initiatives as well as increased interest in the area help Valleycliffe continue to grow. The population increased 13.7% between 2011 and 2016 in Squamish, and with a median age of 37.8, it’s easy to see that a large number of these individuals being attracted to the area are young, with children or young professionals commuting from Vancouver.

Employment Opportunities

The town of Squamish was built upon the natural resources of the area; the town was always known for logging, fishing, and mining. These days, the top industries are the accomodation and food services (13% of residents work in this industry), construction at 12%, and healthcare, social assistance and food services. The companies or organizations with the highest employment levels include the Squamish School District, Vancouver Coastal Health, Squamish District and the Sea to Sky Community Services. The unemployment rate in Squamish was 4.8% in 2019 and the median household income was 40,119 CAD.

Transportation

While there are a couple of options within the neighbourhood for residents to reach by foot, the majority of travel requires a vehicle. Some individuals take advantage of public transportation, which is provided in the form of buses all over town by the Squamish Transit System. Transportation to Whistler is also provided by bus. The drive to Downtown Vancouver takes just 45 minutes, so residents often take advantage of the shopping and dining options there as well.

The Arts

Residents can take a workshop learning how to paint with an established artist or purchase a fantastic new print for their home all in the same location: the Brackendale Art Gallery. This fun establishment not only shows exhibitions of accomplished artists, but also hosts live concerts and performances. Food is available as well, including homemade soups, breads, pastries, and filled croissants. They also serve tea, coffee, wine and beer so guests of all tastes will be happy indulging here.

Recreation/Sports

Squamish, as the Outdoor Recreational Center of Canada, offers just about any kind of recreational activity a person could want. From riding trails (including the Valleycliffe riding area) to rock climbing areas to kayaking and canoeing, those who like adventure will enjoy living in Valleycliffe. Nearby parks and forests offer absolutely magnificent views for nature adepts. Those with a passion for water can also take advantage of a variety of water sports, from water skiing to rafting to kite boarding. Residents always remember to visit Eagle Run Park sometime between November and February, so they can enjoy the gorgeous bald eagles flying overhead. Overall, there are few communities as jam-packed with natural recreational activities as Squamish, making it a very popular destination amongst active folks.

Dentville / Northyards 

Dentville and Northyards are neighbourhoods within Squamish, offering some of the most gorgeous townhouses and older homes of the area. These charming homes are rich in character, and the neighbourhoods are just steps from the downtown Squamish area; less than 10 minutes on foot. As residential redevelopment occurs all over Squamish, Dentville and Northyards have become areas with a blend of home options including townhomes and multi-family housing options in addition to those old, charming single-family homes. The location is extremely convenient; both neighbourhoods are within walking distance to restaurants, specialty shops, grocery stores, professional services, and the waterfront on Howe Sound.

While this particular area of Squamish was once considered the “older” part, the area is now one of the most trendy and desirable. The growth rate of Squamish has resulted in redevelopment and a diverse number of retail and commercial spaces; between 2011 and 2016, the population grew 13.7%, double the population growth of the province as a whole. Squamish’s median age is 37.8, proving that younger families and individuals  have recently become interested in the area. This is likely due to the large range of amenities combined with the peaceful and serene neighbourhoods that are perfect for raising families.

Employment Opportunities

The Denville and Northyards areas offer employment in a variety of retail establishments, as well as some of the top employers, including the healthcare industry, the educational services industry, and manufacturing. Many residents living in these areas commute to larger and more urban environments like downtown Vancouver for work, enjoying the peace and serenity of Squamish and the fairly short commute. In 2019, the unemployment rate for Squamish was just 4.8%, in line with that of British Columbia as a whole. The median income was 40,119 CAD, which was higher than British Columbia’s 33,012.

Transportation

The main street near Dentville and Northyards, Cleveland Avenue, is the first major intersection individuals will encounter when traveling into Squamish from Vancouver on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Many residents walk to nearby locations, although public transportation from the Squamish Transit System is available to those who want to use it.

Students in elementary and secondary school enjoy free transportation from these bus systems over the summer.

The Arts

The Squamish area offers a few different choices when it comes to the arts, including Brackendale Art Gallery, where visitors can enjoy exhibitions, workshops, concerts and theater. The dining area also serves up delicious handmade soups and bread, croissants, Danish pastries, tea and espresso as well as wine and beer. Not far from Dentville and Northyards is the British Columbia Museum of Mining, which is the site of the once-largest copper producer in the British Empire, and it is now a heritage site. Visitors can ride the train into the old tunnels, see how mining worked a century ago and pan for gold.

Recreation/Sports

Squamish has been named the “Outdoor Entertainment Capital of Canada,” so it’s no surprise that residents can choose from a plethora of fun and thrilling recreational activities. The Squamish Valley Golf Course and the Furry Creek Golf Club are both perfect for golf aficionados, while those searching for a little more thrill can enjoy windsurfing, kite boarding, jet skiing, and sailing in various locations around Squamish. Mountain biking, hiking and exploring are very popular recreational events in the area, with hundreds of trails available to choose from. Between November and February, locals enjoy eagle watching in Brackendale at Eagle Run Park, and horseback riding is always a popular activity as well.