Squamish hiking tour: Alpine lakes, forests, certified guide

Hike alpine terrain and glacier-carved valleys with a guide who knows the Coastal Mountains

A full-day hiking tour in Squamish led by a certified professional guide who tailors the route and pace to your group's abilities and the day's conditions. You'll trek through rugged alpine terrain, lush forests, and glacier-carved valleys, stopping at turquoise alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and wildflower meadows. The guide shares insights into the area's geology, ecology, and wildlife throughout the day.

The experience

Your guide meets you before the hike to brief the group on gear, food, and water, then chooses a route suited to everyone's fitness level and current conditions. This isn't a fixed itinerary: the trail changes based on what the group can handle and what the day allows. You'll move through backcountry where the landscape shifts from lush coastal forest to high alpine terrain carved by glaciers, with stops at turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and meadows full of wildflowers depending on the season and the route your guide selects.

A certified professional guide from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides leads the day, sharing stories about the Coastal Mountains' geology, ecology, and wildlife as you walk. The pace is set to keep everyone supported and inspired rather than racing to a summit. The hike runs seven hours total, and trail permits, parking at the trailhead, and all taxes and fees are included in your booking.

Groups of two or more can arrange a customized tour, including a trail running option if that interests you. You'll need to bring your own food and water for the day, and the tour isn't recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health: moderate physical fitness is the baseline for a safe, enjoyable experience.

What’s included

• Certified professional guide from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
• trail permits and parking at the trailhead.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Options for this experience

3 options

Hiking Adventure on the Sea to SkyUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English · 08:00 and 08:30

Trail/Mountain Running OptionUp to 8 per booking · Guide in English · 08:30Mountain Running Tour on Trails

Transport to TrailheadUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · 08:00Trip to the Trailhead by Transport

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Rise Mountain Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you have moderate fitness and want a guide who adjusts the route and pace to your group's abilities rather than following a fixed itinerary. The seven-hour commitment and alpine terrain suit hikers looking for a full day in the mountains without the pressure of a set summit deadline.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of terrain and scenery will I see on this Squamish hike?

The route takes you through rugged alpine terrain, lush coastal forests, and glacier-carved valleys. Depending on which trail your guide chooses, you'll encounter turquoise alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, vibrant wildflower meadows, and high-altitude viewpoints. The guide selects the specific route based on your group's abilities and the day's conditions.

How does the guide decide which trail to take?

Your certified professional guide assesses the group's fitness level and current weather and trail conditions before the hike starts, then chooses a route that keeps everyone safe and engaged. This flexibility means the experience is tailored to who shows up that day, rather than following a fixed path.

What should I bring on this seven-hour hike?

You'll need to bring your own food and water for the day. The tour includes trail permits and parking at the trailhead, but personal gear and supplies are your responsibility. Bring layers and footwear suited to mountain conditions.

Can I arrange a private or customized version of this tour?

Groups of two or more guests can book a customized tour tailored to your group's interests. If you're interested in trail running instead of hiking, that option is available on a customized booking.