Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
Trail Update
- All trails at the base of the cliffs in Stawamus Chief are subject to rock fall. Use caution when hiking in these areas and limit your time of exposure.
- The Chief Peaks Trail can be hazardous due to snow and ice during the winter months. Please use caution and be prepared by bringing the appropriate equipment and gear.
Notice to rock climbers
- The falcon closure is now lifted and all routes are open to climbing. Please pass on any falcon sightings to: (604) 898-3678, extension 2221 or email to: Katy.Chambers@gov.bc.ca
About This Park
Stawamus Chief Provincial Park protects the 700 metre massive granite cliffs that stand at the southern entrance to Squamish on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway. Established in 1997, the 517-hectare park provides rock climbing opportunities of international significance. Hiking trails to The Chief’s three summits offer rewarding views of Howe Sound, Squamish town site and surrounding mountains. This park has opportunities for camping, hiking, rock climbing and scenic viewing atop the Chief.
Special Features:
- The Stawamus Chief is the second largest granite monolith in the world and provides good nesting habitat for the Peregrine Falcon. Please respect the wildlife and keep your distance. Viewing is best with a pair of binoculars.
- Please obey posted closures of climbing routes on the Chief during the critical nesting season of the Peregrine Falcon.
Park Size: 517 hectares
Special Notes:
- BC Parks and a volunteer group of climbers have developed the attached strategy to manage rock climbing in Stawamus Chief, Shannon Falls and Murrin Provincial Parks. The strategy will be used to direct management activities related to rock climbing in the three parks. It must be stressed that this strategy is site specific and will not be applicable to the situations found in many other provincial parks.
- To view the Stawamus Chief, Shannon Falls & Murrin Provincial Parks Rock Climbing Strategy document, click here.
Stay Safe:
- The Chief Trail is a steep and difficult climb, requiring hikers to be in good physical condition. Hikers should be prepared with sturdy footwear, clothing, food and water.
- Obey posted closures of climbing routes on the Chief during the critical nesting season of the peregrine falcon.
| Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
|
|---|---|
| Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) |
May 15 - October 12 (Gate is closed during the off-season) |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | May 15 - October 12 Off-season: walk-in from gate; no fee, no services |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | Not applicable |
| Total Number of Accessible Campsites: | 18 vehicle accessible and 45 walk-in sites |
| Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) | Not applicable |
| Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts. | |
Location and Maps
Located immediately adjacent to Shannon Falls Provincial Park at Squamish, BC. Squamish and Brackendale are the communities nearest to this park.
Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
- Brochure (1.3 MB PDF)
- Brochure Map (100 KB PDF)
Nature and Culture
- Cultural Heritage - Named after the First Nation village of St-a-wamus at the north end of the Squamish River.
- Wildlife - Obey posted closures of climbing routes on the Chief during the critical nesting season of the peregrine falcon.
Activities Available at this Park
Climbing
Commercial climbing such as guiding and giving instruction is prohibited unless authorized by a valid Park Use Permit. Bouldering opportunities exist at the base of the Stawamus Chief.
Hiking
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Hiking trails are accessed from the day-use parking near the campground. They follow Oleson Creek before dividing into separate trails to each peak. The trails are also accessible from Shannon Falls Provincial Park. Be properly prepared for a strenuous hike and changing weather.
First Peak: 1.5-kilometre trail with an elevation gain of 540 metres.
Second Peak: 1.7-kilometre trail with an elevation gain of 590 metres.
Third Peak: 1.8-kilometre trail with an elevation gain of 630 metres.
To Shannon Falls: 1.5-kilometre hike from the Stawamus Parking Lot.
Pets on Leash
Wildlife Viewing
Facilities Available at this Park
Drinking Water
Picnic Areas
Pit or Flush Toilets
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers several vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. Vehicle sites are not suitable for large RVs. The remaining sites are walk-in sites. There are 63 sites in total. Sites are very shaded with mature second-growth coniferous trees. There is parking for extra vehicles in the day-use parking lot, available for a fee. The gate is locked between the hours of 11pm and 7 am, and during the winter season. Walk-in camping is available when the gate is locked. If there are no staff available to direct you to a site, find a site that is not occupied by equipment or a valid camping permit. Campground fees are to be paid in cash at the entrance of the campground through a self registration envelope system.
The closest store is in Squamish approximately a 5 minute drive north on Highway 99. There is a pay phone located next to the information kiosk. There are storage lockers located next to the cooking shelter. No campfires are permitted. Setting up of slack lines is prohibited within the park. Campsites are small and overcrowding is not permitted.
This park has winter camping opportunities; however, the gates are locked in the winter, so camping is walk-in only and no services are provided.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Walk-in campsites are provided. The 47 sites are less than a 5 minute walk from the parking lot. The tent pads are raised gravel pads with a wooden border. Tent pads are small and overcrowding is not permitted. Sprawling of gear and camping equipment off of tent pad is prohibited thus ensuring understory vegetation is not damaged. A central cooking shelter is available. Park visitors must bring their own cook stove; campfires are prohibited. Campsites are extremely shaded with large mature coniferous trees. Please store all food in the storage lockers located throughout the campground and in the cooking shelter.
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