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Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park
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Visitor Information

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

  • Please be aware, camping is allowed on designated sites only and all equipment, tents, etc., must be on the designated site.
  • Peregrine Falcon nesting season has begun and BC Parks is monitoring falcon activity to determine if and where falcons are nesting. Climbing route closures will be posted on the website and at trailheads once the nest location is identified. If you encounter a falcon please respect the wildlife and keep your distance. Please report falcon sightings to BC Parks at 604-924-2228 or email Joanna.Hirner@gov.bc.ca.

About This Park

Stawamus Chief Provincial 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: 530 hectares

Special Notes: 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 Dates 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 3 - October 15
(Gate is closed during the off-season)
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: May 3 - October 15
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.
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Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. 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.
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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.
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Management Planning

Management Planning Information
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Activities Available at this Park

Climbing / Rapelling

Climbing

This is a world class climbing destination. Climbing closures are in effect generally from March 15 until July 31 to minimize disturbance to nesting Peregrine Falcons. However, area closures may change year to year depending on where these magnificent falcons choose to raise their families.
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

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

Pets on Leash

Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times except on the Chief Peaks trail. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife Viewing

Fantastic views of Howe Sound and the Squamish Valley from all peaks. Excellent viewing area from the highway pull out day-use area. Peregrine Falcon can be viewed from the highway pull out day-use area.
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Facilities Available at this Park

Drinking Water

Drinking Water

Cold water taps are located at the entrance to the campground. There are no water taps at the highway pull-out day-use area. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
Picnic Areas

Picnic Areas

This park has a day-use/picnic area. There are pit toilets and one (1) covered shelter available. There are no barbeque attachments on the picnic tables. The gate is locked from 11pm to 7am. The day use area located within the highway pull out is provided with picnic tables, information kiosk and pit toilets. This area provides an excellent vantage for watching climbers and viewing the Peregrine Falcons. There is another day use area located adjacent the campground which hosts picnic tables and offers a spectacular for of Squamish and Howe Sound.
Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park has pit toilets located in both the day-use and campground areas. There are no flush toilets.
Vehicle Accessible Camping

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.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $8.00 per person / night (persons 6 years of age or older)
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

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.
Backcountry Camping Fee: $8.00 per person / night (persons 6 years of age or older)
Winter Camping

Winter Camping

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.