And no, this charming little town isn’t just for people with a set of wheels. Like with many other backpackers, you might not have your own vehicle and that’s totally fine during your visit here. You can definitely explore this beauty of a place without a car. Trust me, I do it every day! As a local who doesn’t have a car, I’ve figured out how to navigate Squamish by foot, bus, and car share. Want to know how to do it too? Read on!

Getting to Squamish without a car

Squamish is perfectly situated near Vancouver, along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. If you want to visit but don’t have your own ride, there are a few ways to get here:

• Squamish Connector: This trusty, family-owned bus service will get you where you need to go. The good news is that it’s flexible with luggage and has that nostalgic school bus vibe that makes the ride feel like part of the adventure. The bad news? There’s no WiFi—but hey, you’re here for the views, right?

• YVR Skylynx: If you’re an international traveller coming into B.C., the Vancouver airport (YVR) is your closest bet. From there, large coach buses are a convenient way to get to Squamish, especially if you’re carrying a lot of gear. These buses run directly from the airport, come with WiFi, and have charging ports so you can share every photo in real time. The downside? It’s the priciest option of the bunch. Super Saver Hack: It’s cheaper if you take the SkyTrain from the airport to downtown Vancouver, then hop on the bus from there. 

• Poparide: This is a ride-sharing app that lets you tag along with locals on their commute or weekend adventures. The good news? It’s usually under $15–20 and often faster than a bus, with fewer stops along the way. The not-so-good news? It’s a social experience, so if you’re not in the mood for small talk, it might not be your thing. Also, be sure to check gear limits when booking, since not all drivers are keen on transporting bikes or bulky backpacks.

Getting around Squamish without a car

Ok, so you make it to Squamish. Now what? Without a car, you’re either on foot, bike, or you need to figure out local transit. While I’m a fan of walking around with a tea to-go and taking in the beauty, you’re here for a limited time and might not have that luxury. So, here are some other options:

• B.C. Transit bus: You can find the routes here or on Google Maps. Taking the local B.C. Transit bus is a budget-friendly way to get around Squamish, especially on rainy days when hiking is off the table. The good news is it’s cheap, comes with bike racks, and a day pass will only set you back $4 in cash. Disclaimer: It’s not the quickest or most frequent option—buses don’t run early in the morning or late at night, so you’ll need to plan around the schedule.

• Bike rental: Grab a rental and explore Squamish on two wheels—there’s no shortage of easy, commuter-friendly cycling paths to get you where you want to go. Most of the town is pretty flat, making for a relaxed ride, but if you're planning to venture into the highlands, be ready for some steep hills that’ll give your legs a workout. You’ll find plenty of bike rental options in town, from cruisers and e-bikes to full suspension and hardtail mountain bikes. Some of the closest spots to downtown include Bluebird (bonus: they also serve a great cup of coffee), Corsa Cycles, and Ride BC. Psst—if you’re staying at HI Squamish, Squamish Adventure Inn, they offer free cruiser bikes for guests on a first-come, first-served basis, plus rental hardtails if you're aiming for the trails.

• Squamish Taxi Service: Taxis are always a standard, reliable option for travellers without a car. This service is available 24/7 by phone for town trips or to Whistler and Britannia Beach with advanced notice. They can also drop you off partway to certain hiking trails (though they don’t go down logging roads).

• Making friends: Car-free social butterflies, this one’s for you. If you happen to befriend locals or fellow backpackers on a road trip, they may just invite you on a day trip or give you a lift. To meet people, try posting in one of the local Facebook groups or chatting with other guests at places like HI Squamish. It’s a great way to meet new buddies with wheels! And of course, remember to pull your own weight by chipping in for gas or bringing snacks along as a thank-you.

Squamish activities without a car

The beauty of Squamish is that most attractions are within walking distance, so you don’t even need a car to explore the town by foot, bike, or bus. Here's where to go:

Where to eat & drink

Whether your appetite is raging after a leg-punishing climb up a mountain, or you’re looking to unwind with a drink after a day of exploring, Squamish has plenty of great restaurants and bars—all within easy walking distance. Here are a few local favourites to check out: 

• Fox + Oak: This place has the absolute best doughnuts in town. A downtown cafe, it’s perfect for a sweet post-hike or climb treat and a solid coffee.

• Smoke Bluffs Coffee Shop: A relaxed spot in the Valleycliffe area, this spot is ideal for a low-key vibe and a good cup of coffee after a walk or ride.

• Howe Sound Brewing: Craving a nice cold one? Howe Sounds is a classic downtown brewpub with hearty food and a great selection of craft beer.

• Cliffside Cider: Here, expect a laid-back stop for crisp local ciders and sunny patio vibes, just a short walk or bike ride from downtown.

Where to play

Got a free day with nothing on the itinerary? Whether you're chasing high-adrenaline activities or a creative spark, here's where to dive into Squamish's outdoor adventures and artsy side.

• Arts + Culture: In Squamish, you can usually find an event happening downtown on any given day of the week. From trivia nights at one of the many breweries, to concerts, to hitting the stage and singing your heart out at karaoke, there’s usually something lively happening at one of the pubs. Two such venues I’d recommend are The BAG, which hosts concerts (Surf Hat, a local band, has played here) or you can check out Tricksters downtown. 

• Water sports: Squamish’s Howe Sound offers some epic adventures, from kayaking to kiteboarding, and even wakeboarding! Don’t have the gear? No problem. Rent gear or take a lesson and enjoy amazing views of The Chief, an iconic Squamish mountain, from the water.

• Mountain biking: Of course, if you came to explore our world-class mountain bike trails, then this is going to be a trip to remember. There’s no shortage of adrenaline-spiking routes here! To find the best trails for your style and skill level, unlock a whole new side of Squamish on Trailforks.

Rainy day pursuits 

Let’s face it; this coastal town can get pretty rainy! You may have come for tons of activity, and on an off-day, you might just want to stay out of the rain. Here are some indoors activities:

• Ground Up Climbing Gym: Test your skills at this local climbing gym, which offers a range of bouldering and roped climbing walls for all skill levels. It’s a great spot to work up a sweat and challenge yourself indoors. 

• Airhouse: Get a good workout in at this high-energy cross-training gym. Airhouse is an ideal spot for a fun, active day or blowing off steam. 

• Arrow Wood Games: Get your geek on and dive into a world of board games at this cozy spot in downtown Squamish. This is a perfect rainy-day hangout for anyone looking to challenge friends to a game or discover new favourites.

Where to hike

• Squamish Estuary Trail + Eagle Run: For a flat, easy trail perfect for birdwatching, head to this spot where you can witness North America's largest gathering of wintering Bald Eagles. Accessible by bus or bike, followed by a short walk, it's a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spot local wildlife. Pro tip: Use iNaturalist to identify species and contribute to citizen science projects while you're out there!

• Sea to Sky Gondola: For stunning views of Howe Sound, make your way to the top of Mount Habrich. Depending on the season, you’ll be able to hike, snowshoe or ski here. Access it by walking or biking along the gravel trail for 45-60 minutes, or take Summer Bus Line 5 for a quicker ride. Local tip: If you're up for a challenge, hike the Sea to Summit Trail and reward yourself with a scenic gondola ride down for just $20.

• Stawamus Chief: This is an absolute must-do in Squamish! It’s a steep incline to the top, but well worth it! In winter, you can walk the gravel bike trail (30-45 minutes) to the base, then start the hike. In summer, take Bus Line 5. As a local, I’d recommend dodging crowds by heading to peaks two or three,e which offer slightly different views. Definitely make sure that you have the map downloaded and your hiking essentials packed.

• Smoke Bluffs: This small forested park is home to over 15 climbing spots on granite slabs, making it a perfect low-key climbing destination. It’s just a short walk from the Adventure Centre parking lot to the trails. If you want my advice, climb to the top for gorgeous sunset views, and be mindful of sharing the trail with hikers and other climbers.

• Four Lakes Loop (Alice Provincial Park): Alice Provincial Park is a beautiful, easy walk in the woods and popular for trail running. To get here without a car, take the bus and walk or bike to the trail. In summer, make sure to arrive with a bathing suit and plenty of sunscreen, as it’s home to one of the best swimming spots in Squamish. 

• Mamquam Falls: Take a short, scenic walk to this tucked-away waterfall viewpoint, where you can soak in the forest atmosphere. It’s easy to reach by bike or by bus, followed by a short walk. A new trail is currently in the works, so now’s the time to visit before it gets busy.

• Slhanay: This steep, lesser-known (and to be honest, a bit informal) trail offers sweeping views of The Chief without the crowds. Come prepared for a more rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience.

• Mount Crumpit: For a day outside that ends in rewarding views, head to Mount Crumpit. The trail can be a bit tricky to find, so expect a bit of navigation and a true adventure, if that’s your style.

Exploring Squamish without a car is not only doable, but it’s also a great way to experience the town at an intentional pace and with an adventurous heart. From trails, to mountain views, to breweries and quirky events, there’s no shortage of adventure here, however you choose to get around. Enjoy your time in this underrated B.C. town! 

Where to stay? HI Squamish, Squamish Adventure Inn. Not to brag (okay, we will), our hostel is perfectly located, affordable, and great for any budget. It’s your go-to spot both for easy access to all the town has to offer and to meet some adventure buddies.