The ultimate Squamish brewery bike route
If you're anything like me, you might be an outdoor enthusiast who loves a cold one with a stunning view after working up a sweat outside. For that reason, Squamish is the perfect Canadian destination—especially in summer.
My beautiful B.C. backyard blends mountain backdrops, thrilling adventure, local brews, and tasty snacks all within a scenic town with an outdoorsy culture. Seriously, whether you're into biking, hiking, climbing, or simply chilling with a pint on a patio, Squamish has you covered. As a local though, I personally recommend getting to know a few of its bike routes. For me, cycling and celebrating with a drink after is an essential summer activity.
Checking out Squamish for a trip this summer? Here’s how you can take it easy (and maybe get a little boozy) by biking to some of the best spots in town.
Where to? Your recommended route
Squamish is a small town in B.C., perfect for exploring via bicycle. Once you’ve got your bike and a pack of essentials, where will you want to head? Kick things off by the water for a scenic ride and make your way north, hitting up the seven awesome spots below along the way. On your bike, this will be a beautiful, relatively flat, 12-kilometre ride. Adjust according to your tastes and energy level, of course. Plug these destinations into your offline Google map and away you go!
Before you start: Insider tips
Whether you’re a newbie barely out of training wheels (jk!) or an avid cyclist, consider these tips before you set off.
- Get familiar with the rules and tips for cycling in Squamish by checking out Squamish Cycling Guidelines.
- Pick up a Squamish Craft Tasting Trail map at the Adventure Centre to collect stamps as you go around town.
- All of the places mentioned also have pretty great non-alcoholic options to keep things light or pace yourself. Drinking is NOT mandatory to have fun or do this route!
That’s it! Now here’s your local guide on recommended spots to pedal to:
The New Kid in Town: House of Lager
House of Lager is Squamish’s newest brewery, located right at the waterfront. As you bike down, get ready to face the winds of Howe Sound. Here, you’ll notice why Squamish earned the name that it did. “Squamish” is the English adaptation of the Squamish language word Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, meaning “Mother of the Wind.” But trust me, the views here are totally worth the strong breezes. Before or after your stop, you can enjoy the park or watch wind sports while taking in the view.
Why Visit: Pretty patio with even prettier views.
Drink to Try: House Lager (they’re expanding their selection!).
Super Snack: Kimchi fries.
Deal: Wine Hour – $10 bottles, $2 off glasses.
Cozy Classic: Cliffside Cider
Just a short ride from downtown, Cliffside Cider offers a relaxed, cozy vibe with pups welcome and a real local feel. If you're like me and love trying everything (and cute tiny cups), the cider tasting platters are a must! They also have live music and funky Saturday night markets every once in a while, so check out their Instagram to stay in the loop.
Why Visit?: Chill atmosphere, rotating events, and live music.
Drink to Try: Chicha de Pina (if it’s on tap).
Super Snack: Bring your own or grab something from The Black Box Cuisine food truck.
Deal: Happy Hour (Monday to Thursday, 12-6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 12-4 p.m.) – $6 ciders. Guests of the Squamish Adventure Inn get 10% off (outside of the happy hour deal).
Big Log Cabin: Howe Sound Brewing
Howe Sound Brewing feels like a giant log cabin, perfect for a low-key hang. With a family-friendly atmosphere and cozy vibe, it’s the OG craft brewery in Squamish. This spot is the perfect place to catch a game or just enjoy a pint in a laid-back setting, inside or outdoors on their patio.
Why Visit?: Ideal spot for a casual backpacker hang/ family friendly.
Drink to Try: Sky Pilot (named after a peak in the area).
Super Snack: Wood-fired pizza.
Deal: Happy Hour (Every day, 3-5 p.m.).
Special Splurge: Raincity Distillery
Moving away from downtown, we have this distillery (and the following recommendations, which are also outside of the downtown core and close together). One of the best things about doing this crawl by bike is that you don’t have to find parking. For when you want to treat yourself, Raincity Distillery is your go-to for craft cocktails and a cool vibe. It’s perfect for that small splurge when your travel budget allows. Trust me, a moment here is a travel memory you’ll look back on.
Why Visit? Date night vibes or girls' night out.
Drink to Try: Le Gurk (gin-based cocktail).
Super Snack: Dumplings – ask your server for the perfect cocktail pairing!
Deal: None at the moment (fingers crossed they bring back that dumpling deal)!
A+ Beers in an A+ Location: A-FRAME Brewing
Inspired by the B.C. lake cabin life, A-Frame Brewing is all about relaxing with great beers and a cozy fire pit. They’ve got a solid mix of sours, hazys, and IPAs, making it a great spot to unwind.
Why Visit? Fun beers and relaxed people.
Drink to Try: Earl Grey Tart Ale.
Super Snack: Curly fries from Flipside Burgers (parked outside).
Deal: No deals right now, but feel free to bring your own food for a picnic!
Refreshing Ciders in a Modern Spot: Geo Cider
Geo Cider just re-launched and is all about crafting high-quality ciders made from 100% B.C. apples. They have a casual, modern place which is perfect for a pit stop on a bike ride (P.S. they also have live music on Sunday afternoons) or for grabbing some ciders to go in the multipack to enjoy over sunset with travel friends later on.
Why visit? Satisfy your taco + cider craving all in one go
Drink to Try: Blood Orange Cider
Super Snack: Poke bowl (or if you eat meat, I’ve heard that the beef taco is incredible).
Deal: Happy Hour (2-5 p.m.) + Special Wednesday Deal (taster flight for $8)
Big Beers in a Big Space: Backcountry Brewing
Backcountry Brewing has the largest beer selection in town and a relaxed warehouse vibe, making it a great spot for groups. Grab a slice of wood-fired pizza, kick back, and sample some of their amazing brews.
Why visit? The biggest selection of beers in town.
Drink to Try: Widowmaker - East Coast Style IPA
Super Snack: Wood-fired pizza.
Deal: No deals at the moment, but the variety of beers makes it a fun stop.
Optional Grande Finale: Head to the Smoke Bluffs for Sunset
Depending on how the legs and tummy are feeling, you may want to keep on pedalling. While the above local watering holes make for a great route on their own, you and your travel buddies could tack on a grand finale view of the bluffs just before it gets dark. For that, consider catching sunset at Smoke Bluffs. Head back towards downtown, park your bike, then take a short walk to the bluffs for a stunning view of Squamish at sunset. It’s a peaceful spot to pause, take in the scenery, and take advantage of the photo opp without having to do a big hike.
Why Visit? Close to town sunset views.
Perfect for: A scenic break after cycling all afternoon.
That’s it! Enjoy your time in this B.C. adventure capital. Cheers!
Issue 6