Best Time to Visit Squamish?

[rowie]

Hi,

We are keen to plan a climbing trip to Squamish (from Scotland, UK). Due to other committments the earliest we could leave would be mid-September, and staying for about 2.5 weeks.

Would this be too late in the season? Aside from climbing we are also keen to spend time mountain biking and paddling etc.

Thanks in advance
Rowie

[Brendan]

mid Sept is a great time to come... it's when things are kinda starting to cool down. imo, july/ august can be way too hot for big hard stuff on the chief. but late sept is best.

[5.4 Slayer]

I don't know, the weather can be pretty hit and miss then. Never know what you're gonna get.

[Brendan]

I don't know, the weather can be pretty hit and miss then. Never know what you're gonna get.

Gary please. the weather in the summer is usually too hot for big routes. mind you, sport climbing (or whatever it's called) may be fine. all i know is that i've been way up on the Chief in the summer when it was ~32°C and i wasn't happy. totally exposed to the sun w/ no shade, and no water... not fun. chalk is as good as (?), and sunburns are mandatory (for the non-olive skinned folk)

[rowie]

Thanks Guys. As we are coming from Scotland we aren't used to climbing in hot sunshine ... in fact anything above about 20C! Getting rained off routes can be par for the course (especially after you've biked and walked 3hrs to get to the route!) and always have to carry a raincoat/duvet as never know what the weather is going to do (snow at the end of May!)

We are super keen to come to Squamish so if we can get a decent priced flight (at the moment UK to Vancouver is £700!) will get it booked. If it rains we can get out on the bikes etc. We went to Red Rocks last year where we knew it would be sunny (and had a great time) but have always wanted to come to Canada.

[rowie]

Yippeee! Flights booked for 17th Sept - can't wait! Moved our dates around slightly and found flying midweek to be £250 less so it had to be done!

Better up the training

Would folks recommending hiring a camper van or a car and hostelling it?

Thanks in advance
Rowie

[sherri]

The Squamish Inn is a great option if you want a roof over your head. Nicely situated close to climbing and shopping venues. They have a big community kitchen so you can cook your own meals and rub elbows w/fellow travelling climbers(seems to be 90 percent of their clientele), internet access, etc.

www.squamishhostel.com

[Steve Townshend]

the "Squamish Inn on the Water" aka. the "Hostel" is EXPENSIVE!!! (if you're staying for any length of time).

I recomend the Ocean Port Hotel, it's right down town and recently renovated and WAY Cheaper for long-term (more than a week) stays.

http://www.oceanporthotel.com/rooms.php

Inn on the Water: dorm-rooms are $28.50/night ($200/week), but you do NOT get your own room; ie. bunk-beds with many other people and a shared bathroom... ZERO privacy and if you are a couple: guys and girls stay in seperate rooms (ie. you can't stay with your boy/girlfriend).... if you want your own room, it will cost you $70/night ($490/week) and you still don't get your own bathroom. if you want your own room/bath it's $80/night ($560/week).... if you can afford that then they look nice.

the Ocean Port Hotel: $210/week for a Standard Room (with your own bathroom) or only $350 a week for a Suit (with seperate Living room!)

Rent a car from the airport when you get here too.

Good luck and have fun when you get here!
Cheers

[rowie]

Aw, thanks everyone for your suggestions - will have a squizz ...

We were considering hiring a campervan to give us some flexibility incase the weather craps out - are they commonly used in the area? Have done both on previous climbing holidays ie/ car and motel and campervan which worked well but all depends on location I guess!

Cheers
Rowie

[rowie]

Hi Guys,

Have looked at a few accommodation options and was wondering if (apart from the Squamish Hostel) if there were any other good self-catering places? We are a couple so looking for something kinda niceish but not too OTT. We camp most weekends here in Scotland (with the dreaded midgies!) and don't really want to lug all of our camping stuff over with us

Been looking at the select guide and getting really giddy! Keeping fingers crossed for dry weather!

Thanks in advance

[sherri]

Weather is P-E-R-F-E-C-T now. Gotta love a sunny day in Squish.

August Jack Motor Inn has rooms w/kitchenettes. I've not stayed there, so can't say how good/bad the place is..but might be worth a look in your search. http://augustjack.bcmotels.com/

[spantik]

Dryden has suites with kitchens too. A bit pricey but definitely a more aesthetic location than August Jack

http://www.drydencreek.com/motel.htm