The Chief, or by its full name The Stawamus Chief, is a granite monolith that towers over downtown Squamish, BC. The second largest of its kind in the world, The Chief is an outcrop of the much larger geological formation called the Coast Mountains Batholith, that rose out of the ground in successions between 170 and 50 million years ago.
At 710 meters tall, The Chief is visible from the Sea To Sky Highway and far across the Howe Sound. It is an iconic landmark that has drawn climbers to the region since as early as the 1930’s.
Outdoor adventure and exploration are at the centre of the Squamish community and of the lives of the people who live here. The Chief is quite literally the bedrock of that foundation!
A classic hike you can find in every guidebook about Squamish. The Chief has three summits named south, centre, and north, all accessible from one single hiking trail that winds from sea level to the peaks. The Chief hiking trail is dog-friendly and has great views, as a result, it has become a very popular alternative to the Grouse Grind and can be busy on weekends and holidays.
3 km round trip
2– 3 hours round trip
1772 ft (540 m) elevation gain
Intermediate. Requires fixed-chain lines to assist you at certain sections
Dogs welcome
The wonderful thing about having such a giant in the centre of town means that all our 7 sightseeing tours fly shoulder-to-shoulder with The Chief along their route.
If you think driving in the Sea To Sky is beautiful, imagine flying in the Sea To Sky. Stop watching birds and eagles soar over the Howe Sound and wondering what it would be like to see the world from up there.
If you want a truly unforgettable perspective of Squamish you need a birds-eye-view…and a plane to get you up there.
