Sea to Sky. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
- Trail and stair treads may be slippery in the winter. Please use extra caution and watch for falling ice.
- The Chief Trail is a steep and difficult climb, requiring hikers to be in good physical condition. Hikers should be prepared with appropriate clothing, food, water, and sturdy footwear.
- Rockfall debris is present on the upper sections of the Angel’s Crest Trail. Please use extra caution in this area.
Special notes
Wildlife
Please obey posted climbing route closures on the Chief during the critical nesting season for peregrine falcons.
Rock climbing
BC Parks and a volunteer group of climbers have developed a strategy to manage rock climbing in Stawamus Chief, Shannon Falls, and Murrin Parks. The strategy will be used to direct management activities related to rock climbing in these three parks. This strategy is site specific and will not be applicable to many other provincial parks. To learn more, download the Stawamus Chief, Shannon Falls, and Murrin rock-climbing strategy [PDF]
A best-practices guide has also been developed, which recommends new guidelines and considerations for rock-climbing route cleaning, including route development. This guide intends to balance climbers’ needs with public safety and environmental considerations. To learn more, download the best practices guide for rock-climbing route development in the Squamish area parks [PDF].
Parking
Parks along the Sea to Sky corridor have experienced exceptional growth in visitor numbers, leading to parking congestion and illegally parked vehicles.
Public safety is paramount for BC Parks, so we have implemented a parking enforcement policy at Stawamus Chief and Murrin Parks to ensure safe access for all.
Park in designated parking lots only and look out for places where ‘no parking‘ signs are posted. Illegally parked vehicles will be towed.
Camping
- Camping is allowed on designated sites only. Your tent and all of your equipment must be within your designated site.
- Generator use is only allowed from 9am to 11am and 6pm to 8pm. For more information, see the responsible recreation page.
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
Getting there
Stawamus Chief Park is located immediately next to Shannon Falls Park. The communities nearest to Stawamus Chief Park are Squamish and Brackendale.
Things to do
Hiking trails at Stawamus Chief Park are accessed from the day-use parking area near the campground. They follow Oleson Creek before dividing into separate trails to each peak. The trails are also accessible from Shannon Falls Park.
- First Peak
1.5km trail, elevation gain of 540m - Second Peak
1.7km trail, elevation gain of 590m - Third Peak
1.8km trail, elevation gain of 630m - To Shannon Falls
1.5km hike from the Stawamus parking lot
Hikers at Stawamus Chief Park should always be properly prepared for a strenuous hike and changing weather. Watch this video to get in-depth planning advice that will help you stay safe on Stawamus Chief Trail.
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Taking shortcuts destroys plant life and soil structure.
Find fun summer outdoor learning experiences with Discover Parks Ambassadors here all summer long. For specific dates, along with many more seasonal and year-round activities, visit discoverparks.ca.
Stawamus Chief Park offers fantastic views of Howe Sound and the Squamish Valley from all peaks. Peregrine falcons can be viewed from the highway pull-out day-use area.
Pets must be on a leashed 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 the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
Stawamus Chief Park is a world-class climbing destination. Bouldering opportunities exist at the base of the Stawamus Chief.
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 or giving instruction, is prohibited unless authorized by a valid park-use permit.
About this park
Stawamus Chief Park is named after the First Nation village of St-a-wamus at the north end of the Squamish River.
The Stawamus Chief is one of the largest granite monoliths in the world and provides good nesting habitat for peregrine falcons. Please keep your distance from wildlife, and view with binoculars. Look out for posted closures of climbing routes during the critical nesting season.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.
Contact
| Park operator | This park is operated by Sea to Sky Park Services Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Climbing areas | Climbing and bouldering areas are operated in partnership with the Squamish Access Society. |
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
