Squamish: The city between Vancouver 2010 and Whistler, B.C.

On the way back from picking up our media badges from the Whistler Media House, we made a stop over in Squamish, B.C. to tool around the town and see more than the two main pit stops that most people think of when they drive through.

It goes without saying that there is always more than meets the eye, but it was pretty quick to see why people who live here call this place paradise. Cinci from EAT Communications took us out on a personal tour of the area she calls home.

This is where the snow melts from the mountains, runs down their sides, and flows between these banks on the way to the ocean. The water here was crystal clear. You could see why this spot, not far from downtown Squamish, was one of Cinci’s favorite places.

China and Goose also came along for our explorations, running and playing the whole time in what would probably be like an amusement park for a little kid. This was as close as I could get to get one of these girls to sit still long enough for a shot.

The playfulness of the dogs was contagious, and DaveO couldn’t help but claim this rusted out jeep. I can’t fathom how it got there, but you just have to recall that this is the outdoor capitol of Canada. Wind surfing, kite surfing, rock climbing, mountain trails, biking, running, camping, etc. So the fact that this bucket of rust is here can’t be all that surprising.

This cruise ship was brought to the dock in Squamish as housing quarters for Olympics volunteers in Whistler. Aside from the major road work that upgraded the Sea to Sky Highway that passes through the town, this is the main extent of involvement for this community even though its proximity is near geographically in the middle of Vancouver and Whistler.

The people staying here are apparently bused from this boat to the local Wal-Mart parking lot for staging. Volunteers stock up at the local superstore for everyday living as they go between the boat and Whistler Village, bypassing the core of the Squamish downtown community.

So what does downtown Squamish have to offer that these people might be missing?

Grilled Fromage was a great place to stop for a great lunch. 48 different types of grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese poofs served as a side, and a an amazing atmosphere and decor. 80’s music not only heard but also seen on the walls in LP form!

We were having a lot of fun just walking around the town because you can do that here. (The bike statue that DaveO is sitting on is actually a place to lock up your bike while providing a little street art.) Roads are relatively calm and easy going. There were people always in site, but the mood was relaxed and nicely chill. So what do you do at that point?

You hit the local brewery!

DaveO is an outspoken supporter of Howe Sound Brewery, and the reason is simple. They make great beers, put them in big bottles with a cork on top, and run a great brew pub in Squamish. It just so happened that the Superbowl was kicking off as we walked in for a quick pint, and the room was full of locals as well as Olympics volunteers with all their jackets and lanyards.

Making our way back through town to head back south to Vancouver, the display of Canadian pride and excitement for the coming games were everywhere.

The “Paint the Town Red” campaign was in nearly every store window, some more creative than others. I didn’t get a shot of it, but the local thrift shop simply put everything red they had for sale in the front window. Creative and effective.

Just inside the front door of the local Indian restaurant, this was my favorite display of enthusiasm for the games.

We spent around six hours wandering around Squamish, checking out “the spot”, taking the bumpy road up to “The Spit” where all the wind and kite surfing happens, and window shopping around downtown.

There’s a lot more to Squamish that I had ever experienced, and many thanks to Cinci for showing us around, not to mention making new friends to visit when we make it back there again, which will be this summer for sure.

You can see all of the photos I took from our trip to Squamish in this Flickr set.