Shannon Falls & Stawamus Chief Hike

Operated from June to September

Click"Book Now" for information on our schedule and availability.

Pick-up / Drop-off. At the Welcome Kiosk at Canada Place

Canada Place is located downtown Vancouver near all the major transportation hubs. The Welcome Kiosk at Canada Place is pictured below.

About the Stawamus Chief Hike 

The Stawamus Chief ('The Chief') is one of the most popular day hikes near Vancouver. It is also one of the best rock climbing spots in British Columbia. Simply referred to as 'The Chief', it is a giant granite monolith that towers high above the coastal town of Squamish, offering breathtaking views of Howe Sound and several mountains in Garibaldi Provincial Park. 

The Chief has three separate summits that hikers can climb: the South (Peak 1), the Centre (Peak 2), and the North (Peak 3). Each summit can be done individually, or if you feel more ambitious, you can do all three. Most hikers choose to do the shorter trip to the South Peak as it offers spectacular views over the ocean and mountains. The Chief gets snow during the winter, but due to its relatively low elevation and proximity to the ocean, it does not get as much as other nearby mountains. It enjoys a fairly long hiking season and the trail is normally free of snow in early spring.

The start of the trail is located near Squamish, about 1 hour's drive from Vancouver. There is no public transport between Vancouver and trailhead to The Chief. From the parking lot, join the trail and head up the stairs. For the first 30 to 45 minutes, the trail climbs steadily uphill over wooden steps. You will get to a junction where you will have to keep left. After another 10 minutes, you will reach a junction where you can choose to go left to the South Peak, or go right to the Centre and North Peaks. All 3 peaks can be completed in approximately 5 hours or if you prefer a shorter trip, the hike to the South Peak will take about 3.5 hours. 

A spectacular view awaits where an enormous slab of granite hangs overtop of the trail. Walk up the stairs to where the forest opens up and gives way to the exposed rock  at the summit of The Chief. The Chief is the second largest granite monolith in the world (i.e. it is one giant granite rock) and provides the platform for stunning views over Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains.

Make your way back in time for the departure of the bus to Vancouver. LIVV Adventures provide an affordable, frequent and convenient day trip to The Chief during the summer months. No other public transport exists between Vancouver and The Chief.

Other Adventures you might be interested in... 

Garibaldi Lake Hike

Joffre Lakes Hike