One of my favourite things about living in Squamish is that some of the best hiking in British Columbia is quite literally on your doorstep. And the good news for RV and campervan visitors? Many of the best trailheads in the area have parking that actually works for larger vehicles.
That said, not all trailheads are created equal. Some have big, easy lots that will fit a full-size motorhome without any drama. Others are better suited to campervans and smaller rigs only. And a few — no matter how good the hike — are simply not worth attempting in anything bigger than a regular car.
This guide covers eight of the best hikes in Squamish that are genuinely accessible by RV or campervan, with honest notes on the parking situation at each one. Whether you’re here for a weekend or passing through on a Sea to Sky road trip, there’s something on this list for every type of traveller and every type of rig.
A quick note on parking symbols used in this guide:
- ✅ All sizes — suitable for large motorhomes and full-size RVs
- ✅ Small–medium RVs — fine for Class C motorhomes and campervans, tight for larger rigs
- ⚠️ Campervans and vans only — not recommended for motorhomes
1. Shannon Falls — Easy | 1km return
Difficulty: Easy Time: 30–45 mins Elevation: Minimal
If you’re only doing one hike in Squamish, make it this one. Shannon Falls is the third highest waterfall in British Columbia at 335 metres, and the trail to reach it is relatively flat, well-maintained and accessible for pretty much everyone. A wide path through beautiful old-growth forest leads to two viewing platforms right in front of the falls — the kind of scenery that makes you want to just stand there for a while.
It’s also a great one to do at the start or end of a bigger hike, since it connects directly to the Stawamus Chief trailhead just a short walk away.
Parking
The parking for Shannon Falls is no problem if you are in a camper van or smaller (Class C) RV. The free paved lot sits just off Highway 99 with double length spots in the main car park available if you get there early enough but this parking does fill up fast, especially in summer. For larger RVs there is parking available just across the highway next to Klahanie Campground which only adds a two-minute walk back to the trailhead. Alternatively there is designated RV parking at the Sea to Sky Gondola which adds a pleasant 15 minute flat walk through the forest trails.
The lot gate at Shannon Falls does close between 10pm and 7am, so make sure you’re out before then. On summer weekends it gets busy — aim to arrive before 8am if you can.
RV Parking: ✅ Small–medium RVs – Larger RVs can park across the highway at Klahanie Campground or the Sea To Sky Gondola Parking
2. Stawamus Chief — First Peak | Challenging | 4km return
Difficulty: Challenging Time: 3–4 hours Elevation: 535m
The Stawamus Chief is Squamish’s most iconic hike and one of those experiences that will stick with you long after you’ve left. The trail climbs up a 700-metre granite monolith via chains, ladders and steep wooden stairs — it’s not a gentle stroll, but the payoff at the top is absolutely worth it. Views of Howe Sound, the Sea to Sky Highway and the mountains in every direction.
You can hike to one, two or all three peaks depending on your energy levels. Most people do First Peak as a half-day hike. If you want to do all three, allow a full day.
Parking
The main upper parking lot at the Stawamus Chief (closest to the campground and trailhead) is best suited for smaller RVs (25ft max) and camper vans with some double length spaces but mostly single spaces.
If you’re arriving in a larger rig then I would suggest parking lot at the far north end (closest to Squamish and just past the Apron trail signs before you get back onto the highway. This is not marked on Google Maps as a parking lot but just keep driving out of the main lot towards Squamish and you’ll reach it – here has a lot has a lot more space for larger rigs and is often quieter.
RV Parking: ✅All sizes
3. Four Lakes Trail — Alice Lake Provincial Park | Easy | 6.5km loop
Difficulty: Easy Time: 1.5-2 hours Elevation: Minimal
This is one of my absolute favourites for a relaxed half-day out or gentle trail run. The Four Lakes Trail is a stunning forest loop that connects four beautiful mountain lakes — Alice, Stump, Fawn and Edith — through towering old-growth trees with the Tantalus Range looming in the background. It’s mostly flat, well-signposted and genuinely beautiful the whole way round.
On a hot day, the swimming at Alice Lake is brilliant. Bring a towel and make an afternoon of it. This is also one of the best family-friendly hikes in the area — kids love the lake-hopping route.
Parking
The large, well-maintained paved parking lot at Alice Lake Provincial Park’s day-use area has plenty of space for RVs of most sizes — including larger motorhomes. In peak summer the park can reach capacity on warm weekends, so aim to arrive before 10am or after 4pm to get a spot!
RV Parking: ✅ All sizes including large motorhomes
4. DeBeck’s Hill — Alice Lake Provincial Park | Easy/Moderate | 4.3km return
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Time: 1.5-2hours Elevation: ~270m
This one is a bit of a hidden gem that most visitors to Alice Lake walk straight past. DeBeck’s Hill is a short, rewarding hike starting right from the Alice Lake Provincial Park day-use area that climbs through forest to a lovely viewpoint overlooking the Squamish River and the dramatic Tantalus Range.
Because it starts from the same parking area as the Four Lakes Trail, it makes a perfect add-on if you want a bit more elevation and a quieter experience. Far fewer crowds than the lakeside trail, and the views at the top are genuinely impressive.
Parking
Same Alice Lake Provincial Park day-use lot as above. See parking notes for the Four Lakes Trail.
RV Parking: ✅ All sizes including large motorhomes
5. Brohm Lake Interpretive Forest | Easy | 6–10km (various loops)
Difficulty: Moderate Time: 3.5–4 hours Elevation: 463m
Brohm Lake is one of those places that most people drive straight past on Highway 99 without ever knowing it’s there — which is exactly what makes it so good. A network of forest trails winds around the lake through old-growth trees, with a couple of viewpoints looking out toward the Tantalus Range and an old fire lookout worth exploring if you can find it.
On a warm day, the lake is absolutely perfect for a swim. It’s quieter than Alice Lake and has a lovely wild feel to it. If you want a relaxed few hours in the forest away from the crowds, this is the one.
Parking
The main parking at Brohm Lake is small but it can fit camper vans and small/medium RVs (up to about 23ft if you are happy reverse parking into spaces). The biggest challenge is that the number of parking spaces is very limited so in peak season this parking lot fills up fast! Either arrive early visit in a quieter season for guaranteed parking.
For larger RVs, there is a large gravel pull-out a little further south at the turn-off for the Cheekye Forest Road. You can access the trail from the Brohm Lake Wooden Bridge instead. Though this way does involve crossing the highway so bring caution.
RV Parking: ✅ Campervans and medium RVs. Larger motorhomes — assess before committing.
6. Sea to Sky Gondola — The Panorama Trail | Easy | 1.9km loop
Difficulty: Easy (at the top) Time: 30–45 mins walking Elevation: Minimal — gondola does the climbing!
Okay, technically this one involves a gondola rather than hiking from the ground — but hear me out. The Sea to Sky Gondola whisks you up from sea level to a spectacular summit with 360-degree views of Howe Sound, the Chief and the surrounding mountains. From there, the Panorama Ridge walking loop is an easy, accessible trail that takes you along the ridgeline with jaw-dropping views the entire way.
It’s a brilliant option for traveling with mixed abilities — kids, older travelers or anyone who wants the mountain views without the big climb. The summit also has a fantastic restaurant, a suspension bridge, and picnic tables with one of the best views in the Sea to Sky.
Parking
The gondola base has a large purpose-built paved parking lot right off Highway 99, designed to handle high visitor volumes with designated parking space for RVs and motorhomes of all sizes. A gondola ticket is required to access the summit (adult tickets are around $70 CAD — worth every penny for the views).
Check the Sea to Sky Gondola website for current prices and hours before visiting.
RV Parking: ✅All sizes including large motorhomes
7. Al’s Habrich Ridge Trail — Sea to Sky Gondola | Challenging | 6.9km return
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging Time: 3 hours Elevation: 440m (depending on route)
If you’ve already done the Panorama Ridge loop at the top of the gondola and want something that really gets into the backcountry, Al’s Habrich Ridge is the one. It’s the Sea to Sky Gondola’s flagship backcountry trail for good reason — the route weaves through ancient old-growth forest, past granite slabs, sub-alpine meadows and creek crossings before breaking out onto an exposed ridge with some of the most spectacular views in the entire Sea to Sky corridor.
From the ridge you can see Howe Sound, the Stawamus Chief, Sky Pilot Mountain, the Tantalus Range and on a clear day, all the way to Mount Garibaldi and Garibaldi Provincial Park. It’s genuinely breathtaking. The trail continues beyond the ridge to the beautiful Neverland Lake — a perfect spot for a rest and a snack before heading back. If you want to add even more, the Neverland Loop tacks on another 1–2 hours and takes you to Neverland Falls through gorgeous old-growth forest.
The trail starts from the top of the gondola, so you ride up and then hike from there. It’s well-marked throughout but involves some steep sections, rocky terrain and exposed scrambling near the ridge — good hiking boots and sure footing required. Allow a full half-day at minimum, and always check the last gondola download time before you set off so you don’t get stranded at the top.
One important note: dogs are not permitted on the gondola going up. You can hike up via the Sea to Summit Trail with a dog, but that adds 6.5km and 900m of elevation before you even start Al’s Habrich — a very big day. A paid download ticket for dogs is available at the summit.
Parking: Same large paved gondola base parking lot as mentioned earlier in this guide for the Panorama Ridge Trail.
RV Parking: ✅ All sizes including large motorhomes — use the oversize parking area.
8. Smoke Bluffs Loop Trail | Easy/Moderate | 5.5km loop
Difficulty: Easy Time: 1.5–2 hours Elevation: ~250m
Right in the heart of Squamish, the Smoke Bluffs is one of those places that perfectly captures what this town is all about. The park is best known as one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in Canada — with over 400 granite routes dotting the cliffs — but the hiking trail that loops around the bluffs is brilliant in its own right and well worth doing even if you’ve never touched a climbing shoe in your life.
The loop winds through peaceful forest past viewpoint after viewpoint looking out over Howe Sound, the Stawamus Chief and the town below. You’ll almost certainly pass climbers on the rock faces as you walk — it’s a pretty spectacular thing to stop and watch for a few minutes. The trail has some steep sections and wooden stairs but is generally accessible for most fitness levels. There’s also a kids’ playground halfway round, which makes it a great family outing.
A fun local fact: the park’s original name was Bughouse Heights. It became Smoke Bluffs in 1953 after a forest fire smouldered in the area for a long time. The more you know.
Parking: The Smoke Bluffs has its own dedicated gravel parking lot right off Loggers Lane in downtown Squamish — just turn at the lights at the Highway 99 and Cleveland Avenue intersection and follow the signs. The lot is a decent size but the turn in can be a little tight. if you’re able to get through the turn in then any rig size should be fine. Alternatively, there is additional gravel parking opposite the adventure centre that big-rigs will fit in easily and is only a 5 minute walk from the trailhead. It also gives you a great opportunity to stop by the Squamish Adventure Centre for a coffee or look around the awesome gift shop they have there!
RV Parking: ✅ All sizes
9. Elfin Lakes — Garibaldi Provincial Park | Moderate | 22km return
Difficulty: Moderate Time: 6–8 hours Elevation: 660m
If you’re up for a proper full-day adventure, Elfin Lakes is one of the most spectacular hikes accessible from Squamish. The trail climbs steadily through Garibaldi Provincial Park before breaking out above the treeline onto a long ridgeline with incredible mountain views in every direction. The turquoise alpine lake and BC Parks hut at the end feel like a reward well earned.
This is a long day — 22km return with 660m of elevation — so start early, pack plenty of food and water, and bring an extra layer. A day-use pass reservation through the BC Parks website is required during peak season (May to October). Book this in advance as spots fill up fast.
Parking
The trailhead is accessed via Garibaldi Park Road through the Garibaldi Highlands neighbourhood in Squamish. The access road is gravel but manageable for 2WD vehicles. The trailhead lot is a reasonable size and works well for campervans and smaller Class C motorhomes. Large Class A motorhomes are not recommended here due to the gravel road surface and limited turning space at the end.
RV Parking: ⚠️Campervans and smaller Class C motorhomes only. Not recommended for large motorhomes.
10. Cheakamus River Canyon & Starvation Lake Loop | Easy/Moderate | 6.4km
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Time: 1.5–2hours Elevation: 152m
This is one of Squamish’s best kept secrets and one of my personal favourites. The trail follows the Sea to Sky Trail from the end of Paradise Valley past Starvation Lake and along a beautiful section of the Cheakamus River Canyon — think mossy old-growth forest, dramatic river gorge views and a peaceful lake that’s brilliant for a swim on a warm day.
Because it’s off the main tourist track, you’ll often have the trail almost entirely to yourself even on busy summer weekends. A real gem.
Parking
The trailhead is at the end of Paradise Valley Road. After the highway turnoff, the road turns to gravel for roughly 3km — bumpy but fine for 2WD vehicles and campervans at a reasonable speed. There’s a gravel parking area at the end with space for campervans and small to medium RVs. Large motorhomes are not recommended here due to the road length and limited turning space at the trailhead.
RV Parking: ⚠️ Campervans and small RVs only. Not suitable for large motorhomes.
Quick Reference Guide
| Hike | Technical Difficulty | Distance | Time | RV Parking | |
| 1 | Shannon Falls | Easy | 1km | 30–45 mins | ✅ Small–medium |
| 2 | Stawamus Chief P1 | Hard | 4km | 3–4 hours | ✅ All sizes |
| 3 | Four Lakes Trail | Easy | 9km | 1.5–2 hours | ✅ All sizes |
| 4 | DeBeck’s Hill | Easy/Mod | 3km | 1.5–2 hours | ✅ All sizes |
| 5 | Brohm Lake | Easy | 6–10km | 3.5–4 hours | ✅ Medium RVs |
| 6 | Sea to Sky Gondola | Easy | 1.8km | 30–45 mins | ✅ All sizes |
| 7 | Elfin Lakes | Mod/Hard | 22km | 6–8 hours | ⚠️Vans/small RVs |
| 8 | Cheakamus Canyon | Easy/Mod | 8km | 1.5–2 hours | ⚠️Vans/small RVs |
Tips for Hiking from Your RV in Squamish
- Arrive early in summer. Squamish gets busy on sunny weekends and popular trailhead lots can fill by mid-morning. Getting there before 8am makes a huge difference.
- Book day-use passes in advance. Garibaldi Provincial Park requires online reservations during peak season. Check the BC Parks website before heading out.
- Carry bear spray. Bears are active in the Sea to Sky corridor, especially in summer and fall. Always carry bear spray on any trail in the region and know how to use it. This is the one that I use.
- Pack for mountain weather. Conditions in Squamish can change quickly. Even on a warm summer day, bring a lightweight rain jacket and an extra layer if you’re heading to elevation.
- Check fire bans. If you’re planning a campfire at your campground after a big day out, always check current fire restrictions on the BC Wildfire Service website before lighting up.
- Know your rig’s size. For any hike marked ⚠️ in this guide, it’s worth doing a quick Google Maps street view of the access road before you go, just to make sure you’re comfortable with it.
Where to Stay While Hiking in Squamish
The great thing about exploring Squamish by RV is that most of these hikes are within easy reach of each other — you could genuinely do two or three in a single day if you’re feeling ambitious. Base yourself at one of Squamish’s excellent RV-friendly campgrounds and use it as your launchpad for the week.
Our top picks for a Squamish hiking base camp:
- Alice Lake Provincial Park Campground — right next to the Four Lakes Trail and DeBeck’s Hill, and one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the region
- Klahanie Campground — well-equipped with full hookups and close to the Chief and Shannon Falls
- MTN Fun Basecamp — a newer option close to town with great facilities
Browse all RV-friendly campgrounds near Squamish on the Sea to Sky RV campground directory
What to Pack for a Day Hike from Your RV
Heading out for a day hike from your RV? Make sure you’ve got the essentials covered. Our full Sea to Sky packing list covers everything from hiking gear to RV essentials — including all the items I personally use and recommend after over a year of RV life in the corridor.
Read the full packing guide here
Final Thoughts
Squamish really is one of the best places in Canada to explore by RV. The combination of world-class hiking, incredible scenery and well-equipped campgrounds makes it a destination that rewards slow travel — the kind of trip where you park up for a week and just see what each day brings.
Whether you’re ticking off the Stawamus Chief, spending a lazy afternoon swimming at Brohm Lake or earning those Elfin Lakes views, there’s genuinely something here for every type of outdoor traveller. And with good RV-friendly parking at most of the key trailheads, you don’t need to choose between adventure and the comfort of your home on wheels.
If you’re planning a trip to Squamish and want to explore more of the Sea to Sky corridor, check out the full directory for campgrounds, services and things to do along the route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive an RV to Squamish hiking trailheads?
Yes — many of Squamish’s best trailheads have parking suitable for RVs and campervans. Shannon Falls, Alice Lake Provincial Park and the Sea to Sky Gondola all have large lots that comfortably fit full-size motorhomes. Some trailheads like Elfin Lakes and Paradise Valley are better suited to campervans and smaller rigs due to gravel road access.
What is the easiest hike in Squamish?
Shannon Falls is the easiest and most accessible hike in Squamish — just 1km return on a flat, well-maintained path to BC’s third highest waterfall. It’s suitable for all ages and abilities and has excellent RV parking right off Highway 99.
Do I need to book a parking pass for Squamish hikes?
For hikes in Garibaldi Provincial Park (including Elfin Lakes), a day-use pass reservation is required during peak season (May to October). Book in advance via the BC Parks website. Other trailheads like Shannon Falls and Alice Lake don’t require day use permits — though these lots can fill up on busy summer weekends.
Is Squamish good for hiking?
Squamish is widely regarded as one of the best outdoor destinations in Canada. It sits at the base of the Sea to Sky corridor between Vancouver and Whistler and offers world-class hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and water sports all within a short drive of each other. For RV travelers, it makes a brilliant base camp for exploring the entire Sea to Sky Highway.
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