Squamish Spit & Estuary
Squamish Spit
A breakwater spit reaching into the sea at the north end of Howe Sound. Strong afternoon winds in summer make it one of Canada's best-known kitesurfing spots, and the estuary wetlands are good for birdwatching walks.
Squamish Spit is an artificial training dike at the mouth of the Squamish River. Strong afternoon thermal winds blowing in from Howe Sound make it a well-known kitesurfing and windsurfing destination in North America. It is managed by the Squamish Wind Sports Association, and entering the spit requires a small day fee of about 20 to 25 Canadian dollars, which funds rescue boats for surfers. Visitors who are not water sports enthusiasts can walk along the dike trail in the adjacent Skwelwil'em (Squamish Estuary) Wildlife Management Area, watching waterbirds and the Stawamus Chief across the water. Note: the spit road is gravel. In strong winds, only experienced people should go into the water.
Opening hours
Open all day (sandbar open in summer; check association announcements)
Nearby sights
- Sea to Sky Gondola
- Shannon Falls
- Downtown Squamish (Cleveland Avenue)
- West Coast Railway Heritage Park
- Stawamus Chief
- Smoke Bluffs Park
- Murrin Provincial Park
- Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park