Scenic Views · Fishing · British Columbia

Squamish Spit & Estuary

4.5 · 119 Google reviews

A long gravel spit between the Squamish River and its estuary, with big mountain views, seals, birds and a busy kiteboarding scene. Windy, and the access road is full of potholes.

Area D (Elaho/Garibaldi), British ColumbiaSpit Rd, SquamishView: WetlandAccess: Drive the gravel Spit Road to parking near the end; short walks from thereBest time: Summer afternoons for the wind and kiteboarding; spring and fall for birdsFees: Free to visit; windsports access requires a Squamish Windsports Society membershipFishing: The river is under BC Region 2 rules with a bait ban; tidal waters need a federal licence, and salmon openings change by DFO notice.

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What visitors say

The Squamish Spit runs out into Howe Sound with the Squamish River on one side and the estuary on the other. It's wide open, with mountains all around, and visitors describe it as one of the most beautiful spots in Squamish. It's also famously windy, which is why kiteboarders and windsurfers use the far end.

Wildlife is a big part of the appeal. The estuary is a wildlife management area, and visitors report plenty of birds and a large group of harbour seals near the south end. There are several places to stop and watch, and it's pleasant walking for families and dogs, though sensitive habitat north of the windsports area should be left alone.

The road out is gravel with many potholes; a slow drive gets any regular car through. Road access now ends short of the old launch, and the Squamish Windsports Society runs a boat shuttle to the island at the end for members, so riders need a membership. Bring a jacket at any time of year.

Fishing happens along the river mouth, but the rules are layered: BC freshwater regulations with a bait ban on the river, federal tidal rules toward the sound, and salmon openings set by DFO notices. Check both before fishing.

Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 119 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.