March 2022 - August Jack Motor Inn

Experience Squamish’s Rainforest Trails and Spectacular Scenery by E-Bike

by augustjack | Mar 27, 2022 | Squamish E-bike Rides, Squamish Mountain Biking

For those yet to try one, e-bikes are the modern evolution of the conventional bicycle. If you’re not a seasoned mountain biker, the comfort, ease of peddling and speed of an e-bike could make this a better choice for your Squamish ride. With e-bikes, you can go on longer rides; you probably won’t have to get off your bike to push through the hilly or rugged terrain of Squamish; and if you become tired, you should have no trouble getting back to the hotel.

An e-bike combines your own effort with the power of an electric motor. This motor assists you up to around 25km/hr. The battery supplies the current for that extra push. The motor of the e-bike is fitted in the middle, or to the rear or front wheel of the bike. Smart sensors measure your speed, pedal force and rotation and use this information to provide the appropriate electric assistance.

E-bikes are easy to operate with controls on the handlebar, allowing you to select the level of assistance. There is also a display on your handlebar with a readout for information such as your speed, distance and remaining battery life.

Staying Safe While Exploring Squamish’s Great Outdoors

Situated mid-way between Whistler and Vancouver, Squamish is a vast recreational area to explore, with breathtaking views and interesting stops. Pedalling through areas like Garibaldi Highlands, Valleycliffe, or heading out on Highway 99 to Britannia Beach and Porteau Cove covers quite the distance, and wind and hills can draw more energy than expected. Good thing you brought the e-bike.

In Squamish, e-bikers are limited to riding on trails designated for e-bike use by Recreation Sites and Trails BC. Safety was very much a concern when selecting the trails, with the rising number of bikers riding across BC’s 700+ trails, with consideration to average levels of fitness, cycling techniques and skill, general e-bike knowledge and the lengths of the trails. E-bikes will also not be allowed in areas closed to motor vehicles or regular bikes but will be allowed on active transportation trails. It’s recommended that you discuss your intended route with the shop where you rent your e-bike.

In British Columbia, e-bikers are required to hold a valid drivers’ license. The British Columbia court ruled that e-bikes do not meet the province’s definition of a motor-assisted cycle, as they are not operated primarily by human power; and they look and function more like mopeds and scooters. Therefore, e-bikes require registration and drivers must have a drivers’ license to ride on BC roads legally.

Within the town of Squamish, most major streets have paved bike lanes on their shoulders and e-bikes are not permitted on sidewalks. With the speeds e-bikes can achieve, the safety of pedestrians, hikers, other cyclists and even horses must always be the top priority.

A Few of Squamish’s Most Popular E-bike Trails

Squamish is known for its lush green rainforests and outstanding mountain bike trails. Here are some of its roughly 20 e-bike-approved trails to explore.

Angry Midget Trail

If you have some mountain bike experience and are looking for a challenging trail, and your e-bike is equipped with front shocks, this 1.1km singletrack black-rated trail is perfect. Situated just up the hill from Half Nelson, Angry Midget is fast, with a constant descent through the Garibaldi Park trees. As you progress further into this technical trail, you will navigate by some root challenges and ladder bridges. You access this trail by riding up Ring Creek Road, a little past Half Nelson.

Elfin Lake Trail

Elfin Lake Trail is the only e-bike approved trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park, an out-and-back trail that’s 21km return, with a 639 m climb. What makes Elfin Lake a must-ride is the spectacular views of Mount Garibaldi, Atwell Peak and vast alpine meadows from the ridge.

The first 2km of the ride can be challenging for beginners, with steep sections and loose rock; but it gets considerably easier after that. This is a heavily trafficked trail, so it’s important to keep your eyes open for hikers and other riders.

You access Elfin Lake Trail by taking Mamquam Road off the Sea to Sky Highway. There are two day-use shelters along the trail – the Red Heather Hut and the Elfin Lakes Cabin – which make great places for a rest and to grab a bite to eat. With advance reservations, it’s possible to overnight at the Elfin Lakes Cabin, the usual turnaround point for this trail.

Half Nelson Trail

Located in the Diamond Head trail network, this 1.9km singletrack trail is great for beginners, intermediate and expert riders alike. It is not too techy and contains a couple of tabletop jumps in the mid-section and plenty of wood bridges that make for an exciting and varied ride.

Easily one of Squamish’s most popular trails, Half Nelson comprises rock rollers, jumps and berms. There are also a few creek bed crossings and a switchback area with rollers to add to the thrill. You access this downhill pump trail from Garibaldi Park Road.

Ray Peters Trail – Green Loop

This easy 7.2km singletrack trail is ideal if you want to hone your off-road biking skills or ride with the kids because it doesn’t have much elevation gain.

If you’re looking for a trail with a magnificent mountain view of the Garibaldi Highlands, the fresh scent of forest greenery, Ray Peters is a good pick. This trail contains wooden features and countless loops. There are sixteen other trails crisscrossing the area, so you should set a GPS marker on your phone at the trailhead to avoid getting lost. You can access Ray Peters Trail from Ross Road.

Wonderland

Wonderland is a beautiful 2.9km cross-country trail with easy corners, some wooden features and low-lying bridges. It’s the perfect choice if you want a smooth ride through the dense forest of Alice Lake Provincial Park.

You can ride this singletrack trail in both directions, but it is best ridden from north to south. This tree-shaded trail offers a fun ride, especially on hot days, as the thick canopy of trees will keep your body cool. Some of the old-growth fir, hemlock and cedar trees in this area are more than a century.

Wonderland trail starts off Alice Lake Park road and exits north of Depot Road near the MTN Fun Basecamp.

Somewhere Over There

This 1.8km hand-built singletrack trail is perfect if you are looking for a route through the pristine BC rainforest, over wooden bridges, through flowy loam and rock slabs.

Considered one of Squamish’s best Black Diamonds by visitors, the Somewhere Over There trail can be a bit technical – especially the first rock roll – and it’s a thrilling ride. The trail has a great flow throughout, and you won’t need to use your breaks. The rock slabs can be challenging when it’s wet. You access Somewhere Over There from the top of the Bonsai dirtbike trail.

Four Scenic Squamish Road Rides

If the forest and mountain trails sound a bit intimidating, try one of the scenic e-bike road trips along Government Road and the Sea to Sky Highway.

The roughly 9 km flat ride along Government Road to Brackendale, passes through Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park, following the Squamish River and its interpretive trail. It’s a quiet place to stop and sit on a bench by the river, or drive a bit farther to The Crabapple Cafe for a bite. From November through February each year, runs of chum salmon travel up the river to spawn, and the area becomes the feeding grounds for thousands of wintering bald eagles.

Another popular ride is Britannia Beach, by way of the Sea to Sky Highway. You’ll pass the Sea to Sky Gondola, and may want to stop for a gondola ride up the slope to the Summit Lodge, with its spectacular views of Howe Sound from the outdoor patio. Next, you’ll pass Stawamus Chief Provincial Park and the Shannon Falls Viewpoint. As you near Britannia Beach, you’ll pass through Murrin Provincial Park. During the summer months, Murrin is a wonderful spot for a picnic, hike, swim in the lake, or some quiet fishing. It’s also a popular spot for watching rock climbers. In Britannia Beach, you might stop for a quick bite before riding back or visit the Britannia Mine Museum, with its underground mine tour.

A popular short ride is the hillside of Valleycliffe, just off Highway 99, with Hospital Hill cliff views overlooking the town of Squamish. Valleycliffe offers several wooded trails, and one connects with the famous Smoke Bluff Trails. It can be enjoyable to take the Smoke Bluffs bike trail and watch climbers on some of the walls, or chain up the bike in the parking lot at the base and hike the vast network of Smoke Bluff Trails. On sunny days hundreds of rock climbers will be perched on the many crags in the park.

For those who would like to combine an e-bike ride with a hike, there’s a parking lot just off Government Road, at the Mamquam Bridge, providing access to the Mamquam River Trails. A network of trails follows the Mamquam River on both sides of the bridge. The trail extends to the Squamish Valley Golf and Country Club, where it follows the green for a while.

E-bike Best Practices and Trail Etiquette

Here are a few recommendations for making your e-biking experience both enjoyable and safe, for you and the other hikers and bikers on the trails.

When you encounter slow riders, give them a quick acknowledgement and signal that you would like to pass. Don’t make them nervous by riding aggressively or too close.
If another rider catches up to you, don’t feel pressured. Keep to your line. Let the faster rider take the appropriate measures to pass you.
If you want to stop on the trail for some refreshment or a quick chat, keep the trail clear. Riders can approach quickly, so pull to the side of the trail.
Respect the right of way. Stick to your authorized trail. If you have doubts about your route, check with someone who knows the area well.
Practice ‘leave no trace’. Don’t drop litter; dispose of waste properly. Avoid unnecessary skidding, dodging puddles and cutting corners, which can damage the trail.
If you know a particular trail deteriorates in wet conditions, avoid using it until it dries out.
Respect trail closure notices.

Outfitters Offering E-bike Adventure Packages and Rentals

Biking in Squamish

Biking in Squamish offers rental services, whether you are only looking to use an e-bike for a few hours or the entire day. Prices start from as low as $66*. Biking in Squamish offers free delivery if you stay in Squamish. All you have to do is reserve a bike, and it will be delivered right to your hotel.

Blazing Saddles Adventures

Blazing Saddles Adventures offers one of the best Squamish mountain tours on a high-end e-bike, with breathtaking views of the beautiful rainforests and ancient volcanoes of Squamish. You can rent e-bikes to make the best of your riding at Squamish for as low as $112*.

Flying Spirit Rentals

Flying Spirit rentals offer a wide range of e-bikes regardless of your biking knowledge or experience. Rental bikes are available for as low as $30*. Voted Squamish’s “Best Adventure Guides”, Flying Spirit also offers e-biking guides and bike maintenance services. The staff of Flying Spirit are always ready to answer your e-bike questions.

Sea to Sky Adventure Company

Sea to Sky Adventure Company provides e-bike rentals from as low as $100*; or enjoy 6 hours of exhilaration with the Alpine E-Mountain Bike Experience for $590*. Sea to Sky Adventure offers professional guides and coaching programs designed to develop your riding ability.

Start your e-bike adventure in Squamish!

* As advertised on their website at the time of writing.

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Strong and Free: Lifting of Covid Mandates Marks the Perfect Time to Discover Squamish

by augustjack | Mar 17, 2022 | Skiing in Whistler, Squamish Attractions, Squamish Dining, Squamish Events

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

After two long years of lockdowns, masks mandates, and vaccine passports, it finally looks as if British Columbia is approaching the finish line of this pandemic. The recent changes to public health measures and a further loosening of restrictions have brought relief and excitement to the many Canadians who have been patiently awaiting a return to normal. With some of the most stringent restrictions in the country, those living in British Columbia have endured countless limitations on their social freedoms. As the restaurant and tourist sectors have been amongst the industries hardest hit, many have been anxiously awaiting a full, province-wide reopening as we approach the spring and summer months of 2022.

The newest announcements from Dr. Bonnie Henry and the Ministry of Health mark the beginning of the end and gives hope for many looking to make the most out of the upcoming warmer months. Since March 11th, individuals are no longer required to wear masks within public indoor settings, and April 8th will mark the end of the province’s vaccine passport program. Thankfully, customers will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination when entering restaurants, shops, or other public gatherings. These changes to the province’s approach to the pandemic come alongside new changes to international entry requirements announced by the federal government. Starting April 1st, fully vaccinated travelers will be able to enter into Canada without a negative Covid-19 test result.

All of these adjustments represent a continued progress on the road to a fully re-opened British Columbia. Already, restaurants, gyms, and other public spaces have been allowed to run at full capacity since February 17th; a policy that has brought relief to countless struggling businesses. Every day, the prospect of a normal summer in British Columbia gets more promising; a warm welcome after two years of lockdown and isolation. With festivals, sports events, and restaurants, British Columbians are finding more and more ways to make the most of our renewed social freedoms.

Squamish is Ready

Having been one of the regions most affected by British Columbia’s Covid-19 restrictions, Squamish and the surrounding Sea to Sky corridor is ready to hit the ground running as more and more restrictions are abandoned. Most important is the resurgence of Squamish’s tourism and hospitality sectors that have faced so many challenges throughout the pandemic. Especially restaurants, who have faced limited capacities, take-out only policies, and even closures throughout the pandemic, are excited at the prospect of a further easing of public health restrictions. For many, the policing of masks and vaccination cards have created added labour and an increase in headaches for staff. But with no limits on capacities, an incoming end to the vaccine passport program and the elimination of mandatory mask regulations, restaurants owners in British Columbia can look forward to a renewed boost in traffic after the struggles of the last two years.

But its not only restaurants who are looking forward to a return to normal. Squamish has long been known for its thriving adventure tourism industry. Mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing are just a few of the many experiences that attract so many to Squamish’s wilderness. Both provincial and federal lockdown measures have seriously limited the number of adventure-seeking travellers able to take advantage of all that Squamish has to offer. For nearly two years, individuals from the United States and other parts of the world have been barred from entering the country.

Although, with loosening provincial regulations and a federal end to mandatory testing, those days are quickly moving far behind us. Many Squamish businesses are excited for the upcoming tourism boom as incoming travellers look to explore one of Canada’s most rewarding regions.

Must-See Places to Visit Under the New Guidelines

As Dr. Bonnie Henry continues to relax restrictions and reopen the province, now is the perfect time to take advantage of returning social freedoms by checking out some of British Columbia’s most rewarding experiences along the Sea to Sky highway.

Sea to Sky Gondola

There is no better way to experience the beauty of British Columbia than from the stunning views of the Sea to Sky Gondola. The impressive ten-minute traverse carries passengers up to 885 metres above sea level. At the top, the summit will reward with breath-taking panoramic views, striking wildlife trails, and first-class dining at the Summit Lodge. In recent weeks, the gondola welcomed the newest public health changes and made the decision to cast aside their mask mandate as soon as they were able to do so. There is no update yet as to whether or not they are planning to lift their vaccine requirements on April 8th, but their recent policy changes have shown that they are happy to remove restrictions as soon as possible. Also, to celebrate easing Covid-19 protocols, Sea to Sky is thrilled to announce the return of Sunday Socials. Every week, join friends and family for an unforgettable afternoon of live music, games, and drink specials!

Whistler

Seeing as Squamish is a central point for many visiting Whistler, many travelers are excited for reduced restrictions and the opportunity to visit one of Canada’s most beautiful mountain communities without fear of restrictive Covid-19 policies. Following Dr. Bonnie Henry’s newest announcements, the municipality of Whistler has echoed a public desire to continue on the road toward normality. Stating that they will act in accordance with public health measures, Whistler has expressed a willingness to finally cast aside restrictions. Thus, throughout the mountain, stores, restaurants and hotels no longer require masks to be worn indoors and following April 8th visitors to the mountain will no longer need to provide proof of vaccination. We recommend a visit to Whistler’s Open Door Directory website for a comprehensive resource on how businesses are reacting to changing provincial requirements.

Fully Re-Opened Restaurants

Many Restaurants in Squamish have expressed increased frustrations as a result of the constantly changing policies meant to slow the spread of Covid-19. But with the changing rules, restaurants are excited to return to normal and offer an unimpeded dining experience for their patrons. Some restaurants like Whitespot, Match Eatery, and Watershed Grill, have all explicitly expressed a willingness to abide by the provincial public health requirements and are no longer requiring masks or proof of vaccination. While most other restaurants on the popular Cleveland Avenue strip have yet to announce specific re-opening plans, the future looks promising as the majority of restaurants have consistently looked toward getting back to business as usual. Squamish restaurant owners are excited to welcome back customers with open arms now that the province has finally decided to abandon these business-crippling limitations.

Squamish Farmer’s Market

Starting April 23rd, mingle with community members every Saturday during a visit to the Squamish Farmer’s Market. This year will be the market’s 19th year of operation and with over 60 vendors and a stunning granite backdrop of the towering Squamish Chief, this is the perfect opportunity to get outside and involved with one of the friendliest communities in British Columbia. However, despite the new changes to the province’s public health policy, the Farmer’s market is still asking that customers remain masked and socially distanced while shopping.

Events

As we in the province slowly emerge from this pandemic, many are looking forward to new ways to get together with friends and family. Fortunately, some big events are being planned over the upcoming months, providing a great opportunity to get out of the house and overcome those ever-present feelings of isolation and pessimism that have plagued so may over the last two years.

Crankworkx (August 5- August 14)

Due to Covid restrictions and the province’s public health measures, many were disappointed to learn that the Whistler Mountain Biking Festival was cancelled in 2021. However, with the recent announcements, organizers have announced that they’re moving full steam ahead with this year’s festival. Known as one of the biggest mountain biking events in the world, Whistler’s Crankworx brings together the best athletes to compete in a variety of elite-level competitions.

Squamish Constellation Festival (July 22-24)

For many, the effects of Covid-19 have been most felt with the absence of live music events. Everyone has been patiently waiting for the time when we can rejoin a crowd of fellow music-lovers and let loose to the rhythm of heart-pounding speakers. Well, the time has come, live music is finally returning, and the three-day Squamish Constellation Festival is a can´t-miss event for those looking to quench that live music thirst. Featuring two stages of non-stop music and over 60 acts lined up, this incredible festival will be one to remember.

Squamish Beer Festival (June 25)

Join over 2000 beer lovers and 55 craft breweries to experience a summertime gathering like no other. Located in the heart of Squamish, this popular event has often been recognized as one of the best festivals in the Sea to Sky corridor. With food trucks, games, axe throwing, and the best craft beer that British Columbia has to offer, the 6th annual Squamish Beer Festival is guaranteed to be a fun way to spend a hot Squamish day.

Squamish Days Loggers Sports Parade (July 28-31)

After two years of cancellations and shortened programs, the infamous Squamish Days Loggers Sports Parade is back for its 65th year this summer. In the years since 1957, what started as a small group of loggers getting together for some friendly competition, has exploded into an action-packed weekend full of logging events, games, and showcases. Experience the rich tradition of Squamish’s extensive logging heritage with events like chainsaw carving competitions, a world-class logger’s sports show, and the concluding Squamish Days parade.

What Are You Waiting For?

The stormy days of the Covid-19 pandemic are finally clearing as lockdowns, mask-wearing, vaccine requirements, and restricted international travel will soon be a distant memory. More than anyone, the people of Squamish and those along the Sea to Sky Highway are ready to reclaim their lives and resume daily life as normal. With exciting events, popular restaurants, and memorable attractions, Squamish is poised to be a hotspot for travellers looking to get outside and explore all that British Columbia has to offer.