In just a few short days, some of the world’s best kite boarders will sail into Squamish, B.C. to compete in Canada’s largest kiteboarding competition. Located about an hour outside of Vancouver, at the infamous Squamish Spit, the events will run from July 6th through July 8th and feature competitions in free style and big air, as well as the kiter cross.
This year’s contest will feature 70 of the best kite boarders from Canada, Dominican Republic, South Africa, England and Spain.
The event this year will start on Friday July 6th beginning with the 6th Annual Canadian Freestyle Championships at 11am where competitors are judged on things like what tricks are being performed while the rider is airborne. There will be winners crowned from 4 categories – Mens, Womens, Masters (competitors over 35) and Juniors (competitors under 18). The Twin Tip Slalom Cross will also be held on Friday with and Open Mens and Open Womens categories. The Slalom Cross will start at 3pm and will judge competitors on speed and board and kite control.
Saturday the 7th will be the day for the thrilling Open Freestyle competition which is open to Men, Women and Juniors and should start at 11:30am. During this event, riders are encouraged to go all out – think expression session in the sky.
Sunday the 8th is the last day of the event and will focus on the Big Airstlye Competition as well as the finals for the Slalom Cross. The Big Air contest will start around 11:30am and is separated into Mens, Womens and Juniors and the Slalom Finals will start about 3pm.
Event times can vary on wind and weather conditions.
The 2018 Kite Clash is free for the public to come and watch. The exciting event takes place in the beautiful Squamish Spit. The Spit is a world-class spot for kiteboarding. The Squamish Spit is ideal because it is located where the Howe Sound and the Squamish river connect, making it the first piece of land that winds hit, making it the perfect place for kite and wind surfers.
This year’s event is expecting over 1000 spectators and to make things easier and safer, the event is providing parking and free shuttle service to and from the contest. Everyone who wants to participate or spectate is encouraged to park at Backcountry Brewing on Commercial Way. On Friday and Sunday, the shuttle will run to and from the venue every 30 minutes. On Saturday, the shuttle will run ever 60 minutes. There will also be a separate shuttle running between 10am and 7pm along Spit road every 15 minutes for people who parked along the dirt road before the yellow gate.
There is food and beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available for purchase during the event but remember to keep the area clean.
Every Friday night from June through September live music can be heard from the Sky Piolet Deck under the sea to sky gondola. Get together with friends and family to enjoy an unforgettable sunset with local music playing in the back ground. Dance on the deck as the sun sets, relax with a refreshing drink in hand or snack on the BBQ inspired menu at the Summit Lodge.
This summer’s lineup is unbelievable with all different styles of music filling the Friday night skies.
Friday, June 8th: Nearly Neil pays tribute to Neil Diamond as well as covers of songs everyone can sing along to.
Friday, June 15th: The Wells play acoustic, Country, Folk, Americana, Bluegrass, Gospel, and Pop.
Friday, June 22nd: The Hairfarmers, modern rock with incredible vocals percussion and guitar.
Friday, June 29: Big Dad Band plays popular covers of pop and rock songs that everyone will enjoy.
Friday, July 6th: Tim Hewitt, a solo acoustic performer with live-looping and popular covers.
Friday, July 13th: Bluesberry Jam, an 11-piece R & B and Jazz band that also plays rock and covers that you will love to sing along to.
Friday, July 20th: Jocelyn Pettit Band, a mix of folk and European music featuring the fiddle and step dancing which really excites and energizes the crowd.
Friday, July 27th: The Hairfarmers are back again to entertain you with their fun and entertaining music.
Friday, August 3rd: Ruckus Deluxe delivers the perfect combination of contemporary and
classic rock.
Friday, August 10th: Bluesberry Jam returns with their lovely jazz, and R & B.
Friday, August 17th: The Hairfarmers are back for another unforgettable night.
Friday, August 24th: Lovecoast Music, a 5-piece indie soul rock band with a little inspiration form the 70s.
Friday, August 31st: Mazacote, a world band with inspiration from Nicaragua, Colombia and Mozambique.
Friday, September 7th: The Hairfarmers are coming back for another lovely evening on the deck.
Friday, September 14th: Cam Salay will energize you with folk and soul.
Friday, September 21st: Sea to Sky Orchestra is filled with passionate players on string instruments.
The Mountain Music Series is the perfect way to spend a Friday evening. Music starts around 6 pm but get their early as seating is first come first serve and you are not able to make reservations ahead of time. Musicians will play until 9 pm. This is the fifth summer for the Mountain Music Series and it is quickly becoming a popular Friday night tradition.
From February 10 to February 12, 2018, Sea To Sky Gondola will help families celebrate with their annual Family Day weekend.
Over the holiday weekend, the Sea to Sky Gondola is one of the venues that will host activities all weekend long. Located in Squamish, British Columbia at 36800 Highway 99, Sea to Sky Gondola is just two kilometres south of Squamish and roughly an hour’s drive from downtown Vancouver. Attractions include the Gondola ride, hiking trails, free optional guided tours, a suspension bridge and breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the Squamish Valley.
The Gondola ride takes about 10 minutes and ascends about 850 metres with a spectacular view of the landscape below. A number of family-friendly trails await visitors. The 1.6 kilometre Panorama and Wonderland Lake Loop trail carries you along the most scenic paths and leads to the most breathtaking views over Squamish Valley. If you’re not up for a hike, enjoy the impressive views anyway, from the suspension bridge. Get to know more about the local history and natural environment on a free guided tour that carries visitors along the 400 metre long Spirit Trail.
On Family Day, the Sea to Sky Gondola will be offering additional activities to partake in. In celebration of the holiday, admissions will be half price for the entire weekend! Entry to the Sea to Sky is usually $40 (adults), $38 (seniors), $25 (13-18 years), $14 (6-12 years) and free for children under five. With a 50 percent discount, the whole family can enjoy the Gondola experience twice over, or engage in the #AdventureByNature experience, specially organized for the weekend. Important to note is that the Family Day discount is applicable to individual ticket purchases only, and excludes family tickets.
#AdventureByNature at Sea to Sky Gondola will be buzzing with activities over the weekend. Families can come explore the snowshoe trails on a guided tour. This tour takes visitors through a majestic sub-alpine forest, leading to a lookout platform above the legendary Stawamus Chief, Howe Sound, and the Squamish Valley. If solitude, breathtaking views, crisp mountain air and snow laden forests awaken your senses, try snowshoeing and escape into Sea to Sky’s winter wonderland. The trail is accessible to experienced snowshoers and first-timers.
Another exciting family experience is good old fashioned tubing. About five minutes away from the Summit Lodge, the tube park delivers sliding fun for all ages. They also offer hot beverages, or a winter stew, before returning to the base. After having a memorable time tubing, families can enjoy S’mores and family time around the outdoor bonfire, or refuel with a meal. For the children, Sea to Sky will have face painting and retail discounts on The North Face children’s clothing. Come see an old fashioned Canadian sugar shack and/or relax to live music, plus so much more!
This year’s Family Day, at the Sea to Sky Gondola, will be chock full of things to do and see, from February 10th through 12th. Join in on the celebrations and create memories as a family. Tickets purchased for the #AdventureByNature experienceare valid until day end, February 12, 2018. For more information, call 604-892-2551 or visit www.seatoskygondola.com/familydays.
Monday, February 12th, Britannia Mine Museum will be offering 50% off admission, to celebrate BC Family Day. There will be 45-minute guided tours offered throughout the day.
Britannia Mine Museum is a National Historic Site and internationally recognized tourist and educational destination, located on the Sea to Sky Highway, between Vancouver and Whistler. It provides an insight into the 112-year history of the Britannia Beach community, and encourages mining awareness through experiential educational programs, exhibits and entertaining events. You will not only enjoy the exhibits and engaging favourites like the underground mine train, the historic 20-storey concentrator mill and gold panning, but can also learn about Britannia’s history as one of the most productive copper mines in the British Commonwealth in the 1930s.
The underground mine and train ride take you deep inside a mining tunnel, where you can experience what it was like to mine back in 1914. You’ll learn about the drills and machines the miners used and gain an understanding of the mineralization process, and rich colours produced as minerals are exposed to water and air. The historic mill building is one of the last remaining gravity-fed concentrator mills in North America. The 20-storey building has been the symbol of Britannia over the years, perched upon a cliff overlooking Howe Sound, and was restored in 2007. The Beaty-Lundin Visitor Centre houses several theatrical mining displays, a gift shop and mineral gallery.
The 1908 machine shop displays a number of historic machines and pieces of equipment donated by mining companies from across the country. The core sheds are an immense archive of rock core samples, drilled from the mountainside, collected over the mining years in Britannia. And don’t miss the Gold Panning Pavilion, always a big hit with the family; a scenic boardwalk and cedar-post covered area where kids can spend hours panning for real gold, or visit the restored heritage buildings nearby. The Britannia Mine Museum is open sevan days a week from 9:00am to 5pm, with guided tours until 3:00.
Note: If you live in Furry Creek, Britannia Beach, Squamish or Whistler, you can enjoy Britannia Mine Museum’s Sea to Sky special. Show your driver’s license (or other proof of address) and receive 50% off admission Saturday the 10th, Sunday the 11th and Monday the 12th.
Halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, you’ll discover the town of Squamish. With a warm and welcoming community, visitors and residents come each year to enjoy an array of events and activities. Christmas in Squamish is organized each year, as an opportunity to spice up the holidays and to give back to the community. As with past years, this year has many exciting offerings to look forward to. From November through January, Squamish comes alive with the holiday spirit. These are some of the many activities to partake in this holiday season.
Winter Farmer’s Market
The Winter Farmer’s Market is open to the public every Saturday between 10am – 2pm as of November 4 and continues through to December 16th. Active since 2005, the Winter Farmer’s Market continues to grow each year. It offers patrons delicious and creative fresh, local produce, handmade baked goods, crafts and other tasty treats; all while supporting community driven businesses. This year the Winter Farmer’s Market has a new home at the Squamish Adventure Centre, located at 38551 Loggers Lane. For details on vending and dates visit www.squamishfarmersmarket.com.
Polar Express Train Ride
The Polar Express rolls out on Saturday, November 25th and continues until Sunday, December 17th, departing from West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Hop on this magical hour long train ride to the North Pole while enjoying hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas carols and stories. Visit the North Pole Workshop and Gingerbread Village for a chance to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Traveling to the Squamish Terminal and back, this family-friendly experience ensures a time full of laughter, music and magic. Tickets for the ride range from $35 -$1500 and includes snacks, musical entertainment, souvenirs and so much more. Departure times vary throughout the day. For information and tickets visit www.wcra.org or call (604) 229-1103.
Pancakes and Photos with Santa
Families love Pancakes and Photos with Santa. The event takes place Friday, December 1, 2017 between 10 am – 2 pm. Santa Claus is coming to the Sea to Sky Gondola. Children of all ages are invited to a pancake breakfast, followed by an opportunity to have photos taken with Santa. Enjoy other festivities, like writing postcards and creating magical reindeer treats, while discovering the magic of Christmas, 2,800 feet above sea level.
Tara O’Grady Photography will be taking photos with Santa on a first-come, first-served basis. These photos cost $15 for one picture, or $20 for two. Pancakes are available for $5, and no reservations are required. The Summit Lodge is hosting the event, and day passes to access the Summit Lodge can be had for $39.95 (adults) and $13.95 (children); or take advantage of the local’s annual pass. For ticket information, visit https://www.seatoskygondola.com/visit/tickets-and-passes.
Santa Parade 2017
This year’s Santa Claus Parade takes place at 7 pm on Friday, December 1 and everyone is invited. The parade is organized by the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association and Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue, and they encourage businesses with floats to get creative and enter the best decorated and holiday spirited float contests, to help ensure the best parade ever.
This year’s parade route will be Cleveland Avenue, from Pemberton Avenue to Main Street. Registration and assembly will take place on Third Avenue, starting at Bailey Street. The rates are $30 for businesses, with more than 3 employees, $15 with 3 or less and $5 for non-profit. For further information, contact Cindy Cardiff, Santa Parade organizer at 604-849-035, or at squamishchristmas@double-shutter.com.
Christmas Fair
Of the many fairs taking place in Squamish, the Squamish Waldorf School Christmas Fair, is a seasonal favourite. The two day event starts on Friday, December 1st, from 7 – 9pm, and continues on Saturday, December 2nd from 11am – 3pm. The Fair features entertainment and activities, like candle dipping, puppet shows, ornament making, handmade crafts, home decor items and jewelry, for the whole family.
New this year is the Sip & Shop Night Market on Friday, December 1, where adults get enjoy a social nigh,t and pre-purchase activity tickets for Saturday’s fair. Admission is free, but tickets are required for selected activities. The Squamish Waldorf School, located at 38265 Westway Avenue, will host the event. For further information, contact the school at info@squamishwaldorfschool.com or call 604-898-3287.
Storytime at the Gondola
Storytime at the Gondola is another family favourite, and takes place December 5th to December 21st, every Tuesday and Thursday, from 10:30 – 11:00am. Storytelling will be hosted by the Squamish Public Library, with a special guest storyteller sharing some of the season’s favorites. Storytime will be followed by a festive craft and hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
Musical performances at the Sea to Sky Gondola, for the holiday season, will be on December 9th and 10th, 2017. Performances are from 12 – 4pm on the 9th, and 2pm on the 10th. On the 9th, holiday-themed choral music will be performed by Squamish choirs, singing specially selected Christmas songs from their repertoire. Choirs includes Waldorf, Quest University, Squamish Elementary and Howe Sound Jazz Ensemble. On the 10th, get into the spirit of Christmas with a Christmas carol sing-along by the tree, as well as contemporary holiday favorites and classic carols performed by the Squamish Academy of Music, and the SAM Singers choir. The performance will be held at the Summit Lodge. Tickets are $39.95 (adults) and $13.95 (children), or try the annual pass for even more benefits. Visit https://www.seatoskygondola.com/visit/tickets-and-passes for ticket details, or email them at http://www.exploresquamish.com/explore/sea-to-sky-gondola for more information.
Holidays at Britannia
On December 16th, between 9:30am – 4:30pm, join the Britannia Mine Museum, located in beautiful Britannia Beach, for their Holiday at Britannia celebrations, which are also a part of this year’s Santa Fly In contest. The event will include photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, craft activities for the kids, holiday displays in their historic Machine Shop, including collectible ceramic Dickens village vignettes, a North Pole village, with free hot chocolate and roast chestnuts. Winners of the contest will be flown in by helicopter, with Santa and Mrs. Claus, to the Museum to join the festivities. Special event pricing is $15, including photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children 4 years and under enter free, and the first fifty children over 4 years also get in free! Visit https://www.britanniaminemuseum.ca/ for more details.
Bald Eagle Watching
Eagle watching has been a favorite winter activity in Squamish, and is enjoyed by both visitors and locals. This year the season starts mid-November, through to January 2018, and provides fun for the whole family. Eagle watching can be observed from various points in Squamish. A prime spot is Eagle Run Park on Saturdays and Sundays, from around 10am – 3pm, until January 2018, and throughout Christmas Week.
Home to one of North America’s largest congregations of wintering Bald Eagles, they come to Squamish to take shelter for the cold winter months, and to hunt salmon. Truly a sight to behold, observe them on a gentle float down the Cheakamus and Squamish Rivers, for a unique vantage point, or on a ramp at the south end of Eagle Run Park. Visit http://www.squamishenvironment.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/squamisheaglewatch/ for more information on Bald Eagles and how to participate.
Holiday Wine Pairing Dinner
On December 15, between 6:00pm – 9:00pm, experience the joy of the season at the Holiday Wine Pairing Dinner. Treat your taste buds to a wonderful combination of local food and wine, while dining with great company at the fantastic Sea to Sky Gondola Summit Lodge. The menu will be a full dining and culinary experience prepared by Chef Jessy Ash, served with live music, to complete the experience. The cost is $89.99 before taxes and gratuities. To reserve your place, call 604-892-2551 or visit http://www.exploresquamish.com/events/taste-of-europe-wine-pairing-series to see the menu description.
The takeaway
There truly is something for everyone during the holiday season in Squamish, BC. The entire family is included, and residents and visitors alike will enjoy the holiday magic, memories and the fun that Squamish has to offer. The variety of options, combined with the snow-capped mountains overlooking the valley, frozen waterfalls, the evergreen trees, and Christmas lights, provide a beautiful backdrop for a magical Christmas.
Happy Holidays from August Jack Motor Inn. Click here if we can help you with budget Squamish accommodations.
From June 9th to September 22nd, The Sea To Sky Gondola hosted its 4th annual Mountain Music Series at the Summit Lodge.
Every Friday performances started from 6pm and featured a wide variety of performers that kept the audience entertained. This year’s line-up offered a variety of genres ranging from Classic Rock, European Folk, Indie Soul, Modern-Acoustic, R&B and World Fusion. By combining a summer-inspired barbeque menu, breathtaking sunsets and toe-tapping music the Summit Lodge patio has been truly a unique setting for all to enjoy.
The Sea to Sky Gondola is located in Squamish, British Columbia. Due to the uniqueness of this land, Squamish has a complex and rich history with Canada’s First Nations population. This population is referred to today as the “Squamish Nation” and are descendants of the Coast Salish Indigenous Peoples. The word “Squamish” means “Mother of the Wind” and with the strong winds that still blow at the north end of Howe Sound.
The Squamish Nation has a long history with art, sports, hunting, and fishing. Modern day Squamish is focused on adventure sports, ecotourism, sustainable development and is referred to as “the outdoor recreation capital of Canada”. It is no wonder that it has been the home for the Series over the years. This summer is no different. Here’s the running order for the 2017 show that lit up the stage throughout the entire summer!
Big Dad Band – Kicking off the first Friday in the series on the 9th of June, they performed their rock/pop covers to an appreciative audience.
OffRoaders – A rad upcoming rock band out of Squamish British Columbia, Offroaders also performed. The band members are Aaron Loveless (lead guitar), Will Ross (lead vocals), Zack de Jong (rhythm guitar, lyrics), Colin Bates (bass) and Ian McCurdy (drums).
The Hairfarmers – Combined stunning vocals with innovative guitar and percussion providing the soundtrack for the evening. Voted “Whistler’s Best Band” every year since 2001, Doug and Greg played like they do at any of their over 250 shows a year.
The Cole Patenaude Band – Is a folk rock pop band from Horsefly, British Columbia. The band includes Dean (piano), Derek (bass), Carson (drums) and Cole (guitar & lead man) and was the performer of the evening on that Friday, reminding you that life is good.
Jocelyn Pettit – Hailing from the West Coast of British Columbia, she is a vibrant fiddle player, step dancer, singer and composer. Jocelyn enjoys sharing the joy of the music which was evident on her night.
Bluesberry Jam – Based in Squamish, B.C., the Bluesberry Jam has been playing blues, rock and R&B covers and originals for over 20 years. Founded by Keith Junkin, Woody Woodridge and Antti Makitalo in the early 90’s, the band brought their maturity to the series.
Tanga – Is a west coast world fusion mob, mixing up Caribbean beats with east African marimba, Colombian electrocumbia and Guatemalan dancehall. Inspired by the party grooves and percussion of latin styles, the band got the audience moving.
Sean Kozak – A DJ, purveyor of fine grooves, he likes to dance and get others to do the same. To celebrate Canada’s 150th independence on that evening, Sean played the favourites all night long.
The Ruffled Feathers – Is a six piece chamber-pop band from Vancouver, BC. The band performed their combination of haunting female vocals, carefully crafted harmonies, multi-instrumentation, and brazen horns for the series.
Lovecoast – An up-and-coming act from the West Coast of Canada, the band has created something bouncy and infectious by bringing “together modern day indie pop and blue-eyed ’70s R&B” which they shared with the audience.
Tim Hewitt – A one man band that will surprise and delight you by sounding like an entire party band and all live! Tim Hewitt added rich layers to the series.
And on the 22nd of September, Sea to Sky Orchestra will be performing to round off the performances for the 2017 Mountain Music Series. They are a group of passionate string players brought together by their mutual desire to create and play classical music in the Sea to Sky Corridor.
Although this is the last in the series, you can still participate. Meet us on the Summit with your day pass, hike up and download it for $15. We promise you will not regret it. See you next year!
