Squamish is Buzzing: Come Visit, But Be Smart About It!
Hey there, outdoor adventurers and scenic route explorers! Squamish, that gem nestled on the Sea to Sky Highway, is officially open for business and ready to welcome you. While firefighters are still battling a wildfire on a steep cliffside just north of town, officials say the community is very much open to tourism. Even Whistler, further up the highway, confirms it’s business as usual!
On Friday, the B.C. Wildfire Service announced that the out-of-control Dryden Creek wildfire, currently mapped at about 60 hectares, is expected to be declared “held” in just a couple of days. This fantastic news comes thanks to favorable weather conditions and the tireless work of dedicated fire crews.
For most Squamish residents, life has continued pretty normally since the fire initially erupted east of Highway 99 in a northern section of town on Monday. While it triggered a local state of emergency and evacuation alerts for around 200 properties, Mayor Armand Hurford notes the unique situation: “It has been a strange juxtaposition dealing with a fire response but the buses are running on time and kids are taking swimming lessons and there’s a lineup at the café.”
More Than Just a Pit Stop: Squamish’s Outdoor Appeal
Squamish, strategically located roughly halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, traditionally served as a quick pit stop for travelers heading to Whistler’s famous ski slopes. However, in recent years, this municipality has blossomed into a premier tourist destination in its own right. It draws outdoor enthusiasts from all over, including passionate hikers, thrilling mountain bikers, keen windsurfers, and dedicated rock climbers.
Mayor Hurford shared that Squamish typically sees a surge of traffic and visitors over the weekend. Therefore, while the town isn’t telling people to stay away, it’s not quite ready to issue a full “flocking” invitation either. He has heard reports of people wanting to return to closed trails, but strongly emphasized that it is not safe to “push the limits.” “We want visitors to be mindful of the extensive emergency response that’s underway,” he stressed.
Stay Informed, Recreate Responsibly!
Lesley Weekes, Executive Director of Tourism Squamish, confirmed that her bureau has heard anecdotal concerns from visitors about the wildfire. However, she reiterated that, overall, Squamish is enthusiastically open for tourism.
“We encourage people to keep their plans if they are visiting areas of Squamish that are not affected by the Dryden Creek Wildfire,” Weekes stated in an email, pointing out that most businesses are operating as usual. “That said, visitors should stay informed, follow any closures or advisories, and be prepared to recreate responsibly. This helps reduce pressure on emergency services.”
At the Executive Suites Hotel and Resort, it’s business as usual, according to front desk manager Darsham Desai. He mentioned his team has fielded calls from guests unsure about making the trip. “I tell them, it’s good to come,” Desai affirmed. “Our location is not affected and we’re operating as normal.”
Whistler’s Support and Safety Tips
Further up the highway in Whistler, Mayor Jack Crompton expressed his municipality’s sense of solidarity with Squamish. He confirmed that Whistler has not been directly affected by the wildfire. “Bus service continues to operate, all local events are continuing, people are continuing to visit Whistler, and it seems busy in the village,” he reported.
The two municipalities share close ties, and members of the Whistler Fire Rescue Service are actively lending a hand to their Squamish counterparts in fighting the blaze. Crompton’s office strongly encouraged visitors to Whistler to sign up for its emergency notification system. This system sends vital phone or email alerts if the situation changes, ensuring everyone stays safe and informed.
Key Updates for Your Visit
Tourism Squamish also confirmed that air quality in most areas of Squamish remains good, with ongoing monitoring by Vancouver Coastal Health. While Highway 99 is open, drivers are kindly asked to reduce their speed near the fire zone for safety. Alice Lake Provincial Park is currently closed, with corresponding trail closures in place.
Visitors are urged to check Drive B.C. for the latest travel updates, strictly respect all fire bans, follow local signage, and, most importantly, avoid any fire-affected areas. Mayor Hurford, hopeful about the firefighting efforts, stated that winds are fanning the wildfire northward, away from homes and towards terrain crews can access on the ground. “At this point, it does feel like we’re gaining the upper hand,” he said, emphasizing that while the fire remains an “active situation,” Squamish was never at risk of a “Lytton-like event”—referring to the catastrophic wildfire that tragically razed the Fraser Canyon town in June 2021. “The risk is very real for those folks (within the evacuation alert zone), but the community more broadly is not under threat from this fire.” So, pack your bags, but remember to recreate responsibly!
