BE PREPARED

Many Squamish trails are situated in the forest, over varying terrain, and in a varying degree of altitude. With this in mind it is advisable to:

• Let someone know where you are going and the time you can be expected to return

• Carry a cell phone

• Carry water

• Have good footwear

• Have and use sunscreen

• Ask questions if you are not sure of the route, bring a map

• Plan your excursion in daylight hours

• Pack clothing to cover a change in weather - rain or cold

• Be Bear Aware. Click here to read more.

SHARE THE TRAIL

• Trails that the Squamish works on and develop are multiple use trails, for non-motorized use.

• Etiquette for cyclists is to yield to (move to the side of the trail): cyclists riding uphill, equestrians, pedestrians and runners. Ride with care and slow down in areas with limited visibility.

• Make noise so that animals will hear you approaching and generally move out of your way (also see bear aware advice below).

• Keep dogs on leash (see section on off-leash dog trails below).

Not all trails in Squamish are multi-use, so be aware of signage and follow the advice on local trail maps or check out our Trail Descriptions.

BE FIRE SMART

Squamish tends to be dry in the summer months, and enforced fire bans are common. Fire bans are posted on the District’s website here slrd.bc.ca.

Horseback riding is popular in Squamish so if you’re out on the valley floor trails it’s very possible you’ll meet up with riders and their horses. Here are some guidelines:

When approaching a horse on the trail speak up and be seen! Let them know you’re a human and not a predator!

Give verbal warning when approaching a horse from behind and be prepared to stop if a horse rider asks.

If approaching from the front, stay where the horse can see you.

For your safety and theirs, please pass single file and to the outside. Never pass between two horses.

Thousands of people ride the trails in Squamish year-round. It’s often referred to as the Mountain Biking Capital of Canada. The International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) has developed these "Rules of the Trail" to promote responsible and courteous conduct on shared-use trails. Keep in mind that conventions for yielding and passing may vary in different locations, or with traffic conditions.

1. Ride Open Trails: Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as required. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as state or federal Wilderness.

2. Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

3. Control Your Bicycle: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.

4. Yield Appropriately: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you're coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to other non-motorized trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.

5. Never Scare Animals: Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.

6. Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

In Squamish, dogs must be walked on leash; it’s the law and a fineable offence. Dogs can harass wildlife (a ticketable offense under the BC Wildlife Act) and they can bring the wildlife back to you. Also, please clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste appropriately.

OFF-LEASH DOG TRAILS PILOT PROJECT

The District is piloting locations for shared dog off-leash areas under certain conditions. These would be shared areas where others are using these locations for an array of recreational purposes.

Proposed locations:

• Squamish River Dike behind the Dog Pound - This area would allow dogs off leash 7 days per week at any time of the day.

• Stawamus River Dike in Valleycliffe - This would be a dog off-leash area from dawn to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m

• Trail between the Squamish Valley Golf Course and the Mamquam River - This location would be subject to seasonal spawning closures for bear feeding and salmon spawning seasons. This would be a dog off-leash area from dawn to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Judd Beach Trails in Brackendale - This would be a dog off-leash area from dawn to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Merrill Park in Garibaldi Highlands - This would be a dog off-leash area from dawn to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Proposed owner responsibilities and conditions:

• Dogs must be licensed and display a dog tag

• Dogs must have 100% recall

• Deemed dangerous dogs must follow their set conditions requiring leash and muzzle when using these areas

• Areas can be closed or the off-leash requirement changed due to wildlife concerns either seasonally or when issues arise

• A maximum of three dogs will be permitted off leash with one person

• Increasing the fine for not picking up after your pet

For more information visit the District of Squamish page here →