Great area to get away from the city.there can be a lot of tourist though so it's a bit of a gamble depending when you visit. The new online Parking pass system seems like a good idea to better monitor visitors. Hopefully it becomes better with time, as the parking lots were still a challenge to find a spot.
The park staff that I spoke with (Bridgette) was awesome; really nice and informative.:)
Be prepared to climb steep stairs or stair-like rocks for the majority of the ascension. The first and second can be reached by following the right split at the top and then either taking the "ladder" on the left towards the back of the First Peak or the chains on the right towards the front of the Second Peak.
You now have to reserve the day before to be able to have access to the trails. Reservations are free, but require the confirmation number at the checkpoint.
Great hike. You'll struggle a bit if you aren't slightly conditioned with some exercise.
I recommend hiking straight to the third peak, but the views are great from all three.
Bring water, you'll need it. And stretch well before this hike. It's basically a natural stairmaster most of the way up. The beginning with the wood steps I would say is the hardest and really sets in the fatigue early, but if you can push through that then you can finish the hike.
We showed up and weren't allowed on because we didn't book a pass. We've done a lot of hiking and this is the first time we felt the beauty and freedoms of these trails is becoming too governed It's just upsetting when governing bodies micro manage to this degree. If the amount of littering and search and rescue demand goes up with more people maybe it's a sign they need more services to meet demand rather than turn most people away with this system. A lot of people pass through and line these hike days up without knowing about this and lose their chance to enjoy this beautiful land.
If you are not an experienced hiker or you are not in the best shape of your life or you have bad knees/legs, do re-consider.
While the view is worth it, the hike is like going up STEEP stairs for like 2/3 of the way. It’s not a walk it’s more of a climb. Just like everyone has mentioned already, do come prepared with good shoes, a lot of water and snacks. It’s a highly strenuous cardio hike.
There’s 3 peaks (stops). Also don’t forget to register on the BC provincial park site. You will meet a park ranger that’ll allow you in only if you have a registration number. Washrooms (out houses) are present before you go on the hike which I highly recommend.
Overall, I’d do it again but definitely not for a while!
If you are into hiking and awesome views, this is the place to visit. Three different peaks with some of the best views in the region. Definitely recommend checking this place put on a nice sunny day.
I cannot wait to return and climb here more - the whole park is gorgeous, the rock quality is top notch, and the proximity to town makes it easy to access.
Beautiful nature and the peace and quiet. Then the hike up was awesome with the climbs and ladders and chains.and at the top of the peaks it's all worth it. The view is breath taking and the walk back in the evening was awesome through the forests as the sun set.yet take it easy on the trail.not really easy yet if u love hiking you will enjoy it
The Chief is a bucket list hike- whether you aim to climb one peak or all three. Read recommendations for proper clothing, water and snacks, and difficulty.
Amazing trails! If you are with your dog, I suggest to do the third summit. There are chains and ladders to climb for the 2 first. We actually made the second one with our labrador, but my husband had to take him in his arms to climb. Anyway, the view on top is amazing!
This is the place to see Shannon Falls. The information said the falls were the third highest in Canada and were worth the walk and the steps to see the views
The Chief trails are a challenging but so rewarding hike. All three peaks took us just over 4 hours to complete with decent stops at the peaks to soak in the amazing views. Definitely a bucket list hike.
Beautiful view! But the hike up there was though.they are not kidding when they say you should have an adecute fitness level.chains and ladders to get up.even for the first peak. Definitly do not do this in the rain as the top will be slippery. But the view is amazing. 2h+ of stairs up though and then back down.
Beautiful view. If you are taking your dog, peak 1 and 2 has a ladder which requires you to carry your dog up and down. The trail for peak 3 does not require this
I think the Chief is on the the must do list if you are an outdoorsy type and want a decent hike with an awesome view of the surroundings. It is a long hike that is relatively easy but does take a little grit. Leave your sandals and heels in the car in favour of decent runners or better yet some hiking boots. Bring your own water because there is no cafe up there and please pack your junk out and keep this gem beautiful for everyone. There are many place to see along the Sea to Sky Corridor and this is a stop to make. Be sure to stop on Squamish after and visit the local cafes.
The view is just breath taking. First picture is from the first peak and the second picture is from the second peak and the third picture is from the third peak. The first 30-45 mins is basically vertical with mostly stairs and some tree roots here and there. I saw people wearing flip flops, converse, Tom's etc, but it might make your life a little easier to wear proper footwear, especially going down the top because the rock is slippery. Definitely worth the hike as it is gorgeous up there.
Took us just over an hour to make it to the top of the first peak. Be prepared for stairs! Our 15 pound Schipperke made it up with a little bit of help. View from the top is incredible!
Not the best falls I have seen, but equally beautiful. The stream was slow. We took a walk from the Sea to Sky Gondola's Trail Head to Shannon Falls. The walk in the par was really good. Nature is close to pristine. Very less human intervention. Lot of people around spending time with their family and friends. A good place to Barbecue during a holiday.
A hike on the rocks can take you very close to the Falls. But this is not advised.
Hiked peak 2. It is intermediate hike with a few challenging courses where need to hold on for dear life on chains provide for you to grab on. The view is amazing from above. A little scary for me but its overall it's a great experience. Will do it again in the future.
If you are looking for a great place to spend your day within a couple of hours driving time from Vancouver - this is it. The scenery, trails, tranquil stream and the vociferous Shannon Falls down the granite domes will keep tempting you to go back.
Though we did not hike up the granite domes - I am told the view from the peaks is amazing. So will do that one day soon and post the pictures out here.
The campground with it conveniences is great to relax and pamper oneself with some great grilled or BBQ's food to end a magnificent day.
The hike was great But make sure u wear the right clothing There is more than 7 km hike to the top of gandola, if ur basic hiker I suggest you to not do it Many people back from half way to the top I was challenging my friend that we could do it But unfortunately we get back Make sure to get bear spray as well Many bears been seen in summer time And enjoy ur hike
One of the best Provincial Parks I have been to. Not a great beach, but I don't go for the beach. Fresh water fill up at dump station. We camped at Stawamus cheif Provincial Park in a Travel Trailer. Very nice Provincial Park. We had a very private level grassy site surrounded by bushes and trees. We especially enjoyed the trails around the lakes and down to the beach. There are picnic areas on the beach also. The road into the campsite area is a bit narrow but quite manageable. We would definitely stay again.
Stawamus is a great place for everyone, kids included. You can choose between a few trails to hike up. The main one is pretty average, any one in regular shape can finish, and the view is breathtaking. We tried the Vulcan Artery, very hard going through the snow and ice, and the end you have to rope up and use the fixed ropes to go across the big wall, very technical. We didn't finish because it was getting dark and windy. Also one of the best places in north AMERICA for climbing (trad, sport, bouldering). You can find the guide book online e or any climbing gym.