As Easter (and longer days) approach, Squamish comes alive with events and activities suitable for all ages. Whether you're a local resident or planning a visit, here's a curated list of spring happenings in April 2025:

Easter Egg Hunt at Stan Clarke Park, downtown Squamish
When: Saturday, March 30, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Join a fun-filled morning featuring an Easter egg hunt, face painting, games, crafts, prizes, and storytime sessions. This free event is perfect for families with children eager to celebrate the holiday. ​


Easter Egg Gathering and Brunch at Sea to Sky Gondola
When: Sunday, April 20, 2025 -10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

​Children of all ages are invited to search for chocolate treasures hidden around the Summit Lodge and Plaza. Guided by friendly staff, little explorers can collect treats at themed stations. This activity is free with a lift ticket or annual pass.
Brunch seatings at 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM​ - Reservations are recommended due to limited seating. ​


Eagle Viewing and Spring Bird Watching at Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
April marks the transition between winter and spring, and while the peak eagle-watching season is in the winter, many bald eagles still remain in the area. This is also a fantastic time for spring bird watching, as migratory birds return to the region. Bring binoculars and enjoy spotting herons, hawks, and other native bird species along the Squamish and Cheakamus rivers.

Best Time? Early mornings or late afternoons for optimal bird activity.


Hike to Crooked Falls for Stunning Spring Meltwater Views
April is a great time to visit Crooked Falls, as the spring snowmelt makes the waterfall extra powerful. This moderate 6 km (round-trip) hike along the Sigurd Trail offers breathtaking views of the falls and the Squamish Valley below. Expect lush greenery, vibrant moss-covered trees, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

Where: Sigurd Trail, off the Squamish Valley Road

Happy Spring!

~ Julie

Selling a home requires strategic preparation to stand out in the competitive real estate market. One proven method to accelerate your sale and potentially increase your property's value is through home staging. Specifically, virtual staging offers a cost-effective and impactful solution to showcase your home’s full potential.

The Power of Home Staging

Home staging involves arranging furniture and decor to highlight a property's strengths, making it more appealing to prospective buyers. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 20% of buyers' agents reported that staged homes increased the dollar value offered by between 1% and 5%, compared to similar homes that were not staged.

Virtual Staging: A Modern Solution

Traditional physical staging can be expensive and time-consuming. Virtual staging, on the other hand, utilizes advanced graphic design to digitally furnish and decorate a property, offering several advantages:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Virtual staging is typically more affordable than traditional staging methods.

• Flexibility: Easily update designs to match current trends or target specific buyer demographics.

• Quick Turnaround: Rapidly transform empty spaces into beautifully furnished rooms without the logistical challenges of physical furniture.

Bella Staging: Your Virtual Staging Partner

For homeowners and real estate professionals in Squamish, I recommend partnering with a reputable virtual staging company like Bella Staging. Their team of interior designers and real estate experts focuses on high-quality, realistic virtual home staging and creating bespoke designs tailored to each property's unique characteristics and target audience.

Bella Staging has contributed to over $5 billion in real estate sales since 2019, demonstrating their effectiveness in enhancing property listings. They emphasize a personalized approach, avoiding generic templates, and instead, crafting designs that complement the space and appeal to potential buyers.

Incorporating virtual staging into your home-selling strategy can significantly impact your property's market performance. By showcasing a well-designed, inviting space, you can attract more potential buyers, reduce time on the market (by up to 73%!), and achieve a favorable sale price.

~ Julie

January is the perfect time to explore the area’s beautiful trails and snowy landscapes. For cross-country skiing enthusiasts—or anyone looking to try something new—Squamish’s proximity to world-class skiing destinations makes it an ideal winter base.

One standout spot that locals and visitors alike flock to is Whistler Olympic Park.

Nestled in the Callaghan Valley just north of Squamish, Whistler Olympic Park is a premier destination for cross-country skiing. Originally built for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the park offers over 90 kilometers of groomed trails suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned skiers. What Makes Whistler Olympic Park Special?

Gear up with ease: Need equipment? Their on-site rental shop has everything you need, including classic and skate skis, poles, boots, and even snowshoes. Their knowledgeable staff will ensure the right fit and offer tips to get you gliding smoothly.

Affordable adventures: Don’t miss Cheap Wednesday Nights, when trail passes and rentals are offered at discounted rates. This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a budget-friendly winter adventure under the stars.

Bring your furry friend: Dog owners will love the park’s dog-friendly trails.

Exciting events and activities: Whistler Olympic Park hosts regular events, including races, family days, and guided tours. Whether you’re looking to join a race or simply enjoy a guided ski through the snowy wonderland, there’s always something happening.

Other Cross-Country Skiing Options:

Sea to Sky Gondola: Experience Nordic skiing right in Squamish with their 2.2km backcountry access road, groomed every day and offering unparalleled views of the snow-capped Sky Pilot and its neighbouring peaks.

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park: While not officially groomed for skiing, this park offers trails that adventurous skiers can explore on their own. It’s a scenic spot, though more suitable for backcountry-style skiing.

Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures: Adjacent to Whistler Olympic Park, this area offers expertly groomed trails, backcountry skiing, and even an overnight lodge experience at Journeyman Lodge.

Lost Lake Nordic Trails (Whistler Village): Located near Whistler Village, Lost Lake features a well-maintained network of classic and skate-skiing routes. Rentals and lessons are available on-site.

Cypress Mountain Nordic Area: If you’re willing to drive a bit farther south, Cypress Mountain’s Nordic area offers 19 km of groomed trails, rentals, and lessons.

So, bundle up, hit the trails, and experience the magic of cross-country skiing just a short drive from Squamish.

*Looking for more Squamish area tips or thinking about making this stunning region your home? Contact me today!
~Julie

Photo: Sea to Sky Gondola website

Hello, Squamish neighbours and future residents! December is upon us, and Squamish is ready to bring some holiday magic. Whether you’re new to town or a long-time resident, there are so many ways to enjoy the season in our beautiful mountain town. Here are some top festive events and activities to enjoy this December in Squamish!

Sea to Sky Gondola’s Spirit of the Season
The Sea to Sky Gondola transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Explore the snowy landscape and beautifully lit forest trails, warm up by outdoor fire pits, and sip hot cocoa with friends and family, or attend specific events.

• Decorated Forest Walk - Starts Dec 1st

• Storytime in Nature  - Mondays starting Dec 2nd at 10am

• Live music: Sundays starting December 8th

• Photos with Santa – Register for a time on Dec 1-2, 6-8 between 9:30am - 2:30pm

Squamish Farmers’ Winter Market
Where: 37996 Cleveland Avenue at Victoria Street, downtown Squamish
When: December 7th & 14th - 10am - 2pm
This special holiday edition of the Squamish Farmers’ Market is a must-visit for unique, handmade gifts and holiday treats. It’s a fantastic way to shop for stocking stuffers and festive items while supporting the community.

Squamish at Dusk 
Where: Rose Park, Squamish
When:  December 5th–7th, 12th-14th; Hourly, 4:30 - 9:30pm
As the sun sets, stroll through the park to experience mesmerizing light installations and soak in the enchanting ambiance; A perfect evening for all ages.

North Pole Express
Where: Railway Museum of BC - 39645 Government Road, Squamish
When: December 1st, 7-8th, 14-15th & 21st
Take a magical journey where a vintage train ride transports you to the North Pole. Enjoy the festive decorations and music, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself.

Brackendale Art Gallery Winter Events
Where: 41950 Government Rd, Brackendale, BC
When: Various dates
Enjoy cozy winter evenings at the Brackendale Art Gallery, which hosts winter concerts featuring local musicians and holiday-themed performances, as well as an Artisan Holiday Market on Dec. 7th. The gallery is a great spot to enjoy music, arts, and the unique culture of Squamish.

Christmas Tree Hunting & Forest Walks
Squamish is known for its breathtaking outdoor spaces, and if you're ready for a winter hike, head to one of the area’s many trails for a winter walk through the forest. For a special holiday experience, you can also obtain a permit for a Christmas tree hunt and find your own tree! Remember to follow the guidelines to preserve our natural spaces.

Get into the Squamish Spirit!
Whether you're visiting or calling Squamish home, the holiday season here has something special for everyone. As your local realtor, I’m always happy to share what makes our community unique. If you’re looking for a home in this beautiful town or just want to know more about life in Squamish, feel free to reach out. Happy holidays!

~Julie

Winter in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor of British Columbia is nothing short of spectacular. With world-renowned ski resorts, stunning backcountry trails, and breathtaking mountain views, the region offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. But to make the most of the season, you'll need the right gear. Here are some tips and top spots to stock up on all your winter gear in the Sea-to-Sky area.

Tips for Winter Gear Shopping:

·  Plan ahead: The best gear can sell out quickly, so start shopping early to ensure you get the equipment you need.
·  Consider rentals: If you’re only hitting the slopes a few times, renting gear might be a cost-effective option.
·  Check for sales: Many stores offer seasonal sales and promotions, so keep an eye out for deals to save on your winter gear.
·  Consider pre-loved.

Retailers:

Valhalla Pure Outfitters - Squamish, Vancouver, BC or online
VPO caters to all your winter adventure needs with a range of gear from well known, quality brands. And you can join their Adventure Pass rewards program for an added benefit.

Urban Alpine – Squamish, BC
A one-stop shop for all of your skiing and snowboarding needs, plus a unique selection of casual clothing, footwear and accessories, as well as rentals, boot fitting and a full-service tech shop. 

SkiUphill – RunUphill – Squamish, BC
For the best backcountry ski gear.

Whistler Blackcomb Outlet Store – Squamish or Whistler, BC
Deals on your favourite brands and demo skis.

Evo - Whistler Village, Whistler, BC
Known for their excellent customer service and extensive product ranges, Evo offers a wide selection of snowboards, skis, boots, bindings and winter apparel as well as ski and snowboard rentals.

Pre-loved options:

Facebook Marketplace and Groups

Search Marketplace or local groups like the “Squamish Online Buy & Sell” for specific pre-loved items.

Whether you’re an avid skier, a snowboarding aficionado, or just someone who loves to enjoy the outdoors in winter, the right gear can make all the difference.

What are your favourite winter activities?

~Julie

As the vibrant hues of fall start to show, there's no better time to explore the seasonal charm and community spirit that the Sea to Sky region has to offer. From pumpkin patches to festive events, here’s a roundup of must-visit happenings this October.

Glacier Valley Farms: Pumpkin Paradise

If you’re looking for the quintessential fall experience, this beloved local farm is a pumpkin-lover's dream. Stroll through their picturesque fields, find the perfect pumpkin, and snap some family photos against the stunning backdrop of autumn leaves.

Glacier Valley Farms also offers a Finnish Sauna experience and hosts family-friendly activities like hayrides and corn mazes.

Squamish Rotary Club: Downtown Pumpkin Patch

In the heart of Squamish, the Squamish Rotary Club offers their annual pumpkin sale downtown. This community-driven initiative is not only a chance to pick up some fantastic pumpkins for your fall decor or Halloween festivities, but it also supports local causes.

 North Arm Farm, Pemberton:

Just a short drive from Squamish, North Arm Farm in Pemberton offers an enchanting autumn experience that’s perfect for families. Known for their farm-fresh produce, they host an array of fall-themed events, including pumpkin picking and farm tours.

In addition, you can explore their farm store, brimming with local goods and seasonal treats. Don’t miss their mouth-watering pumpkin pies and other fall specialties, perfect for those cozy evenings at home.

Halloween Happenings

With festive decorations and local gatherings, the Sea to Sky corridor always embraces the spirit of Halloween. Check local community boards or social media for updates on community events like Halloween at the Sea to Sky Gondola.

Grab your sweater, gather your loved ones, and immerse yourself in the delightful autumn atmosphere our beautiful region has to offer. Happy fall, everyone!

What are your favourite events or activities of the season?

~ Julie

In Squamish we are all about mountain biking...well almost! Some people also love challenging themselves by road biking! 

This Saturday September 7th is the 15th annual Whistler Gran Fondo, a 122km ride from Vancouver to Whistler however that's not the only option! There are options for many physical abilities including a 55km route starting in Whistler looping to the top of Callaghan Road and back to Whistler. Or if you really want to challenge yourself there is a 152km option that combines the 122km route with the 55km route! 

This ride includes iconic Sea to Sky views and the only traffic-free day of the year for cycling the Sea to Sky Highway! It is also fully supported with aid stations including drink, food, medical, mechanical and washrooms. As well as finish line festivities like hot food, a beer garden and an awards ceremony for the top finishers!

Not participating this year? Find a safe place to be a spectator and cheer on all the riders! A good spot to pull up a chair with plenty of parking would be near the Squamish Adventure Centre...don't forget your sunscreen; it's forecasted to be a hot one this year!

Have you participated in the Whistler Gran Fondo or plan to in a future year, leave a comment below I would love to hear all about your experience! 

~ Julie

It's officially August and the weather forecast is full of sun and blue skies! So I thought that I would share a handful of my favorite family friendly Squamish activities that don't break the bank!   

Corridor Trail | Bike or walk on a paved path from Rose Park, past the Squamish Adventure Centre and up until you spot Canadian Tire and Cloudburst Cafe.  

Eagle Run Dike | Located in Brackendale overlooking the Squamish River. Keep an eye out for eagles and if you are lucky you might also spot a seal or three!

Squamish Estuary | A nature walk accessible for most abilities that is filled with flat trails, wildlife spotting and views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls. 

Squamish Mural Walk |  A self-guided tour of 20+ murals in Downtown Squamish. Including new and existing mural installations, both permanent and temporary, painted by local and visiting artists. 

Squamish Oceanfront | A beach surrounded by grassy areas, pathways, a playground, indigenous art and more! Take a bike ride to this stunning Squamish backdrop, walk down one of the many pathways and find a spot to take in the views of Howe Sound. 

Don't forget to pack a picnic and enjoy! Comment below, if you have a favorite free Squamish activity to add to my list? 

~ Julie 

On May 25th the Squamish Oceanfront had its soft opening, once again allowing residents and visitors access to the beach at the southern tip of the peninsula. 

In addition to an oceanfront beach, a windsport beach, a boardwalk as well as a sailing centre and boat storage facility, a playground, grassy area, rock/paved pathways and public art have also been installed. The grassy area also includes a sound stage and I can't wait to see a local show!

The Squamish Oceanfront opening is part of a 60-acre mixed-use master plan development that will include future retail, office and residential spaces. With the park complete, the next milestone will be the opening of the Presentation Centre in September, followed by House of Lager in December and pre-sales on the first residential units are anticipated to begin in late 2024. 

The area is surrounded by water as well as views of the surrounding mountains and Shannon Falls. Take a bike ride to this stunning Squamish backdrop, have a drink and a bite to eat at House of Lager and take a walk down one of the many pathways to find your favorite viewpoint while taking in the sunset over Howe Sound.

On August 17th the Squamish Oceanfront will have its grand opening and the day will coincide with the annual Sp’akw’us Feather Shakedown in partnership with the Squamish Art’s Festival. 

Have you visited the Squamish Oceanfront since it opened? I would love to hear what you thought, comment below! Interested in more information regarding pre-sales reach out, let's chat!

~ Julie

If you know me, you know that I love supporting local Squamish businesses and eating yummy food! 

So here are my Top 10 Restaurants in Squamish:

- Joe Pesto's Pizzeria | Best Pizza in Squamish! They don't skimp on the serving sizes and have a variety of plant based options.

- Fergie's Café | The Perfect Brunch Spot! Take a bike ride up Squamish Valley road with friends on the weekend and enjoy dining in nature. 

- Saha Eatery | Best Mediterranean Food in Squamish! A short walk from downtown Squamish, eat indoors in the winter or outdoors in the summer.  

- Samurai Sushi | Best Sushi in Squamish! If you call for takeout after a hike at 4 Lakes Trail your order will be ready for pickup on your way home.

- Sky Pilot Restaurant | Looking for an Adventure! Hike up and take the Sea to Sky Gondola down after a bite to eat and drink! Don't forget to take in the views of Howe Sound!

- Noshy | A Hidden Gem! Enjoy a simple and yummy menu in a casual and fun setting, leaving enough room to make your way back down Cleveland Avenue for a doughnut at Fox & Oak!

- The Crabapple Café | The Perfect Breakfast Spot! Enjoy a yummy breakfast in Brackendale and take a walk afterwards to checkout the community, a great spot to live near in Squamish!   

- Taka Ramen & Sushi | Best Ramen in Squamish! If you're looking for a great restaurant in downtown Squamish this is it, afterwards take a walk to checkout some of the local shops on Cleveland Avenue. 

- The Locavore Bar & Grill | Best Indoor and Outdoor Atmosphere! The perfect spot for a bite to eat and drink after mountain biking or meeting up with your favorite realtor to discuss new Squamish listings!   

- The Watershed Grill | Location, location, location! If you have family or friends visiting the water views can't be beat here, afterwards take an easy walk on the dike which is accessible for a variety of abilities and you might just spot an eagle in the sky or seal in the water. 

Let me know if you try any of the above Squamish restaurants! I would love to hear what menu item you tried! 

~ Julie

Squamish is well known as the Outdoor Adventure Capital of Canada, with over 300 km's of mountain biking trails. When the sun is shining the local Squamish mountain biking community and its visitors from Whistler, Vancouver and beyond can be found here on the trails. This includes myself as well as my husband, Rob, who has proudly built some of our local Squamish trails! In fact, many people may know that I was heavy into mountain biking as well as racing, however, I have also been struggling with a back injury since late 2022. Since then, I've been working hard to regain my strength and mobility by trying a variety of solutions including physio, massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, personal trainer...you name it, I've tried it. Although I found that physio has been the best for me so far, I have also discovered that Dynamic Cyclist was very helpful as well. 

I thought that I would share my progress here as I think that Dynamic Cyclist is a great tool for healing from an injury as well as injury prevention, and could be helpful for our local Squamish mountain biking community. After three months of use, it has now become a daily habit for me and with the programs being only 15-20mins a day there are no excuses to fit it into my schedule. I already feel stronger and have more mobility. I am starting to feel better and believe that introducing the Dynamic Cyclist programs into my daily routines has helped so much.  

Many cyclists have weak abdominals, hamstrings and hip flexors combined with tight quads and IT Bands. Not only can this affect your pedaling mechanics, but it can also lead to knee and hip pain as well as a pelvic tilt...all of which I have been struggling with. The Dynamic Cyclist daily programs were specifically developed to correct these muscle imbalances through a combination of dynamic movements, strength training and stability work.   

If you are a cyclist, I highly recommend that you try Dynamic Cyclist.  The videos are easy to follow along with at home and there is a 7 day FREE trial! If you love it and want to sign up for the monthly or annual subscription, please feel free to enter the coupon code JULIE for a 10% discount as my gift to you!

Comment below if you sign up! I would love to hear your experience! 

~ Julie

In June of 2023, I was contacted by the team at The McGillivray Group and was invited to be a part of McGillivray Trusted, a program offered by the McGillivray Group which offers Canadians a carefully curated hub of real estate agents, experts and professionals across the country who qualify for the exclusive Scott McGillivray stamp of approval in their market. Even as one of the top performing real estate agents in Squamish, this was a huge compliment and there was no hesitation to join the program.

McGillivray Trusted believes that the value of knowledgeable, connected and experienced real estate professionals is critical to Buyers, Investors and Sellers in any type of market. McGillivray Trusted is putting their name on the line to endorse real estate professionals so when you hire them for your real estate needs, you are getting the most bang for your buck. 

McGillivray Trusted takes the legwork and uncertainty out of finding reliable real estate agents and other professionals in the industry by hand-picking and extensively reviewing their excellence in client satisfaction, depth of experience, marketing and results. In turn, the endorsement program provides Buyers, Sellers and Investors access to the professionals with the highest level of customer care, experience and dedication in their chosen market.

With over 20 years of experience in real estate investments, Scott McGillivray the award-winning HGTV celebrity, executive producer as well as real estate and renovation expert and his team have successfully established the growing program with over 66 real estate professionals in over 70 markets across Canada.

When you work with me, a McGillivray Trusted Agent, you can feel confident that Scott has given me his personal seal of approval.

Click here to see all the McGillivray Trusted Agents & Professionals across Canada.

~ Julie

If you don’t need to move right away, there are many benefits to buying a pre-sale (home not yet built) in Squamish.

Lock in Today’s Cost | Since the market is often fluctuating and in Squamish specifically appreciating, purchasing a pre-sale generally means that you are locking in at the current market value and potentially avoiding future price increases.

Investment Appreciation | In a growing real estate market like Squamish, the value of properties tend to appreciate over time. If the market is continuously seeing growth, you may even see an appreciation of a pre-sale property before it is even completed.  

Pick your unit | If a development project has just been launched, there is a higher chance that you will be able to pick the location of your new home, maybe you want an exterior unit that has access to the main road or an interior courtyard unit. Something to also think about is the view, how much sun you want or how private your unit would ideally be.

Custom Home | If you buy a pre-sale early enough in the construction of your new home, you might also have the opportunity to customize certain interior finishes, the layout and sometimes minor design changes. A previous client of mine even had the cabinet making company upgrade and customize all of her closets during the process!

There are some risks involved like changes to interest rates and potential delays in construction, however if you don’t need to move right away there are so many benefits and buying a pre-sale might be the step that you need to get into the real estate market.

Before pre-buying real estate, make sure to research the developer and consider seeking advice from your local realtor and a mortgage professional in order to make an informed decision. Some mortgage brokers may even be able to secure you a longer-term rate hold specifically for pre-sale purchases.

Click here to see the current pre-sales in Squamish. The river views for the soon to come MTN Village pre-sale will be amazing! While your at it checkout the Finch Drive pre-sale the sunsets here can’t be missed!

~ Julie

Peaks and Ocean is a premium window washing company based in Squamish, they are a locally owned and operated business that started in 2022, dedicated to providing high quality window cleaning services to residential and commercial properties in the Sea to Sky corridor. 

One of their main goals is to offer good employment to local teens and young adults. "It is awesome to work with these motivated teens and see them get stoked on putting out a great product through their hard work."

What do you love about what you do? | I love that I can be my own boss, it is so nice being able to think of an idea and implement it as fast or slow as I want. This also comes with a lot of responsibility, but I do thoroughly enjoy being able to make the decisions whether they are good ones or not.

What does a day in the life look like? | A day in the life is typically pretty hectic. I currently run Peaks and Ocean Window Washing and I just started up a second business called Borealis Landscape Lighting; this is a brand-new project for me where we specialize in high quality outdoor landscape lighting. My family has been in the landscape lighting business back in Ontario for 40 years and I have decided to go out on my own here in Squamish, so every day is a bit different from the last but they are always busy and filled with surprises.

What would your ideal weekend look like? | I truly enjoy spending time in Squamish, so an ideal weekend would be a mixture of time with my wife and friends either mountain biking, hiking or climbing. We also enjoy just hanging out around a fire or down at the river for a swim.

3 small things that make your day better?

1. Starting my day with some quiet time, I typically wake up between 5:30-6:00am and spend an hour reading the Bible and in prayer. It truly gets my day started off well and when I miss out on it, I notice.
2. Quality time with my wife.
3. Spending time with our pup Sawyer

3 small pieces of advice based on your industry?

1. Good customer service goes a long way, always pick up your phone when a customer calls.
2. Quality work over Quantity of work.
3. Treat your employees well.

If you had unlimited funds to build your dream house, what would the look and feel be like? | Well, thanks to Julie Phoenix we just got pretty close to our dream home. We moved in this weekend and it is everything we hoped for. It has mountain views, bike trail into our backyard and a great common area/kitchen for entertaining guests.

Where can people find you? 

Website | www.peaksandocean.ca

Facebook | Peaks and Ocean Window Washing

Instagram | @peaksandocean