Squamish sits at the head of Howe Sound, about an hour north of Vancouver along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, and the first thing that hits you is the Stawamus Chief. This massive granite monolith rises sheer above the town and the highway, one of the largest granite formations in the world, and on any fine day you will see climbers inching up its faces.
The Sea-to-Sky Highway, Highway 99, is the reason many riders come here. It runs along the steep eastern shore of Howe Sound from Horseshoe Bay, with the fjord glittering below and mountains plunging into the water. The road was extensively upgraded for the 2010 Winter Olympics and now offers smooth, flowing curves with spectacular views. Traffic can be heavy on summer weekends and during ski season, and speed enforcement is common.
Around Squamish, there is plenty to see. Shannon Falls, just south of town, drops in a series of cascades from the cliffs above. The Sea to Sky Gondola carries visitors up to a viewing platform with panoramic views over the sound. The Squamish Spit is a famous windsurfing and kiteboarding spot, thanks to the strong winds that funnel up the sound in the afternoons. In winter, bald eagles gather in large numbers along the Squamish River to feed on salmon.
Squamish has full services, including fuel, food and coffee. As a start and finish, it is ideal, offering a stunning setting and easy access to the mountains, the sea and the road north to Whistler and beyond.