Fresh Tracks: unique things to do in town

Fresh Tracks

Unique things to do in town when the temperatures drop

Locals’ favourite winter walk

While there are plenty of heart-racing adventures to be had in Squamish, many locals love a simple, easy and peaceful Squamish Estuary walk. It is arguably the best spot in town to get a good shot of the Stawamus Chief and Shannon Falls in one Instagram or TikTok-worthy snap. The mostly flat trail is suitable for the whole family. The 673-hectare Skwelwil ’em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area is a sanctuary for many animal species and humans wanting a break from the hustle and bustle. It also continues to be a significant area for Sk_wx_wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) traditional activities. Over the last 20 years, there has been maintenance and restoration of significant wildlife and fish habitat. Due to the sensitivity of the area, please stick to the established trails, leave wildlife alone and always keep your dog on a leash. Estuary trails can be accessed from the corner of Vancouver Street and Second Avenue or from Spit Road.

The Squamish Estuary walk is a locals' favourite. Photo by Alex Ratson, gettyimages.ca

Sometimes, we all need a second chance

No question that Squamish is a place that loves its animals.

But did you know Squamish is home to a ranch that is devoted to saving horses?

It is true.

Second Chance Cheekye Ranch, at 60001 Squamish Valley Road in Brackendale, rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes horses — and sometimes other animals, such as donkeys.

The nonprofit organization takes any horse in need but is dedicated to saving the 80% to 90% of horses at auction that would otherwise end up purchased by meat buyers.

Since November 2016, the ranch, which is the dream and passion of its founder Kris Latham, has rescued 202 horses and re-homed 166.

This is done with the help of about 115 Squamish volunteers.

The ranch is found within Cheekye Ranch, which hosts many activities for folks to enjoy, such as equine experiences and events, including the Saturday, Dec. 10, Winter Market. This rural market showcases local artisans and small business owners.

It is a great chance to see the animals, too.

For more information on the rescue, visit www.secondchancecheekyeranch.com; for the public events, visit cheekyeranch.com.

Photo by Joseph Jacobs, gettyimages.ca

Want to view the eagles?

Not only tourists flock to Squamish. We are also home to one of North America’s largest congregations of wintering bald eagles.

There are plenty of ways to see Brackendale’s world-famous visitors.

Attracted to the area by spawning salmon, they mostly gather around the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers.

A popular — and free — place to see them through the winter is from the Eagle Run dike and viewing shelter on Government Road.

Ideally, head out in the morning, from November until early January. Often, there will be EagleWatch volunteers there to answer your questions and let you look through their telescopes to see the raptors in their full glory.

If you are able to spend a bit of cash, there are plenty of other fun ways to get up close and personal with the eagles.

There are guided raft tours, for example.

The Wilderness Eagle Float Tour is offered by the Squamish Rafting Company. Find them at squamish-rafting.com.

Canadian Outback Rafting also has floating trips. Find them at canadianoutbackrafting.com,

Cheekye Ranch offers an eagle walking tour. Find out about that at www.cheekyeranch.com. Mountain Skills Academy also offers eagle adventure for the whole family.

Find them at www.mountainskillsacademy.com.

Photo by Ableimages

What else is going on?

A fun fact about Squamish is that often amazing events are pulled together at close to the last minute — and after Discover Squamish goes to press. Thus, it is well worth the effort to go to our online events calendar at squamishchief. com, scroll down the homepage to find the latest and greatest local winter events at the bottom of the page. Or you can scan this quick and easy QR code and go there right now!

Get inside

If you happen to come to Squamish for an outdoor adventure and instead it is a rainy, dreary day, you can still go out and enjoy the trails — locals do. (We aren’t made of sugar, after all!)

But if you want indoor excitement, there are great options, too.

At AirHouse Squamish you will find lots of jumping fun — literally. There are drop-in sessions to access the trampolines and the spring floor and a gymnastics area.

There is also a skateboarding area and, if you have a bit more time in town, you can sign up for skateboard, trampoline, parkour lessons, ski and snowboard lessons or take a turn on a golf simulator.

Be sure to check in online before you go. Go to www.airhouse.ca/squamish to find out more and register.

Photo by SolStock, gettyimages.ca