Day 18 - Exploring Squamish and howe sound.

today, we took advantage of our rest day to go explore the town of Squamish and its amazing surroundings before heading off to horseshoe bay to catch the ferry across the Georgia Strait towards Nanaimo

Relaxing morning

Waking up sore this morning from yesterdays hike, we took our time packing our bags before making our way downtown to go explore Nanaimo. this small town on the edge of Howe sound is surrounded by lush rainforest and huge slab mountains. Its just our first day here and I already want to return! We made our way to a nice coffee shop with great views to enjoy a great latte.

Exploring the local shops and climbing culture

Back in Kamloops, we got recommended ‘‘climb on climbing shop’’ in Squamish. This small but very friendly climbing shop has everything relating to climbing, their selection and knowledge was really helpful. Marty got himself his first harness here! (renting one every time is going to get expensive!) the climbing in Squamish is legendary, some of the best in the world. we could see climbers on the side of cliffs all around us. Climbing here is now on the top of our bucket list!

Shannon falls

What better way to explore then to chase waterfalls! After a very short hike just outside Squamish, we found Shannon falls At 335m high this waterfall is really impressive, you hike through the huge rainforest trees to arrive at the foot of a huge wall where the falls are located, we spotted climbers climbing there way up the slab just next to the falls!

(We really want to climb here now)

roads through the sounds

After exploring Squamish and its surrounding we hoped back on the sea to sky highway towards horseshoe bay where we’ll catch the ferry later tonight. Getting on the sea side of the highway, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking, driving along the cliff of the sound, you can see forested mountains in front glacier filled mountains reflected in the waters below. the diverse landscapes of bc is simply amazing.

Making our way across the bay

Arriving in Horseshoe bay we settled down to eat our supper besides the marina looking on into the sound. Towards 7:30 we took our place in line to board the ship, before departure we explored every deck then settled on the top to witness the magnificent views of the mountains. finally leaving port toward Nanaimo, seeing the mountains with a glowing orange halo due to the setting sun was a sight we’ll never forget. If the strong winds didn’t sweep us off our feet, the views definitely did.