October 13, 2015

Squamish Facts and Stats

For all you data lovers here are some Squamish Facts and Stats to satisfy your curiosity. The majority of hard stats available for Squamish have been pulled from the 2011 census. Squamish has seen enormous growth since then in terms of population, real estate and development so keep that in mind.

For details on Squamish’s Population Stats as per the last census.

Some history

squamish-history

Photo credit: District of Squamish

  • Squamish was established in the 1910’s with the establishment of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway
  • The main industry in Squamish was Forestry until 2006 when two major operations closed. Forestry still remains strong in the town however tourism is becoming increasingly popular, especially outdoor recreation tourism.
  • The word Squamish derives from the name of the First Nation’s Squamish people which in their language is Sḵwx̱wú7mesh
  • The word Squamish means, ‘Mother of the Wind’. Yep, it gets pretty windy in Squamish sometimes.
  • Squamish was incorporated as a Village in 1948 and a Municipality in 1964

Demographic Data

  • The 2011 census recorded Squamish’s population at 17,479. This number was up 14% from the previous census (provincial average was 7%)
  • The median age in Squamish is 36.8 which is considered lower then average; the BC average is 41.9
  • Visible minorities make up 15.4% of the population which is lower than the provincial average of 24.8%
  • There are slightly more males then females in Squamish
  • Squamish has a slightly more educated population compared to the provincial average

Education Facts

kids-class

  • Squamish has 6 primary school and 2 highscools
  • There is one post-secondary institution: Quest University
  • Squamish has two independent primary schools: Montessori and Waldorf
  • There are nearly 30 licensed daycare facilities in Squamish including 3 Montessori Schools, around 15 Family Daycare Centres and a handful of bi-lingual schools

Recreation Facts

mountain-biking

Photo Credit Hello BC

  • Squamish has a great recreation facility, Brennan Park Recreation Centre, which has an ice rink, indoor pool, 8 soccer fields, a BMX track, skateboard park, baseball diamonds and more
  • Squamish has over 200 kilometers of single track and is one of the best mountain bike destinations in the world
  • Known as one of the best rock climbing destinations in the world the Squamish Chief has hundreds of climbing routes for climbers of all levels
  • Wind-surfing and kite-boarding at the Squamish Spit has become world renowned
  • The new Sea to Sky Gondola as opened up 3000 acres of back-country terrain to enjoy summer or winter and features the Summit Lodge which hosts year-round events
  • Squamish has two Golf courses (Squamish Valley Golf Club and Furry Creek)
  • Other recreation activities popular in Squamish include: Canoeing/Kayaking/SUPing, Yoga, White-Water Rafting, Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing, Snow-shoeing, Snow-mobiling, Horse-back riding, Golfing, Boating/Sailing and Fishing
  • In August each year Squamish hosts one of BC’s most popular music festivals, The Squamish Valley Music Festival

Want to find out more? Organize a tour of Squamish today!