Garibaldi at Squamish

Canada is getting a massive new resort that pays homage to Indigenous culture

Garibaldi at Squamish ski resort is getting a makeover, and its latest look is largely inspired by the area's close ties to Squamish First Nation.

The B.C. all-season resort is currently undergoing a $3.5 billion overhaul, which will see the addition of 130 ski and snowboard trails, 21 lifts, and a network of multi-use trails.

Early renderings show large sculptures that appear to be inspired by the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.

Garibaldi at Squamish2020 conceptual rendering showing skiing toward Main Village in winter.

Similarly, the new main lodge features organic architecture with a strong connection to the four elements.

A fire pit crackles at the heart of the open space, surrounded by water and greenery.

Garibaldi at Squamish2020 conceptual rendering showing Main Lodge gathering place, inspired by Squamish Nation culture.

The resort's West Ridgeline Trail will feature a statue inspired by Sinulhkay, a two-headed snake that will bookend the trail.

Hikers can spend a sunny afternoon wandering from one end of the serpent to the next.

Garibaldi at Squamish2020 conceptual rendering showing West Ridgeline Trail, inspired by Sinulhkay.

PWL Landscape Architects worked in partnership with Squamish Nation members to create the renderings.

"Squamish Nation is a formal partner of our project and is involved in key decisions and planning of the resort," the PWL website says, adding that the Nation's priorities will be a "cornerstone" in how the resort is planned.

The architects continue to work alongside Squamish Nation to navigate provincial approval processes and hammer out the details on the environmental impact of the resort.

Garibaldi at Squamish2020 conceptual rendering showing Main Village Plaza in summer.

The finished resort will boast 1,300 hotel rooms, 2,200 condominium homes, 840 townhomes, and about 1,200 single-family homes.

The pedestrian-friendly main village will offer shoppers the run of 250,000 sq. ft. of retail, restaurants, and amenities.

Garibaldi at Squamish will be built in multiple phases beginning later this decade, with phase one potentially being completed around 2025 followed by phase two in 2030.

Lead photo by

PWL Architects/Garibaldi at Squamish



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