Brackendale is a quaint community nestled in the heart of the Canadian province of British Columbia. Situated just north of the Squamish town centre, it remains an integral part of the District of Squamish. Brackendale is conveniently located near the confluence of the Squamish River and the Cheakamus River, primarily intersected by Government Road and Depot Road. The CN railway, formerly known as BC Rail, traverses this charming community from north to south. Brackendale is also home to the remarkable "Eagle Run" area, a wintering haven for thousands of bald eagles.
The climate in Brackendale is characterized by dry summers and mild, damp winters. The coastal maritime climate is moderated by the nearby Howe Sound. However, the outflow winds from the Interior via the Whistler Valley and the many large icecaps in the Pacific Ranges are so fierce that they are sometimes referred to as squamish winds.
Brackendale was named in honor of Thomas Hirst Bracken, the community's first postmaster. Bracken also operated a general store and the Bracken Arms Hotel. After the hotel was destroyed by fire, he returned to England where he passed away. Today, Brackendale is served by two schools in the Sea to Sky School District (#48); Brackendale Elementary School and Don Ross Middle School. It is also the location of the Squamish airport (CYSE), equipped with a runway long enough to handle light planes and helicopters.
The Brackendale Art Gallery, owned by artists Thor and Dorte Froslev, is a major cultural institution in the region. It showcases local artists and hosts visiting exhibitions. In 2015, the couple put the aging building up for sale. However, no interested parties have stepped forward to purchase it. Some locals argue that the district should purchase the building and make it a public institution, further cementing Brackendale's status as a cultural hub in British Columbia.
