Landscape Lighting for a Squamish Backyard Retreat

We used predominantly 2700K lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the property. This softer colour temperature complemented the home, cedar fencing and outdoor living areas while maintaining a comfortable residential character. The Japanese maples received a distinct lighting treatment of 3000K to separate them from the surrounding landscape and establish them as focal points. This subtle contrast draws attention to their branching structure, leaf colour and delicate form without disrupting the overall warmth of the design. The large maple trees at the street corner were also carefully illuminated, adding depth and visual presence to the property while strengthening its nighttime curb appeal.

Lighting the basketball court required a careful balance between function and appearance. The homeowners needed enough light to comfortably use the space, but conventional floodlights would have felt overly bright and out of place within the residential landscape. Instead, we used layers of discreet lighting. Specialty miniature niche lights were installed along the cedar fence surrounding the court, creating a softly illuminated perimeter that defines the court’s boundaries and provides practical visibility. We then added downlighting from the surrounding trees to cast filtered light into the court. As the light passes through the branches and foliage, it creates a natural moonlighting effect with soft shadows and visual texture. This provides useful illumination from above without the harshness or glare associated with conventional court lighting. The result is an aesthetically pleasing and functional recreation space that can be enjoyed after dark while still feeling connected to the surrounding landscape.

Tree-mounted downlights were also used along the property’s roadways and within the garden areas. Carefully positioned fixtures cast soft pools of light through the trees, improving visibility while preserving the natural nighttime atmosphere. This moonlighting technique allowed us to illuminate circulation areas without lining them with visible path lights. The filtered light gently reveals the roadway, planting beds and surrounding landscape while keeping the fixtures themselves discreet. By using the existing tree canopy as part of the lighting design, we created an effect that feels natural to the property rather than imposed upon it.

This project demonstrates how a custom landscape lighting system can serve several purposes at once. It highlights mature trees and specimen planting, supports the practical use of recreational areas and creates a comfortable atmosphere around outdoor wellness spaces. The completed design allows the Japanese maples, mature trees, sauna and basketball court to each stand out while remaining part of one cohesive nighttime environment. Borealis Landscape Lighting provides custom landscape lighting design and installation throughout Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. Our design-first approach combines premium fixtures, carefully controlled illumination and clean installation practices to create outdoor spaces that are beautiful, functional and comfortable after dark.