Vancouver to Whistler Drive: 11 Stops Alongside the Sea to Sky Freeway

In the case of the perfect highway journeys in Canada, the Sea to Sky Freeway is a drive that may’t be missed! Sea to Sky Freeway is a 120 kilometer journey from North Vancouver to Whistler that travels alongside the coast of Howe Sound.

Often called one of many most scenic drives in Canada, the Sea to Sky Freeway is way more than a commuter route. Sea to Sky highway journey affords sweeping views over mountains, fjords, and the gorgeous Pacific ocean. There are many points of interest alongside the best way and stops value making en route.

Whereas the drive could be executed in as little as 2 hours, we suggest taking your time alongside the Sea to Sky Freeway. Don’t miss these 11 finest Sea to Sky stops!

Sea to Sky Freeway

Concerning the Sea to Sky Freeway in British Columbia

Sea to Sky Freeway Driving Instructions

BC Freeway 99, or extra generally referred to as the Sea to Sky Freeway, runs from West Vancouver to Whistler, passing by way of the city of Squamish. The distance from Vancouver to Whistler is about 120 km.

From downtown Vancouver, the journey begins throughout the Lions Gate Bridge into North Vancouver and travels alongside Freeway 99 to Whistler. You’ll work your approach up Taylor Solution to join with the Trans-Canada Freeway, which finally splits off into the Sea to Sky. Maintain to the left to proceed on the Sea to Sky Freeway part the place you’ll proceed on in the direction of Whistler.

Sea to Sky Freeway Map

Google Maps of Sea to Sky Freeway Canada

Sea to Sky Freeway Driving Occasions

For those who’re driving from Vancouver to Whistler in good climate and site visitors situations with no stops, you’ll be able to arrive in 1.5 – 2 hours. That stated, the Vancouver to Whistler drive time can range vastly, particularly within the winter.

Give your self not less than 2 hours however we extremely suggest spending 2-3 days exploring all the good Sea to Sky Freeway stops.

Finest Stops en Route from Vancouver to Whistler, BC

Sea to Sky Freeway points of interest provide a number of the finest viewpoints and surroundings in British Columbia. Listed below are our high spots alongside Freeway 99 Sea to Sky for the final word Vancouver to Whistler highway journey.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a superb place to benefit from the metropolis earlier than heading into the mountains. Town completely mixes vibrant neighbourhoods full of distinctive retailers and superb eating places with beautiful surroundings. There’s a lot to do for just a few days in Vancouver earlier than hitting the Sea to Sky Freeway. We suggest splitting your time between exploring the town and its surrounding points of interest.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Issues to do in Vancouver

Go to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: The famed suspension bridge sits 70 metres (230 ft) above the Capilano River spanning 140 m (450 ft) in size. It’s a legendary vacationer attraction positioned in North Vancouver that’s open year-round. Brace your self for a wobbly stroll throughout the suspension bridge or journey by way of the timber on the Cliffwalk.
Climb Grouse Mountain: The Grouse Grind is a gruelling 2.9 km climb up Grouse Mountain full of virtually 3,000 stairs. You’ll quickly discover out why it’s known as “Mom Nature’s Stairmaster.” It takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to finish and isn’t for the faint of coronary heart! Alternatively, hop on the Sky Gondola for a ten min trip to the highest with some unbelievable views of Vancouver!
Stroll round Downtown Vancouver: Discover retailers, eating places, and cafés that line the busy streets. There’s an incredible choice of meals from completely different cultures and historic buildings. You’ll want to journey right down to the waterfront after to catch a sundown.
Discover Granville Island: Positioned beneath the freeway bridge south of downtown, Granville Island is a enjoyable place to spend a day, particuarly on weekends. Go to the Granville Island Public Market earlier than setting in with a neighborhood brew at Granville Island Brewery.

The place to Keep in Vancouver

Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver: The Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver is scenically positioned on the sting of Vancouver Harbour. Watch boats and seaplanes proper out of your room by way of the beautiful floor-to-ceiling home windows. The resort is positioned inside strolling distance to the center of Vancouver and has a swimming pool, spa, and robust dedication to sustainability.
Lodge BLU: For an eco-conscious traveler, Lodge BLU hits some spectacular sustainable practices. They’ve inexperienced roofs, carbon-neutral power, and low-impact facilities. Plus, it’s positioned downtown simply steps from Robson Road and BC Place.

Horseshoe Bay

Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay: 21 km // 25 minutes

Horseshoe Bay is an lovely little village recognized for its ferry terminal to Vancouver Island. It’s a worthy cease in your approach from Vancouver to Squamish should you’re a fan of scenic views! Stroll alongside the waterfront park to admire the boats crusing into the bay. Then have a feed of fish n’ chips.

Simply outdoors of Horseshoe Bay is Whytecliff Park, which affords panoramic coastal views. Go to the lookout factors, have a picnic, or simply marvel at the fantastic thing about Howe Sound.

Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Horseshoe Bay to Porteau Cove: 25 km // 22 minutes

Again on the Sea to Sky Freeway BC, head north previous Lions Bay into Porteau Cove. The marine park is a favorite place for scuba divers as a wealth of aquatic life calls the cove house. Even should you’re not into scuba diving, strolling the seashores and the sprawling pier is an ideal pit cease.

And if you wish to finish day 1 of your highway journey right here, Porteau Cove has an important waterfront campground. If you’re tenting or RV’ing, don’t miss an opportunity to spend the night time beneath the celebs on the sting of Howe Sound.

Porteau Cove Nationwide Park at night time

Britannia Seashore

Porteau Cove to Britannia Seashore: 8.5 km // 9 minutes

Get your dose of historical past in Britannia Seashore with a go to to the Britannia Mine Museum Nationwide Historic Web site. As soon as house to the most important copper-producing mine within the British Commonwealth, they now welcome guests to discover the tunnels. Trip the outdated mine prepare deep into historical past or attempt panning for gold.

Shannon Falls

Britannia Seashore to Shannon Falls: 7.5 km // 7 minutes

A brief 10-minute stroll from the parking zone will lead you to the third highest waterfall in British Columbia. Shannon Falls has a number of viewing platforms the place you’ll be able to really feel the mist of the water cascading down the mountainside. It’s particularly roaring within the spring when the snowmelt sends gallons of water down the rocky cliff.

Shannon Falls. Picture courtesy by Vacation spot Vancouver/Landsea Excursions Ltd

Sea to Sky Gondola

Shannon Falls to the Sea to Sky Gondola: 1 km // 2 minutes

Catch a trip up the Sea to Sky Gondola to admire a number of the most epic views on the Sea to Sky Vancouver Freeway. The gondola journeys to an unbelievable viewing platform overlooking Howe Sound. For those who’re feeling formidable or wish to avoid wasting cash, attempt climbing the Sea to Summit Path as a substitute. It’s a 7 km uphill grind however the views are unparalleled. Tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola are CAD $55-60 per particular person. For those who hike up and wish to trip down, the charge is barely CAD $14.

Squamish

Sea to Sky Freeway Gondola to Squamish: 4.5 km // 6 minutes

Often called Canada’s journey capital, Squamish is an outside playground of climbing trails, mountaineering, and extra. Plus, downtown Squamish boasts a rising eating scene so you will get a well-deserved meal after an lively day.

Spend an evening in Squamish to recharge! You possibly can simply fill a few days with countless actions. Squamish to Whistler is beneath an hour’s drive, so you’ll want to get pleasure from all that this midway level has to supply.

Issues to do in Squamish

Discover downtown Squamish: Stroll the bustling streets full of espresso retailers and breweries. For those who’re visiting on a Saturday, you’ll want to try the Farmer’s Market for quite a lot of native artwork, meals, and music.
Go mountain biking: Squamish has over 600 lengthy and brief trails by way of the forest and mountains. It’s a really perfect place to hit the filth and benefit from the lovely surroundings alongside the best way.
Go fishing: Drop a line into the ocean or one of many many rivers for wonderful salmon fishing.
Hike a part of the Sea to Sky Path: This chunk of the Sea to Sky Squamish to Whistler is a part of Canada’s Nice Path. Do a portion of the path from the Squamish waterfront to cross by way of the forest and thru the mountains.

The place to Keep in Squamish

Crash Lodge Squamish: Positioned proper downtown Squamish, the Crash Lodge is a comfortable place to spend the night time. It affords reasonably priced rooms, nice views, and eco-friendly practices.
Howe Sound Inn: An enthralling inn paired with an on-site brewery makes for a worthy stopover. The Howe Sound Inn is positioned steps from all the pieces in downtown Squamish and is oozing with native type.

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

Squamish to Stawamus Chief: 4.5 km // 8 minutes

After resting up in Squamish, it’s the proper time to get your coronary heart pumping on the hottest hike on the Sea to Sky Freeway. The Stawamus Chief Path is a steep hike up the mountain with jaw-dropping views. It’s additionally a well-liked spot for mountaineering so maintain a watch out for different travellers conquering the Chief.

View from the highest of The Stawamus Chief within the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. Picture Courtesy by Vacation spot BC/Ben Girardi

Brackendale

Stawamus Chief to Brackendale: 12 km // 14 minutes

Brackendale is understood for its massive inhabitants of eagles and the Squamish River is the proper place to see them. Brackendale Eagle Viewing is finest from November-February when wildlife excursions are in full swing. Float down the river on a Wilderness Eagle Float Tour or arrange a telescope on the riverbank.

If you wish to spend the night time, you’ll be able to camp at close by Alice Lake Provincial Park. Comply with Alice Lake Highway inland and revel in much more superb climbing trails within the park.

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park

Brackendale to Brandywine Falls: 34 km // 24 minutes

A pitstop for an impressive waterfall is at all times value it for us! Brandywine Falls is 70 m (230 ft) tall and cascades out of a canyon product of volcanic rocks. Depart your automobile within the parking space and observe the brief path to the lookout level.

In your option to Brandywine Falls, you’ll want to soak within the sights of Garibaldi Provincial Park throughout the highway. When you’ve got time, it’s value visiting the park to see a number of the craziest Sea to Sky Freeway viewpoints.

Brandywine Falls

Whistler

Brackendale to Whistler: 17.5 km // quarter-hour

Whistler is named a world-famous ski city that has heaps to supply year-round. Judging by how lovely the highway from Vancouver to Whistler is, you’ll be able to guess how fairly the village is. Dotted with retailers and eating places, the mountain backdrop makes for postcard-worthy views.

Whether or not you’re visiting in summer season or winter, it’s a beautiful journey to drive Vancouver-to-Whistler. Spend just a few days right here to chill out and unwind earlier than hopping again onto the Sea to Sky Freeway Vancouver.

Outdated City, Whistler

Peak to Peak Gondola in Whistler. Picture Credit score: Vacation spot BC/Blake Jorgenson

Issues to do in Whistler

Go snowboarding: This one’s a no brainer! For those who’re visiting within the winter, hit the slopes at Whistler-Blackcomb on skis or a snowboard.
Trip the Peak 2 Peak Gondola: A gondola trip to the mountaintop is the proper option to rejoice the Sea to Sky Whistler. It’s a bit dear at CAD $79 per particular person however boasts birds-eye views over the village and mountains.
Strive bungee leaping: Whistler Bungee is a must-stop for adrenaline junkies. Soar 50 m (160 ft) into the air above the Cheakamus River canyon.
Dine in Whistler Village: Stroll the streets of the pedestrian-only village for native eats and treats. There are a lot of legendary eating places in Whistler just like the Rimrock Cafe and Araxi Oyster Bar.

The place to Keep in Whistler Village

Nitka Lake Lodge: Surrounded by mountains, Nitka Lake Lodge is an idyllic retreat. It has a restaurant, spa, and even rooftop sizzling tubs.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: Why not splash out and do Whistler in type?! The Fairmont Whistler is famend for being an opulent vacation spot with a watch for sustainability.

Sea to Sky Freeway Driving Suggestions and Recommendation

How Steep is the Sea to Sky Freeway?

There are a number of steep sections alongside the Sea to the Sky Freeway with grades of round 10%. The complete elevation acquire is 653 metres so put together for plenty of hills and you’ll want to obey the Sea to Sky Freeway velocity restrict!

Sea to Sky Freeway

The place to Keep Alongside the Sea to Sky Freeway in British Columbia

There are many choices for nice locations to remain alongside the highway to Whistler from motels to tenting. We suggest spending not less than 2 nights to actually benefit from the Sea to Sky highway journey. Take a look at a few of our high locations to remain alongside the Sea to Sky drive:

Porteau Cove Provincial Park Tenting – An ideal place to remain in your first night time. Get pleasure from waterfront tenting overlooking Howe Sound and the coastal mountains. Tenting is $35 per night time and reservations are advisable.
Crash Lodge Squamish – For those who don’t wish to camp, spend your first night time in Squamish on the Crash Lodge. It’s proper in the midst of city and has sustainable initiatives that remove single-use plastics, preserve water, and rejoice native artists. Rooms begin at $105 per night time and could be booked right here.
Nitka Lake Lodge – This mountainside retreat is the proper place to remain in Whistler. It’s set within the peaceable mountains and has an natural rooftop backyard, chemical-free merchandise, and a recycling program. Rooms begin at $179 per night time and could be booked right here.

Different Suggestions and Recommendation for the Final Vancouver to Whistler Highway Journey

Sea to Sky Freeway situations can change rapidly because of the encompassing mountains. You’ll want to examine Sea to Sky highway situations earlier than heading out in your drive from Vancouver to Whistler right here.
The Sea to Sky Freeway winter tires mandate is in impact from October 1 to March 31. The climate can get dicey so that you don’t wish to be caught doing the Sea to Sky Freeway drive within the snow with out winter tires.