Ultimate Guide: Vancouver to Whistler via Sea to Sky Highway

Driving from Vancouver to Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway is a short trip by road trip standards, but this stretch along Highway 99 in British Columbia is filled with so many things to see and do, it can take days to explore. We’ve rounded up the top attractions from Vancouver to Whistler including places to stay, where to eat, and what adventures await.

Having lived in Vancouver, we have driven the Sea to Sky Highway many times, but it wasn’t until we recently revisited it as tourists that we took the time to enjoy all the top attractions along the Sea to Sky corridor. Therefore, sit back, enjoy the views, and start planning your road trip from Vancouver to Whistler BC.

Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip

The Sea to Sky Highway is only 154 km (95 miles) long, and the drive time from Vancouver to Whistler can be achieved in just 90 minutes. However, if you want to plan a comprehensive Sea to Sky Highway road trip, you should allocate four to five days.

This trip is outstanding, and there are so many activities that you will need ample time to go hiking, explore its epic waterfalls, immerse yourself in its history, and take in the breathtaking sights. So let’s get started!

1. Vancouver

Spend the night in Vancouver and explore one of Canada’s finest cities for at least a day. There are numerous attractions in Vancouver that will keep you entertained, from the waterfront trail on False Creek to historic Gastown and the famous Granville Island. Here are a few of our top recommendations for things to do in Vancouver.

Where to Stay in Vancouver

The Opus Vancouver is an excellent boutique hotel located in Yaletown, within walking distance to major attractions. This stylish hotel has been recognized as one of the top hotels by Forbes and as the leading luxury property in BC. It boasts some of the friendliest service we’ve experienced at a hotel, undoubtedly thanks to the invigorating West Coast air! We highly recommend it. Moreover, there are great options for dining and nightlife nearby, and it’s just a short walk to the waterfront.

2. Stanley Park and Downtown

We suggest starting with a visit to Stanley Park. Rent a bicycle and enjoy a ride around the Sea Wall. Be sure to stop at the Marina for some of the best views of the Vancouver Skyline. Another highlight is the Stanley Park Totem Poles at Brockton, which showcase the indigenous culture of British Columbia, a theme prevalent along the Sea to Sky Highway.

Spend the rest of your day exploring False Creek, dedicating ample time to Granville Island. Granville Island is filled with eateries, boutique shopping, art studios, and even a theater. It’s a vibrant spot to relax and enjoy. Afterward, consider taking the water taxi across False Creek to stroll along the waterfront to Gastown. Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood was founded by Gassy Jack Deighton in 1867, and it offers plenty of shopping and dining options.

3. Capilano Suspension Bridge

On your second day in Vancouver, make your way in the morning to see the renowned Capilano Suspension Bridge. This 137-meter-long (450 feet) bridge swings 70 meters (230 feet) above the Capilano River. While this is the star attraction, there is also a high ropes treetop adventure and guided walking tours through the lush rainforest. Free shuttles operate from downtown Vancouver; however, if you have a car, we recommend driving so you can explore other nearby sights.

4. Grouse Mountain Gondola

Grouse Mountain is renowned for some excellent skiing right near the city center. While Cypress Bowl and Mount Seymour also offer winter sports, Grouse Mountain has plenty of summer activities. To access Grouse Mountain, cross the Lions Gate Bridge into North Vancouver.

This year-round destination is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Take the Grouse Mountain Gondola up for breathtaking views of the city. If visiting during winter, skiing is a must, but if you’re not into skiing or are visiting in another season, options include a zip line adventure, a lumberjack show, two resident grizzly bears enjoying a natural sanctuary, dining, and hiking.

5. Hit The Beach

If hiking and heights aren’t appealing, spend a day exploring Vancouver’s beaches. Vancouver boasts several beautiful beaches worth visiting. You may have already seen Second and Third Beaches while cycling around Stanley Park. Additionally, on your route from Stanley Park toward Granville Island, you’ll encounter English Bay Beach and Sunset Beach. If you venture across English Bay to Kitsilano, you will discover even more beach options.

The top beaches in Vancouver include Jericho Beach, Kitsilano Beach, Spanish Banks, and Wreck Beach. Wreck Beach is known as one of the world’s finest nude beaches, so be warned; you’ll see a lot of skin! Its selection as a preferable nude beach can be attributed to the 500 steps leading down to the sandy shore, which makes it quite secluded.

Stops on the Sea to Sky Highway

After spending a couple of days exploring Vancouver and North Vancouver, it’s time to get on the road and let the Sea to Sky Highway adventure begin. The journey takes you once again across the Lion’s Gate Bridge to North Van, followed by a drive through West Vancouver, with a quick stop at Lighthouse Park before entering Horseshoe Bay. This, in my opinion, is where the Sea to Sky Highway truly begins.

6. Whytecliff Park

A popular stop at Horseshoe Bay is Whytecliff Park. This marine sanctuary is home to shipwrecks and an abundance of marine life, making it a favorite among scuba divers. It’s great for swimming; plus, at low tide, you can walk out to Whytecliff Island. Be sure to stop here for photos and to absorb the stunning views.

7. Britannia Mine

The next stop is one of the most beloved attractions along the Sea to Sky Highway. The Britannia Mine Museum, a National Historic Site of Canada, was once the largest copper mine in the world. Today, it serves as an interactive museum taking visitors on a train to the mountain’s core, where miners excavated copper. Make sure to catch the new show, BOOM, which is a multi-sensory film housed in the enormous 20-story building, where you’ll learn about the 96-year history of mining in Squamish in an engaging manner.

Additionally, check out the exhibition “Connected by Copper: From Cells to Cell Phones,” which provides insight into how copper has impacted our lives throughout history, from providing electricity to protecting us from harmful bacteria. Read more about it here.

8. Britannia Beach

Nearby, you can stop at Britannia Beach, which was once a bustling mining town but is now a charming small village. Britannia Beach was formerly one of the most polluted locations in North America due to mining activities; however, in 2005, a massive cleanup project was initiated. Today, the waters of Howe Sound at Britannia Beach have recovered by 85%, with marine life returning each year. Be sure to explore it for yourself!

9. Shannon Falls

The first waterfall you’ll encounter between Vancouver and Whistler is Shannon Falls, located just south of Squamish. The falls are a short and easy walk from the parking lot, so make sure you take a moment to enjoy the view! Shannon Falls is the third largest waterfall in British Columbia, with several viewpoints to take in the impressive 335-meter (1,099-foot) cascade. From Shannon Falls, you can begin one of three hikes leading to the Stawamus Chief.

10. Sea to Sky Gondola

The Sea to Sky Gondola transports you to Summit Lodge for stunning views of Howe Sound. At the top, there are multiple viewing platforms, The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, and plenty of hiking trails. This attraction is a must-do on any Vancouver to Whistler road trip (though it was closed during our visit, it remains a top highlight along the Sea to Sky Highway).

11. Sea to Sky Air

Since the Sea to Sky Gondola was closed, we still managed a bird’s-eye view by taking an incredible scenic flight on a floatplane over the Coast Mountains and Howe Sound with Sea to Sky Air. Our pilot David led us over the shimmering waters to land on Howe Sound, where we enjoyed a leisurely tour searching for marine life. This experience was one of the best scenic flights we’ve ever taken.

12. Squamish

Driving from Vancouver to Whistler, the first major settlement after Horseshoe Bay is Squamish. This is a great place to spend the night and discover the local sites and activities in the area.

Where to Stay Squamish

An excellent accommodation option in Squamish is the Sunwolf Riverside Lodge. These log cabins, located alongside a river in a forest setting, feature wood-burning stoves and a fantastic restaurant popular among locals and tourists alike, allowing you to feel immersed in nature while enjoying modern amenities.

13. Stawamus Chief

Known simply as The Chief, the Stawamus Chief is a granite cliff soaring 702 meters (2,303 feet) above the city of Squamish. Rock climbers flock from around the globe to attempt its challenging routes. The Chief is often referred to as Canada’s answer to El Capitan.

If rock climbing isn’t your activity of choice, you can hike to the summit as well! There are three distinct hike options: First Peak, Second Peak, and Third Peak. If you’re short on time, the First Peak is the most accessible (4 km round trip) and offers breathtaking views.

14. Bald Eagles at Squamish River

Staying at Sunwolf Riverside places you right by the Squamish River, where some of the best bald eagle sightings in the world can be observed. From November to February, hundreds of bald eagles migrate to the river to feast on abundant salmon. During our October visit, we spotted several bald eagles, indicating their presence throughout the year. We stood on the bridge that overlooks the river, watching the eagles swoop in for their catch.

Sea to Sky Part to – Squamish to Whistler Stops

After spending at least two nights in Squamish, it’s time to continue on the journey towards Whistler. This portion of Highway 1 is lined with numerous stops, so be sure to take your time and relish the drive.

15. Garibaldi Provincial Park

Home to the stunning Mount Garibaldi, Garibaldi Provincial Park encompasses a massive 480,990 acres (194,650 hectares) of recreational beauty. Popular hiking trails start from Diamond Head, leading to Elfin Lake, where for a nominal fee, you can stay in a cabin with essential amenities.

16. Brandywine Falls

The next iconic waterfall on our Vancouver to Whistler journey is Brandywine Falls. This nearby gem requires a brief 10 to 15-minute walk from the parking lot across a railway track, revealing a magnificent 70 meter (230 foot) waterfall cascading into a horseshoe canyon.

17. Whistler

Congratulations, you’ve arrived in Whistler! Whistler is among Canada’s premier tourist destinations, and we recommend staying at least a few days, or longer if you plan on experiencing skiing or snowboarding. There are countless things to do in Whistler, making it an excellent endpoint for your Sea to Sky Highway adventure.

While in Whistler, be sure to explore the Olympic Village, try a bobsleigh ride at one of the Olympic sites, or venture up the mountain for magnificent views on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Numerous hiking trails are available to enjoy, and if you’re visiting in winter, you’ll find remarkable winter activities. Here are a few highlights beyond the usual skiing and spa experiences in Whistler.

18. Train Wreck Trail

A must-visit stop on your journey from Vancouver to Whistler is the Train Wreck Trail. Located along the Cheakamus River, this scenic spot became more accessible to tourists in 2013 after a bridge was established to allow safe crossing instead of traversing the train tracks. The trail starts at Cheakamus Crossing, leading to a beautiful suspension bridge about a 15-minute hike away. Upon crossing, you’ll discover the remnants of seven derailed boxcars hidden in the forest, adorned in vibrant graffiti—a photographer’s paradise.

These boxcars date back to a train derailment in 1956 from Lillooet. The train was running late, attempting to make up time by speeding, and when it curved sharply on a narrow section, it veered off the rails. Get directions here from Google Maps.

19. Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Despite visiting Whistler various times, we never made it to the indoor attractions until now, and I’m glad we finally did! The center is dedicated to the rich history and culture of the Squamish and Lil’wat tribes, creating a fantastic interactive museum experience.

20. Whistler Photo Safaris

If you’re in Whistler during summer, don’t miss out on hopping aboard a bear safari. Whistler Photo Safaris takes you through the Whistler Olympic Park in search of black bears while also featuring a tour of the Olympic Park’s ski jumps and cross-country skiing tracks.

This excursion is an excellent way to explore the surrounding Whistler areas and observe wildlife. Ultimately, the Sea to Sky Highway undeniably lives up to its reputation as one of the most breathtaking drives on the planet. We have an entire post dedicated to things to do in Whistler, so be sure to check it out to discover what awaits you once you conclude your Sea to Sky Highway road trip.

Where to Stay in Whistler

We based ourselves at the Pan Pacific Mountainside, situated directly on the mountain. It’s perfect for ski-in/ski-out access in the winter or easy access to the gondola in summer. Plus, it offers on-site parking! We’ve experienced various accommodations downtown Whistler, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them.

Watch our Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Video

Where does the Sea to Sky Highway Begin and End?

The Sea to Sky Highway starts in Vancouver, B.C. and concludes in Whistler, B.C.

Where do you stop on the Sea to Sky Highway?

Notable stops along the Sea to Sky Highway include Squamish, Shannon Falls, and the Train Wreck Trail, among others.

Have you enjoyed exploring all these incredible activities from Vancouver to Whistler? Start planning your drive along the Sea to Sky Highway and carve out time to experience both Vancouver and Whistler, two of Canada’s most stunning destinations.

Don’t forget to prepare an amazing playlist for your journey! We’ve curated the Ultimate Road Trip Playlist.