A Complete Guide to Sea to Sky Highway
British Columbia Highway 99, also known as the Sea to Sky Highway, is the top world's scenic drive between Vancouver and Whistler in western Canada. Our travel guide includes things to do on the Sea to Sky Highway, best stops, directions, and tips on accommodation.
British Columbia is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and the famous Sea to Sky Highway will allow you to take a deeper look into the beauty of this Canadian province without too much hassle.
The name Sea to Sky Highway suggests that you are about to experience one of the most memorable road trips in your life, and we can only confirm that this assumption is not very far from the truth.
The highway stretches across the Sea to Sky Highway Corridor and connects Vancouver with the Howe Sound, Whistler, and beyond. The coastal sections of the road were built on steep cliffs, and until its 2010 Winter Olympics extension, the road had only two lanes and no outside barriers.
The Pacific Ocean that washes the shoreline past Vancouver creates together with mountains dramatic scenery that will leave you in awe. The result is extraordinary, and it's no wonder why is the Sea to Sky Highway often ranked among the best road trips in the world.
Get ready for breathtaking ocean vistas, towering mountains rising on both sides, impressive waterfalls, epic trails, and an almost endless list of fun activities.
Regardless of whether you want to explore the Sea to Sky Highway on a day trip from Vancouver or just arrived from abroad on a long week vacation to see what the fuss is all about, we've got you covered.
So without further ado, here is everything you should know about the Sea to Sky Highway road trip. We've put together tips on the best stops along the road and practical information.
SEA TO SKY HIGHWAY
Firstly, the name Sea to Sky Highway is much more exciting than the official boring-sounding British Columbia Highway 99, right?
It's quite interesting to learn that the name Highway 99 was originally derived from the U.S Route 99 that ends at the U.S. - Canada border (which was turned into 2223 kilometers long Interstate 5 later on). The first part of the highway was completed in 1942, but it didn't reach Pemberton until 1966; nevertheless, you can say the Sea to Sky Highway has quite a long history.
So, where does the Sea to Sky Highway start and end? While the most famous part that attracts visitors from around the world stretches between Vancouver and Whistler, the highway continues beyond both places.
When arriving from the south, the highway starts right at the U.S. Canada border, runs through Vancouver, Whistler, and connects to Highway 97 near Cache Creek. The entire stretch is 376 kilometers long and takes about 5 hours to drive without stops.
However, the most scenic part from Vancouver to Whistler is 121 kilometers long, and you will cover it in about one and half hours (again, no stops included).
We all know that some of the most memorable holidays happen in the form of a road trip. Regardless of whether you will drive only the most scenic part of the whole stretch, you will have the time of your life.
By the way, the Sea to Sky Highway is a scenic drive and not the fastest route to travel north or northeast. Regardless of whether you want to go to Calgary, Edmonton, or Prince George, it's quicker to take the Trans-Canada Highway 1 instead.
BEST THINGS TO DO
What is there to do on the Sea to Sky Highway? Well, a lot! The Sea to Sky Highway is packed with attractions. From hiking, biking, camping, snowshoeing, skiing, cross-country skiing, wildlife watching, golfing, to scuba diving, the Sea to Sky Highway is sure not short of things to do.
Moreover, there are plenty of things to do on the Sea to Sky Highway for all ages and abilities year-round. The easy access, epic scenery, and year-round activities attract visitors from around the world.
Here is our list of the best stops along the Sea to Sky Highway sorted in an order as you encounter them when driving from Vancouver towards the north.
While we tried to include all of our favorite places along the Sea to Sky Highway, we hope you will share some of your favorite stops in the comment section below!
VANCOUVER
Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city set in the beautiful oceanfront scenery with mountains in the backdrop, and for many, a starting point for their Sea to Sky Highway adventure. If you have time, it's worth spending a day or two in Vancouver just to see the city's highlights.
We arrived in Vancouver from Seattle late, tired after a long flight from Europe, and had only enough strength to explore Vancouver's downtown before crashing into bed. Getting some nice sleep was vital as we had planned three packed days for the Sea to Sky Highway.
So what is there to do in Vancouver? Among the top attractions in Vancouver are Vancouver Downtown, Granville Island, Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Museum of Anthropology, Kitsilano Beach, or Robson Street.
Furthermore, Vancouver is known for great shopping opportunities, excellent restaurants, or lively art scenes, and many cultural events.
STANLEY PARK
Surrounded mainly by the Pacific Ocean, Stanley Park is a tranquil oasis north of downtown and the best city escape. Stanley Park will allow you to forget the stress of modern life in a heartbeat, and you can enjoy kilometers of trails, local wildlife, historical landmarks, and epic views.
However, oasis might be a bit misleading term, as you should expect a densely forested area that is home to more than a half-million trees.
In 1886, the area was turned into Vancouver's first park and designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1988. On more than 400 hectares, you will find everything you would expect from this forested public park and much more.
While there, you have multiple options to explore Stanley Park. If you are short on time, you can use Stanley Park Drive and drive by car around the entire park. We recommend you leave the car behind and enjoy many of Stanley Park's trails.
The biggest secret that Stanley Park hides is the Vancouver Seawall that prevents erosion multiplied by the oncoming boat traffic and encircles the entires park. The Seawall was fully completed in 1980, though the construction started at the beginning of the 20th century. Nowadays, it is used by both pedestrians and cyclists.
It takes about one hour to bike around Stanley Park, while you need roughly two to three hours to walk the entire loop.
The easternmost tip offers some best views of Vancouver's skyline, and it's worth the detour just for this.
While you are in Stanley Park, don't forget to visit Prospect Point Lookout that will allow you to see the Lions Gate (see below) from a different perspective.
As you will be driving through Stanley Park anyway, it makes a lot of sense to stop there for some exploration.
LIONS GATE BRIDGE
Vancouver has two bridges over Burrard Inlet that connect the city with the North Vancouver City and District and West Vancouver. While the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge is part of the Trans-Canada Highway 1, the Lions Gate Bridge is on the Sea to Sky Highway.
Unlike the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge that has six lanes, Lions Gate Bridge has three reversible lanes in which traffic can travel in either direction. While it would be technically possible to direct the traffic in only one direction, the reality is far more simple. Only the middle lane changes direction depending on the current traffic.
The first time we drove across the bridge, it felt a bit weird to be in the middle lane, and we were checking all the time if the traffic light won't suddenly change from green to red (spoiler alert, it didn't).
But if it sped up the travel time, then we can't complain. Moreover, the bridge is one of Vancouver's most famous landmarks and is one of the most beautiful bridges along the North American west coast.
Lions Gate Bridge was built between 1937 and 1938, its length is 1823 meters, and the tower height is 111 meters. It has a ship clearance of 61 meters and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2005.
You will come across the bridge right after you drive through Stanley Park.
And how did Lions Gate bridge get its name? While there are two art deco lion sculptures at the southern entrance, the bridge was named after a pair of peaks known as The Lions, located in the North Shore mountain range.
CYPRESS MOUNTAIN VIEWPOINT
While you are driving through West Vancouver, you might want to take a five-minute detour to Cypress Mountain Viewpoint that offers excellent views of Vancouver
In fact, you won't find many similar views as good as this one you can reach by car, making it a perfect road trip stop. This is a popular sunset spot in Vancouver, and the area is quite busy during this time of the day.
The lookout is located on the second switchback of Cypress Bowl Road, about five kilometers from the Sea to Sky Highway. Free parking is available there.
This little side trip won't take you more than 20 minutes, but you can skip it if you are short on time.
HORSESHOE BAY
The next stop on our road trip that's still within West Vancouver is Horseshoe Bay, a small seaside village that marks the start of Sea to Sky Highway.
While there are not many things to do in the Horseshoe Bay Village itself except for watching boats going in and out, waiting for a ferry, or having a meal in one of the restaurants, Horsehoe Bay is an important place that connects the Lower Mainland with Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
From Horseshoe Bay, you can catch a ferry to Bowen Island, Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, or Langdale.
Moreover, Horseshoe Bay is a gateway to Whytecliff Park or beautiful Lighthouse Park.
WHYTECLIFF PARK
A small park located about a five-minute drive from Horseshoe Bay, Whytecliff Park has a scuba diving site, a Whyte Islet, and a lovely beach. You can enjoy a leisure stroll along a nice beach or walk one of the shorter trails the park has to offer.
The island is accessible on foot only during the low tide, so unless you want to swim there, check the tide timetable before you go. Once you get there, a panoramic 360 degrees view opens up. The trail leads across rocks, so make sure you wear proper footwear, trail runners should do.
The park is easily accessible from Horseshoe Bay. There is only limited parking, so try to arrive early (though there is also an overflow parking lot).
PORTEAU COVE PROVINCIAL PARK
While driving towards your next destination, you might want to pull over into the parking area at Porteau Cove Provincial Park.
Located halfway between Horseshoe Bay and Squamish, Porteau Cove Provincial Park offers oceanfront camping (with many campsites on the waterfront), and activities such as scuba diving, canoeing, paddleboarding, hiking, or fishing.
A bay with an artificial reef and two shipwrecks is right next to it, making it a divers paradise.
It's quite hard to reserve a campsite as they are often full in the peak season, so if you want to stay there overnight, you need to plan your visit carefully (or check the reservation system for cancellations).
SHANNON FALLS
Shannon Fall Lookout is a nice and easy trail with a bit of incline perfect for all ages and abilities. You will reach the waterfall from the parking lot in one kilometer on a forested trail.
Shannon Falls Provincial Park is forested primarily with Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, and Western Hemlock, creating a nice and peaceful scenery.
It's quite fascinating to learn about geology and how all the waterfalls in the provincial parks along the way were shaped. Shannon Falls is flowing over a hard solid granite layer that was long ago formed under a strong pressure inside the earth and eventually pushed up to form a mountain.
Unlike softer basalt layers you can find at Brandywine Falls, granite is very hard and erodes really slowly. The flow of the water can cause some huge chunks of rock to fall off the wall, but it's not strong enough to carve a canyon.
SEA TO SKY GONDOLA
Do you want to enjoy the views of the breathtaking landscape surrounding the Howe Sound? See the Maquam Valley, Mount Atwell, Stawamus Chief, Tantalus Mountain Range, and the famous Co-Pilot and Sky Pilot mountain peaks?
While you might get the idea that this activity is only about a gondola ride, know that there are three viewing platforms at the top, a 100-meter suspension bridge, a restaurant, plus you will get access to some exciting hiking trails.
Check out the trail map before you go, as there are lots of interesting trails with varying difficulty and incredible vistas, so everyone can choose depending on their level of fitness.
The trails range from easy such as Panorama Trail or Spirit Trail, to moderate and difficult trails such as Al's Habrich Trail, Sky Pilot Valley Trail, or Skyline Ridge Trail (24 kilometers with an elevation gain of 700 meters).
So how long does the gondola ride take? The gondola ride is approximately 10 minutes from the base to the summit, and it is a wheelchair and stroller accessible.
The Sea to Sky Gondola ticket costs $55.95 for an adult when reserved online ($56.95 at the ticket window on a weekday and $59.95 on the weekend). Note that the weekend pricing is in effect from Friday to Sunday.
If you are a budget traveler and believe that the price for the gondola ride is steep, you can always hike the Sea to Sky Summit Trail (or hike up and take the gondola down for $15). The path is 16 kilometers round trip, with a 900 meters elevation gain (the first section is also known as Upper Shannon Falls Trail).
SQUAMISH
For some, Squamish is just a place to get some information on the surrounding areas and activities, to stock up, or to stay overnight, but if you are a birder or interested in First Nations history, you should really pay attention now.
BIRD WATCHING IN SQUAMISH
Due to the fact that it's located nearby salmon spawning territories, Squamish is home to North America's largest gathering of Bald Eagles. The best time to see Bald Eagles in Squamish is from December to January, when the population is peaking, though they arrive in early November and stay until late March.
Even though the Bald Eagles are the top Squamish's attraction, the local ocean, rivers, and estuary is home to more than 200 migratory species. Make sure to bring binoculars to enjoy this spectacular show.
If you are an avid bird photographer, make sure to use a modern mirrorless camera with animal eye autofocus and super tracking such as Canon EOS R6 paired with a telephoto lens such as Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 (and extender if needed).
We visited Squamish in August outside the migratory season, so we only could read about these magnificent animals.
For eagle viewing, head out to Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park north of Squamish, where you will also find Eagle Run viewing shelter and an interpretive display. Birdwatching in Squamish is a big thing, and even the roof of the local adventure center was designed to resemble eagles' wings.
TANTALUS LOOKOUT
As we venture along the Sea to Sky Highway, we are hoping for some proper quick stop that is essential to every road trip.
Tantalus Lookout is the quintessential stop on the highway and ticked all our boxes. Easily accessible, picnic tables, restrooms, and epic views.
Needless to say, that this outlook is worth a stop on a clear and sunny day so you can enjoy the majestic views.
From the pull-out parking, beautiful views of the Tantalus Range open up. It's worth the stop to admire the unique view down the valley to Squamish and the mountain range in all of its glory.
GARIBALDI PROVINCIAL PARK
If we had to pick our favorite must-visit place on the Sea to Sky Highway, we would say Garibaldi Provincial Park without hesitation. In our opinion, Garibaldi Lake is one of the best places to visit in British Columbia.
The alpine scenery is absolutely breathtaking. We saw glaciers, snow-covered peaks, wildlife, turquoise lakes, and simply put, we enjoyed every second in the park.
Garibaldi Provincial Park spans over an area of 1950 square kilometers, and the western part is easily accessible from the Sea to Sky Highway.
While driving along this road, you will get access to places such as Garibaldi Lake, Elfin Lakes, The Black Tusk, Cheakamus Lake, and Wedgemount Lake. Note that Garibaldi Provincial Park is huge and basically stretches from Squamish to Whistler and even Pemberton, so every destination has a different entry point.
We loved Garibaldi Lake and the Panorama Ridge hike and still consider it among the best hikes in British Columbia. As both day-trippers from Vancouver and international visitors flood the provincial park in summer (especially long weekends), some areas might feel crowded.
However, hiking in a bear country is a bit different from what you might be used to, and more people on the trail means that there is a lesser chance of a surprising bear encounter. Yes, there are plenty of bears (mostly black bears) in Garibaldi Provincial Park, as this is their natural habitat.
Also, remember that the snow remains in the park's higher elevations until July, and the new snow arrives as early as October.
The summer is also a time of the year when the alpine flowers are in full bloom, and it's quite a fascinating sight.
BRANDYWINE FALLS
Brandywine Falls in British Columbia is a 1.2-kilometer out and back trail with no significant elevation gain that starts just north of Daisy Lake. The trail is very gentle, easy, and well-maintained; therefore, perfect for families with kids, strollers, or persons using wheelchairs.
The Canyon Rim trail ends at a viewpoint overlooking Daisy Lake and the Cheakamus Valley. On a clear day, you will get not only uninterrupted views of the valley but can also see the Black Tusk at the Garibaldi Lake area.
Moreover, the view of the waterfall that plunges from its characteristic cliffs into a crystal clear pool from 70 meters is simply breathtaking.
From the two main waterfalls you can see on the Sea to Sky Highway, we enjoyed Brandywine Falls a lot more. And if we had to pick the best waterfall on the Sea to Sky Highway you have to visit, then we would pick Brandywine Falls without hesitation any time of the day.
While the Shannon Falls geology is really interesting, Brandywine Falls story is even more fascinating. Thirteen thousand years ago, the last Ice Age formed the entire area.
Glaciers, volcanic eruptions, and sudden climate change shaped the entire valley, all the way from the Brandywine Provincial Park to Howe Sound. Basalt layers from lava flows were created by geologic forces, with softer layers being under the hard layers.
Over time, moisture from the waterfall and currents at the bottom of the pool erodes the softer layers. Eventually, the upper overhanging layer collapses.
As a result, the whole waterfall is constantly traveling backwards, as the process repeats all over again. Some day, Brandywine Falls will reach the parking lot where you left your car and started the walk.
Simply put, Brandywine Falls is a top attraction on the Sea to Sky Highway you shouldn't miss while there.
WHISTLER
Whistler is the iconic Canadian village known for its superb skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the winter and alpine hiking and mountain biking activities in the summer. There are so many things to do in Whistler, both in summer and winter, making it a top travel destination in entire Canada.
While today the village serves as the main country's playground, it's really hard to believe that the Whistler area remained pretty unknown until the 1960s without any infrastructure.
Whistler got its world fame after the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. If you are a fan of the Winter Olympics, you can visit the Whistler Olympic Park yourself.
Nowadays, more than two million people visit Whistler each year, and when you see the endless list of activities this village has to offer, you can't be surprised. Whistler offers everything for everyone, and one thing is certain, you won't get bored while there.
From Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola, hiking, biking, ziplining, golfing, or bear viewing in summer to skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling to heli-skiing in winter, Whistler has it all. In fact, you would need at least a week to explore Whistler fully, as this is not a definitive list, and you can expect much more.
If you travel on a budget, then you will soon find out that Whistler is an expensive destination. Sure exploring the trails is free, but to participate in other activities that require a guide or renting gear, prepare to pay some extra dollars.
SQUAMISH LIL'WAT CULTURAL CENTRE
If you are interested in First Nations history, the southwest of British Columbia is the place to go, and the cultural center in Whistler is a must-visit place on your travel itinerary.
Learning about the local history, indigenous people, and nature is definitely worth the time, and Whistler is a perfect place for it.
The present-day area of Squamish, Whistler, Howe Sound, North and West Vancouver is the homeland of two nations - Squamish Nation and Lil'Wat Nation, and the evidence suggests indigenous people used the area for many thousands of years (when the ice age slowly receded).
The entrance fee is $20 per adult, or you can purchase a family pass for $45.
You can enjoy a guided tour that starts every hour and features a welcome song, a 15-minute movie, exhibit tour, and cedar-rope bracelet-making activity. After the tour ends, you are more than welcome to roam the premises on your own.
NAIRN FALLS
A 2.5 kilometer in-and-out Nairn Falls Trail with an elevation gain of 100 meters will take you to a beautiful waterfall racing through a zig-zagging rocky canyon. Don't expect Brandywine Falls though, Nairn Falls looks very different. The trail traverses steep banks above a swift-flowing river, so always stay on the designated trail.
The Nairn Falls trailhead starts about four kilometers south of Pemberton (there is also a Nairn Falls Campground) and runs parallel to the Green River.
This is a family-friendly hike, and it's hike-able year-round if you bring proper equipment in the winter (microspikes and snowshoes).
PEMBERTON
Although this small municipality village can't compete with Whistler in the range of activities, there are some worthwhile things to do in Pemberton. Paragliding, horseback riding, fishing are the main activities to do in Pemberton in summer, while visitors can do snowmobiling or backcountry skiing in winter.
Lil'wat Nation has lived in The Pemberton Valley for thousands of years, while the first European explorations started in the first half of the 19th century. Before the Sea to Sky Highway was built in the 1960s, Pemberton was only accessible by train. Nowadays, Pemberton's economy is dependent on tourism, agriculture, and logging.
Thanks to the town's typical 'Old West' architecture and the surrounding scenery, Pemberton has been featured in many commercials, movies, and TV shows.
For tourists, Pemberton also provides a variety of shopping, dining, accommodations.
As the town keeps growing, a set of volcanic peaks called Mount Meager massif presents a high risk to this populated area.
99 HIGHWAY BEYOND PEMBERTON
While some say that Pemberton officially marks the end of the scenic part of the Sea to Sky Highway, the road itself doesn't end there, and you can continue driving towards Lillooet, Pavilion, and Cache Creek.
You can stop at the Joffre Lakes Provincial Park and do the hike along three lakes to Upper Joffre Lake, a beautiful and fairly accessible alpine lake.
Duffey Lake Provincial Park offers some scenic viewpoints along the road, where you can pull over and admire the mountainous scenery and crystal clear lake at the bottom of the valley.
FRASER VALLEY
Once you reach Lillooet, you are left with an interesting choice. You can keep driving towards the Pavilion along the Fraser River, flowing in the Fraser canyon until you eventually reach the junction where the 99 Highway ends.
Or you can turn right and drive towards Lytton, Boston Bar, all the way to Hope, where you can loop back to Vancouver. This is a perfect alternative for those who don't want to retrace their steps, as the Fraser Valley offers plenty of things to see as well.
And by the way, how often do you visit Hells Gate? A steep rock wall that rises hundreds of meters above the Fraser River can be explored by Hells Gate Airtram that will allow you to see the heart of the Fraser Canyon from above. The ticket costs $30.99 per adult.
While this activity is quite pricey, you can always just drive on and enjoy the scenery from the car.
HOW MUCH TIME YOU NEED
The scenic drive can be covered by car in only a few hours, but you would miss all the fun, and it makes zero sense to rush things here.
The important thing to realize is that unless you live in Vancouver, the chances to visit the Sea to Sky Highway repeatedly are not very high.
Simply put, you won't make a mistake by adding an extra day to your itinerary, especially if you travel there from halfway across the globe.
See the travel itinerary below.
TRAVEL ITINERARY
When creating a Sea to Sky Highway travel itinerary, the hardest part is to answer the good old question of which places are worth including and which you can cross off the list.
Writing down your budget and list of places you want to visit, and activities you want to do will help you narrow down the list.
The most common problem of almost every travel itinerary is that it aims to see as many places as possible in a very short time, which can cause some stress.
Try to keep it realistic as possible. It's your vacation, not a race of who sees more stuff.
SEA TO SKY HIGHWAY IN ONE DAY
We feel you. Not everyone has a flexible schedule, and sometimes a single day is what you got, and there is just no way around it. Don't worry; you will still see a lot.
Start early as possible to maximize your day.
While you probably won't get a chance to do longer hikes, there are plenty of short trails you can do, and you might also consider taking the gondola to get some epic views to save some time.
Needless to say, that in our opinion, one day for the Sea to Sky Highway is not enough as you would miss a lot of places and activities, so try to add a day or two if possible.
SEA TO SKY HIGHWAY IN TWO DAYS
In our opinion, two days are the best compromise when you want to see the top places without too much hiking or other adventures. If you have two days, consider splitting the journey in half and stay in either Squamish or Whistler, depending on your travel direction.
In a nutshell, two days for the Sea to Sky Highway are perfectly fine if you are not planning to do any day hikes. Though, you will still have plenty of time to see the best stops on the way without hurrying too much.
SEA TO SKY HIGHWAY IN THREE DAYS
We opted to spend three days on the Sea to Sky Highway, and we believe that it was a nice balance between the time we had and places we wanted to see.
Three days allow you to incorporate one of the day hikes, plenty of shorter walks, and you will have enough time to try even fun or adrenaline activities. The best thing about the three-day itinerary is that it's very flexible.
Our suggested travel itinerary would look like this. You can spend the first day exploring the area between Vancouver and Squamish, there are tons of things to do. On the second day, enjoy one of the long day hikes in Garibaldi Lake Park. On the last day, explore Whistler and its surroundings.
FOUR DAYS TO ONE WEEK
While you might think that anything between four days to one week for the Sea to Sky Highway is way too much, it gives you the opportunity to do as many hikes and adventures in a very relaxed manner.
Also, if you want to go skiing in Whistler in winter or camping in the summer, adding a few extra days will be necessary. If you like nature, the area offers so many things to do that you won't get bored even after a week there.
WHERE TO STAY
Searching for the best hotel on the Sea to Sky Highway plays an important role in every successful trip. Before you reserve your room, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, you should decide on your accommodation's location, which depends on the starting and ending point of your trip and the activities you planned for the trip.
Sometimes, premiere destinations profit from the location without offering services that reflect their high prices. Another important thing worth considering is the fact that the accommodation fills up fast in peak season.
As Whistler is a four-season destination, you already get the idea of where we are heading with this information. Book early to avoid overpaying later.
One thing is sure, though. The accommodation is not cheap in this part of British Columbia.
Most of the top hotels along the Sea to Sky Highway are quite expensive, but we were able to squeeze in some nice budget hostels for frugal travelers who don't want to spend a fortune on accommodation.
Here is our choice of the best hotels on the Sea to Sky Highway.
Vancouver | Blue Horizon Hotel - A contemporary hotel centrally located on Robson Street, Blue Horizon Hotel features modern rooms with views of the Vancouver Skyline, an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a steam bath. Rooms are spacious and bright, while the beds are nicely comfortable.
Squamish | Squamish Adventure Inn - Located in the Squamish, this well-rated hostel offers dorms, shared rooms, and private rooms with private bathrooms. Daily shuttle service provides access to nearby attractions in the summer and to Whistler in the winter. Free onsite parking is available.
Whistler | Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Whistler - The best hotel on our list is not surprisingly located in Whistler. Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Whistler has a superb rating and features stylish decor, impeccable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub. All suites have a fireplace and balcony. Moreover, a complimentary regular shuttle to Whistler Blackcomb runs from December to April.
Whistler | Pangea Pod Hotel - Located in the middle of Whistler on the Village Stroll, Pangea Pod Hotel is a modern hostel featuring pods grouped in suites with private bathrooms. This is a very affordable accommodation for all sort of travelers, pods are very clean, and offers everything you need for one night or two.
Pemberton | Pemberton Valley Lodge - Placed at the foot of Mt. Currie, Pemberton Valley Lodge is an all-suite hotel featuring cozy rooms, an excellent location, and free underground parking.
Lillooet | Reynolds Hotel - Located in the heart of Lillooet, Reynolds Hotel features clean and spacious rooms, lovely views of the Coast Mountains, a fridge, microwave, and free Wi-Fi. Don't forget to try a fresh apple pie while in the onsite restaurant.
Cache Creek | Bear's Claw Lodge - Set next to the Cache Creek Recreational Park, Bear's Claw Lodge is a good place to spend the night before or after your trip across the Sea to Sky Highway. This motel has clean rooms, comfy beds, an onsite restaurant, and friendly staff.
CAMPING
If you want to reconnect with nature or rented a camper and want to stay outdoors, it makes a lot of sense to stay in one of the campgrounds along the Sea to Sky Highway.
Frontcountry camping in British Columbia is a perfect alternative to sometimes overly expensive hotels, and we must say it's always a fantastic experience. Moreover, if you have more time, you can hike to one of the backcountry campgrounds that will offer an even more intimate experience.
Fortunately, there are plenty of campgrounds on the Sea to Sky Highway to choose from.
It's not in our power to list all campgrounds on the highway, so we've hand-selected the most prominent ones.
By the way, if you want to get closer to nature, it's better to avoid those big and famous campgrounds, as some offer excellent facilities but lack a bit of authenticity.
Lastly, the rates for full hook-ups campsites are high, and you should expect to pay about $70 (plus taxes) per night.
KLAHANIE CAMPGROUND
Klahanie is one of the most popular campgrounds on the highway due to its excellent location. Shannon Falls is located basically just opposite the campground, while Sea to Sky Gondola is less than a kilometer north from there.
WHISTLER RV PARK AND CAMPGROUNDS
Located near Brandywine Falls, Whistler RV Park is just another large campground on the Sea to Sky Highway.
RIVERSIDE CAMPING AND RV RESORT
Large campground on the way from Whistler to Green Lake, Riverside Camping and RV Resort is a decent campground in Whistler. Camping Yurts are available.
VANCOUVER CAMPGROUNDS
The large Vancouver campgrounds are expensive, crammed, noisy, and remind you of a huge parking lot rather than a friendly campground. We would stay away unless you have no other options.
GARIBALDI LAKE CAMPGROUND
The only backcountry campground on our list, Garibaldi Lake Campground offers a camping experience in one of the finest locations in British Columbia. It takes a few hours to get there from the parking lot on foot, but it's totally worth it.
CAMPING GEAR
Camping is always an extraordinary experience, but it's vital to come prepared; otherwise, you will not enjoy it (to put it mildly). Before you go, decide what sort of camping experience do you expect to have.
Camping is now accessible more than ever, and whichever type of camping you choose, it will get you closer to nature. That's the most beloved aspect of this activity, but it brings some potential issues to those who arrive without proper gear.
While the summer days are often hot in British Columbia, it's good to know that nights can be quite cold. Therefore, a lightweight 2-person tent is a must-have unless you prefer RV camping only and don't want to try backcountry camping.
Consider investing in a good and warm sleeping bag; the comfort of the sleep is worth the extra money. A comfortable sleeping mat is half the success, so don't skimp on it.
Cooking stoves, utensils, and cookware are also vital; the exact amount and type depend on the kind of camping. For hiking only, choose this ultralight cooking stove, for camping only this portable cooking stove will do the trick.
Also, never leave a proper headlamp behind; a flashlight on your phone is not enough for camping.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
The Sea to Sky Highway runs through the western part of Vancouver city, and it's easily accessible from both Vancouver International Airport and the downtown. Moreover, taking 99 Highway is the fastest route that will take you from the airport to the city center and on, so there is no need to navigate complicatedly around the city.
Directions for driving the Sea to Sky Highway are very simple, and it's almost impossible to get lost.
First, leave Vancouver on 99 Highway over Lions Gate Bridge. Once you are on the British Columbia 99 Highway, stay on it all the way to Whistler (and beyond). Then, follow the Squamish - Whistler signs, but it's not very difficult as there is only one road.
The nearest large town at the further end of the road is Kamloops (about 95 kilometers east of the end of the Sea to Sky Highway). Note that Prince George is located about 435 kilometers north of the terminal junction if you want to head north afterward. However, there are some towns and villages along the way.
Here are some driving directions in case you are arriving from the opposite direction.
From Calgary, follow the Trans-Canada Highway through Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Kamloops until you reach Cache Creek. In Cache Creek, turn right and follow the road for another 11 kilometers until you reach a junction to 99 Highway.
It's not as clearly marked as you would probably expect (though it has a left turn lane), so drive slowly to not miss the turn-off.
From Edmonton, head west to Jasper National Park and then Mount Robson Provincial Park. In Tete Jaune Cache, turn left onto Highway 5 and follow it all the way to Kamloops (make sure to stop in Wells Gray Provincial Park as well). From Kamloops, the driving directions are the same as when driving from Calgary.
The access from Prince George to the Sea to Sky Highway is via 97 Highway. Leave the city via the south exit and continue for approximately 430 kilometers turning right at the 99 Highway junction.
Once on the Sea to Sky Highway, follow the Lillooet, Whistler, Squamish, and Vancouver signs.
Ultimately, the Sea to Sky Highway is a toll-free road.
DRIVING SAFETY
If you are not familiar with driving in Canada, you might wonder how dangerous is the Sea to Sky Highway to drive on and what is the road condition?
The most scenic stretch of the Sea to Sky Highway is a four-lane highway (for most of the part) in a fairly good condition, but it becomes only a two-lane road roughly around Whistler.
In general, driving in Canada is not difficult, and the roads are in good condition. Follow the speed limits; they are set there for a reason.
Before the extension, the highway was quite dangerous, but today it's much safer as the safety barriers were installed and two lanes were added. Still, serious accidents happen on the Sea to Sky Highway from time to time, so avoid distracted driving and keep your focus on the road.
Bad weather and dangerous driving conditions such as rain, wind, fog, storms, snow, and ice present the greatest risk while road tripping the British Columbia (not only the Sea to Sky Highway).
Weather events cause plenty of crashes every year, so always check the current weather forecast and watch out for weather reports and warnings before you go.
Furthermore, you need winter tires installed on your vehicle to drive the Sea to Sky Highway from October to March for safety reasons.
Traffic on the Sea to Sky Highway gets heavy on holidays and long weekends, so expect some delays.
This is your holiday; please drive slowly, take your time, and enjoy the drive.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
HOW TO GET
If you have your own car, you are all set and don't have to think about other transportation choices. But what if you are a traveler without one?
We strongly recommend you rent a car in Vancouver. It's easy, straightforward, affordable, and definitely worth it, even just for a day. A rental car gives you all the flexibility you are going to need, and you will have a chance to explore top places at your own pace.
There isn't a regional transit in the Sea to Sky Corridor, so your only other option is to take a tour. Tours usually depart Vancouver, Squamish or Whistler, and allow you to experience the best of the area in one day.
SEA TO SKY HIGHWAY TOURS
Whistler and Sea to Sky Gondola Tour - This full-day trip from Vancouver to Whistler will allow you to see the best of the Sea to Sky Highway on one stress-free day. Enjoy the Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish, Whistler Village, and Brandywine Falls.
Sea to Sky Sailing Tour - While driving the Sea to Sky Highway is fun, sailing across the waters of Canada's southernmost fjord sounds even more exciting. This tour departs from the docks in Squamish and gives you a chance to explore the Howe Sound with the views of Coastal and Tantalus mountain ranges from a different perspective.
2-Day Sea to Sky Tour - See the highlights the Sea to Sky Highway offers on this 2-day tour from Vancouver to Whistler. The first day will show you the most iconic natural sights along the way, while you will spend the next day enjoying the outdoor activities this area has to offer.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit the Sea to Sky Highway is from June to September, when you can expect the best weather, long days, and plenty of sunshine. Summer months also have the fewest rainy days of the entire year.
Try to avoid long weekends in the summer, July to August, when the locals enjoy their holidays and free time in this area.
While you can drive the Sea to Sky Highway year-round, it's good to know that some of the activities might not be available or trails inaccessible.
Being said that, wintertime brings a new life into the area, and a whole set of winter adventures is available.
WHAT TO PACK
Creating any sort of sensible Sea to Sky Highway packing list would require a very long and separate guide from our side, so we'll try to make it quick and short to squeeze it in this blog post.
We drove along this road at the end of summer and based on this experience, we can share with you some insights on what is worth packing and what is better to leave behind.
Summer in Vancouver is not overly hot (the average daily temperature in July and August is 23 Celsius), but the sun is quite strong, and you should have sunscreen (also use some headwear).
Regardless of whether you want to hike, bike or camp, make sure to bring insect repellent to help keep the bugs away.
If you want to include some longer hikes, make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots and never leave your rain jacket in the car. A comfortable daypack is a must-have to keep some extra stuff with you if needed. We also never leave without a down jacket when hiking in the mountains.
Always carry plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. That's super important, and travelers often forget about proper hydration, especially on road trips.
When hiking, you can refill your water bottle from the streams near the trail, but if you don't want to drink untreated water directly from the stream, you can always use SteriPen or a water bottle with a filter to purify it.
Canada is a bear country, so you should have a bear spray with you (we saw a black bear near Brandywine Falls). A bear bell won't do any wonders for your safety, but it's nice to have, and we found the ringing sound quite calming.
As you will spend a lot of time driving, you should never leave the house without good sunglasses to protect your eyesight.
If you don't want to do any serious hiking and stay mostly in the car, you can wear jeans or shorts and comfortable runners (you can always change before the hike anyway).
A good GPS always comes in handy for easier navigation. And lastly, make sure to bring your driver's license as the main driver.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
