20 Scenic Stops on the Sea to Sky Highway (Vancouver to Whistler)
There is only one road that will take you from Vancouver to Whistler, and that is Highway 99, or otherwise called the Sea to Sky Highway. The views are simply stunning from almost the second you leave Vancouver. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Garibaldi, Black Tusk, and the Howe Sound.
There are a few ways to get between Vancouver and Whistler. Even though it’s a relatively short distance, there are many sights to stop at if you have the time!
How Long Does it Take to Get from Vancouver to Whistler?
Depending on where you start in Vancouver, the distance by car from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler spans 121 kilometers (75 miles), with an estimated travel time of around 2 hours under normal driving conditions.
Buses From Vancouver to Whistler
Skylynx, Whistler Shuttle, Epic Rides, and the Squamish Connector (to Squamish), are all bus companies that operate daily, with frequent shuttle transportation from Vancouver Airport and Downtown Vancouver to Whistler.
Public Transport from Vancouver to Whistler
There is no public transportation to get from Vancouver to Whistler, but the many bus companies keep prices competitive.
Are There Tours Between Vancouver and Whistler?
If you don’t have a vehicle but would still love to stop at the sights along the Sea to Sky Highway, this private tour stops at Shannon Falls, the third-tallest waterfall in British Columbia. It also stops at Britannia Beach, Squamish, and the Aboriginal Cultural Centre before continuing on to Whistler!
This 10 hour tour option stops at Stanley Park, Horseshoe Bay, Shannon Falls, and spends four hours touring around Whistler. If you only have a day, this is a great option to get acquainted with the area and see as much as possible on a tight schedule.
Is There a Train to Whistler?
There is a railway that links Vancouver and Whistler, and while there used to be daily trips connecting the two, this is no longer the case. While you can still visit Whistler by train as part of the Rocky Mountaineer Rainforest to Gold Rush Route, which goes from Vancouver to Jasper, there are no options to catch a train just from Vancouver to Whistler.
What is the Closest Airport to Whistler?
Vancouver International (YVR) is the closest major airport, which is approximately a 2 to 2.5-hour drive to Whistler. If coming from the states Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) is a 4.45 to 5 hour drive away and Bellingham International Airport is just 3 hours away (plus a border crossing).
Best Stops on the Sea to Sky Highway
1. Lighthouse Park
Point Atkinson Lighthouse is a great first stop on your trip from Vancouver to Whistler. It’s right outside of Vancouver, has a historic lighthouse that goes back more than 100 years, and has many kilometres of hiking trails.
If the beautiful landscape and trees aren’t your thing and you’re just interested in seeing the lighthouse, it’s less than a kilometer walk from where you park your car. Parking does tend to be full though, since Point Atkinson Lighthouse is a popular spot even among the locals, so try to reach it as early as you can.
2. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
British Columbia is known for its lush green forestry and the incredible views that come with it. One of the most popular spots for these incredible views is the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The suspension bridge, after which the Park is named, stretches an impressive 450 feet while dangling almost 250 feet above the Capilano River. Suffice it to say, the Bridge and the views it offers are simply incredible.
It’s only 15 minutes outside of Vancouver, and there are other activities, including a treetop walk, a cliff walk, and wildlife watching, especially birds of prey like eagles and owls.
3. Lions Bay
If you’re looking for charming small-town vibes, then Lions Bay will not disappoint. This could be your first stop during your road trip, especially if you want decent food while enjoying views of Howe Sound and the surrounding beaches.
Parking can be challenging, so be prepared to cruise around looking for a spot. Expert tip: a good place to start is the Lions Bay Marina. There are picnic tables as well as a playground if you’re in the mood to stop for a picnic lunch with the family.
4. Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island
A picturesque little village, Horseshoe Bay is a great place to stop and explore. The experience is quite charming, and the village has a nice collection of boutiques and artisanal stores.
You can also head over to the harbor and enjoy a meal or a coffee while enjoying views of the blue-green water. You can also take a ferry ride to Bowen Island, a small island community with various shops, restaurants, chocolatiers, wellness spas, and much more.
If you take your car on the ferry, you’ll need to wait longer, and it’s a lot easier to park in Horseshoe Bay and take the ferry on foot.
5. Porteau Cove
This beautiful beach offers incredible views even if you just stop at its parking lot for a few minutes while driving to Whistler. However, if you feel like being up to more, head to the underwater park on the north side of the parking area for some diving lessons or to the beach for tidepooling (only during low tide though).
Regardless of how you spend your time, Porteau Cove has some incredible views. Many locals even congregate there in the evenings to enjoy the sunsets. However, the experience does get sullied by cloudy weather, so it’s best on a sunny day, which can be a rarity in this region outside of summer.
6. Tunnel Bluffs Hike
Outdoors and hiking enthusiasts will find a great stop at the Tunnel Bluffs Hike. This hiking trail is considered one of the best in British Columbia, and this means a lot since British Columbia itself is known for its incredible natural beauty and hiking.
The hike is a bit challenging, considering the round trip is about 7.4 km and the total elevation gain is 689 meters, so first time hikers may find it difficult.
7. Furry Creek Golf Course
Diehard golfers also have a can not-miss experience on the way from Vancouver to Whistler. The Furry Creek Golf Course has been dubbed “British Columbia’s Most Scenic Golf Course”, with astounding views of snowcapped mountains and the Howe Sound Bay.
Depending on what time of year you visit, you can pay as little as $90 for a round of golf. The on-site restaurant is also well-liked by visitors and serves a variety of seafood and Western cuisine.
8. Britannia Mine
You might get rich if you stop here, and that’s not an exaggeration or a lie. Britannia Mine was a community of 60,000 people, all involved in looking for one thing; gold. A great opportunity for family fun and for children to learn some history, you can take guided tours and pan for gold.
The rules are that if you find something while panning, then you get to keep it, so carry a good luck charm if you decide to stop here. Tickets cost $41 per adult.
9. Shannon Falls
If visiting during Spring or Summer, Shannon Falls can be an ideal stop if you’re looking for the natural beauty British Columbia is so renowned for.
This 335 meter tall waterfall in BC is easily accessible via a paved trail. In addition to incredible views of the falls and the surrounding mountain scenery, you can also stop here for a picnic.
Try to visit early if possible, as the spot is popular with tourists and locals alike, so there will be a lot of foot traffic, especially in the peak seasons.
10. Murrin Provincial Park
Located just 10 minutes south of Squamish, beside the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Murrin Provincial Park is another ideal spot for those who like the outdoors, with a lake, swimming, fishing, hiking, and even rock climbing.
Anglers can look forward to catching rainbow trout, albeit with a permit, while hikers can enjoy the Petgill Lake Trail, which offers scenic views of Howe Sound and Stawamus Chief. Rock climbers can enjoy more than 250 rock climbing routes with varying difficulty levels.
11. Sea to Sky Gondola
Most visitors will enjoy a good gondola ride, and if you’re in a place like British Columbia, you should definitely take advantage of the scenic opportunity. The Sea to Sky Gondola, also located close to Squamish, gives breathtaking views and access is just off the highway, making it much more convenient.
You shouldn’t rush the experience, though, because while the ride up to the mountain is enjoyable, exploring at the top is just as fun. There are hiking trails, viewing spots, shops, and a restaurant, so be sure to take your time and enjoy to the fullest.
12. Stawamus Chief Hiking Trail
One of the largest granite monoliths in the world, Stawamus Chief Mountain, also known locally as the Squamish Chief, is steeped in local spiritual history and mythology.
The Mountain’s presence is imposing, but the hiking trails it offers has some of the most incredible views you’ll ever see. The trail is a challenge, though, and involves climbing steep stairs and ladders, so everyone should be extremely careful and preferably be in the presence of an experienced hiker.
You can take different routes, and depending on which one you take, the hike could take anywhere between 2 and 6 hours.
13. Squamish
If you decide to stop at Stawamus Chief, you could also stop at Squamish and maybe spend a day or two. Squamish might be a small city, but it has a lot to offer, especially to outdoorsmen.
In addition to Stawamus Chief and the Sea to Sky Gondola, you can also go sailing, rock climbing, and enjoy various other outdoor activities in this small city. Even if you’re not an outdoorsy type, learning about the local culture and history at the Railway Museum of British Columbia is a fun way to pass the time. Zephyr Café or the Howe Sound Brewery are recommended places to stop on the drive.
14. Squamish Estuary
The Squamish Estuary is a wildlife enthusiasts’ paradise, with opportunities to look at bears, beavers, deers, bobcats, and more than 200 species of birds. In addition to exploring the salt marshes, mudflats, and reeds, you can also go kayaking or canoeing.
However, since the area is so rich in wildlife, you should be cautious, stay aware of your surroundings, and keep your distance from animals.
The area is also popular for windsurfing and kiteboarding. The estuary and its surrounding areas are the first piece of land in Squamish struck by wind, making them ideal for wind sports.
15. Alice Lake Provincial Park
Even though it’s named after Alice Lake, this Park is home to 4 different scenic lakes, with mountain views and lush greenery. Alice Lake Provincial Park is a preferred spot for many campers since the camping amenities are some of the best in British Columbia, including powered sites, which are not commonly found in provincial parks. Since the spot is popular, booking ahead is best if you want to camp here.
16. Tantalus Lookout
This particular stop isn’t time-consuming, so it’s well worth the quick stop for the amazing view. Tantalus Lookout sits at a high elevation and gives spectacular views of the surrounding areas. Many people stop here to take a few pictures, maybe enjoy the views for a little while, before driving on.
17. Garibaldi Lake
Another hiking spot, Garibaldi Lake is a six-hour plus trek, stretching nearly 20 km and nearly 1000 meters, it’s not for the faint of heart. Located just outside of Whistler and accessible from the Rubble Creek parking lot, the trail leads to Garibaldi Lake, a turquoise-colored slice of heaven and one of the most beautiful lakes in BC.
You’ll encounter meadows and lush trees along the way as well, making it one of the most beautiful hikes you’ll ever experience. There are also campsites for those wanting to spend the night in the picturesque setting. Campsites should be booked in advance.
Keep in mind that day passes from BC Parks are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park
18. Brandywine Falls
There is something about waterfalls that we simply can’t get enough of. Seeing the water cascading down a steep cliff is just an overwhelming feeling, and if you thought Shannon Falls was amazing, Brandywine Falls won’t disappoint either.
You don’t need to walk long to get a view of Brandywine Falls, as the first viewpoint is just a 10-minute walk from the parking lot. However, the view of the falls gets better as you move on to other viewpoints, so it might well be worth it to walk ahead and spend some time lining up the best shot.
19. The Train Graveyard
As you approach the small BC town of Whistler, stop by the quirky Whistler Train Wreck. This is just quick stop to stretch your legs and appreciate some BC artwork, but it’s well worth the walk.
This spot, out in the middle of the forest, has a few old derailed train cars that have been transformed into works of art by local graffiti artists. The easiest way to get to the train wreck is from a pull-over bay alongside the highway.
Park your car and head into the woods on the marked trail. Soon, you will reach a suspension bridge hanging above the Cheakamus River. Cross the bridge, and you will find the first five carriages, with a couple more further up the trail.
20. Whistler
Your epic road trip has finished, but your final destination is just as amazing as all the locations you stopped at. Whistler is home to a world-class ski resort, one of the world’s longest gondolas, and many stunning lakes including Nita Lake, Alpha Lake, Green Lakes, Lost Lake, and Alta Lake.
Besides the beautiful lakes and mountains, there are many restaurants, bars, clubs, and coffee shops to choose from for all you foodies out there! In the winter you’ll find luxury ski in/ski out accommodations, while in the summer there are plenty of scenic hiking trails that take you through pine forests, mountains, and lakes. Honestly, we spent an entire six months living in Whistler and barely even scratched the surface of all that there is to do!
Sea to Sky Highway FAQ
Is the Sea to Sky Highway an Easy Drive?
A drive on the Sea to Sky is full of twists and turns with sharp turns and hills, but it’s completely paved and is very pleasant in good weather. If traveling to Whistler in the winter pay attention to driving conditions on Drive BC, as it can be a rough drive in winter weather. A two hour drive may turn into a 4+ hour drive in the snow, and even longer if there is an accident on the road.
Are Winter Tires Required for the Sea to Sky Highway?
Winter tires are required on most roads in British Columbia between October 1 to April 30, on the Sea to Sky winter tires are required from October 1 to March 31st. Legal winter tires must have a minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm, and police do engage in random checks.
The tire must be labeled with either the letters “M” and “S” for all-season suitability or feature the 3-peaked mountain/snowflake symbol indicating enhanced winter performance. Some manufacturers may use both symbols for comprehensive labeling. If you rent a car in Vancouver during these months, ensure you are equipped with the legal tires.
How Long Does it Take to Drive the Sea to Sky Highway?
If you drive straight from Vancouver to Whistler, you can expect the drive to take two hours. However, if you want to enjoy most of the stops on the list, we recommend taking an entire day.
Hey! There actually is only a little cafe in Lions Bay with some baked goods – wouldn’t really sell it as a spot to stop and eat. Also, the marina does not have any parking. It’s not a hot tip, at all. Tell people to pay for parking like every other visitor.