The Best Sea to Sky Highway Stops from Vancouver
If you’re looking for a scenic road trip in British Columbia, the drive from Vancouver to Whistler and Pemberton along the Sea to Sky Highway is a great choice. The route is full of amazing scenery, including waterfalls, ocean views, mountain peaks and small towns.
I’ve driven this highway many times since moving to Vancouver, both for winter ski trips to Whistler and summer hikes in the mountains. Every trip reminds me how stunning this part of BC is.
In this guide, I’ll share some of the best stops along the Sea to Sky Highway, along with driving tips and a few great places to eat on the way.
Overview: Sea to Sky Highway Stops
I still remember the first time I drove from Vancouver to Whistler. At first, I felt a little nervous about the winding road and steep cliffs. But as I kept driving, the incredible views quickly took my breath away.
Around every corner, there are wide ocean views, dramatic cliffs and towering mountains. It’s easy to see why this drive is often called one of the most beautiful road trips in Canada. For me, together with the Icefields Parkway, it’s one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever done.
Visit the Sea to Sky Highway Without a Car
If you want to explore the Sea to Sky Highway without a car, you can either join a tour or take one of the buses that run from Vancouver. But, the disadvantage of taking the bus is that you won’t be able to stop at every single attraction along the way. At the same time, you’ll still be able to visit the key Sea to Sky Highway stops, such as Squamish and Whistler Village.
Buses and Shuttles with access to the Sea to Sky Highway
If you’re exploring the Sea to Sky Highway without a car, a great option is to hop on one of the buses below to Squamish or Whistler and spend a night or two exploring the area. From there, you can either rent a bike, use local buses or taxis to reach the main attractions nearby.
- YVR Skylynx: pick-up at Vancouver Airport and Downtown Vancouver; stops in Squamish as well as Whistler Village
- Epic Rides: non-stop route from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler Village
- Whistler Shuttle: Downtown Vancouver to Whistler drive
- Squamish Connector: Vancouver to Squamish
The Best 19 Sea to Sky Highway Stops from Vancouver
The Sea to Sky Highway stretches between Vancouver and Whistler, climbing from sea level up to the mountains and continuing all the way to Pemberton. The first leg of the journey is the drive from Vancouver to Squamish, a small town in Canada famous for outdoor adventures, such as mountain biking, rock climbing and more. You’ll also come across some of the tallest waterfalls in BC.
Below are my favorite Sea to Sky Highway stops. I’ve also added day hikes and experiences to help you make the most of your trip. Just keep in mind, if you want to hike, you’ll need to add a few extra days to your itinerary.
1. Cypress Mountain and Lookout
- Distance from Vancouver: 28 km (Cypress Lookout is 19 km)
- Distance from Whistler: 124 km
On your Vancouver to Whistler drive make sure to first stop at Cypress Mountain, the local mountain in Vancouver. If you have a full day, you can go on a scenic hike near Vancouver with open views over Howe Sound. Also, if you’re visiting in winter, skiing at Cypress is a favorite activity among locals.
But, will less time available, drive to the Cypress Lookout, just minutes off the main highway. In fact, this lookout offers incredible views of Vancouver without driving to the top or hiking on Cypress Mountain. Also, on your way back down, stop by The Shed for a refreshing drink and some tasty food.
2. Lighthouse Park
- Distance from Vancouver: 21 km
- Distance from Whistler: 108 km
Located in West Vancouver, the Lighthouse Park is a popular escape from the city. With multiple trails to choose from, this dense old-growth forest offers easy coastal trails and amazing views.
In fact, the main highlight (as the name suggests) is the lighthouse perched on the cliffs overlooking Burrard Inlet.
It’s also a popular spot for wildlife and whale watching, where you can often see grey whales, dolphins and orcas crossing the water.
3. Lions Bay and Tunnel Bluffs
- Distance from Vancouver: 32 km
- Distance from Whistler: 91 km
Lions Bay is a small seaside village and the gateway to one of the best trails in BC. Tunnel Bluffs is a moderate hike, that is accessible from Vancouver without a car.
In fact, it is very popular among the locals for the panoramic views at the end of the trail. From there, you can see all across Howe Sound and as far as the Sunshine Coast. For an extra special experience, plan your hike to catch the sunset from the bluffs.
💡 Local Tip: allow at least 4 hours to complete the Tunnel Bluffs hike.
4. Porteau Cove
- Distance from Vancouver: 45 km
- Distance from Whistler: 78 km
Porteau Cove is a popular summer spot for camping and a great place to spot sea lions just off the shore. If you’re planning to camp here, be sure to make a reservation well in advance, as it fills up quickly during peak season.
5. Britannia Mine Museum
- Distance from Vancouver: 52 km
- Distance from Whistler: 70 km
Britannia Mine Museum is an interactive museum, which used to be a mining site. Also, among the main highlights, the museum features an underground train tour and gold panning. It’s a kids friendly activity as well, so that it can be enjoyed by the entire family.
After your visit make sure you stop at Autostrada Restaurant for some of the best seafood on the Sea to Sky Highway or an ice cream at Kawartha Dairy.
6. Murrin Provincial Park
- Distance from Vancouver: 55 km
- Distance from Whistler: 67 km
On the drive from Vancouver to Squamish, you’ll find Murrin Provincial Park just south of Squamish. It is a popular recreational area especially for rock climbing and hiking.
Also, one of my favorite spots here is Quercus Viewpoint, which offers a higher-up view of the surrounding area.
7. Shannon Falls
- Distance from Vancouver: 60 km
- Distance from Whistler: 75 km
Shannon Falls is the third tallest waterfall in BC, plunging 335 meters (1,099 feet). You can spot it from the highway, but for the best views, take the short and easy trail from the base. It’s well worth the quick stop.
8. Sea to Sky Gondola
- Distance from Vancouver: 60 km
- Distance from Whistler: 75 km
The Sea to Sky Gondola takes you to the top of the mountain where you can walk on a suspension bridge, enjoy some alpine trails and take in the views over Howe Sound. I personally prefer taking the Sea to Summit Trail to the top, but it’s not a beginner-friendly hike, as it’s quite steep.
💡 Local Tip: if you want to take the Sea to Sky Gondola, buy your tickets in advance for a cheaper price.
9. Stawamus Chief
- Distance from Vancouver: 61 km
- Distance from Whistler: 74 km
The Chief, as many locals call it, is a very popular hike near Vancouver. It’s best known for its massive granite monolith, the main attraction for rock climbers. You can spot its distinctive face right from the highway, but the real reward comes from hiking to the top, where three different summits offer incredible panoramic views.
💡Local Tip: make sure you get in early to find parking, especially during the summer months. If you want to hike all three peaks you should allow at least 6 hours.
10. Squamish
- Distance from Vancouver: 65 km
- Distance from Whistler: 59 km
Located between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish is the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs. This small town in Canada is a paradise for outdoor adventures, offering everything from mountain biking and hiking to rock climbing, skiing, as well as sailing. With so many options right in its backyard, the adventures here are truly endless.
🍽️ Restaurant Tip: Make a detour to Fergie’s Café. It’s a bit off the main road, but absolutely worth the stop. They don’t take reservations and it gets busy on weekends, so I recommend arriving early to beat the crowds.
11. Alice Lake
- Distance from Vancouver: 76 km
- Distance from Whistler: 50 km
Alice Lake is a family-friendly lake, where you can swim or relax by the great campsite. It’s a perfect spot to unwind as well as enjoy the forested trails.
12. Tantalus Lookout
- Distance from Vancouver: 104 km
- Distance from Whistler: 41 km
The lookout over the Tantalus Mountain Range is one of my favorite Sea to Sky Highway stops. Just a heads-up: the pull-out is only accessible when you’re driving southbound from Whistler to Vancouver, so plan accordingly!
13. Garibaldi Lake and Panorama Ridge
- Distance from Vancouver: 99 km
- Distance from Whistler: 28 km
Garibaldi Provincial Park has some of the best hikes near Vancouver. The most popular ones are Garibaldi Lake, Elfin Lakes, Wedgemount Lake and Russet Lake.
Garibaldi Lake is without a doubt the most beautiful alpine lake in British Columbia. For even more breathtaking views head to Panorama Ridge. The best way to visit this area is by spending at least one night at one of the campsites in the backcountry. I personally do not recommend to hike Panorama Ridge in one day. In fact, the entire hike is about 28 km return trip and 1,623 m of elevation gain.
💡 Local Tip: between June 13 and October 13, a day-use pass is required for the Diamond Head and Rubble Creek trailheads. You can book a pass from 7 am, two days before your visit.
14. Brandywine Falls
- Distance from Vancouver: 104 km
- Distance from Whistler: 18 km
Brandywine Falls is a 70 m (230 ft) tall waterfall in BC, which can be accessed by an easy walk to the lookout point. The best time to visit is in spring, when the water flow is high due to the snowmelt. It’s definitely one of the best Sea to Sky Highway stops.
15. The Train Wreck
- Distance from Vancouver: 115 km
- Distance from Whistler: 9 km
This easy hike to the Train Wreck is hidden in the forest with abandoned graffiti-covered train cars.
These train cars were deliberately left here decades ago after being damaged in a nearby derailment. Over time, the site became a canvas for local artists and a popular outdoor attraction. It’s one of the most fun and unusual Sea to Sky Highway stops on a great road trip.
16. Whistler Village
- Distance from Vancouver: 122 km
- Distance from Whistler: 0 km
Whistler is best known for its world-renowned ski slopes and as one of the largest ski resorts in North America. While it can be pricey, winter is, in my opinion, the best time to visit Whistler if you enjoy snow sports.
In the summer, the area transforms into an outdoor playground with mountain biking, zip lining as well as hiking opportunities. If you’re looking into a great overnight hike, check out Russet Lake.
17. Wedgemount Lake Hike
- Distance from Vancouver: 135 km
- Distance from Whistler: 14 km (north)
The Wedgemount Lake is an advanced hike that ultimately leads to a turquoise alpine lake beneath Wedge Mountain. It is less crowded than Garibaldi Lake, but the last section to the top is very steep. So, while it’s not a technical hike, reaching the top can still be challenging for beginner hikers.
18. Pemberton
- Distance from Vancouver: 154 km
- Distance from Whistler: 33 km (north)
Pemberton is a laid-back mountain town surrounded by farmland and mountain peaks. It’s the gateway to the famous Joffre Lakes, so it always makes for a great Sea to Sky Highway stop.
If you didn’t manage to get a Joffre Lakes reservation but still want to do a backcountry trip, check out Semaphore Lakes. It doesn’t require a reservation and offers a great backcountry experience.
19. Joffre Lakes
- Distance from Vancouver: 183 km
- Distance from Whistler: 62 km (north)
Although Joffre Lakes isn’t officially part of the Sea to Sky Highway, it’s definitely worth mentioning. Located about 35 km northeast of Pemberton on Duffey Lake Road, it’s famous for its stunning lower and upper glacier-fed turquoise lakes.
You will need a reservation for day hiking or backcountry camping, which are in high demand during the summer months. The reservations for day hiking open at 7 am PST two days prior to your visit. So, if you’re hiking on Saturday, you should reserve on Thursday starting at 7 am.
🚗 Are you planning a longer Western Canada road trip? Check out my 14 day itinerary!
Sea to Sky Highway Stops FAQ
What is the Sea to Sky Highway?
The Sea to Sky Highway, also known as Highway 99, runs from Vancouver to Pemberton. In fact, the name refers to the fact that the drive starts at the sea level in West Vancouver and finishes in the mountains, towards the sky, in Pemberton.
What are the top must-see Sea to Sky Highway stops?
Cypress Mountain and Lookout, Lighthouse Park, Tunnel Bluffs, Shannon Falls, Sea to Sky Gondola, Stawamus Chief, Squamish, Brandywine Falls, Whistler Village. For something extra, Joffre Lakes although it’s not officially part of the Sea to Sky Highway.
Can I do it as a day trip from Vancouver?
Yes, driving from Vancouver to Whister and even to Pemberton can be done as a day trip. But, staying some extra days allows more time for hiking and exploring the outdoors.
Do you need winter tires to drive on the Sea to Sky Highway?
Yes, from October 1 to March 31 winter tires or chains are required by law on most sections. So, M+S (Mud & Snow) tires are the minimum legal requirement.
Is the Sea to Sky Highway open year-round?
Yes, but in winter some road closures are possible either due to snow, landslides or road accidents. Make sure you check road conditions before you drive.
When is the best time to drive the Sea to Sky Highway?
Year-round but for best road conditions anytime from spring to fall. The road remains open in winter as it’s the main gateway to Whister. But, after heavy snow, road clearance might cause traffic and delays.
Planning to Explore Vancouver Island? Here Are Some Ideas
Vancouver Island is often overlooked but it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Canada. It’s on my Canada travel guide and I highly recommend adding it to your trip.
You can spend a few days exploring Victoria or Tofino, or choose a more adventurous option like a 3-day backpacking trip on the Juan de Fuca Trail or Cape Scott Trail. If you prefer a shorter hike, 5040 Peak is a great choice. Another option is taking a road trip from Nanaimo to Tofino and stopping at some of the highlights along the way.
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