Vancouver to Whistler Drive: Best Stops on the Sea to Sky Highway
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway is one of the most scenic road trips in Canada. It’s 122 km long and takes around 2 hours without stops. But I’d strongly recommend stopping along the way at least at Shannon Falls, Squamish, Tantalus Lookout, Brandywine Falls and Whistler Village. If you have the full day, read below all my suggested stops on the Sea to Sky Highway.
I’ve driven the Sea to Sky Highway, also known as Highway 99, many times since moving to Vancouver, on rainy October weekends, snowy December ski days or bright July mornings. Every season shows a different side of this drive and it still stops me in my tracks.
Having driven from Vancouver to Whistler so many times, I’ve figured out which stops are worth your time and which ones to skip. So, I’ve put it all here to help you plan your own trip.
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 roads 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.
The map includes all the stops between Vancouver and Whistler up to Pemberton. Read below for more details on what you should prioritize if you only have half a day, a full day or more days on the Sea to Sky Highway.
QUICK RECOMMENDATIONS
The Sea to Sky Highway Stops Worth Stopping at
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 outdoorsy town famous for rock climbing, mountain biking, sailing and more. Squamish is the middle point between Vancouver and Whistler.
The second leg to Whistler has some great viewpoints, such as the Tantalus Lookout. You’ll drive along the boundaries of Garibaldi Provincial Park, where you can find some of the best trails in BC, such as Garibaldi Lake and Panorama Ridge.
If you don’t have a lot of time, below I list the main stops between Vancouver and Whistler that are worth your time. But if you’re on a longer Western Canada road trip and have some extra days, I’m also adding some additional stops that I’d highly recommend.
Half Day Trip: Best Stops on the Sea to Sky Highway
If you’re short on time or prefer not to rush it, a half day trip from Vancouver to Squamish is your best bet. All the stops are listed from south to north.
- Porteau Cove
- Britannia Mine Museum
- Shannon Falls
- Sea to Sky Gondola
- Squamish
Porteau Cove
- Distance from Vancouver: 45 km
- Distance from Whistler: 78 km
Porteau Cove is one of the most popular provincial parks in BC. It’s located on the shores of Howe Sound and it has a campground with 60 sites that stays open year-round. If you’re planning on staying at Porteau Cove in summer, make sure you reserve well in advance. But if you missed out the reservation window and everything is full, check Campnab for future cancellations.
In Porteau Cove, walk out on the multi-tiered pier and enjoy the views of Anvil Island and the Sunshine Coast. On a sunny day, you can have a picnic on the pebble beach or try out kayaking.
Britannia Mine Museum
- Distance from Vancouver: 52 km
- Distance from Whistler: 70 km
- Entrance fees (2026): $42.95 per adult, book it here
Britannia Mine Museum is an interactive museum, which used to be a mining site. On the guided tour, you’ll hop aboard the historic train through the old mining tunnel and even try your luck at gold panning. It reminds me of the Gold Rush history of Dawson City in the Yukon that I learnt about during my Klondike Kluane road trip.
The tours at Britannia Mine Museum are great for 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.
Shannon Falls
- Distance from Vancouver: 60 km
- Distance from Whistler: 63 km
Shannon Falls is the third tallest waterfall in BC at 335 meters (1,099 feet). It is easily accessible from the Sea to Sky Highway and the short 1 km hike to the viewpoint only takes 15 to 30 minutes round trip. There is a large parking lot, but on summer weekends it may get full fast.
The entrance to Shannon Falls is free and you can use the picnic tables near the parking area for a stop along the drive from Vancouver to Whistler.
Sea to Sky Gondola
- Distance from Vancouver: 60 km
- Distance from Whistler: 63 km
- Entrance fees (2026): from $74 per adult round trip, buy online in advance
The Sea to Sky Gondola is a great attraction near Squamish. In just 10 minutes, the gondola takes you from the sea level to 885 m, where you get to enjoy the views of Shannon Falls, the Stawamus Chief and Howe Sound.
At the top, stop at the large viewing deck by the Summit Lodge, then walk on the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge to the Spirit Viewing Platform.
If you want to do an easy hike at the top, take Panorama Trail to the Chief Overlook. But if you prefer to relax and enjoy the views, have a meal or a coffee at the Summit Lodge.
Instead of taking the Sea to Sky Gondola, you can also take the Sea to Summit Trail to the top. But it’s quite steep and not beginner-friendly. You’ll also need an entire day to do the hike.
Squamish
- Distance from Vancouver: 65 km
- Distance from Whistler: 59 km
Squamish is the halfway point between Vancouver and Whistler. This small town is often called BC’s outdoor adventure capital due to its world-class rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and kiteboarding. Even if you’re just walking through the downtown area, Squamish is full of colourful murals, local shops, cafes and several craft breweries.
One of my favorite restaurants and cafes near Squamish is Fergie’s Café. While it’s a bit outside Squamish, it’s definitely worth the stop. On weekends, it gets quite busy and reservations are not accepted. So make sure you arrive early to beat the crowds.
Full Day Trip from Vancouver to Whistler
If you’re planning a full day trip from Vancouver to Whistler, on top of the stops listed in the section above for the half day trip, these additional ones are what I’d personally recommend.
For a full day trip on the Sea to Sky Highway stop at the following attractions:
- Porteau Cove
- Britannia Mine Museum
- Shannon Falls
- Sea to Sky Gondola
- Squamish
- Brandywine Falls
- The Train Wreck
- Whistler Village
- Tantalus Lookout (on the way back, as it’s only accessible southbound)
Brandywine Falls
- Distance from Vancouver: 104 km
- Distance from Whistler: 18 km
Brandywine Falls is a 70 m (230 ft) waterfall that drops straight into a canyon. From the parking lot next to the Sea to Sky Highway, the walk to the viewing platform only takes 15 minutes. You’ll first cross a covered footbridge and then follow the forested path to the waterfall.
There is no entrance fee and the best time to visit Brandywine Falls is in spring, when snowmelt makes the water flow especially powerful.
In winter, the gate to Brandywine Falls parking lot is closed. So you can only park along the Sea to Sky Highway and walk in. But space along the highway is limited.
The Train Wreck
- Distance from Vancouver: 115 km
- Distance from Whistler: 9 km
- Hiking Distance: 2 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: 30 m (easy hike)
The Train Wreck hike is an easy trail near Whistler. The forested path is easy to follow leading to a series of 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, but it’s also a popular hike near Whistler.
Whistler Village
- Distance from Vancouver: 122 km
- Distance from Whistler: 0 km
Whistler has one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Many people only visit Whistler in winter, but I personally love the hiking trails in the backcountry here. I once went on an overnight hike to Russet Lake via the Singing Pass trail and fell in love with the area.
If you don’t have time to hike in Whistler or are visiting in the shoulder season, there are still plenty of activities you can do in Whistler Village or Creekside. In just a few hours, you can ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola that links the two mountains while enjoying the view over the valley. In Whistler Village, you can visit the Olympic Plaza to see the Olympic rings from the 2010 Winter Games, or stop at the local shops along the way.
If you prefer a short walk, head to Lost Lake from Whistler Village and go for a swim in summer or try cross-country skiing in winter.
Tantalus Lookout
- Distance from Vancouver: 80 km
- Distance from Whistler: 41 km
The lookout over the Tantalus Mountain Range is one of my favorite stops on the Sea to Sky Highway. The glacier covered peaks rive above the Squamish Valley and the highest peak reaches 2,600 m.
The main pull-out is on the southbound side, so it works best on the drive back from Whistler to Vancouver. It’s a highly trafficked area and the turnaround point is not right away. So it really makes most sense to stop here on the way back.
I prefer stopping at the Tantalus Viewpoint in the morning for the best light of the mountain range. But this will only work if you’re driving from Whistler to Vancouver in the morning.
Two Days or More: Best Stops from Vancouver to Pemberton
If you have have two days or more to explore along the Sea to Sky Highway, you can drive as far north as Pemberton for additional things to do. On top of the stops mentioned for the half and full day, these below are additional ones I’d add to your itinerary if you have the time.
Cypress Mountain and Cypress Lookout
- Distance from Vancouver: 28 km (Cypress Lookout is 19 km)
- Distance from Whistler: 124 km
One of the easiest stops on the drive from Vancouver to Whistler is the Cypress Lookout on the way up to Cypress Mountain. The pullout area is just minutes off the Sea to Sky Highway and you can see as far as Mount Baker in Washington State.
If you have some additional time for a hike on Cypress Mountain, drive to the end of the road. This is one of the most popular North Shore mountains in Vancouver and whether it’s summer or winter you’ll always find some activities to do. On your way back down, stop by The Shed for a refreshing drink and some tasty food.
Lighthouse Park
- Distance from Vancouver: 21 km
- Distance from Whistler: 108 km
Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver is one of the easiest escapes from the city. The most popular viewpoint is the Point Atkinson Lighthouse, a national historic site perches on the rocks. From the shoreline you can enjoy the views of the Salish Sea, downtown Vancouver and Stanley park in the distance.
If you have the time, you can explore the network of trails of about 5 km through the forest, which may take between 1 and 2 hours. At specific times of the year, it’s also possible to spot marine life, such as humpback whales and orcas.
Tunnel Bluffs in Lions Bay
- Distance from Vancouver: 32 km
- Distance from Whistler: 91 km
- Tunnel Bluffs hike distance: 11.5 km round trip, plan for at least 4 hours
- Tunnel Bluffs hike elevation gain: 470 m, easy to moderately difficult
Tunnel Bluffs hike is one of the first hikes I’ve done in Vancouver. It’s one of my favorite also because you can reach it from Vancouver without a car. It is located near Lions Bay, a small village along the Sea to Sky Highway and the gateway to some great hikes on the Howe Sound Crest.
The views from Tunnel Bluffs are unmatched! 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.
Murrin Provincial Park
- Distance from Vancouver: 55 km
- Distance from Whistler: 67 km
- Quercus Lookout Point distance: 1.6 km, allow between 0.5 and 1 hour
- Quercus Lookout Point elevation gain: 112 m, easy hike
Murrin Provincial Park is located south of Squamish and along the Sea to Sky Highway. It’s a popular recreational area for rock climbing or hiking. It also has a small lake you can bring your paddleboard or kayak on. But if you simply prefer a picnic, there are some tables next to the lake you can use.
My favorite short hike in Murrin Provincial Park is to the Quercus Lookout Point, with views above the Howe Sound and over the surrounding area. It’s an easy and short hike, so you don’t need to lose a lot of time before being on the road again.
Stawamus Chief
- Distance from Vancouver: 61 km
- Distance from Whistler: 74 km
- First Chief Peak hike distance: 4 km round trip, allow for 2-3 hours
- First Chief Peak hike elevation gain: 540 m, moderately difficult
The Stawamus Chief is a huge granite monolith towering 702 m above Squamish. You can spot it easily from the Sea to Sky Highway and it’s one of the most popular hikes near Vancouver. The trail has three summits, First, Second and Third Peak.
First Peak is the shortest and busiest, but one with the best views over Howe Sound. The Second Peak is the largest with several viewpoints of Squamish and the Garibaldi mountains. Third Peak is the highest, quietest and my favorite of the three.
If you’re short on time, hike First Peak only but if you have the full day hike all three peaks. On summer weekends, start early before the parking lot fills up. If it’s full, you can park at the Shannon Falls lot and walk to the trailhead. Don’t park at the Sea to Sky Gondola lot, as you might get ticketed.
Alice Lake
- Distance from Vancouver: 76 km
- Distance from Whistler: 50 km
Alice Lake Provincial Park is a family friendly destination just north of Squamish. There are a total of four lakes in the park, but Alice Lake is the only one you can swim in. Here you’ll find a sandy beach, playground, picnic tables and kayak rentals.
If you prefer it, walk the Four Lakes Trail for an easy loop around the lakes and through the mossy forest. Alice Lake is also a popular campsite if you prefer to stay overnight.
Garibaldi Lake and Panorama Ridge
- Distance from Vancouver: 99 km
- Distance from Whistler: 28 km
- Panorama Ridge hike distance: 30 km round trip, allow for 11 hours or reserve a campsite in Garibaldi Provincial Park
- Panorama Ridge hike elevation gain: 1,520 m, difficult hike
Garibaldi Provincial Park has some of the best hikes near Vancouver. The most popular ones are Garibaldi Lake, Panorama Ridge, Elfin Lakes, Wedgemount Lake and Russet Lake.
Garibaldi Lake is without a doubt the most beautiful alpine lake in British Columbia. For even better views continue to Panorama Ridge, which looks down over Garibaldi Lake and the surrounding glaciers.
I personally don’t recommend hiking Panorama Ridge in a day. The entire hike is about 30 km return with over 1,520 m of elevation gain. So it’s best to camp overnight at Garibaldi Lake or Taylor Meadows and split the hike over two days. If you only have one day, the hike to Garibaldi Lake is equally rewarding.
Wedgemount Lake Hike
- Distance from Vancouver: 135 km
- Distance from Whistler: 14 km (north)
- Wedgemount Lake hike distance: 12 km round trip, allow for 6-7 hours
- Wedgemount Lake hike elevation gain: 1,160 m, difficult
Wedgemount Lake is one of my favorite alpine lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park. The bright turquoise water is fed by the Wedgemount Glacier, which you can see at the far end. This is also one of the hardest hikes near Whistler. The final stretch, especially, is a steep scramble over loose rock.
Most people hike to Wedgemount Lake in one day, but you can also stay overnight at the lake. You need to reserve a site in advance on the BC Parks website. If there are no spots available for your desired date, sign up with Campnab to be notified when one becomes available.
Pemberton
- Distance from Vancouver: 158 km
- Distance from Whistler: 33 km (north)
Pemberton is a small laid-back town about 30 minutes north of Whistler. It is surrounded by farmland and mountain peaks, and sits at the base of Mount Currie. Just before Pemberton, you can find Nairn Falls Provincial Park, where you can stop for an easy walk to the waterfall.
Pemberton is also the gateway to Joffre Lakes, about 30 km further east, or to Semaphore Lakes, about 47 km away. If you prefer it, you can also camp at both backcountry lakes. But while Joffre Lakes requires a reservation, Semaphore Lakes doesn’t and follows the first-come first-served principle.
Joffre Lakes near Pemberton
- Distance from Vancouver: 183 km
- Distance from Whistler: 62 km (north)
- Joffre Lakes distance: 9 km round trip, allow for at least 4 hours
- Joffre Lakes elevation gain: 673 m
Although Joffre Lakes isn’t officially part of the Sea to Sky Highway, it’s definitely worth mentioning. Located about 30 km northeast of Pemberton on Duffey Lake Road, it’s famous for its stunning lower and upper glacier-fed turquoise lakes.
It’s a very popular hike and you need a reservation for day hiking and backcountry camping, which are especially 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.
Joffre Lakes is the perfect addition to a longer Western Canada road trip or if you’re looking to extend a classic Sea to Sky Highway road trip.
Drive from Vancouver to Whistler Without a Car
If you want to drive from Vancouver to Whistler without a car, you can either join a tour or take one of the local buses that connect the two locations. The only disadvantage of taking the bus is that you won’t be able to stop at every attraction along the way. At the same time, you’ll still be able to visit some of the main stops on the Sea to Sky Highway, such as Squamish and Whistler Village.
Buses and Shuttles with access to the Sea to Sky Highway
If you want to do a day trip from Vancouver without a car, a great option is to visit Squamish or Whistler and spend a night or two exploring the area. Both towns are very walkable and have great local transit that connect to the main attractions. You can also rent a bike if you prefer to stay active.
BEST BUSES FROM VANCOUVER TO SQUAMISH AND WHISTLER
- 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
How Long to Drive from Vancouver to Whistler
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler takes about 2 hours without stops. The distance is about 122 km (75 miles) along the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99), but traffic and weather can add some extra time to the trip. If you can, leave really early in the morning to avoid the busy roads.
With stops along the Sea to Sky Highway, you should plan between 4 and 5 hours if you’re only doing a few quick viewpoints. But if you want to do some longer hikes or take the Sea to Sky gondola, you should plan for a full day or more.
There is only one road from Vancouver to Whistler, so a single accident can add a lot of delay. Build in a buffer if you have a flight to catch or a fixed return time.
Driving the Sea to Sky Highway in Winter
The Sea to Sky Highway is open year round but, in winter, conditions can change quickly with the elevation. Winter tires are required on Highway 99 from October 1 to March 31. So if you’re visiting Vancouver in September that’s the last month you can drive without winter tires on mountain roads. This will resume again in April.
Your tires need the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or the M+S symbol. Rental cars often come with all-season tires that may not qualify, but SUVs usually have M+S tires on.
If driving the Sea to Sky Highway in winter, allow extra time and check DriveBC before you leave.
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