Welcome to our Vancouver to Whistler Drive with the Best Sea to Sky Highway stops, on a day trip from Vancouver, Canada!
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway (part of Highway 99) in British Columbia, Canada, is one of the most scenic routes in the world with many beautiful stops along the way. Highway 99 is a 377 km highway that runs from Vancouver to Lillooet and the Sea to Sky Highway is a 134 km section of Highway 99 from Horseshoe Bay, in West Vancouver, up to Pemberton, just over Whistler.
The Sea to Sky Highway runs through striking landscapes offering dramatic interplay between the ocean, mountains, and forests with many scenic stops along the way. At the beginning, in Vancouver, the highway follows the coastline of Howe Sound, a deep fjord that cuts into the southernmost part of the Coast Mountains. As you head north, the route transitions from low-elevation coastal terrain to rugged alpine landscapes, which makes a unique opportunity to see diverse geographic features in a relatively short drive from Vancouver.
You just have to include this beautiful scenic drive along the Sea to Sky Highway in our Vancouver Itinerary, as a day trip from Vancouver. It can be covered as part of a long drive from Vancouver to Jasper, when visiting both Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies, as an alternative to a flight. Now that we’ve covered all the information about the Sea to Sky Highway, let’s dig into the best stops we’ve made along our Vancouver to Whistler Drive.
Note that all photography on this guide (and throughout our website) was shot by me (Alina) and if you wish to purchase any, some are available at my Etsy shop.
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Map of Vancouver to Whistler Drive along the Sea to Sky Highway
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler is about 121 kilometers (75 miles) and typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours without stops. Obviously, we are covering the best Sea to Sky Highway stops along its way so it will take more than that. We planned it as a day trip from Vancouver with many stops and trails, so we recommend you to start the day early. Note the terrain of the area, and be prepared for amazing views.
Car rental in Vancouver
We chose Ascent Car Rental located in Pan Pacific Hotel, and had a great experience with them. We rented a Premium SUV and received a new Infinity QX50 which we loved. We returned the car in the evening, when the rental company was out of service hours, and the drop-off was easy and smooth.
If you decide not to rent a car, there are many organized day trips to Whistler from Vancouver:
And for the adventure ones, there is another way to see the area, from above:
When to drive the Sea to Sky Highway
The Sea to Sky Highway drive is beautiful throughout the year. The region’s climate varies significantly due to the changing elevation along the highway. In the lower elevations, particularly near Vancouver and Howe Sound, you’ll experience a mild coastal climate with warm summers and wet winters. As you ascend into the Coastal Mountains, the climate becomes more alpine, with cooler temperatures all year round and much more snow in the winter. Don’t miss this guide before visiting Canada in the Winter.
The best time for a Vancouver to Whistler drive is during the summer months, from June to September. These months offer the warmest and driest weather, with more chances of clear views. However, it’s important to note that the trails and attractions along the Sea to Sky Highway will be busier during this time, so it’s advisable to start this day trip early.
Best Sea to Sky Highway Stops on a Vancouver to Whistler Drive
Now let’s review the best Sea to Sky Highway stops we made on our Vancouver to Whistler day trip.
Murrin Provincial Park - Quercus Lookout Trail
There are many trails at Murrin Provincial Park, and as we have a long day planned for this Vancouver to Whistler day trip, we chose the shortest one, Quercus Lookout Trail. It is a 2.2 km, moderate difficulty trail with 114 meters of elevation gain, which took us just over an hour to finish. There’s a large parking lot with restroom facilities at the beginning of the trail.
The Quercus Lookout Trail begins at Browning Lake, which features lovely picnic spots. As you follow the trail into the forest, you’ll reach a right turn followed by another. From that point on, the trail becomes quite challenging, and to be honest, we underestimated the elevation gain. There are many stairs, both natural and man-made, and some sections require scrambling. We recommend wearing proper hiking shoes for this hike.
We found the paths a bit unclear, so we suggest using the AllTrails app. It shows your exact location on the trail and alerts you about any wrong turns. Make sure to download the offline maps, as not every trail has cell service.
Despite the difficulties, the climb to the top was absolutely worth it! You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Howe Sound, the surrounding mountains, and the Sea to Sky Highway as it winds through the forest below. This is a fantastic spot to start your Vancouver to Whistler drive before it gets crowded, or you might want to save it for the return trip to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Shannon Falls
Shannon Falls Provincial Park is a true gem! The falls plunge a total of 335 meters (1105 feet), making this the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia. It’s impressive all year round, especially in early summer when the glacier melt is at its peak.
The Shannon Falls Lookout Trail is 1.1 km long, with an elevation gain of 46 meters. Although it is considered moderate difficulty, we found it relatively easy. The surrounding area is lush and green, with well-maintained trails which make the hike to the viewpoint both enjoyable and accessible for all fitness levels. We completed the trail in about half an hour.
There are two viewing platforms located about 5 minutes apart, the first is the bottom platform which offers a full view of the falls, while the second one, the upper platform, which could easily be missed, brings you even closer to the cascading waters. A large parking lot with restrooms is available near the entrance.
Sea to Sky Gondola
The highlight of our Vancouver to Whistler day trip was the Sea to Sky Gondola. The gondola ride itself, along with the spectacular views over Howe Sound from the top, made it an unforgettable experience. The Sea to Sky Gondola is not cheap, a round trip costs CA$68 and takes around 10 minutes. Unless you are willing to hike the challenging Sea to Summit Trail that climbs 956 meters over 6.5 km and takes about 3.5 hours, it is worth it!
Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy stunning views from various platforms overlooking the iconic peaks and turquoise waters below. At the top, you will find a gift shop and two restaurants, making it a great spot for breakfast or lunch, depending on your schedule. There’s also a suspension bridge and about a dozen hiking trails, each varying in difficulty and length. We chose two relatively short trails that provided just the right experience for us to get a proper taste of the area. Both east trails are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Now, let’s review the two trails we chose:
Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge and Spirit Trail Loop
The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge and Spirit Trail Loop is a 0.5 km short, flat, and easy trail that we completed in just 15 minutes. The Spirit Trail Viewing Platform, marked as “1” on the map to the right, is located only 150 meters from the Summit Lodge. It offers stunning views of Howe Sound and the iconic Sky Pilot and Co-Pilot Mountain peaks. You can get there by crossing the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge which is a great bonus and thrill to the journey.
The Panorama Trail
The Panorama Trail is longer of the 2 trails, it is a 1.9 km easy loop with 45 meters of elevation gain, which we completed in about 45 minutes. The Squamish and Chief Viewpoint from the Chief Overlook Viewing Platform Deck marked “1” on the map to the right is not to be missed as it is the highlight of this trail. The deck extends over the edge and provides majestic views of Howe Sound and its surrounding mountains. It’s not for nothing that this is the main picture featured in this Vancouver to Whistler drive guide.
Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park - The Watershed Grill
Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park is a great scenic spot located along the banks of Squamish River. Visitors can enjoy a short, flat 2.3 km walk on a trail called, which takes approximately half an hour to complete. As the name of the park suggests, it’s a fantastic location for eagle-watching, as it is home to a large population of bald eagles, so be sure to keep an eye out for them.
Don’t miss the Watershed Grill located along the trail, right by the river. If you’re a fan of the Netflix series “Virgin River” (like I am!), you’ll be excited to know that this is actually Jack’s bar! It’s a great place to stop for lunch while enjoying a view of the Squamish River (or should I say the Virgin River? 😊).
Tantalus Lookout
Don’t miss this quick stop. Tantalus Lookout is a roadside stop that offers panoramic views of the dramatic Tantalus Mountain Range, with glaciers and jagged peaks rising sharply against the sky and the Squamish River below. We decided to save this stop for a sunset stop on our drive back from Whistler to Vancouver, which we recommend.
Brandywine Falls
The views at Brandywine Falls are just stunning so it is a total must-stop on the Sea to Sky Highway. We did the Brandywine Falls trail, a 1.1 km out-and-back moderate trail, which we found pretty easy with a nice path and just a 54-meter elevation gain. In total, it took us 25 minutes to complete.
From the parking lot, the walk goes through a lush forest and crosses a railway track (which is a nice photo stop). Then, the trail continues on a wooden boardwalk to that first viewing point for the spectacular views of the falls. The trail continues further ahead to a second viewing point over the falls and finishes with an amazing viewpoint over Cheakamus River – A ring of Fire Viewpoint.
Whistler Train Wreck
The Cheakamus River area is home to numerous hiking trails, but one site stands out for its unique features. The Whistler Train Wreck Trail, also known as “Whistler Train Wreck via Sea to Sky and Train Wreck Trails” on AllTrails, leads to a series of graffiti-covered train cars that have been abandoned since they were derailed in 1956. The trail is an easy 3.3 km trail with a 79-meter elevation gain, which took us one hour to complete.
The trail itself is quite easy and well-marked. The beginning of the trail is serene, with towering trees, soft forest floors, and the soothing sound of the nearby Cheakamus River accompanying your hike. Just before reaching the Whistler Train Wreck site, you’ll cross a suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River, which offers stunning views of the rushing water in the canyon below.
Take your time walking around and exploring the wreckage, as well as the ramps built for mountain bikers. Be sure not to miss the two additional box cars that many hikers overlook; they are located just a few minutes further south (downstream) from the main group of box cars.
An interesting fact is that the trees around the scattered colorful train cars are basically intact, suggesting, that their current location is not the exact site of the crash. Apparently, a local logging company dragged the cars off the tracks and into the forest where they are today, solving the mystery as to why there is no damage to the surrounding trees.
The Whistler Train Wreck marks the end of our Vancouver to Whistler Day Trip. From this point, you will need to start making the long way back to Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway. If you managed to get through this itinerary quickly or have an extra day to spend, consider adding a visit to Whistler Village:
Considering to stay in Whistler?
Whistler has so much to offer, so if you have an extra day to explore it, consider an overnight stay in the beautiful Whistler village:
Whistler is a vibrant village featuring a variety of shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants, all set against stunning alpine scenery. While it attracts the most visitors in winter for skiing, it is also well worth a visit in the summer months, which is when this day trip from Vancouver is planned.
Things to do in Whistler in the Summer
Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola
A must-do in Whistler is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which takes you on a breathtaking ride between Whistler and the Blackcomb Mountains, offering unparalleled views of the region. The gondola ride spans 4.4 kilometers (2.7 miles) and lasts approximately 11 minutes. It holds several world records for the longest unsupported lift span in the world (3.024 kilometers or 1.88 miles) and the highest elevation at 436 meters (1,430 feet) above the valley floor. Up in the mountains, there are numerous hiking trails available for exploring the stunning scenery.
For adventure seekers, the Blackcomb Mountain is home to Canada’s longest zipline:
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
Learn more about the First Nations people at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. It is dedicated to the cultural traditions and heritage of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, two Indigenous communities whose territories overlap in the Whistler region. The center’s mission is to share their art, culture, and traditions with visitors, fostering understanding and respect.
Audain Art Museum
The Audain Art Museum’s architecture is notable for its sleek, angular lines and environmental design, allowing it to blend harmoniously with Whistler’s natural surroundings. The museum’s mission is to celebrate the art of British Columbia, with a focus on Indigenous works and the history of the region’s art.
This is it! We hope our guide helps you plan the best stops along your Vancouver to Whistler drive on the Sea to Sky Highway, on a day trip from Vancouver.
