Can I do the Sea-to-Sky Highway as a day trip from Vancouver?

Yes — the drive to Whistler takes about 90 minutes each way. But an overnight in Squamish or Whistler lets you experience the hikes, gondola, and village without rushing.

Is the highway safe in winter?

Yes, with winter tires (legally required on BC mountain highways from October to April) and attention to weather alerts. The road is well-maintained but can be slippery in storms.

What is there to do in Whistler besides skiing?

Summer mountain biking, hiking to alpine lakes, zip-lining, bear-viewing tours, Scandinave Spa, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Whistler is a four-season destination.

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Road Trip

Sea-to-Sky Highway

From cruise-ship harbour to ski-town gondola in a single, cinematic afternoon.

Overview

The Sea-to-Sky Highway compresses more scenery per kilometre than almost any road in North America. In 163 km, you leave a world-class harbour city, trace a glacial fjord, pass three-thousand-metre granite walls, and arrive at the base of North America's largest ski resort.

Originally a rough logging road, Highway 99 was rebuilt for the 2010 Winter Olympics and is now one of the smoothest and most spectacular drives in Canada. The section from Horseshoe Bay to Squamish clings to the cliffs above Howe Sound, with views of the Tantalus Range across the water.

Squamish has become an outdoor capital in its own right — the Stawamus Chief attracts rock climbers from around the world, and the Sea-to-Sky Gondola rises to a summit network of suspension bridges and forest trails. From there, the road climbs through the Cheakamus Canyon to Whistler, where the village, the mountains, and the lakes offer enough activity for a week.

Day by day

The itinerary

A suggested route designed to balance driving time with the stops that matter.

Vancouver to Squamish

Drive the fjord-hugging highway past Britannia Beach, stop at Shannon Falls, and ride the Sea-to-Sky Gondola for alpine views over Howe Sound.

Squamish to Whistler

Hike the Chief or paddle the Squamish River, then continue to Whistler for mountain biking, village dining, or a lake swim at Lost Lake.

Signature stops

Don't miss

Shannon Falls

Sea-to-Sky Gondola

Squamish Chief

Whistler Village

Where this road leads

Related destinations

All destinations →

British Columbia

Good to know

Frequently
asked.

Practical answers from travellers who have driven this route.

Can I do the Sea-to-Sky Highway as a day trip from Vancouver?: Yes — the drive to Whistler takes about 90 minutes each way. But an overnight in Squamish or Whistler lets you experience the hikes, gondola, and village without rushing.
Is the highway safe in winter?: Yes, with winter tires (legally required on BC mountain highways from October to April) and attention to weather alerts. The road is well-maintained but can be slippery in storms.
What is there to do in Whistler besides skiing?: Summer mountain biking, hiking to alpine lakes, zip-lining, bear-viewing tours, Scandinave Spa, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Whistler is a four-season destination.