The Sea to Sky Gondola is the best stop between Vancouver and Whistler. It is at Squamish, about halfway along Highway 99, and lifts you roughly 885 metres in about ten minutes to a summit lodge with views over Howe Sound, Shannon Falls and the Pacific Coast Mountains. At the top there is a suspension bridge, viewing platforms, walking trails and a lodge for food, and a lift ticket covers the Summit Lodge. The Tiqets listing sells the round-trip ticket and shows it as open daily from 9am to 5pm. Shannon Falls Provincial Park is just south of the gondola base and one of the tallest waterfalls in British Columbia, a short, easy walk from the car park. In November, plan carefully, because the operator's own hours page lists a maintenance closure in mid to late November, shown as November 16 to 26 without a year, so confirm dates before you drive. Tiqets also sells a Whistler and Sea to Sky Gondola day trip from Vancouver, with hotel pickup and about ten and a half hours of touring, if you prefer not to drive.
Why stop here. The drive from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway is one of the most scenic in Canada, with the fjord of Howe Sound on one side and the granite walls of the Stawamus Chief above Squamish. The gondola gives you the height to see it. In clear weather the view stretches across the sound, and in winter the summit is often snowy, cold and quiet, with the lodge a welcome place to warm up.
Planning the stop. Allow about two to three hours for the gondola, more if you walk the summit trails. Squamish also has good coffee and food, so you can make it a lunch stop on the way to Whistler. Because the operator closes for annual maintenance, check its daily conditions page and book a date outside the closure window. Tiqets offers free cancellation on many products, but read the terms before you buy.
Getting there. Driving from Vancouver takes about an hour to the gondola, and from Whistler about an hour back down the highway. The gondola base has parking, and many Vancouver day tours stop here. If you are staying in Whistler, treat it as a half-day trip on the way in or out, and use Shannon Falls as an easy extra, since the walk to the viewing platform is short and free to enter.
What to expect
The experience
A ten-minute gondola ride to a summit lodge, suspension bridge, trails and viewing platforms above Howe Sound.
Best time
Open daily 9am to 5pm per Tiqets, but the operator lists a mid to late November maintenance closure, so confirm dates.
How long
Two to three hours, plus a stop at Shannon Falls.
Tips
Book a date outside the maintenance closure, dress for a cold summit and combine with Shannon Falls on the way.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone driving or touring between Vancouver and Whistler.
- Families
- Easy trails, a suspension bridge and a lodge make it a good family stop.
- Couples
- Go for clear-weather views and a hot drink at the top.
- Pair with
- Shannon Falls and a Squamish lunch.
- Time needed
- A half day on the Sea to Sky drive.
Good questions
Is the Sea to Sky Gondola open in November?+
The operator's hours page lists November 16 to 26 as a maintenance closure with no year given, and daily 9am to 5pm outside it. Confirm on the day you plan to go.
How long is the ride?+
About ten minutes each way, rising roughly 885 metres to the summit lodge above Howe Sound.
Where is Shannon Falls?+
Just south of the gondola base on Highway 99, with a short, easy walk from the car park to the viewing platform.
Can I visit as a day trip from Vancouver?+
Yes. Tiqets sells a ten and a half hour day trip that combines the gondola with about three and a half hours in Whistler, with hotel pickup.
How far is it from Whistler?+
About an hour by car down Highway 99, so it works well as a stop on the way to or from Vancouver.