Sea To Sky Highway

If you have been planning to visit the Vancouver area, you must have heard of Sea to Sky Highway. I don’t know about you, but I always thought why everyone is so crazy about it. I have driven on so many beautiful roads, is this something really that outstanding?

Well as the name says it all you literally start driving from the Pacific Ocean and end up in the breathtaking Garibaldi ranges.

Sea to Sky highway is known for its breathtaking views. While driving it will take you along the snow-capped mountains, turquoise blue lakes, lush green paths, many scenic stops and attraction on the route to Whistler. You can go hiking, camping, visit some beautiful waterfalls and enjoy small towns.

Just ensure you don’t end up taking Trans Canada Highway1 while driving from Vancouver to Whistler.

I would recommend taking Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). Highway 99 is an additional drive of 10-15 minutes, but totally worth the pain.

So, let's talk about some of the stops we took on our way:

SHANNON FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK

Recommended Time: ½ Hour

Trail Length: 350 m each way

(Welcome to Shannon Falls)

The third highest waterfall in British Columbia, located approximately 45 minutes to one-hour drive from Vancouver. Shannon Falls has a very limited area of parking making it difficult to find a spot to park. There is an additional parking area available, just opposite side on the road of Shannon Falls Provincial Park and it's comparatively easy to find a spot.  We first headed to their designated parking area and wasted half an hour with no luck. I would recommend heading directly for the alternative parking area on the opposite side of the road.

(Long Waiting Line to enter designated parking area)

Shannon waterfall is just 5 minutes walk on a well-maintained boardwalk from the designated parking area. It’s a gorgeous waterfall surrounded by lush green mountains. As we headed towards the fall, we could hear the noise of water gushing breaking the silence of the trail. The viewpoint will take you just under the fall where you can stand and enjoy the fall.

(View of fall from distance)

While at the viewpoint, the mist of water touches your face and crosses making us more refreshed and falling in love with nature.

(Time to enjoy fall from the view point)

(Closeup view of fall from viewpoint)

If you want more adventure, head towards the trail leading you to the base of the falls.

They also have a nice well-maintained picnic area for kids to enjoy.

THE STAWAMUS CHIEF PROVINCIAL PARK

Recommended Time: 3-5 Hours

Trail Length: Peak 1: 3 km, Peak 2: 4 km, Peak 3: 4 km

It is just 5 minutes drive from Shannon Falls. It is known for the scenic view of the town and Howe Sound from the top.

It takes 3 to 5 hours round trip hike to the top. It will depend on how many peaks you cover while hiking.

Before heading, Be Alert, it is not a walk in the park to reach the top.

First 45 minutes you will spend climbing steadily uphill over wooden steps and a well-worn dirt path. So, plan accordingly.

Initially, we decided to hike till Peak 1 as its only 3 km which we thought we could do. We were excited to climb the peak, and we headed through the silent forest leading us towards the stairs. We started our climb enthusiastically, and we managed to climb for approximately 20 minutes but got tired and exhausted. We then decided to give up the hike, and we missed the view.

LUNCH BREAK

Are you also tired and hungry?

It's time to relax and enjoy some food before heading.

There is a small town called Squamish which is approximately 7 minutes drive from The Stawamus Chief Provincial Park.  Here you can find grocery stores and small restaurants. You can enjoy food and if required also stock up some grocery for your road trip.

Being a vegetarian is always hard.  Especially when you are on vacations, it becomes harder. Mostly we need to survive on Pizza. Fortunately, we found a cafeteria called "aTable" which had some vegetarian options, and we loved the flavors.

After relaxing its again time to hit the roads.

SEA TO SKY GONDOLA

Recommended Time: 3-4 Hours

If you do not want to hike Stawamus Chief but still want to enjoy you can also opt for Gondola ride which will take you to the top and there you can enjoy the view, do some hiking and walk on the suspension bridge.

We on our trip decided to go for the Peak to Peak gondola instead of Sea to Sky Gondola. Personally, when I compared both the gondolas view from the top. I felt that Peak to Peak has a better 360-degree view of mountains and it also takes you the highest Suspension Bridge to walk on. But you can do both the Gondola rides and enjoy their view. It depends on your interest area, time and budget.

The Price for the Gondola per adult is CAD 43.95 plus tax, and Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Child / Youth) is CAD 107.95 plus tax.

BRANDYWINE FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK

Recommended Time: ½ -1 Hour

Trail Length: 1 km one way

(Mandatory Picture with board sign)

It was my last stop on the way to Whistler which is approximately 35 minutes drives from Stawamus Chief. The fall is a 66-meter drop from an unnaturally abrupt cliff to the valley below.  It is one of the most popular stops amongst tourist, though we enjoyed the Shannon falls more. You need to walk approximately 20 minutes to reach a large and elaborate viewing platform directly opposite the falls. It also has a small picnic area near the parking lot.

(View from the bridge at starting of the trail)

(View of BrandyWine Falls from the viewpoint)

                                                       (Video of BrandyWine Falls from the viewpoint)

It would be wrong to say that there are only these viewpoints on the way to Whistler. There are many other lakes and hiking points where you can stop and enjoy. These are the stops that I recommend keeping in mind time constraint and including the stops that are must see.  But honestly the drive is gorgeous, and you can park your car anywhere along the way and enjoy the beauty of Howe Sound.