Sea to Sky Highway
BC-99, British Columbia
This scenic stretch of British Columbia’s Highway 99 extends from Horseshoe Bay to Pemberton, an 83-mile (134-kilometer journey past Howe Sound, Squamish, and Whistler’s rugged peaks. It’s not just a pretty drive; with so many stops along the way you could spend a week exploring hiking trails, towering waterfalls, and the region’s First Nations cultures.
Since traveling from Vancouver to Whistler means a trip along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, dramatic views are guaranteed; that’s a good reason to opt for a tour, which will leave you free to check out the scenery. Most tours from Vancouver to Whistler include stops on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, and since they range from quick photo breaks to serious hikes, visitors can pick their own perfect excursion. For a bald-eagle’s view of the Sea-to-Sky Highway, one option is to make the trip by seaplane, flying between Whistler’s Green Lake and touching down in Coal Harbor on the Vancouver waterfront.
- The Sea-to-Sky Highway goes from BC’s mild coastal climate to mountains with dramatically different weather. In summer that means Whistler’s usually a few degrees warmer than Vancouver, while in winter it’s often much colder.
- Hiking trails on the Sea-to-Sky Highway are highlights for active travelers, but it’s worth bringing sturdy shoes to tackle uneven terrain.
- Unlike many of BC’s winding mountain roads, the Sea-to-Sky Highway is mostly a smooth ride, comfortable even for travelers prone to motion sickness.
Highway 99 travels right through downtown Vancouver, then swings west towards Horseshoe Bay. If you’re making a beeline for the mountains and you don’t have your own transport, shuttles from Vancouver to Whistler are a convenient option, but choosing a tour means more time to check out the sights along the way.
While BC’s landscape shines in any season, it’s especially beautiful during sunny summer months, the snowy winter, and fall foliage season. If you’re driving the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver, start early in the morning to avoid crowds at the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, a popular stop that’s just north of the city.
You’ll find great views from beginning to end, but these landmarks on the Sea-to-Sky Highway are famous for a reason. After checking out Lynn Canyon, make your next stop on the beach at Porteau Cove, then head to the towering Shannon Falls, and book a round-trip ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola in Whistler.
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