Best Sea-to-Sky Highway 99 Stops: Vancouver to Pemberton

I may earn income from affiliate links or partnerships in this post. I spend time to curate tours or products that align with my values. Thanks for supporting my work, at no additional cost to you. All words and images on this website are created by real people.

Are you curious about one of the most scenic drives in British Columbia? Driving the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Pemberton is easily one of the most stunning routes I’ve ever driven. It can be hard to know where to stop with so many scenic natural wonders and cultural stops along the way.

Follow along for the best stops, views, tasty bites, hikes, small towns, and attractions on the drive from Vancouver to Pemberton along the Sea-to-Sky Highway 99.  

Whether you are looking for a nice hike to stretch your legs, quick waterfall views, historic museums to learn, wildlife viewing opportunities, or small towns, Highway 99 has something for everyone as the ideal road trip.

This stretch of Highway 99, aptly named Sea to Sky, takes you from the glittery waters of Howe Sound to the towering mountains around Whistler. Starting just on the outskirts of urban Vancouver, the road follows the ocean with stops for scenic waterfalls, small provincial parks, and nature trails.

Once you reach Squamish, the glacier-capped mountains dominate the views as you head inland. This section has scenic pull-outs, forest walks, Whistler, lakes, and ends in Pemberton, where agriculture and mountains meet. 

I live in North Vancouver, near the start of the Sea-to-Sky Highway. I’ve done this drive countless times, in every season, and there is always something new to discover.

Most guides cover the same 10 generic stops that everyone knows at this point, but there are a few lesser-known stops and local favorites I’m dishing in this post. 

Quick Look: Best Sea-to-Sky Stops

With so many great stops, knowing which ones to make is a tough choice. I suggest you pick the ones from this list of 27 amazing stops on Highway 99 in British Columbia that appeal to you most. But if you need my personal short list:

• Pick a few shorter stops like: Shannon Falls, Brandywine Falls, Porteau Cove, and the scenic pullouts.
• Choose one major paid attraction like the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, Britannia Mine, or Squamish Canyon.
• OR choose a free shorter hike: Murrin Park Look or Lighthouse Park.
• If you are a big hiker, opt for a long hike: Stawamus Chief 3-peak, or Tunnel Bluffs.
• Small towns of Horseshoe Bay and Squamish, and Whistler, including the Squamish Cultural Center. Make it all the way to Pemberton if you have time!

1. Cypress Lookout

Not long after you enter Highway 99, and a little before you start the official Sea-to-Sky stretch, your first chance for a scenic stopover is at Cypress. Cypress is a mountain, provincial park, and mountain resort with endless recreational opportunities. I recommend just a quick stop here, though. 

Drive up Cypress Mountain until you reach the Cypress Trestle Bridge.

The Trestle Bridge is known as the best place in the Vancouver area to watch the sunset, but it offers amazing views any day. Enjoy scenic views over Vancouver with a refreshing walk on the boardwalk. 

If you have time, continue the drive up the mountain for a few more twists and turns until you reach the Cypress Mountain Lookout. This is the best view over Vancouver City.

On a clear day, you can see well into Washington State, in the United States, and keep an eye out for snow-capped Mt. Baker. 

• Bathrooms: No
• 30-minute stop
• Accessible views
• Limited parking
• City views

2. Lighthouse Park 

Lighthouse Park is often overlooked on the Sea-to-Sky road trip from Vancouver to Pemberton. It is just slightly out of the way, and still technically before the official start of the highway, but it is a worthwhile stop. Lighthouse Park is a small pocket of old-growth forest. 

You could easily spend hours here enjoying the trail network and forest paths. But the easiest and most popular route is a 3 km round-trip walk through the forest out of a large rock with views of a lighthouse and the ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for whales!

This walk is gravel and has steep inclines; it is not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or people with mobility concerns. Parking can be an issue on popular days, but you should be able to find a spot if you leave early enough. 

• Bathrooms:  Pit toilet
• 1 hour
• Not accessible 
• Short forest trail for ocean views
• Limited paid parking

3. Whytecliff Park

As a rocky coastal park, Whytecliff is a local favorite spot for SCUBA diving. But if you don’t dive, it is a great stop on Highway 99 for a quiet beach.

Enjoy stretching your legs here as you walk along the beaches. If you can time your visit with a low tide, enjoy looking safely, but do not touch or disturb the colonies of starfish and mussels. 

There is a parking lot, where you will then follow a footpath along the coast to the beach. This is not an accessible path. 

• Bathrooms: None
• 30 minutes
• Not accessible 
• Short beach walk
• Parking lot

4. Horseshoe Bay

Your first chance for a small town rest stop is Horseshoe Bay. Horseshoe Bay is a big hub for ferry sailings to the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island, but even if you’re on a road trip from Vancouver to Whistler, this is a great stop to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or enjoy an accessible harbourside walk.

I suggest stopping by the locally owned Goldies for a coffee and doughnut. If you don’t have a lot of time, I still encourage you to walk the path along the harbour; I’m here a lot for the volunteer work I do, and almost always see harbour seals, bait balls, herons, eagles, and more wildlife.

• Bathrooms: Yes. In stores
• 30 minutes – 1 hour
• Accessible
• Small-town and harbor views
• Paid street parking and lots

5. Lion’s Bay and Tunnel Bluffs

Lion’s Bay is a small mountain-side community. There isn’t a lot here, but if you brought your swimmers or paddle, you can hit Lion’s Bay community beach for a swim.

However, I usually come here to hike. Tunnel Bluffs is a very popular hike for incredible views over the sound. This hike is pretty average until you get to that end view.

Other hikes here are the more advanced Mt. Harvey or The Lions. Parking is very limited and paid.

• Bathrooms: Pit toilets
• Timing depends on hike
• Technical mountain hiking
• Hiking or beach
• Very limited and restricted parking

6. Furry Creek | Oliver’s Landing

Oliver’s Landing and the Furry Creek area are a very small community. The highlight here is a golf course with views. I don’t golf and have never visited, but the views are said to be unparalleled. Book your tee time and plan a stop with that schedule in mind.

• Bathrooms: Yes
• 4-5 hours
• Golf carts available
• Golf course
• Parking on site

7. Porteau Cove

This cute Provincial Park is a quick stop for a chance to spot sea lions. If you walk out to the end of the jetty, you’ll usually see a raft of sea lions. They are fun to watch for a few minutes. Keep an eye out here for whale sightings and bald eagles. 

Bring your telephoto lens for this stop if you have one!

The low tide reveals a stunning beach that looks almost tropical when the sun is out. It is a great place to dip your feet in the water and enjoy stunning views of Howe Sound.

The northbound turn-off can be a bit tricky, so make sure you take it safely. Parking can be tricky too, so again, the earlier you leave for this drive, the better. This is arguable a better southbound stop.

• Bathrooms: No
• 10-20 minutes
• Accessible
• Wildlife opportunity
• Limited parking

8. OUTBOUND STATION

If you need a quick cup of coffee and can’t wait until Squamish, swing into the OUTBOUND STATION for coffee and a pasty. This newly opened stop is perfect for a quick snack and coffee break. 

Grab a coffee for the road, or sit and enjoy it on their terrace for nice views. 

• Bathrooms: For paying customers
• 10 minutes
• Accessible
• Coffee and snack break
• Parking

9. Britannia Mine

Most people just drive past Britannia Mine and wonder what the heck that large industrial building is! Well, that is a former copper mine, turned into a museum and educational center. 

Britannia Mine was once the largest source of industrial pollution in all of North America. Established as a copper mine long before environmental protections and wastewater management were in place for mines, Britannia Mine reshaped global communications while devastating the local ecology. 

The former mine is now in active remediation and holds space for environmental education, balanced with the nuances in modern mining and technology. 

I love Britannia Mine so much, I’ve done the full experience twice! There are really two elements here. The museum, which is several buildings with different exhibits, including environmental impacts of the mining industry, geology, the importance of sustainable and ethical mining, and life for those who lived and worked at the remote Britannia Mine. 

The second is a guided tour into the mine. You can ride an old rail car into the mine to learn about mining technologies and the mine itself. End with the BOOM! experience, which takes you into the towering white building for an immersive experience covering the refining process and production. 

If you’re short on time and love mines, at least stop by for the museums. But I actually recommend planning your road trip with a timed stop for the full experience if you are interested in mining culture, history, and environmental impacts.

The guided tour and BOOM show are scheduled, and you can purchase a ticket for a specific timed tour. Spend another hour before or after to enjoy the museum. 

• Bathrooms: For museum guests
• 1-2+ hours (timed ticket entry for tours and BOOM)
• Accessible museum. Tour not wheelchair friendly, but appropriate for most ages. 
• Educational museum
• Parking on site

10. Britannia Beach Scenic Lookout

After you leave Britannia Beach, there is a quick pullout and parking lot on the west side of the highway (left, if traveling northbound). This stop is arguably best accessed when traveling south, but if safe, you can pull in for a nice view of Howe Sound and Britannia Beach. 

• Bathrooms: No
• 5 minutes
• Accessible
• Scenic pullout
• Limited parking

11. Murrin Park Provincial Park

Another small provincial park, Murrin is a longer stop for those who want to start their road trip with a short but steep hike. There are a few hiking trails in this park:

• To keep this shorter, just do the loop trail, which takes me, an avid hiker, about 1 hour or less. 
• For a longer hike, add on the Jurassic Ridge.

The view from the top is worth the climb. At the summit, you can enjoy views over Howe Sound. 

If hiking isn’t your thing, there is a small picnic area and a lake popular for a relaxing float. 

• Bathrooms: Pit toilets
• 1-2 hours
• Not accessible. Steep hiking trail with rocks, roots, and loose dirt. Bring water and clothing suitable for hiking. 
• Hiking stop
• Parking on site, but the lot can easily fill up by late morning/afternoon.  

12. Squamish Viewpoint

After you leave Murrin Park, there is another quick pullout for great views over the sound and the town of Squamish. I often enjoy watching the wind surfers in the bay and keeping an eye out for wildlife sightings. 

On a clear day, you can often see incredible views of the dominating Nch’kay mountain. When we hiked Panorama Ridge, a 35km backcountry hike, the Nch’kay was the highlighted feature. This mountain is a glacier-capped peak that is culturally and ecologically significant to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people. 

• Bathrooms: No
• 5 minutes
• Accessible
• Scenic pullout
• Limited parking spots

13. Shannon Falls

Shannon Falls is one of the most popular stops on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. It is easy to see why; just a few minutes’ walk from the parking lot is a towering, thundering waterfall. We always make this stop with friends and family, who marvel at the power of water.

You can make this a very quick stop with a direct paved walk up to the waterfall’s viewing platform. Or you can walk along the river for a rocky, unpaved approach, with chances to extend the hike even further up a trail, which eventually connects to the Sea-to-Sky Gondola. 

If you are on a budget, you can enjoy a picnic lunch here instead of eating at one of the restaurants 

Tip: Parking here can be challenging, so if you are doing this on a summer weekend, you may even opt to skip this stop. Before you move on, make sure you check the parking lot across the road for a spot. People don’t take long at this site typically, so spots do open up. 

• Bathrooms: Pit toilets
• 30 minutes
• Accessible and on accessible trails
• Scenic waterfall view
• Parking on site

14. The Chief Hike

If you’ve done this drive a few times and are looking for a longer, challenging hike, rather than shorter, quicker stops, the Stwamus (Chief) hike might be a great option. 

I’ve done this hike a few times, and there are 3 peaks you are able to summit during the hike. Choose 1 for a shorter, but still challenging hike, or start by climbing the 3rd peak and then working your way down to 2, then 1 for a less crowded and more enjoyable experience, in my opinion. 

This hike is very technically challenging, and is for capable and experienced hikers only. You should have hiking boots, the ability to pull yourself up and down rope assists and ladders, be comfortable with an uneven trail with steep drop-offs, and lots and lots of stairs and elevation. You should also hike with a buddy who knows the trail. 

When we do this hike, we do this route, but in reverse, so we start by summiting the 3rd peak. But, no matter if you are going for one or three peaks, and in whatever order, you will have a great time. 

Your reward is stunning views from all three peaks and very sore legs and glutes. You can also enjoy making yourself queasy watching all the slack line walkers and rock climbers. Squamish is a community famous for climbing.

• Bathrooms: Pit toilets
• 4-6 hours
• Not accessible, experienced hikers only
• Challenging half-day hike
• Parking on site (arrive early)

15. Sea to Sky Gondola

If you are seeking incredible views over the Howe Sound, but hiking isn’t your thing, you can ride the Sea-to-Sky Gondola. At the top, there are some walking trails through the forest and viewpoints. Walk across the long suspension bridge for some of the best views. 

There is also a cafe and bar at the top. The gondola is 10 minutes one way, so budget enough time for the gondola and taking in the view if you decide to do this stop.

Make sure you reserve your ticket and book yourself a spot early, especially when it is busy peak summer season.  

• Bathrooms: Yes
• 2+ hours
• Suitable for all ages, but uneven trail and suspension bridge
• Scenic views, walking trails, and gondola ride
• Parking on site
• Tickets must be booked early for around $80.

16. Squamish Town (EV Charge) 

Squamish is one of my favorite small towns in British Columbia. You can stop in for a quick coffee and doughnut at Fox and Oak while you’re charging your EV. 

There is enough to do here that you could easily spend over an hour grabbing lunch at Green Olive, Copper Coil, or Howe Sound Brewing. Bring your reusable tote for all your shopping at all the small businesses down Cleveland Avenue. Don’t forget a sweet treat at Alice and Brohm. 

Squamish has some fantastic street art as well, so enjoy walking down the main streets and viewing all the art and cultural highlights. 

If you’re more interested in keeping this stop active, then Squamish has a network of estuary trails. These trails follow the river through the forest for birding, scenic views, and an easy soft adventure.

• Bathrooms: In businesses and restaurants
• 20-minute charge – 2 hours
• Accessible
• Small town charge
• Paid parking
• BC Hydro Fast Charger
• SWTCH Fast Charger

17. Squamish Canyon

The Sea-to-Sky’s newest attraction is the roaring canyon of Squamish. There is an elevated boardwalk of about 1.7 km of trails you can enjoy through the forest and along the rushing canyon waters. This is a nature-first experience where you can enjoy a quiet reflective moment surrounded by nature 

Before you leave, order a beverage in the forest lounge. Sip a cozy beverage surrounded by tall trees and the sounds of nature. 

• Bathrooms: yes
• 1.5-2 hours
• Boardwalks for easy walking
• Forest and rushing gorge
• Parking on site
• Adult tickets are $44. Open from 10 pm – 7 pm.

18. Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park

Eagles Provincial Park is one of the most impressive wildlife viewing experiences in British Columbia. Every winter from November to January, 1,300 bald eagles overwinter on the west side of the Squamish River. They spend time here to feast on the salmon and prepare to head out with their bonded partner to their spring and summer 

Brackendale is the ideal place to view and observe the eagles. While you can not enter the provincial park itself, you can walk along the Squamish River and enjoy the birds from a safe distance. 

If you are visiting during summer, then you likely won’t see the eagles. Instead, enjoy Brackendale town. Walk along the river, eat at Crabapple Cafe, the Zephyr Cafe, or venture up to Fergies for my favorite hidden gem restaurant. 

Viewing is best done from the Eagle Run Vista point. 

• Bathrooms: No
• 30 minutes-1 hour
• Flat paved trail
• Wildlife viewing
• Parking near the Eagle Run Vista Point.

19. Alice Lake Provincial Park

Alice Lake is one of my favorite places for tent camping. If you can grab a spot and are on a camping adventure, then go ahead and enjoy a night at this site. Otherwise, there is still plenty to see and do. 

My top recommendation is the Four Lakes Trail. This is a relatively easy trail walk / “hike” without a lot of elevation gain. Enjoy a nice hike through the forest along four lakes. 

At the end of July into August, be careful as there is a great toad migration. There is a high risk of this endangered species getting stepped on as you hike. 

• Bathrooms: Pit toilets
• 2 hours (4 Lakes Trail)
• Easy hike, uneven terrain
• Nature trails and lake
• Parking: Day parking lot

20. Tantalus Lookout

One of the most impressive mountains in BC is Mt. Tantalus. This dominating ice-capped mountain is occasionally seen in glimpses to the east. The best view, though, is a quick highway pull-off on the east side of the highway. 

On a clear day, you can enjoy the incredible sights of this mountain and the peaks in the range. Take time to read the signage about the Indigenous culture and history of the region and the Thunderbird that dwells amongst the mountains. 

Note: The main stop is not accessible on a northbound route, and great for a southbound return. There is, however, an upper viewing area for north bound traveles most miss. Exist safely.

• Bathrooms: No
• 5 minutes
• Accessible
• Scenic pullout viewpoint
• Limited parking

21. Brandywine Falls

If the Shannon Falls wasn’t enough tumbling water for you on this Sea-to-Sky road trip, then don’t miss Brandywine Falls. While Shannon Falls is cascading water down a rocky face, Brandywine is water falling off a sharp cliff in a straight and powerful line. 

Surrounded by impressive nature, the short walk out to Brandywine is the perfect place to stretch your legs and take a break from the car ride. There are a few opportunities for views along the trail, but make sure you walk all the way to the end of the trail for the best view of Brandywine. 

Before you go, take a minute to look away from the falls and take in the view of the glimmering Daisy Lake and forests in the distance. 

• Bathrooms: Pit toilets (but not great ones)
• 30-45 minutes
• Uneven forest trail 
• Short hike to waterfall views
• Parking on site

22. Train Wreck Trail

For those who want a longer, yet easier hike, the Train Wreck Trail just outside of Whistler is the perfect stop along Highway 99. A 5km hike will take you along a quiet forest trail to find these abandoned cars, now scattered and integrated into nature. 

The abandoned cars are a nice example of urban x: part art gallery, bike park, and one-time horror set. The trail to the cars is also rather enjoyable, following a river through a quiet forest. 

While the cars are fun to look at and explore, the highlight here is the suspension bridge just before you reach them. This free attraction is a great alternative to paid bridges at Capilano or the Sea-to-Sky gondola. 

There are lots of places to start this walk, so you can customize a shorter or longer trail from different starting points. 

• Bathrooms: Depends
• 1-2 hours
• Uneven forest trail
• Scenic walk to a train wreck
• Parking depends on where you start

23. Whistler Interpretive Forest

Just outside of the Whistler resort area, and very close to the Train Wreck Trail, is the Whistler Interpretive Forest. A forested area that was once actively managed for logging is now protected and managed as a place for endless recreational opportunities.

The forest is designed for ongoing education about forestry, logging, ecology, biology, and more. As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for educational signs and information boards.

Aside from learning, there is plenty to see and do here, from short leisurely walks and strolls through the forest to mountain biking. For a quick stop, just visit the educational board in the parking lot right off Cheekamus Lake Road. There is also a very short loop trail here.

Lace up your hiking shoes for a number of hikes. My recommended hike is the Cheakamus Lake Trail, an 8km hike that follows a river to a stunning lake, with glacier views in the distance. Bring your mountain bike for an easier forested ride out to Logger Lake.

Note: You must drive down an unpaved logging road with rock obstacles and uneven terrain to access this hike. Only for cars with clearance.

• Bathrooms: Yes
• 15 minutes – 4+ hours
• Unpaved trails
• Hiking, mountain biking, walks
• Parking lot at entrance to forest park

24. Whistler Mountain Resort

Whistler is likely the endpoint for many travelers road tripping the Sea-to-Sky Highway 99 in British Columbia. As one of the most popular places in British Columbia, Whistler is certainly the highlight of this road trip.

A world-renowned ski resort, Whistler is popular for winter vacations. Many come from around the world to ski and snowboard for a few nights. You can also enjoy the Nordic ski and snowshoe trails at lower elevations.

During peak road trip season in summer, Whistler is the perfect alpine stop for several nights. Enjoy mountain biking Whistler’s world-class peaks, or take the gondola up and hike the Harmony to High Note Trail. 

Whistler is also famously known for its lakes. Take a kayak, canoe, SUP, or swim at Alta Lake, Green Lake, or Lost Lake.

If you are not into winter sports or outdoor sports, then Whistler is also a town for pampering yourself. Treat yourself at a luxury Canadian hotel, or enjoy a fine dining and wine experience. Spend time shopping the adorable small shops in the Whistler Village.

A must-visit in Whistler is the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Center. The cultural center is a space where you can learn about the First Nations of the Sea-to-Sky Highway, including the Squamish and Lil’Wat people. See their art, join a workshop, and learn about their history.

Whether you are here for the snowboarding, hiking, spa, or charming alpine village ambiance, I recommend you stay at least a night or two to make the most of Whistler as a stop on the Sea-to-Sky Highway.  

• Bathrooms: Lots
• Overnight: 1-3 nights
• Accessible areas
• Winter and summer outdoor sports, spas, fine dining, and alpine village
• Lots of parking lots

25. Scandinave Spa Whistler

If pampering yourself is high on your list of priority stops along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, then don’t miss a stop at the Scandinave Spa! One of my favorite spa experiences, the Scandinave Spa is well worth the time and money for treating yourself.

This luxury spa features a traditional Scandinavian spa rotation. Circulate through a variety of hot areas (hot tub, steam room, sauna) and cold plunges (buckets, waterfalls, and plunge pools), along with quite relaxing areas (fire pits, hammocks, bean bags, day beds).

The spa covers a lovely garden outdoor area that operates throughout the year, rain or shine. I personally love visiting in winter to enjoy the snow-covered trees around the spa. You can also enjoy hot tea, coffee, or a snack at the indoor area, and take advantage of their massages.

This is a silent and phone-free spa. If you visit with friends or family, ensure you all remain silent or risk getting kicked out.

Tip: The Scandinave Spa is very popular. If you plan on visiting, you should reserve your timed entry ahead of time. This stop can be done on its own, timing your drive with your reservation. Otherwise, it is a great escape if you are overnighting in Whistler.

• Bathrooms: Yes, along with locker rooms and showers
• 2+ hours
• Ask about accessibility
• Spa and thermal bath experience
• Parking: Yes

26. Narin Falls Provincial Park

Most people stop at Whistler. They overnight and eventually head back to Vancouver. But the Sea-to-Sky Highway 99 in British Columbia actually runs all the way to Pemberton with a few great stops like Narin Falls yet to come.

Narin Falls is an often overlooked waterfall stop. The unique geology and hydrology here are fascinating. Park at the Narin Falls day lot, and walk along the river trail until you reach Narin Falls.

Read the signs along the way to understand how powerful vortex water creates the beautiful geology around you!

• Bathrooms: Pit toilets
• 45 minutes
• Unpaved forest trail
• Nature walk to waterfall
• Parking: yes

27. Pemberton

Pemberton is a cozy, vibrant valley town surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and lush, fertile farmland. Pemberton is known for agritourism, world-class mountain biking, and backcountry access.

It offers a relaxed, community-focused alternative to the busier resort atmosphere of Whistler. This is a great overnight stop instead of the expensive Whistler.

Book a cozy cabin, or Pemberton Valley Lodge is a great choice, closer to the main downtown hub. 

While in Pemberton, enjoy agritourism by visiting North Arm Farm, a cute local farm with seasonal blooms, and Beer Farmers for local farm-to-cup beer and smash burgers.

Keep the adventure going with mountain biking and hiking on the trails around One Mile Park, or hit up Mt. Currie for epic mountain biking and hiking. 

Beyond the Sea-to-Sky Highway

Pemberton is the perfect segue into the next portion of Highway 99, the Duffey Lake Road. So, if you are continuing to Prince George or beyond, head over and read my complete guide to driving from Vancouver to Prince George.

Tips for Driving the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Pemberton

How to Plan Your Sea-to-Sky Stops

There is no way you can do all of these stops during one trip. You will need to strategically pick and choose a few stops that align with your interests.

Without any traffic or stops, you can drive from Vancouver to Pemberton in a little over 2 hours, but I would suggest taking a lot longer. Likely, you will overnight in Whistler or Pemberton, therefore giving you a full day to make this drive.

I would suggest picking a few scenic, short stops, like Shannon Falls, Brandywine Falls, Porteau Cove, and the scenic pullouts. You can include a lot of these shorter stops on your itinerary.

I would then add one major attraction that will take about 2 hours, like the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, Britannia Mine, or Squamish Canyon. These will take a bit longer, but are nice, paid experiences.

If you prefer an unpaid 2-hour experience, you can do one of the shorter hikes like the Murrin Park Look or Lighthouse Park.

If you’ve already done this drive before or are a big hiker, you may instead opt for a longer hike from the Stawamus Chief 3-peak, or Tunnel Bluffs,

Take time to stop in the town of Squamish for lunch, charging, and to enjoy small-town vibes.

If you are staying in Whistler, Squamish, or Pemberton, you can group activities around those areas into your itinerary. For example, if you are staying in Whistler, you can easily visit Scandinave Spa, Whistler Interpretive Forest, and hike the Train Wreck Trail during your visit and don’t need to make those stops on your first day.

Make this itinerary your own with stops that interest you, and have a great road trip from Vancouver to Pemberton.

Is the Sea-to-Sky Highway Worth It?

Yes, absolutely. As a Vancouver resident, this drive truly never gets old for me. I’ve done it dozens of times, and there is always something new to discover. Every time I have friends or family visit, this trip is non-negotiable.

I customize it for the people I bring with me: some of my friends are interested in bigger hikes, others just want to visit scenic pullouts.

This entire drive showcases the very best of British Columbia. You get a taste of the best ocean and water views, towering glacier-capped mountains, rain forests, and small coastal towns all within a 155km drive.

I highly recommend everyone make this drive.

Safety and Driving

This portion of Highway 99, the Sea-to-Sky Highway, is an incredible scenic highway. However, it is a narrow, winding road with blind spots and cliffside turns. Accidents do happen.

Make sure you keep your eyes on the road, drive the speed limit, and keep a keen sense about you.

If you are visiting in winter, there can be snow and ice on the road, and you should have winter tires on your car.

When to Drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway

As one of the most popular highways in British Columbia, this stretch of road is prone to traffic jams. If you have the luxury, I recommend starting your road trip early in the morning and heading out on a weekday, if possible.

On sunny summer weekends, the road will be full of locals and tourists heading out to hike or mountain bike.

In winter, on weekends and powder days, the road will be full of people heading to the Whistler slopes. Slow down, expect traffic, and drive safely.

Is this Drive EV Friendly

Yes! We own and drive a Polestar 2. There are fast chargers in Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton as well as a few others on the way. Use PlugShare or your car’s technology to find a charger.

Where to Rent a Car

This is a road trip. If you have the budget and a driver’s license, I recommend renting a car to enjoy the luxury of shopping wherever you want. Make sure you secure your reservation to have a great Sea-to-Sky road trip.

Don’t Have a License? Book a Tour

There are a few tours that take you along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Some are private tours where you can customize your day. Others hit the highlights like Shannon Falls, the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, Squamish, and Whistler.