RoadAtlas
Sea to Sky Highway — Canada — Scenic
North America

Sea to Sky Highway

Canada

Point-to-point
Vancouver Whistler

In short: Sea to Sky Highway is a 125 km one-way plus local detours scenic road trip in Canada, typically driven over 2 days + optional hike day, best in May–Oct. Highlights: Vancouver, Horseshoe Bay, Britannia Mine Museum.

Distance
125 km one-way plus local detours
Duration
2 days + optional hike day
Best Season
May–Oct
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

BC-99 from Vancouver to Whistler is one of the world's great short drives, Howe Sound's fjord on one side, the Coast Mountains on the other, threading through old-growth forest past tumbling waterfalls and into a world-class mountain town.

Practical notes
BC-99 is paved but mountain weather, fog, weekend traffic, cyclists, and rockfall slow the drive. Winter tires or chains are legally required October 1–April 30. For June–October 2026 hikes, reserve the required Garibaldi day-use vehicle pass for the applicable trailhead and carry the booking confirmation.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Vancouver to Squamish

Shannon Falls · Sea to Sky Gondola · The Boathouse Restaurant

Day 2Squamish to Whistler

Audain Art Museum · Whistler Village and Lost Lake · Peaked Pies

Day 3Optional full-day Garibaldi Lake hike

Garibaldi Lake via Rubble Creek · Prearranged trail food

Stops along the route

Vancouver — Departure — Sea to Sky Highway — Canada
Departure
Vancouver
Head north on BC-99. Within minutes the city gives way to the Lions Gate Bridge and the first glimpse of Howe Sound's salt water.
Hotels
Horseshoe Bay — City — Sea to Sky Highway — Canada
City
Horseshoe Bay
BC Ferries terminal and a pocket-sized village at the mouth of Howe Sound. The highway narrows here and the mountains take over.
Hotels
Whistler — Arrival — Sea to Sky Highway — Canada
Arrival
Whistler
World-famous ski resort and mountain biking mecca. The PEAK 2 PEAK gondola spans two peaks 436m above the valley floor.
Hotels

Things to Do

Britannia Mine Museum — Landmark — Sea to Sky Highway — Canada
Landmark
Britannia Mine Museum
Once the British Empire's largest copper mine, now a National Historic Site built into the cliff above Howe Sound's edge.
Stawamus Chief — Nature — Sea to Sky Highway — Canada
Nature
Stawamus Chief
The second-largest granite monolith in the world. Rock climbers ascend its 700m face; hikers take the trail to all three summits.
Shannon Falls — Nature — Sea to Sky Highway — Canada
Nature
Shannon Falls
The third-highest waterfall in BC drops 335m in cascades just steps from the car park. Best in spring when snowmelt is at peak.
Brandywine Falls — Nature — Sea to Sky Highway — Canada
Nature
Brandywine Falls
A single clean 70m drop into a basalt-rimmed pool. The viewing platform puts you at eye level with the lip of the falls.
Sea to Sky Gondola — Scenic Viewpoint — Sea to Sky Highway — Canada
Scenic Viewpoint
Sea to Sky Gondola
Provides breathtaking views of Howe Sound and surrounding mountains, with access to hiking trails and suspension bridges.
Audain Art Museum — Museum — Sea to Sky Highway — Canada
Museum
Audain Art Museum
Showcases a diverse collection of British Columbian art, including works by First Nations artists and contemporary pieces.
Show 1 more
Garibaldi Lake via Rubble Creek (optional full day) — Hike — Sea to Sky Highway — Canada
Hike
Garibaldi Lake via Rubble Creek (optional full day)
A strenuous, separately scheduled full-day extension requiring a 2026 day-use vehicle pass when the seasonal program is active.

Where to Eat

The Boathouse Restaurant — Seafood — Sea to Sky Highway — Canada
Seafood
The Boathouse Restaurant
Offers fresh seafood with panoramic views of Howe Sound, featuring a menu that highlights local catches and seasonal ingredients.
Peaked Pies — Australian — Sea to Sky Highway — Canada
Australian
Peaked Pies
Serves authentic Australian meat pies and pastries, a cozy spot to enjoy a warm meal after exploring the Sea to Sky corridor.
The Wildflower — Contemporary Canadian — Sea to Sky Highway — Canada
Contemporary Canadian
The Wildflower
Located in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, offering a refined dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Sea to Sky Highway drive?

The Sea to Sky Highway covers 125 km one-way plus local detours from start to finish.

How long does the Sea to Sky Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2 days + optional hike day on the Sea to Sky Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Sea to Sky Highway?

The recommended season for the Sea to Sky Highway is May–Oct.

Where does the Sea to Sky Highway start and end?

The Sea to Sky Highway runs from Vancouver to Whistler.

What are the main stops on the Sea to Sky Highway?

The Sea to Sky Highway passes through Vancouver, Horseshoe Bay, Britannia Mine Museum.

How difficult is the Sea to Sky Highway to drive?

The Sea to Sky Highway is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Sea to Sky Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Sea to Sky Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Sea to Sky Highway EV friendly?

Yes — the Sea to Sky Highway has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Sea to Sky Highway safe to drive?

BC-99 is paved but mountain weather, fog, weekend traffic, cyclists, and rockfall slow the drive. Winter tires or chains are legally required October 1–April 30. For June–October 2026 hikes, reserve the required Garibaldi day-use vehicle pass for the applicable trailhead and carry the booking confirmation.

What scenic tier is the Sea to Sky Highway?

The Sea to Sky Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.