Sea to Sky Highway
Sea to Sky Highway
Getting to Squamish is just as breathtaking as the visit itself. We are located an hour’s drive north of Vancouver along Highway 99 (also known as the Sea to Sky Highway). Coined one of the most beautiful drives in the world and located within a UNESCO Biosphere Region, the scenic highway winds its way past hiking trails, beaches, provincial parks, stunning viewpoints and Indigenous kiosks that share stories, history and culture.
Take your time getting to Squamish. Inhale the refreshing air, enjoy striking vistas of jagged mountains and ocean archipelagos, and feel your blood pressure ease.
Where to go
Horseshoe Bay
This charming village in West Vancouver is a gateway to Vancouver Island via its BC Ferries terminal. The scenic community boasts several dive shops, a marina, and great fish and chips.
Cultural Journey Sea To Sky Highway Kiosks
While the Sea to Sky Highway has connected settler communities since the mid-1900s, Átl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound) has been an important ocean highway for Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. In fact, the name Átl’ka7tsem translates to “paddling up the sound” in the Squamish language.
Cultural kiosks dotted between the lands now known as Horseshoe Bay and Whistler, share legends, language, and traditional knowledge from the First Peoples who are deeply connected to the lands and waters of this territory. The kiosks are designed to look like a Coast Salish cedar hat and have interpretive signage with fascinating tales of supernatural beings, ancient village sites and important lessons about the Squamish Nation and their relationship with nature.
The Cultural Journey - Sea to Sky Highway culminates at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, a stunning tribute to the resilient cultures of two nations.
Porteau Cove Provincial Park
Perched on the turquoise waters of Howe Sound, the park offers day-use picnic areas and reservable campsites. This site delivers incredible views of the fjord, including Anvil Island (Lhaxwm) and the Defense Islands (Kw’émkw’em), which are culturally important to the Squamish Nation. Swim, scuba dive, freedive and paddle in the cool waters of Porteau Cove if the winds and tides allow.
Furry Creek Golf Course
Just a few minutes north, you can tee off at the world-famous Furry Creek Golf Course & Country Club, home of the famous 9th Hole, which was featured in the film Happy Gilmore. This scenic course not only delivers a thrilling and diverse 18 holes of golf, but also incredible vistas of Howe Sound.
Britannia Beach
Take a step back in time and explore the heritage of a remote community and the industry built around one of Canada’s largest mines. Now decommissioned and remediated, the Britannia Mine is a place for learning about geology, science, environmental recovery, and sustainable mining practices through a series of interactive exhibits and BOOM!, a live-action show in the old mill.
Sea to Sky Gondola
Take your tour of the Sea to Sky to new heights and head up the scenic Sea to Sky Gondola, where spectacular viewing platforms, hiking trails, interpretive loops and big mountain adventures await.
Squamish
Make the vibrant town of Squamish home base for exploring everything the Sea to Sky Corridor has to offer, from hiking and biking to exploring vibrant street art and delicious craft tastings.
North of Squamish
Continue north along the Sea to Sky Corridor to Whistler, Pemberton, and Lillooet. Visit Whistler Blackcomb ski area and the lively mountain town of Whistler. Soak up the slower pace in Pemberton, with its rural farmland, lush valleys and jaw-dropping mountains. The drive to Lillooet is one of transformation as the geography and climate transition from lush and dewy rainforest of the coast to a more arid, desert-like climate in Gold Rush country.
Useful information
Play it safe
The Sea to Sky is considered a mountain highway and weather can change unexpectedly. Check the forecast and highway alerts prior to embarking on your trip. During the colder months, ensure you have proper winter tires—it’s mandatory between October 1 and April 30. If you plan to hire a vehicle, be sure to ask the rental outfit about winter tires beforehand.
When
Be sure to check the BC Parks website for the latest seasonal, trail and park updates.
