Vancouver to Whistler drive: the most beautiful Sea To Sky Highway stops

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The Vancouver to Whistler drive known also as the Sea-To-Sky Highway or as Highway 99, is one of the best scenic drives in British Columbia. This highway connects Vancouver to Lilloet in the north of the British Columbia Province. It goes across the homeland of the Musqueam, Squamish, Lil’wat, St’át’imc and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. 

In addition to the scenic vistas and amazing landscapes that surround the highway, there are numerous Sea To Sky Highway attractions you can visit on your way to Whistler, whether you only have a few hours or a couple of days. In this Sea To Sky Highway guide, you will find everything you need to know from the things to see between Vancouver and Whistler and the different ways to get to Whistler, to the budget expenses to think about and why the Vancouver to Whistler drive is a great activity to add to your Vancouver stay for couples on a budget. 

At the end of this Vancouver to Whistler guide, we also propose the perfect itinerary for those who are pressed by time, along with a couple of things to do in Whistler. 

Although this post focuses on having a road trip from Vancouver to Whistler, we have also included alternative ways to get to Whistler including buses, shuttles, train and how to fly to Whistler. 

In this guide, you will also find insider tips and a list of Whistler road trip essentials to make your day trip from Vancouver to Whistler perfect!

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Updated May 2022

Vancouver to Whistler drive Q&As

Can I drive from Vancouver to Whistler? Yes, you can drive from Vancouver to Whistler. In this post, you will find all the Vancouver to Whistler drive stops you should do. We have also included some alternatives to driving in case you can’t or don’t want to drive. 

Can you describe the experience driving on the Sea to Sky highway which connects Vancouver to Whistler Canada? Driving to Whistler from Vancouver is a road trip you will not forget. You will feel transported onto the West Coast , surrounded by the Howe Sound and tall mountains. On a nice summer day, the Vancouver to Whistler road trip feels like freedom. On a cold winter day, it feels like peace. You really can’t go wrong here! The road trip is one fo the best road trips for couples looking for majestic landscapes.

What are some nice drives around Vancouver? Driving from Vancouver to Whistler is one of the most popular drives around Vancouver. If the Whistler distance from Vancouver is too much, another nice drive is Vancouver to Squamish. If you are looking for some more international travels, the Seattle to Whistle drive is quite popular as well. 

How is driving in Canada different from driving in the UK? Driving in Canada and in Vancouver is easier than in the UK. Roads are wider and highways are big making it more comfortable to drive. There are few narrow streets like you would more commonly find in Ireland or in the UK. In the winter, you will need snow tires, even around Vancouver. 

How far is Vancouver to Whistler? You might be wondering how far is Whistler from Vancouver. The distance Vancouver to Whistler is 120 km. This is equivalent to a distance Vancouver Whistler of 75 miles. 

Is the Vancouver Whistler drive nice when it rains? Although everything is better with some sunshine, one of the best things to do in Vancouver when it rains is driving to Whistler. One reason for that is that if it rains in Vancouver, it might actually snow in Whistler which is much nicer. Another reason is that you’ll be protected in your car and still able to see beautiful landscapes.

Vancouver to Whistler distance and drive time

The distance from Vancouver to Whistler is about 120km and the Vancouver to Whistler drive time is about 2 hours with one pit stop. There are two ways to treat the Vancouver to Whistler drive. The option you’ll choose will depend on what your objective and plans are. Let’s see:

1. Your first option is driving to Whistler from Vancouver as a one go drive with a stop in Squamish. Unlike other road trips in Canada such as the Calgary to Vancouver drive, the drive from Vancouver to Whistler takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. If you add a pit stop in Squamish (for gas, food, bathroom, leg break), count about 2 hours to get to Whistler in good weather. If your objective is just to get to Whistler, then you have lots of options when it comes to transportation (see next section), including public and private transportation. 
2. Your second option is to treat it as a road trip. The drive to Whistler is one of the most beautiful drives we’ve done and some sections are just unbelievable. If you treat it as a road trip from Vancouver to Whistler, like you would for the Icefields Parkway drive, another scenic drive in West Canada, you’ll have time to stop at the numerous activities, and sceneries along the way. You can, of course, make it as long or as short as you want. This option is perfect if you are planning on spending a couple of days in Vancouver, but would also like to see some of the more outdoorsy sceneries of British Columbia. You will need a car for this option. It will be worth it though as the Sea To Sky highway has some of the best views of Vancouver!

How to get from Vancouver to Whistler

The Vancouver Whistler distance allows for a variety of transportation. There are lots of different ways to go from Vancouver to Whistler, including private and public transportation. Depending on your budget, some of the below options could be perfect for you. 

Although the Vancouver to Whistler drive is beautiful, it might be the case that you can’t or don’t want to actually drive yourself. The Sea To Sky Highway conditions such as the snow can make it difficult for drivers who don’t have experience driving abroad and on icy roads. It might also be the case that you don’t want to take any risk with a car that is not yours. On top of that, the driver has to keep their eyes on the road meaning that you can’t pay as much attention to the scenery as you maybe would like. All together, opting for public transportation might be a good choice for you. 

Tours

There are several tours operating from Vancouver that take you to Whistler and stop at some of the Sea To Sky Highway highlights. 

Full day group tour: This 12 hour tour takes you to Whistler aboard a luxury coach. The tour stops in Squamish, at the Sea To Sky Gondola, Brandywine Falls and then all the way to Whistler with 4 hours of free time in the village. This also gives you the time to hop on the Peak to Peak Gondola in Whistler. The tour costs Can$ 92 per person. 

Full day private tour:This 10 hour tour takes you to Whistler on a private tour. From the Stanley Park Causeway to the Brittania Mine Museum and a few other beautiful stops and all the way to Whistler, you are accompanied by your driver who is also your guide. The tour also includes 4 hours of free time in Whistler. This tour allows a maximum of 11 people per booking for a price of Can$271 per person.  

Driving to Whistler with an audio guide tour: This is an audio guide tour that you can download on your phone. It tells you where to drive, where to stop and what is of interest on your way to Whistler. There is a fun Trivia Challenge option as well. It is about Can$6 and is great fun!

Vancouver to Whistler Bus rides: Whistler Shuttles

There are three Whistler shuttle services available from Downtown Vancouver or Vancouver International Airport (YVR). We have set out what

– Whistler Sky Lynx

Whistler Sky Lynx is a shuttle service which offers trips between Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Downtown Vancouver, Pacific Central Station and whistler Village. Fares are between Can$24 and Can$109 depending on your route and if it’s a one way or round trip ticket. Additional luggage is also free with a maximum of five suitcases and one carry-on bag per person and a maximum of two pairs of skis or snowboards per person. 

You need to know that the shuttle most likely won’t stop on the way so you’ll most likely see the highway only and will miss out on quite a few amazing viewpoints and activities. 

– Whistler Epic Rides

Epic Rides offers a shuttle services between the Burrard station in Downtown Vancouver and Whistler Village for Can$24 one way or Can$35 round trip.  You can bring your skis and snowboards free of charge during the winter time. 

– Whistler Shuttle

If you are arriving at Vancouver airport (YVR) and need to get to Whistler right away, the Whistler shuttle might be ideal for you at it picks you up at the airport. Staff will monitor your flight and adjust your pick up time accordingly. The shuttle takes you to Whistler village. The shuttle can also pick you up Downtown.

The service operates between 9am and 9pm so if your flight arrives earlier or later, you might want to look at other options to save you a hotel night. The fare is Can$75 one way. 

We advise you to book in advance so as to make sure your seat is reserved. You can book here.

Taxis from Vancouver to Whistler

If you are staying at a resort in Whistler, you can arrange a taxi with your hotel. There are also a few companies in Whistler that are happy to pick you up Downtown or at the airport. The only downside will be the price, of course. However, as opposed to shuttles or buses, you do have more control over where to stop on the way! So if you can’t drive, this can be a good option. 

Private car and limo service from Vancouver to whistler

There are a few luxurious private transfers that can drive you from Vancouver to whistler. This can be an easier way to get all your gear up to whistler especially if you are with a big group. The service offers cars for up to three guests, private SUVs for groups of 6, a Mercedes Sprinter Van or even a limo.

This is definitely a whole experience more than just a transportation mode. That said, it’s not one we would particularly recommend as it definitely is a budget and isn’t our travel style. It also doesn’t allow you to stop at every viewpoint so you would be missing out on that. However, if your goal it just to get to Whistler and it’s your travel style, please go for it!

Train from Vancouver to Whistler

Are you looking for a Vancouver to Whistler train? There is a train that can take you from Vancouver to Whistler, although it is part of a three day trip on the Rocky Mountaineer. The Vancouver to Whistler part of the train ride cannot be booked separately. That said, this can be a whole different and unique experience that you might want to look into.

Drive from Vancouver to whistler

This is, in our experience, the best and most cost-efficient way to drive from Vancouver to Whistler. Renting a car has lots of perks including total freedom to just stop wherever you want, go at your own pace, and easily carry any type of gear whether that’d be snowshoes, camera gear, skis, etc. 

You can rent a car at the airport or in the city. Vancouver also offers a car-sharing service called Evo. There is a joining fee but it can be a great option if you just need the car for a day. 

As we have used a car to drive from Vancouver to Whistler several times before, this guide is written on the basis that you will also drive from Vancouver to Whistler. 

Are you looking to do the Vancouver to Whistler drive winter style? Be aware that in the winter, the Vancouver to Whistler road conditions may vary. The Sea to Sky Highway Vancouver to Whistler section can get slippery and snowy making it difficult to drive to Whistler for unexperienced drivers. You will also legally need snow tires.

Vancouver to Whistler flight

Float planes from Vancouver to Whistler

If you don’t like cars and would rather fly to Whistler, then float planes might be your thing. During spring and summer, there is a float plane service available between Downtown Vancouver or Vancouver International Airport and Green Lake, located about 3 km from Whistler. There is a free shuttle from Green Lake to Whistler Village that you can then take. 

Obvisouly, you won’t be able to stop at all the different Sea To Sky Highway stops but you will definitely benefit from unique and incredible views. 

We recommend this float plane day trip to Whistler from Vancouver or this one which also offers beautiful views on the Lions Gate Bridge. You’ll want to book in advance though as they sell out quickly!

Helicopter service from Vancouver to Whistler

Whether you are at Vancouver airport or Downtown Vancouver, you can book a helicopter ride to Whistler heliport for about Can$3375 (plus taxes) for 5 poeple. Obviously, this is also a whole experience in itself and will demand quite the budget for it. That said go for it if that’s something you’ve been dreaming about.

Why the Whistler to Vancouver drive is great activity for couples on a budget

If you are coming to Vancouver, our guess is that you would like to see a bit more of British Columbia without having to drive too far and without breaking the bank. The Vancouver to Whistler drive is the perfect romantic getaway. Canada is not in the USA but here you’ll find similarly breathtaking views as you would on the American West Coast.

As a couple, we find the Sea To Sky highway drive extremely romantic! The views are amazing, the drive is smooth, and you’re surrounded by a lot of quietness as well. The landscapes are so wide, it makes you feel like you are in a movie. We usually put on some music, talk or play games. This drive gives us an opportunity to connect together. Needless to say that the fact that you also might see bears on your way is a plus!  All together, the Vancouver to Whistler drive is a great adventure as a couple.

When it comes to the budget, renting a car is definitely more budget-friendly as a couple since two people are contributing. You can share the rental car and gas costs. In addition, a lot of the Sea To Sky Highway stops are actually free!

How to budget for this Vancouver to Whistler road trip

There are a few expenses to take into account if you are planning on driving from Vancouver to Whistler.

Car Rental

First, you will need to rent a car. Once you have read this guide, do a simulation of car rental prices on booking.com for the period you want to visit Vancouver. That will give you a good idea of what cost you are looking at for your time in Vancouver.

Insider Tip: If you are staying in Downtown Vancouver and mostly visiting Downtown, you don’t need a car. Between taxis, the skytrain, buses and walking, you can get around Downtown quite easily. Using public transportation will save you money that you can then spend on renting a car for a day. Mixing using public transportation and renting a car is a good way to stay on budget!

Gas 

The second expense category to add to your budget is gas. Gas prices vary all of the time so make sure you check ahead of time if it’s something you can afford on your trip. A few natural events can impact the price and availability of gas. In 2021, Vancouver limited the number of gallons each person could get at the gas station. At that time, there had been lots of flooding around Vancouver, making it difficult for gas to be delivered in the city. Other events such as fires (common in the summer) or snow can also impact the delivery of gas. It’s not the “normal” situation but definitely something to be mindful of. 

Vancouver to Whistler drive stops

Although a lot of the activities on the road to Whistler are free, some are paying. It is up to you to decide which ones you would like to add to your road trip, if any. In our recommended itinerary below, we have included a couple that we think are worth doing at least once.

Talk with your partner

Eric and I usually agree on the style of travel or road trip we want to do. However, sometimes, we have a specific idea in mind that we forget to share with each other. Talking to your partner can avoid a lot of misunderstandings and annoyance! You and your partner might also have different interests from the get go, so talking is just the easiest way to be on the same page and make everyone happy.

Add up your total

Between the car rental, gas and activities, just add up all the costs and there you have your budget. This is how much you need to make this road trip happen.

Is it safe to drive from Vancouver to Whistler?

The Sea To Sky Highway conditions have changed in the past few years with an emphasis on security and safety of locals and tourists. Below we go over the Sea To Sky road conditions, the weather and everything you need to know to make your road trip to Whistler safe. 

The Road conditions to Whistler

The Vancouver to Whistler drive is a beautiful and long winding road. You can imagine that since this is North America, the road to Whistler is actually very wide, starting with two lanes on each sides with some sections at three lanes. Those sections make it easy to pass big trucks. Some intersections only have one lane. The road will seem very large to you especially if you come from Europe and the narrow winding roads of Ireland. 

Speed Limit

The road from Vancouver to Whistler used to be very dangerous with lots of accidents happening. It seems that most accidents were due to people’s speed. As a consequence, the speed was reduced on most parts of the road. Most sections have a speed limit of 80km/h to 100km/h. Some sections are limited to 60km/h including around Lions Bay, Britannia Beach and parts of Squamish.  Make sure you respect those limits as there are controls.

Safety nets

There is a centre barrier that protects you from cars coming the other way. There are also nets on the mountains precluding falling rocks to fall on the road. However, some sections of the road to Whistler don’t have nets so always be careful.

Sea To Sky Highway Conditions

The Sea To Sky Highway conditions mainly depend on the weather.

In the summer, this road trip from Vancouver to Whistler is a beautiful journey. Summer in Vancouver is usually warm and hot with temperatures going up to 30°C. In those conditions, the drive to Whistler is quite comfortable with good visibility.

The only downside of summer could be the smoke coming from fires sometimes all the way from the USA. The smoke can decrease your visibility quite a bit. That said, it’s not a given that it will happen.

In the winter, this road trip from Vancouver can get a bit sketchier. Vancouver gets a lot of rain in the winter although we have experience beautiful clear sunny days as well so that’s just luck really. When it snows though, the road to Whistler can get icy and covered in snow. You’ll need snow tyres during winter, regardless of whether there actually is snow. 

Is the Vancouver to Whistler drive busy?

We have driven that road in both winter and summer, during week days and on the weekend. Overall the drive is pretty quiet with cars and trucks but nothing unusual. It does get busier when you approach Squamish and of course, Whistler but that’s just logical as there is a bigger concentration of people there.

Our personal experience driving from Vancouver to Whistler

In our personal experience driving the Sea to Sky Highway Road, the road from Vancouver to Whistler hasn’t been very busy and was very smooth to drive. Since the road is wide, trucks passing you or you passing trucks isn’t an issue. Some sections are winding but nothing like what I have experienced in Ireland lol.

We did drive to Whistler in the snow in the winter. We had a 4×4 though which helps as the road was both covered in snow and icy. Everyone drove quite slow. It was a bit scary at times but we did make it. I’d say snow tyre or a 4×4 are necessary in those conditions. Also, always be safe and drive slow! 

Road Trip to Whistler: the best Sea To Sky Highway Stops

We have divided the Sea to Sky road trip activities in three categories in geographical order so you can easily keep track of where each Sea To Sky Highway stop is.

Your day trip from Vancouver to Whistler: Must-see stops closer to Vancouver

There are quite a few stops on the Sea To Sky Highway road trip that are closer to Vancouver.

1. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is located in Capilano in the park of the same name. It is one of the best bridges in Vancouver and is the paying alternative to Lynn Canyon suspension bridge. It is 140 metres long and stands 70 metres above the Capilano River. The park also features a number of smaller suspension bridges in the trees. It is quite the experience and is worth doing at least once!

You can book tickets in advance here. You can also visit the bridge by floatplane for a different perspective here.

Budget: Can$56 with discounts for students.

2. Dundarave Beach and Ambleside Beach

Dundarave and Ambleside beaches are two of our favourite beaches in Vancouver and in West Vancouver. They are quiet and offer views on the coast that will just make you be grateful for being in Vancouver! It’s a great nature stop to add to your drive to Whistler. If your end up taking photos and sharing them on social media, don’t forget to use on of our short nature captions or one of our top blue sky captions to inspire your audience!

Budget: Free

3. Trestle Bridge

The new Cypress Trestle Bridge in West Vancouver is just a few minutes off the Sea To Sky Highway. This was one of our favourite visits in our last trip to Vancouver. Between the beautiful trestle bridge itself and the amazing views on Vancouver’s Stanley Park and Skyline, it’s the perfect place to stop by in the morning!

Budget: Free

4. Cypress Mountain

Located in West Vancouver, you will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of Vancouver and its surroundings. There are also quite a few hikes such as the Howe Sound Crest Trail which takes you to the Bowen Lookout and Saint Marks Summit.

Budget: Free

5. Lighthouse Park

Lighthouse Park is also just right off the Vancouver to Whistler drive. The Park is easily accessible and obviously, the one highlight is the Lighthouse. That said, you will also be blown away by the views on Vancouver and the coast. Keep your eyes open for sea lions as well as they like to hang out here. 

Budget: Free

6. Horseshoe Bay Lookout

Horseshoe Bay is a beautiful place and is especially known for being the Ferry Terminal in Vancouver. From the beach and the pier, you have sweeping views on the mountains and the Howe Sound. However, since you will probably be limited in the number of stops you want to do on your Vancouver to Whistler drive, we suggest that you stop at the Horseshoe Bay lookout instead. This Horseshoe Bay platform guide explains in detail how to get there and where to park on the Sea To Sky Highway. 

Budget: Free

7. Porteau Cove Provincial Park 

On our last visit to Vancouver, we spent about 2 hours in Porteau Cove, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Porteau Cove will make you feel all the feeling. It is located right off the Whistler drive and is very easily accessible. 

Insider Tip: If you are a fan of Twilight, this is also where Bella is spotted driving back from Seattle in the movies. The footage was filmed from the off ramp to Porteau Road. The two 80 km/hour road signs also made it into the final release of Breaking Dawn Part 2.

Budget: Free

Where to stop on the Vancouver to Whistler drive halfway through

8. Tunnel Bluffs

Tunnel Bluffs is a 7.2km long hike near Lions Bay and takes you to a viewpoint which offers panoramic views on Bowen Island, the Howe Sound, Horseshoe Bay and Vancouver Island. The first part of the hike is steep and rocky but the rest is better. It has a 683m elevation gain and takes about 4 hours to complete roundtrip. It is definitely not just a pit stop but the views are worth it.

Insider Tip: Park at Magnesia Creek or on Sunset Drive in Lions Bay. The Tunnel Point carpark now has a 30 minute restriction and lots of people have reported getting their car towed! 

Budget: Free

9. Britannia Mine museum

Located in Brittania Beach, this museum covers about 70 years of copper ore mining in British Columbia which took place during the 1920s and the 1930s. From the underground train ride and the minerals exhibit to the interactive exhibits and the Mining Hall, the Brittannia Mine Museum will definitely keep you on your toes!

Budget: Can$37 with discounts for students. 

10. Murrin Provincial Park 

Located 10min before Squamish, Murrin Provincial Park features an easy 2km long hiking trail which takes you around Browning Lake. Browning Lake is home to Rainbow Trouts both during spring and fall so keep your eyes open if you are visiting at that time. The trail gives you unobstructed views on the Howe Sound. The short trail is perfect to get some exercise after driving for a while, and for a picnic before reaching Whistler. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset or swim in the summer!

You can park at the access point for the Petgill Lake Trail. Be sure to start on the right trail for Browning Lake though as the Petgill Lake Trail is an 11.5km long and steep climb to Petgill Lake!

Budget: Free

11. Shannon Falls 

Shannon Falls is another must-see Sea To Sky Highway stop on your way to Whistler. With a height of 330 meters, Shannon Falls are the highest waterfalls in British Columbia. There is a car park off the highway and the trail to get to the falls is quite easy. We have done it in flip flops before so it’s easily manageable! You’ll reach the falls after walking for a few minutes along the river.

Budget: Free

12. Sea To Sky Gondola and Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge

The Sea To Sky Gondola is probably one of the best things you can do on your Vancouver to Whistler drive! Although not cheap, we do recommend that you do this Sea To Sky Highway attraction at least once as the views and experience are incredible! 

The Gondola takes you to the summit (880 meters high) where you’ll find a platform with an incredible view over Howe Sound and the Stawamus Chief Mountain. One highlight is the 100 meter long Sky Pilot suspension bridge which you can cross for a beautiful experience and some fun! 

The site also sometimes offer other activities like axe throwing, and lots of trails to walk!

This is a great place to have lunch. We recommend Poutine, of course, which you can get at the restaurant on the platform at the top. The view from the restaurant is equally as beautiful and just makes lunch even more special. This part of BC has inspired many famous Canada quotes!

Insider Tip: If you want to save money, bring your own food/sandwiches to eat at the top! You can buy your ticket here.

Budget: Can$56

13. Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

Also called “the Chief”, Stawamus Chief Mountain is located in the park of the same name next to the Sea To Sky Gondola and Shannon Falls.  It has its own access off the highway.

The first part of the hike is quite steep and is the hardest part of the hike. It takes you to the first peak with views on the Howe Sound and Squamish. Most people turn back after reaching the first peak although the hike to the second peak is not as difficult. Keep going if you feel like it for more amazing views!

Insider Tip 1 : Twilight fans will appreciate that this is where the rock climbing scenes were filmed for Breaking Dawn – Part 2. The provincial park is also the filming location for Bella and Edward’s wedding ceremony and reception in Breaking Dawn – Part 1. 

Insider Tip 2: You should note that this isn’t a five minute hike and can take hours. If you plan on doing this hike, you might want to consider splitting your road trip to Whistler between several days or cutting down on the number of stops you are including in your trip. If you are under time pressure, I would suggest to choose between the Gondola and the Chief as the views are very similar. Although the Gondola is a paying activity, we would choose it as it is a whole experience and there is no hiking involved. 

Budget: Free

14. Squamish town 

Whether you want to stop in Squamish to grab a snack or get gas, you might want to consider taking a walk on the street for a few minutes. The docks have amazing views and you’ll be surrounded by mountains and the Howe Sound…Pretty cool!

Budget: Free

Road Trip from Vancouver: The Sea To Sky highway stops closer to Whistler

North America Canada on the Vancouver side will never stop to amaze us. Those Sea To Sky highway stops are closer to Whistler and will take your Whistler road trip to the next level! 

15. Eagle Run Viewing Shelter

The Eagle Run Viewing Shelter is located on the Squamish River next to Brackendale. The shelter is named after the bald eagles who come here  to feed. The best time to view the eagles is from mid-November to mid-December. However, depending on the number of salmons and the weather conditions, it is possible to see them all year long. You can also spot salmon there so keep your eyes open!

Budget: Free

16. Alice Lake Provincial Park

Located 13km north of Squamish, Alice Lake Provincial Park is a great stop off of Highway 99 for paddling, kayaking, walking the trails around the lakes and swimming. Whether it is summer or winter, you will not be disappointed by Alice Lake!

Budget: Free

17. Brohm Lake stop on your Vancouver to Whistler drive

Brohm Lake is another lake on your way to Whistler. It is a popular swimming location among the locals and is great for kayaking, paddling or canoeing. It also has a rope swing which is so fun! This is a great stop for the summer to freshen up!

Budget: Free

18. Tantalus Lookout

The Tantalus Lookout is another spot to add to your Whistler drive. It gives out views on the mountains and the valleys below. Technically the Tantalus Lookout is on the other side of Highway 99, but there is also a small pullout on the northbound side.

Budget: Free

19. Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls are 70 meter high and easily accessible through a short and easy 1km walk. To access the falls, you’ll have to cross an active train track so be careful on your way!

Budget: Free

20. Whistler Train Wreck

 If you are looking for a unique and “kinda bizarre but cool” spot to take photos, the Whistler Train Wreck might be your pick! It consists in a collection of graffiti on old railroad box cars located in the forest off the highway. 

It is accessible through an easy 2km walk round trip. The walk is moderate with a short steep section on your way. To get to the train wreck, you’ll also have to cross a suspension bridge.

Budget: Free

21. Virgin River Filming Locations

If you’re into the Netflix TV Show Virgin River, you won’t be disappointed by your road trip to Whistler! Many scenes of the show were filmed on the road from Vancouver to Whistler including Shannon Falls and Eagle Run 

Another location you will recognise is the Watershed Grill which is used as Jack’s Bar on the show. 

Budget: Free

22. Garibaldi Provincial Park 

Next to the Blackcomb Glacier Provincial Park, you’ll find Garibaldi Provincial Park on the northbound side of the Sea To Sky Highway. The Park is home to Mount Garibaldi, a 2678 metres peak. One of the highlights of the park is hiking to Garibaldi Lake, a large turquoise water lake surrounded by mountains and scenic views. 

To access the hike, you’ll need to drive to the Rubble Creek parking lot and then take the wooden stairs to start your journey. The Rubble Creek parking lot is about 37km after Squamish. 

Insider Tip: Note that this is an intermediate hike with steep sections and takes at least 6 hours to complete. This is definitely not a 30 minutes quick stroll stop on your way to Whistler but can make for a great adventure if you are doing the Whistler drive over a couple of days!

Budget: Free. However, you do need to book a Day Use Pass from 7am the previous morning to have access to the trail leading up to the lake. You will need the pass to enter the park. The pass is free. You can find more information here. 

Things to do in Whistler, BC

Once you have reached Whistler, there are a lot fo different things you can do depending on how much time you have. Some of the highlights include the Peak-To-Peak Gondola and the Escape Game room. Of course, in the winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding as well! There are also a good number of mountain bike trails if you’re a bike enthusiast! 

There are also a number of tours you can take in Whistler:

• A floatplane tour of the Whistler Glacier here
• Go down one of the longest zipline in North America with amazing views on Whistler here
• Take an helicopter tour and land on the Glacier here
• Go on an ebike adventure to visit Whistler here

Limited in time? Here’s our pick for the perfect Vancouver to Whistler Road Trip

This is a list of our favourite stops on Highway 99. If you are limited in time and only have a few hours to drive to Whistler from Vancouver, this itinerary will be perfect for you and will have you covered for a range of activities and views!

1. Start with the Cypress Trestle Bridge in West Vancouver and stay for about 40 minutes. It’s really close to the Lions Gate Bridge and is easily accessible.

2. Drive the Sea To Sky Highway, park on the side of the road and walk to the Horseshoe Bay Lookout Platform. Count about one hour to really enjoy it.

3. Stop in Porteau Cove Provincial Park for amazing views  on the mountains and a stroll on the beach. 

4. Have lunch at the Squamish Sea To Sky Gondola and enjoy the suspension bridge and views on the Howe Sound. Count about 2 hours here. 

5. Do a quick stop at Shannon Falls. 

6. Arrive in Whistler with some time to spare in the village. Head to the Peak-to-Peak Gondola before heading to your hotel or back to Vancouver. 

Your Vancouver to Whistler Drive essentials

• A good playlist: What’s a road trip without music?! Some our favourite playlists for a road trip to Whistler include anything from The Killers and American Authors to the Twilight soundtrack. Obviously, pick some music you enjoy. With such beautiful landscapes, some instrumental versions of your favourite songs could definitely work as well.
• An AUX Chord: Depending on the car you get, you might need an AUX Chord to be able to connect your music to the radio.
• A phone charger: this is an essential as you’ll be gone for most likely the entire day. You don’t want to end up lost somewhere with no access to your notes, google maps or the internet.
• Screenshots of maps for the hikes: In the case that you are going to go on some of the listed hikes, we recommended having some screenshots of the trails on your phone as a backup in case your phone dies. 
• Snacks: this one is a given but I still wanted to include it. There are very limited places you can buy food on the Sea To Sky Highway besides Squamish so make sure you bring lots of snacks with you. Some Canadian snacks include Nanaimo bars, Coffee crisp chocolate bars, Maple Leaf cookies, Lay’s Ketchup chips and Ruffles All Dressed Chips.
• A reusable water bottle: We try to always bring our reusable water bottle with us. As there are limited places on the Sea To Sky road where you can buy food, it is good to bring your own water. In addition, a reusable water bottle avoids the use of plastic and trust me, when you’ll be looking at the beautiful nature around you, you will be happy not to pollute it with plastic!
• On (or several) camera(s): You will, for sure, want to take some photos of your road trip to Whistler. Whether it’s with your phone or a camera is up to you although we do recommend bringing on a good camera to capture the beautiful sceneries.
• Road trip games: Our favourite couples road trip games are really easy to play and don’t need any material making them perfect for playing on a long drive!

In the Winter, you will want to bring some more specific items such as the following:

• Snow appropriate shoes such as waterproof boots: those are definitely an essential to explore the different Sea To Sky stops on your Vancouver to Whistler drive. If you’r not wearing waterproof boots, your shoes and feet will get wet and cold extremely fast and your trip will just be uncomfortable. 
• A waterproof jacket, gloves, scarf, and a hat: The Sea to Sky stops are definitely going to be cold in the winter, especially fi you adventure at an altitude. Bring appropriate winter and waterproof clothes to keep you warm and dry.

In the Summer, you can relax a bit more when it comes to your clothes. You might even want to bring a bathing suit and some flip flops in case you want to take a dip in some of the lakes! However, bring some good hiking shoes if you intend on going on the trails. 

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