Sea to Sky Highway

"This route includes the breathtakingly picturesque and well-titled Sea to Sky Highway (officially Highway 99), which skirts the Howe Sound coastline before heading up into the mountains to Whistler, North America's number one ski resort in the winter and a world-renowned mountain bike course in the summer."

DISTANCE-121 KM

TIME: TWO DAYS "MILES)
START OFF IN VANCOUVER
FINAL STAGE: Whistler
NOTES: This route necessitates the use of an automobile. Make a reservation for an overnight (or longer) stay in Whistler (for taking Day and Multi-day Tour in Whistler information, click here). If you wish to participate in organized sports or activities in Whistler, book ahead of time — the Peak2Peak Experience requires three-day advance booking through the Whistler Visitor Centre or Whistler Black."

Take a look at Guest Relations." Purchase tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola ride online to save money, but do it at least 12 hours in advance. Learn more about the Indigenous legacy along the route by downloading a Cultural Journey Map and accompanying audio from www.slcc.ca/experience/cultural-journey. Check the weather forecast; this journey is about more than just the views, but they are an important part of it, and fog and low cloud cover might detract from the experience."

"Take the Lion's Gate Bridge from Stanley Park out of downtown Vancouver and follow the signs to Whistler." You'll skirt Horseshoe Bay as you pass through West Vancouver, with Bowen Island and Hopkins Landing visible on the other side of Howe Sound. As you go north, the snow-capped mountains will appear on the horizon, with stunning vistas to the left across the islet-dotted seas of Howe Sound, reaching to the wilderness beyond. To your right, towering cliffs rise from the road's edge; be patient, and you'll find one or two places where you can safely pull over and take it all in. Do not deviate from the motorway in search of a perspective — side streets are tiny and dangerous.

"There is a petrol station and food in Lion's Bay if you need it — keep on the highway until you see a blue 'Food' sign with an arrow, then turn off and follow the blue signs that point the way." Return to the roadway and head north.

"NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF BRITANNIA BEACH"

Britannia Beach is located 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Vancouver and is preceded by a pull-off on the right with some information boards. After that, you'll cross the Britannia Mine Museum's industrial buildings (everyday 9a").

“Britannia Mine Museum (daily 9 am–4.30 pm early May–mid-Oct, Mon–Fri 10 am–4.30 pm mid-Oct–end Nov and Feb–early May; www.britanniaminemuseum.ca) on the right.
This was the site of the largest copper mine in the British Commonwealth during the 1920s. It ceased operations in the 1970s and was later transformed into a museum. Visitors can visit the old mine site and ride the Underground Train to see live demonstrations. Most of the mine buildings have been preserved as well as the old machinery and processing plant, and the Mine House has three floors of displays. A video relates the history of mining here, and docents dressed as miners are on hand to answer questions.
Another aspect of this site is its use as a movie location. Since the 1990s, countless film shoots have taken place here, including the 1990s TV series The X-Files and big-screen hits such as Star Trek Beyond (2016), Insomnia (2002), Free Willy 3: The Rescue (1997), and Dark Angel (2000–2002).”

for the museum's conversion of one of the old buildings close to the gift store into Chatterbox Cafe. Another alternative is to pick up picnic supplies - the Murrin Provincial Park has picnic tables about 2km (1 mile) north, after passing between high, densely wooded rocks on both sides of the road.

"GONDOLA FROM THE SEA TO THE SKY"

As the road climbs through a densely forested area beyond Britannia Beach, it feels as if you're ascending into the sky, yet you're not done with the ocean yet. Howe Sound reappears around a right-hand bend, and the road drops to run beside it. Take advantage of the left-hand perspective. The Shannon Falls Provincial Park is next, followed by the Sea to Sky Gondola 2 (www.seatoskygondola.com; daily 10 am–6 pm mid-May–early Nov, the remainder of the year daily 10 am–4 pm, final ride down one hour after last ride up) on the right. This ten-minute journey will take you from sea level to an elevation of 885 metres (2,903ft).

At the summit, there are three platforms with spectacular views, a 100-meter (328-foot) suspension bridge, and a variety of paths; don't miss the Spirit Trail Loop, which explains the storey of the Squamish Nation and their relationship with the land." The Summit Lodge Restaurant offers dinner as you take it all in."

A victory for the environment"

Mining activities at Britannia Beach created catastrophic pollution levels in the Britannia Creek and it wasn’t until just after the turn of the 21st century that the problem was addressed. Prior to it, the waters were utterly dead, despite their apparent look. Monitoring of the situation has shown a significant improvement following the sealing of the mine workings and the installation of a water treatment system. Marine life is returning to previously uninhabitable waters, albeit there is still a long way to go. Salmon are spawning here, and orcas and dolphins can be seen in Howe Sound."

SQUAMISH

"As you continue north, you'll pass the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park entrance on the right, and you should pay attention to the roadside sign warning against feeding the bears.
Squamish is a good-sized town at the north end of Howe Sound with all the stores and services you'd expect. Visit the Adventure Centre (38551 Loggers Lane; www.exploresquamish.com) to learn more about what there is to see and do — outdoor activities are popular, and rock climbers, windsurfers, and mountain bikers are well cared for. To Book these activities tour contact Globalduniya Premium Travel Management Company You can spend the night here if you want to take a break from your travels." Squamish is also known for its bald eagles that overwinter there. If you visit after early November, you will be treated to the stunning sight of their fall foliage.

The salmon, who are migrating upstream to spawn in the Squamish River, are the main draw for them. The Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park, north of Squamish, is closed to visitors at this time of year for the eagles' protection, however, there is a viewing shelter with information panels and,

"On select weekends, interpreters will provide information and high-powered telescopes; take Depot Road and then Government Road from the Sea to Sky Highway." There are also eagle-­watching rafting trips; for further information, go to www.squamishenvironment.ca/programs/eaglewatch."

“WHISTLER TO SQUAMISH SQUAMISH SQUAMISH SQUAMISH ”

The road continues north through Squamish's densely packed neighbourhoods, crossing a tributary of the Squamish River before heading into the Garibaldi Highlands on a tree-lined route. At the point where the trees open and the high, snow-capped peaks come into view, there's a handy viewpoint on the right.
The highway continues its steady rise between rocky rockfaces (with a passing lane on the uphill side); later, a lovely stream flows alongside and eventually beneath the highway.

Daisy Lake will be visible to your right shortly, with the Brandywine Falls Provincial Park winding around and beyond its northernmost there." edge. The park is bisected by the highway, with a short walking track leading to the falls on the right and a vehicle entry on the left. If you can't wait for the excitement to start, the Welcome to Whistler sign and banners signal you're almost there."

"Look to the right for the blue sign announcing the Whistler Bungee."
Signs of habitation occur after passing Alta Lake on the left. Whistler Village is a little further ahead, but where you go from here will be determined by where you have made overnight reservations.

WHISTLER

Whistler 4 [map], primarily established as a winter sports resort, has a lot to offer all year, with a long list of scheduled activities centred in and around its purpose-built, traffic-free community, which is surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. It began to develop in the 1960s with the goal of hosting the Winter Olympic Games one day, which it did in 2010.
The Peak 2 Peak 360 Experience involves a journey in a glass-bottomed gondola between the Whistler and Blackcomb mountain peaks at an elevation of 436 metres (1,427 feet), as well as the opportunity to stroll across the Cloudraker Skybridge, a suspension bridge "

The Raven's Eye Cliff Walk viewing platform and the Cloudraker Skybridge, a suspension bridge spanning from Whistler Peak to the West Ridge. Allow lots of time because there are several exhibitions and a video to see."

"Down on the earth, the to-do list seems to go on forever. Hiking, mountain biking, taking an off-road 4X4 trip, wild swimming, golf, ziplining, bungee jumping, and other activities are available in the summer. There's also plenty of wildlife to see, from birds to bears to the marmots who gave Whistler its name (you'll know what I mean when you hear one)."

"Among the resort's many outdoor activities, culture and the arts are not overlooked; Arts Whistler (www.artswhistler.com) maintains a comprehensive calendar of events as well as links to local museums and galleries. The Whistler Museum includes displays about the town's history and evolution, while the beautiful Audain Art Museum has a remarkable collection of British Columbia art and photography, as well as three to four travelling exhibitions each year. There's a nice public library, and the Maury Young Arts Centre (www.thegallerywhistler.com) has a theatre, a youth centre, and an art gallery."

"Whistler for Families" is a book written by Whistler himself.

It goes without saying that the activities here will delight children. In the winter, there's a tube park, sleigh and dog-sled rides, and ice skating, in addition to skiing and snowboarding. There's much to do for all ages throughout the summer, and a tree-top adventure course featuring zip lines is open all year. There are licenced daycares (tel: 604-905-2496) for young children, activity camps (www.whistlercore.com/pages/camps) for older children, and babysitting services for parents who need a vacation from the kids (www.babysittingwhistler.com). Baby equipment, such as cribs, strollers, and high chairs, can also be rented (www.babysonthego.com)."

There are festivals and events all year, fantastic shopping, and a diverse selection of restaurants and entertainment, ranging from quaint pubs to rowdy nightclubs. The Rimrock Café and Oyster Bar, page 4 [map], is a fantastic choice for an expensive treat or special occasion dinner.

"LIL'WAT CULTURAL CENTRE OF THE SQUAMISH"

You may have spotted bilingual (Indigenous and English) signage along the Sea to Sky Highway. This depicts the Squamish and Lil'wat nations' robust Indigenous cultures, which have coexisted in this region for millennia. On the outskirts of Whistler, the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre 5 [map] (4584 Blackcomb Way; Tue–Sun 10 am–5 pm) is a great site to learn more. Exhibits, performances, and storytelling highlight their cultures inside a beautiful modern structure. There are some excellent examples of painting and woodcarving, and tours are led by Cultural Ambassadors from Indigenous Nations. On the lower level, don't miss the Thunderbird Café
The Sea to Sky Highway does not stop at Whistler; it continues to Pemberton.

WHISTLER AND SQUAMISH DAY TRIPS

1) Private Vancouver Sea to Sky Tour

2) Vancouver Squamish, Shannon fall Day Tour

3) Private Vancouver to Squamish tour

4) Vancouver Sea to Sky Gondola Tour in Squamish & Cypress Winter Fun Private

5) Whistler Squamish Day Tour Private

6) 2 Days Squamish, Whistler Ski Resort Tour from Vancouver

For a free,no-obligation,consultation simply emails a few of these details to info@globalduniya.ca and we will get straight back to you with some ideas and suggestions.

If you like my ideas for a tour we can comeup with a more detailed plan, by email or phone at +17788821450,before you decide.