Driving from Vancouver to Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway

Ready for a fun road trip near Vancouver? What about driving from Vancouver to Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway? This drive from Vancouver to Whistler is one road trip you can’t miss in Canada. And it’s full of unique spots. 

You’ll find breathtaking ocean views, towering cliffs, and lush forests. More than just a road, you’ll chase waterfalls, venture on epic hiking trails, and discover charming towns. 

In this article, I’m sharing all the fun stops on the Sea to Sky Highway, from popular attractions to hidden gems and hiking trails. I also created a map showing where to stop to help you plan your trip.

What is the Sea to Sky Highway

The Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) is one of Canada’s most spectacular scenic drives, stretching from Vancouver to Whistler and beyond. This winding coastal route takes you from the shores of Howe Sound up into the Coast Mountains.

Originally a logging road, the highway was expanded and upgraded for the 2010 Winter Olympics, making it smoother and safer for travellers. The Sea-to-Sky highway gets its name from the dramatic elevation change, as it climbs from sea level in Vancouver to over 670 metres (2,200 feet) in Whistler!

How long it takes to drive the Sea to Sky Highway

The drive from Vancouver to Whistler is a pretty short drive. It’s only about 125 km. But you can easily plan an entire day to drive it as there are SO many fun stops on the Sea to Sky Highway.

At the minimum, plan for a good 2 hours (if you don’t plan on making any stops). But I highly recommend planning for at least half a day, and even better for an entire day to enjoy all the stops fully.

Sea to Sky Highway Map

Below is a map with the main Sea to Sky Highway stops.

1. Britannia Mine Museum

Located 52 km north of downtown Vancouver, the Britannia Mine Museum is often overlooked by those heading to Whistler. However, this historic site offers a fascinating glimpse into Squamish’s mining past and is worth stopping.

If you’re not driving all the way to Whistler, it also makes a great day trip from Vancouver.

The Britannia Mine was once one of the largest copper mines in the world. It operated until 1974, producing copper, silver, gold, zinc, and cadmium. Today, you can ride an authentic mining car into the tunnels, experience the thunderous sounds of jackhammers, and even try their hand at panning for gold.

A highlight of Britannia Mine is its interactive production, “Boom!” The multi-sensory show lets you experience the life of a miner working in Mill No. 3. The cavernous building, now restored, is a marvel in engineering and an iconic landmark on the Sea to Sky Highway.

It’s an immersive and educational experience that brings BC’s mining history to life! And your kids are sure to LOVE it!

💡 PRO-TIP: I recommend skipping the mining section if you’re visiting 

2. Murrin Provincial Park

View of the Sea to Sky highway and the Pacific Ocean from Quercus Point summit at Murrin Provincial Park

Just off the stunning Sea to Sky Highway, a little before Squamish, BC, you’ll find Murrin Provincial Park. It’s a hidden gem known for scenic trails, rock climbing, and beautiful Browning Lake. 

This small but diverse park is a favourite for both locals and travellers. It offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

There are many things to Do at Murrin Provincial Park, including

• Rock Climbing: Home to the well-known Petrifying Wall, this park attracts climbers of all skill levels. If you’re into bouldering or sports climbing, bring your gear and test your skills on the granite walls.
• Water Activities: Browning Lake is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. The calm waters make it an ideal stop for families.
• Picnicking: The park has a designated picnic area, making it a great place to enjoy lunch and a few road trip snacks before continuing up to Whistler.

And of course hiking! Murrin has three hiking trails suitable for different skill levels:

• Browning Lake Loop (1 km) – A short, flat loop around the lake, ideal for all ages and abilities.
• Quercus Viewpoint (under 2 km) – A slightly more challenging trail with stairs and roots to navigate, but the views of Howe Sound are worth it.
• Jurassic Ridge – Extending from Quercus Viewpoint, this trail is best for confident hikers. It features rope-assisted sections but has minimal exposure.

Parking is free in this provincial park. The parking lot is near the highway, a short walk from the lake. The lake is wheelchair accessible, with a flat, short path around Browning Lake.

💡 PRO-TIP Parking can get very busy during the summer because this is a great swimming hole close to Vancouver. An early or late afternoon arrival is recommended.

3. Shannon Falls

For a must-see stop along the Sea to Sky Highway, be sure to visit Shannon Falls. As one of the tallest and most breathtaking waterfalls in the region, it’s a sight you won’t want to miss. You may even recognize it from the popular TV show Virgin River!

Shannon Falls is located just off the Sea to Sky Highway, near Squamish, and is incredibly easy to access. A parking area is conveniently located near the highway, and the falls are only a short walk from the lot.

No long hike is required.

The path to the falls is well-maintained and easy to navigate. It is a great stop on the Sea to Sky Highway, regardless of your age and abilities.

As you stroll through the forest, you’ll soon reach the viewing platform, where you can watch the water cascade down more than 300 metres from the cliffs above.

It’s a perfect spot to snap some photos, take a break in nature, or simply admire the spectacular scenery before continuing your Sea to Sky Highway road trip.

4. Sea-to-Sky Gondola

The Sea to Sky Gondola is one of the most popular attractions on this scenic drive. At the summit, you’ll find breathtaking views and plenty of activities to enjoy in every season.

Located just before Squamish, the gondola takes you on a scenic ride from sea level up into the coastal mountains. Even if you’re not a fan of heights, it’s worth the trip—plus, the ride itself is incredibly smooth (speaking from experience, even for those who don’t love heights!). 🚡

Once at the top, there’s plenty to do, including:

• Hiking the well-maintained trails that range from easy walks to more challenging routes.
• Crossing the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, a favourite for kids and adventure seekers.

You can visit year-round, but activities vary with the seasons. In winter, the summit turns into a skiing and snowshoeing paradise. In the summer, hikers and mountain bikers take advantage of the stunning terrain.

5. The Chief

The Stawamus Chief, often called The Chief, is one of North America’s largest granite cliff faces. This massive rock formation is an impressive geological wonder and one of the most popular and rewarding hikes near Whistler.

While the hike isn’t overly technical, it’s still a good challenge. At 3.7 km (2.3 miles) out-and-back with an elevation gain of 535 m (1,755 ft), it will get your heart pumping. 

That said, it’s well-maintained and manageable for families with older kids or anyone up for a bit of a workout.

If you’re looking for an epic hike along the Sea to Sky Highway, with or without kids, The Chief is a must-do! 🥾

Stawamus Chief Trail Info (from AllTrails)

• Distance: 3.7 km (2.3 miles) out-and-back (to the first peak)
• Difficulty: Hard
• Elevation gain: 535 m (1,755 ft)

7. Mamquam Falls

Mamquam Falls is a stunning electric-blue waterfall hidden in a lush rainforest. It is accessible via a quick and rewarding hike that offers incredible scenery without a big time commitment.

It’s a great stop to your road trip.

Located in Squamish, the trailhead is about 6 km down a forest service road off the Sea to Sky Highway. While the road is unpaved and not regularly maintained, most passenger vehicles can handle it as long as you drive carefully.

💡 Pro Tip: Check the weather beforehand if you’re visiting in winter. The road is not plowed, and heavy snowfall can make it inaccessible. When we visited in December 2023, the road was closed due to snow.

From the parking lot, it’s a 2.9 km (roundtrip) hike through a vibrant, moss-covered forest to a platform overlooking the 19-metre cascade as it crashes into a rocky gorge. 

For an even better view, follow the Mamquam River trail to see the brilliantly coloured water from a different angle.

The trail is not technical, but if you’re visiting after rain, wear shoes with good traction—the rocks and roots can get slippery!

Mamquam Falls Trail Info (from AllTrails)

• Distance: 1.9 km (1.2 miles) out-and-back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: 65 m (213 ft)

7. Brohm Lake

Just 10 minutes north of Squamish, Brohm Lake is a must-visit along the Sea to Sky Highway, especially during the summertime. 

Known for its crystal-clear water and amazing rope swing, Brohm Lake is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day.

You can also experience the famous Rope Swing.

Hanging from an overhanging tree, this epic rope swing has three different rock heights from which to launch, making it fun for both kids and adults. 

While Brohm Lake can get busy, the rope swing is usually less crowded since it’s about a 3.2 km (2-mile) hike from the parking lot.

Beyond the rope swing, the lake is excellent for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even some light cliff jumping. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax by the water, there’s something for everyone.

🚗 Pro Tip: The main parking lot is small, with space for only about 20 cars, so arrive early. If it’s full, you can park along the highway just past the Brohm Lake turnoff.

8. Brandywine Falls

If you’re driving from Vancouver to Whistler in the summer, make sure to stop at Brandywine Falls. It’s one of the most breathtaking waterfalls along the Sea to Sky Highway. 

This stunning waterfall plunges 70 metres into a rugged canyon.

Brandywine Falls is often overlooked, located about 30 minutes from Squamish and 15 minutes before Whistler. The signage is small, so it’s best to map it out beforehand to avoid missing the turnoff.

You’ll find a large parking lot, with toilets and picnic tables nearby.

The 1 km trail to the viewing platform is flat and easy. The lookout offers the best view of the waterfall as it plunges into the rocky canyon 

There is no access to the bottom of the falls, so stay behind the fenced areas.

Note that Brandywine Falls is only open from May to October, so if you’re travelling in the winter, you’ll need to skip this stop.

Brandywine Falls Trail Info (from AllTrails)

• Distance: 1.1 km (0.7 miles) out-and-back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: 54 m (177 ft)

9. Train Wreck Trail

The Whistler Train Wreck Trail is one of the most unique hikes along the Sea to Sky Highway. This hidden gem leads to an abandoned train wreck site from 1956, where derailed boxcars were left in the forest and have since become part of the landscape. 

Over time, nature has reclaimed the area, creating a fascinating mix of history, art, and wilderness.

This 2.5 km round-trip trail is relatively easy. But what makes this hike truly special is the destination: a vibrant outdoor art exhibit. Local and international artists have painted the colourful boxcars scattered throughout the forest, turning the wreck into a living gallery. The trail winds through a stunning old-growth forest and crosses a suspension bridge before reaching the train wreck site.

⚠️ If you’re hiking in winter, the suspension bridge can be icy and slippery. For safety, it’s recommended that you bring microspikes. Also, while the boxcars make for a great photo op, climbing on or inside them can be unsafe, so explore with caution.

The artwork on the train cars changes over time, so visiting more than once will allow you to see new designs and evolving murals.

Whistler Train Wreck Trail Info (from AllTrails)

• Distance: 2.5 km (1.6 miles) out-and-back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: 71 m (232 ft)

10. Parkhurst Ghost Town

If you want to experience Whistler beyond the tourist hotspots, make sure to visit Parkhurst Ghost Town. This abandoned logging settlement is located north of Whistler Village on the shores of Green Lake.

It offers a glimpse into the area’s past. It’s also a great stop if you continue your Sea to Sky Highway road trip past Whistler toward Pemberton and Joffre Lakes.

This town has been uninhabited since the 1960s. While vegetation has started to grow, you can still find old buildings, rusted trucks, logging equipment, and remnants of daily life, like stoves, bed springs, and vintage cans. 

Wandering the trails through the old townsite feels like stepping back in time, and you never know what hidden relics you’ll spot under the moss and ferns.

There are several ways to reach Parkhurst, but all require some effort. The most popular route is a 6.5 km loop hike that starts north of Whistler and takes 2 to 3 hours, with Parkhurst as the midway point. Another option is hiking from Lost Lake via mountain biking trails, but this route is 10 km round-trip. If you have access to a canoe, you can paddle across Green Lake and skip the hike entirely.

11. Joffre Lakes Park

Although just past the official end of the Sea to Sky Highway, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is well worth the extra drive. Located north of Pemberton, this stunning park is famous for its three turquoise lakes, which have become some of the most iconic sights in BC’s Coast Mountains.

Each of the three lakes can be reached on foot along a moderate-to-challenging hiking trail. 

• Lower Joffre Lake is just 200 metres from the parking lot, so it’s easily accessible for all visitors. 
• Middle Joffre Lake requires more effort, with a 3 km hike and 350 metres of elevation gain, but the gradual switchbacks through the forest make it manageable for families. The middle lake is the most popular of the three, offering the best photo opportunities including the famous ‘Instagram log’. 
• The upper lake is the largest and least crowded, making it the best spot to soak in the park’s incredible beauty.

Many hikers turn around after the Middle Joffre Lake, but continuing just 700 metres further to Upper Joffre Lake is well worth it. 

From May to October, a day-use pass is required to visit Joffre Lakes, and reservations can be made on the BC Parks website.

Joffre Lakes Trail Info (from AllTrails)

• Distance: 7.4 km (4.6 miles) out-and-back (to the Upper Lake)
• Difficulty: Hard
• Elevation gain: 464 m (1,522 ft)

Final thoughts:

Driving the Sea to Sky Highway with your family isn’t just about getting from Vancouver to Whistler, it’s an adventure filled with incredible landscapes, history, and outdoor fun.

Take your time and make the most of the scenic stops along the way. Though the drive is just 125 km, you could easily spend a full day or even two exploring. 

Each stop adds something special to the drive from the historic Britannia Mine Museum, the Whistler Train Wreck, and Parkhurst Ghost Town to the stunning natural beauty of Murrin Provincial Park and Joffre Lakes.

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