Ready for a fun road trip near Vancouver? Let’s talk about 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.
The Sea to Sky Highway is a beautiful drive that runs from the Howe Sound, a beautiful network of fjords, to the mountains of Whistler.
But instead of driving straight from Vancouverto Whistler, why not take your time and make the most of the drive? If you’re wondering where to stop on the Sea to Sky Highway, we have a full list.
In this article, I’m sharing with you 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 you exactly where to stop to help you plan your trip.
Let’s dive in the best Sea to Sky Highway stops from Vancouver to Whistler.
Sea to Sky Highway map: Stops and attractions
1. Vancouver
The vibrant city of Vancouver is the ‘Sea’ end of British Columbia’s Sea-to-Sky Highway. You’ll want a few days to explore Vancouver’s offers!
One of my favorite Vancouver attractions is Stanley Park, whether you’re visiting in the summer or in the wintertime. This family-friendly park is perfect for nature lovers. As you follow the waterfront paths around the park, take in the stunning views of the harbor and the Lions Gate suspension bridge. Stop and smell the roses in the Stanley Park Rose Garden, visit the Vancouver Aquarium, and check out the collection of Totem poles.
You’ll want to make a stop at the Granville Island Public Market. Pick up some tasty treats in the food halls and find a souvenir from a local artisan. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the scenic views of the harbor and the mountains.
If you love museums, you’ll want to visit the Vancouver Art Gallery and Science World, an amazing science museum inside a geodesic dome!
Vancouver has unique sights, from the quirky Gastown Steam Clock to the impressive Canada Place Convention Center (you’ll usually find a cruise ship docked here). And don’t miss the Vancouver Olympic Cauldron, the Olympic torch built for the 2010 Olympic Games.
Recommended by Lisa Garrett of Travel to Lyon
2. Britannia Mine Museum
52 km north of downtown Vancouver, the Britannia Mine Museum is often passed up by those driving to Whistler. However, should you stop, you’ll be pleasantly surprised and learn a vital part of Squamish’s history. It’s also a great day trip from Vancouver, if you don’t want to drive all the way to Whistler.
The copper mine was closed in 1974 but thrived in its prime and was one of the largest copper mines worldwide. While copper was its primary ore, silver, gold, zinc, and cadmium were also mined.
When you visit, you’ll ride an authentic mining car into one of the tunnels. You’ll see the equipment used, hear the deafening sounds of the jackhammers, and have a chance to pan for gold.
💡 PRO-TIP: I recommend skipping the mining section if you’re visiting with very young children, due to loud noises that might scare them.
The museum isn’t just a walk in the past; it highlights the importance of environmental recovery. The metals dissolve when extracting ore with water, causing acid rock drainage. During the mining operations, 50 million liters of toxic water drained into Howe Sound daily, causing devastation.
After a water treatment plant was constructed, the water was cleaned before it was released, allowing marine life to recover.
A highlight of Britannia Mine is their interactive production called “Boom!” The multi-sensory show lets you live 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.
⚒️ ⚒️ Find pricing and hours of operation for the Britannia Mine Museum here!
Recommended by Karen of Forever Karen
3. Murrin Provincial Park
Just off the stunning Sea to Sky Highway, close to Squamish, BC, you’ll find the beautiful Murrin Provincial Park. This BC park is home to Browning Lake and is a haven for rock climbers—the notable “Petrifying Wall” challenges climbers of all levels.
The park offers options for many non-motorized water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and multiple hiking trails. A great picnic area is also perfect for families to enjoy lunch and a few road trip snacks.
Parking is free in this Sea to Sky 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. There is also another parking spot down the highway towards Vancouver, with a path to walk to the park. This is about a 1km walk. If you arrive late in the afternoon, you will find parking when others leave.
The park is home to 3 hiking trails for all abilities. The trails are all suitable for families and kids and offer incredible views.
- Browning Lake has a 1 km loop that is flat and good for most physical abilities.
- Quercus Viewpoint does have some stairs and roots to navigate. It is less than 2 km and has some of the best views of Howe Sound.
- Jurassic Ridge continues from Quercus Viewpoint and is good for those who are confident on their feet. There are some rope features, but it is not high exposure.
Recommended by Jessica from Next Up Adventure.
4. Shannon Falls
For a must-see stop on the Sea to Sky Highway, make sure to visit Shannon Falls. It’s one of the tallest and most breathtaking waterfalls in the area. It’s also the waterfalls you’ve seen many times on the popular TV show Virgin River. 🤫
Shannon Falls is just off the Sea to Sky Highway, near Squamish. It’s really easy to get to, with a parking area close to the highway. The falls are a short walk from the parking lot, so you don’t have to hike far to see them.
💡 PRO-TIP The falls are at their best after a rain or during the spring melt, so that’s a great time to visit. But they’re beautiful all year round.
The path to the falls is well-maintained and not too tough, making it a great spot for all ages and abilities. The walk takes you through a lovely forest area. When you reach the viewing area, you’ll see the water cascading down from a height of over 300 meters. It’s an impressive sight.
It’s a great place for photos, a quick nature break, or just to take in the beauty of the waterfall.
5. Sea-to-Sky Gondola
The Sea-to-Sky Gondola is a perfect day trip from Vancouver for nature lovers. You’ll find breathtaking views and lots of outdoor activities at the summit.
The gondola is just before the town of Squamish and will take you on a scenic ride from sea level to the summit of the coastal mountains. Even if you’re not a fan of heights, it’s still worth the trip.
🚡 The gondola ride is very smooth (this is coming from someone who hates heights)!
Once you reach the top of the mountain, there are plenty of great outdoor activities to check out, like:
- hiking the well-maintained trails
- running across the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge (it’s a favorite for kids).
The gondola provides access to a network of trails catering to different skill levels, making it an ideal destination for all levels of hikers.
You can visit year-round, but remember that the weather will affect the available outdoor activities. In the winter, the area becomes a ski and snowshoeing haven; in the summer, the hikers and mountain bikers come out to play.
🚡🚡 Find pricing and hours of operation for the Sea-to-Sky Gondola here!
Recommended by Rebecca of Veggies Abroad
6. The Chief
The Chief is one of the largest granite cliff faces in all of North America. Located next to the enchanting city of Squamish and the Howe Sound, it is a spectacular geologic sight. It is also one of the most popular and stunning hikes near Whistler!
The hike isn’t terribly challenging, so it’s still a great fit for families. However, it’s no walk in the park either; covering a distance of 2.3 miles (3.7 km) and an elevation gain of 1,755 ft (535 m), you’ll definitely get a sweat on.
But, with well-maintained trails and ideal conditions between April to November, you’ll have ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking views from various lookout points. It can take around 3 to 4 hours to complete, but I’ve also done it in under 2 hours – it just depends on the speed of your hiking crew.
Needless to say, if you’re looking for a fun and incredible hike on the Sea-to-Sky highway, with kids or without, then the Chief is the way to go!
🥾 Stawamus Chief Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 3.7 km (2.3 miles) out-and-back (to the first peak)
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation gain: 535 m (1755 ft)
7. Mamquam Falls
For one of the most bang-for-your-buck hikes along the Sea to Sky Highway, stop at Mamquam Falls, a stunning waterfall with electric blue water tucked away in a lush rainforest.
Located in Squamish, the trailhead to reach the falls is about 6 kilometers down a forest service road off the Sea to Sky Highway. While it’s unpaved and generally unmaintained, any passenger vehicle should be able to make it just fine, so long as you drive carefully.
💡PRO-TIP Be sure to check the weather if you’re visiting in the wintertime, given that the road is unplowed and will be inaccessible if there’s heavy snowfall. When we visited in December 2023, the road was closed so we couldn’t go.
From the parking lot, it’s an easy 2.9-kilometer hike (roundtrip) through an impossibly green forest dripping with moss to reach a platform overlooking the cascade, which spills 19 meters over a rocky gorge. Be sure to follow the trail along the Mamquam River, where you can get a different viewpoint of the shockingly colored water.
The trail has no technical challenges, but wear shoes with good traction if you’re visiting during or after the rain—lots of rocks and roots along the trail can get a bit slippery!
🥾 Mamquam Falls Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 1.9 km (1.2 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 65 m (213 ft)
Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
8. Brohm Lake
Get ready for the ultimate rope swing experience. Brohm Lake is home to, hands down, the BEST rope swing in the world! Located just a 10-minute drive north of Squamish, Brohm Lake is the go-to lakeside hotspot for all your summer fun.
Rope swing aside, this is a top-rated lake for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, cliff jumping, and just relaxing on a sunny summer day. There’s something for everyone here!
Now, let’s talk rope swing specifics. Hanging off an overhanging tree, this bad boy is the real deal. With three awesome rock heights to swing from, there’s a spot for little kids and adrenaline junkies alike. Though Brohm Lake gets packed, the rope swing usually isn’t too crowded since it’s a 2-mile hike from the parking lot.
There’s only room for about 20 cars in the parking lot, so make sure to get there early to snag a spot. If you can’t park in that lot, just after passing the turn for Brohm Lake you can park along the side of the highway right around these coordinates: 49.8182771, -123.1293388.
For more insider tips on finding the Brohm Lake rope swing, read our blog on other awesome things to do in Squamish!
Recommended by Gabi at Nomads With A Purpose
9. Brandywine Falls
If you plan on driving the Sea to Sky Highway and visiting Whistler in the summer, then you absolutely cannot miss this gem! Brandywine Falls is easily one of the most stunning waterfalls in the area, and it is conveniently located just off the Sea to Sky Highway.
Located about a 30-minute drive from Squamish, about 15 minutes before you reach Whistler, visitors often overlook this waterfall. There is a small sign for it, but you should really have it mapped out before, or you will likely miss it.
There is a large parking lot, and a short trail starts from there. The trail is only 1 km long and takes you to a lookout above the falls. The trail is pretty flat, so it’s super easy and suitable for children and families.
Brandywine Falls is 70 meters tall – it’s pretty impressive! The lookout point is above the falls, which is the best viewpoint. Simply walk to the viewpoint and turn back to return to the parking lot via the same trail. No access is allowed to the bottom of the falls, so stay behind the fenced area for safety reasons.
You’ll also find toilets in the parking lot, along with picnic tables. One thing to note is that the falls are only open from May until October, so if you’re visiting in the winter, you’ll have to give this stop a miss.
🥾 Brandywine Falls Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 1.1 km (0.7 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 54 m (177 ft)
Recommended by Bailey from Destinationless Travel
10. Train Wreck Trail
One of the most unique hikes along the Sea-to-Sky highway is the Whistler Train Wreck Trail. The train wreck site dates back to 1956 when a train derailed and was dragged to and abandoned in the forest where you find it today. It is fascinating to see how the forest has thrived around the boxcars.
The hike itself is not particularly challenging, which makes it accessible for all skill levels and all ages. However, what sets this hike apart is the destination – a train wreck site transformed into an outdoor art exhibit.
The trail takes you through stunning old-growth forests and across a suspension bridge before leading you to colorful boxcars scattered throughout the forest.
⛔ Warning. If you are visiting in the winter, the suspension bridge can be really slippery and icy. It’s best to pack some microspikes.
However, note that it could be unsafe to go inside or on top of the boxcars, so use caution while admiring this unique hike reward.
If you plan to hike the Whistler Train Wreck Trail, starting early in the day will help you avoid crowds (especially during peak summer months) and have a more peaceful experience. The trail is approximately 2.5 kilometers round trip.
When visiting the train wreck site, appreciate the art pieces created by local and international artists. Each boxcar has been painted with unique designs, creating a colorful and exciting display in the middle of the forest. You should visit this trail more than once to see the art changing periodically on the boxcars.
🥾 Train Wreck Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 2.5 km (1.6 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 71 m (232 ft)
Recommended by Debbie Fettback from WorldAdventurists
11. Parkhurst Ghost Town
If you want to see the Whistler that locals know, make the trek to the Parkhurst Ghost Town. This abandoned logging settlement is just north of Whistler Village on the shores of Green Lake.
Since it has been uninhabited since the 1960s, it is slowly melting back into the forest. But you can still find the remains of old buildings, trucks, logging machinery, and household items like stoves, bed springs, and cans. There are lots of trails through the old town site, so be sure to explore. You never know what you will find under the moss and ferns!
There are several ways to the ghost town, but they all involve a little bit of sweat. The best way to visit is to drive to the trailhead north of Whistler, then make a 6.5 km loop hike that takes 2-3 hours and visits Parkhurst in the middle.
You can also hike directly to Parkhurst from the Lost Lake area of Whistler using mountain biking trails, but that route is 10 km total. If you have access to a canoe, you can paddle across Green Lake and skip the hike.
12. Joffre Lakes Park
Although located a little further north than the official end of the Sea-to-Sky Highway, just past Pemberton, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is a stop that is truly worth the drive. Famous for its three bright turquoise lakes, the park has become one of the most iconic sights in BC’s Coast Mountains.
The three lakes can each be reached on foot along an easy-to-hard trail, which is a great hike for all ages and abilities. The Lower Joffre Lake is just 200 meters from the parking lot, so everyone can easily access it.
The hike to the Middle Joffre Lake is a little more complicated, at around 3 kilometers and 350 meters of elevation gain. But the terrain isn’t overly technical, with many gradual switchbacks through the forest, making it a family-friendly hike.
The middle lake is the most popular of the three lakes as it has some of the best photo opportunities, with the famous ‘Instagram log.’ As such, many visitors end their hike here. But I highly recommend continuing to the upper lake, which is only 700 meters further.
The Upper Joffre Lake is the biggest and quietest of the three lakes, so it’s the best place to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the park’s beauty.
Day-use passes are required to visit Joffre Lakes between May and October, and reservations can be made on the BC Parks website.
🥾 Joffre Lakes Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 7.4 km (4.6 miles) out-and-back (to the Upper Lake)
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation gain: 464 m (1522 ft)
Recommended by Chanelle from Chasing Chanelle
Final thoughts: Best stops along the Sea to Sky Highway
Traveling the Sea-to-Sky Highway with your family is more than just a journey; it’s an adventure packed with diverse experiences and natural splendor.
Take your time and enjoy all the fun attractions and stops along this scenic route. While the drive is only 121 kilometers from Vancouver to Whistler, you can easily take an entire day (or even two) to fully enjoy all there is to do. From the historical wonders of the Britannia Mines, Train Wreck and Parkhurst ghost town to breathtaking landscapes of Murrin Provincial Parks, each attractions is worth a stop.
Embrace each moment, and let the scenic journey from Vancouver to Whistler enrich your family’s love for travel and discovery.
