36800 BC-99, Squamish, BC V8B 0B6, Canada
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Phone: +1 604-892-2550
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Vancouverites and visitors alike love traveling the Sea to Sky Highway for a weekend away in Whistler. Squamish is situated halfway along this scenic journey and is home to the Sea to Sky Gondola, an epic way to view Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains on a 10-minute ride that takes you 885m above sea level.
Opened in May 2014, the Sea to Sky Gondola provides breathtaking views of coastal rainforest and mountain peaks that were previously only accessible to avid hikers and climbers. In addition to the exhilarating ride to the summit, the attraction also offers hiking trails, exercise classes in summer, and winter sports along with special events throughout the year.
What to Expect
After purchasing a ticket, head to the Gondola station. The gondola cabins are spacious, accommodating up to eight passengers, and are fully wheelchair and stroller accessible. Manufactured in Switzerland, these comfortable cabins allow visitors to sit back and take in awe-inspiring views through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Each ride lasts 10 minutes, as you ascend 850m to reach the Summit Lodge, passing by Shannon Falls Provincial Park and observing climbers tackling the famous Stawamus Chief monolith.
Upon reaching the top, you’ll find access to walking and hiking trails, dining options, and viewing decks to soak in the spectacular views of Howe Sound fjord below. You can choose from interpretive walking trails with cantilevered viewing platforms for the brave, or the thrilling Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, stretching 100m across with stunning views that drop thousands of meters below. Trails lead to varios viewing decks capable of showcasing different vistas from the mountaintop. The Summit Viewing Deck also hosts live music, yoga classes, wine festivals, and other special events in the summertime.
The dramatic Chief viewing platform offers sweeping vistas from Mamquam Valley and Mount Atwell in the north, providing sightings of adventurous hikers on the backside of the Chief and a clear view of windsurfers and kiteboarders at “The Spit,” Squamish’s popular watersports hotspot.
Free daily tours run between May and November at 11 am and 2 pm, with on-demand tours available in winter and special family-themed tours occurring at 1 pm.
Facilities and Food Options
Emailing is hungry work, but there are plenty of options to satisfy your appetite. At the Summit Lodge, you can enjoy meals at the casual self-service Summit Eatery and Edge Bar, both providing stunning views through floor-to-ceiling windows or the option to dine al fresco on the patio if the weather permits. Grab a quick coffee from the Lodge’s Co-Pilot Cafe or pick up a sandwich to go, allowing more time for outdoor exploration.
Bodhi’s Plaza BBQ operates during the summer months, serving casual fare like sausages, coleslaw, fries, ice cream, and refreshing drinks, including cold beers, in an outdoor plaza below the gondola lineup. Down in the Basecamp Cafe, you will discover a selection of hot and cold beverages, baked goods, ice cream in the summer, and numerous snacks to energize you for a hike or car ride.
How to Visit the Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola remains open year-round with seasonal hours, strategically located south of Squamish along Highway 99. The scenic drive from Vancouver only takes about 45 minutes, leading to Whistler (an additional 45-minute drive from Squamish).
Driving your own or rental vehicle offers the greatest flexibility, allowing you to stop at nearby attractions, such as the awe-inspiring Shannon Falls Provincial Park. Parking is available at the gondola base for durations ranging from one to three hours.
While public transit does not connect Squamish and Vancouver, many options are available for those who prefer not to drive. Several tour companies offer transportation from Vancouver, which includes time at the Gondola combined with visits to other local attractions.
Additionally, Greyhound Buses operate between Vancouver and Squamish, with taxi services available to take you from Squamish to the gondola. Moreover, a dedicated shuttle called the Squamish Connector provides round-trip service from three downtown Vancouver locations, including three hours at the Gondola.
If you wish to elevate your journey further, consider flightseeing options with Sea to Sky Air and Harbour Air, which operate seasonal and charter flights to Squamish.
