Vancouver: Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler Day Trip in Squamish

When you think of Vermont, the mind instantly races to wildflowers, winding mountain roads, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. But did you know that when you traverse these same picturesque roads en route to Squamish, you can also experience some of the best views in the province? For both locals and tourists alike, Squamish boasts an adventure-filled attraction that can’t be matched anywhere else in the world: the Sea to Sky Gondola and a full day of explorations of Whistler, the ski resort and one of Vancouver’s best-known tourist destinations.

What is the Sea to Sky Gondola?

The Sea to Sky Gondola is an 8-minute gondola ride up Mount Haber, offering stunning views of the Squamish Valley below and the peaks of the Coast Mountains that surround it. The 10-passenger gondolas leave from Sea to Sky Basecamp, located on the outskirts of Squamish, and carry riders 885 meters above the valley. After your gondola ride up, the summit offers an array of activities, including mountain biking trails, an old-growth forest walk, walking and running trails of varying levels of difficulty, a suspension bridge and much more.

Things you can do when you reach the peak

At the peak there is something for everyone, regardless of their activity level or interests.

Walk & Hike

For a leisurely activity, there are miles of trails at the summit to explore. These trails vary in terms of difficulty, ranging from easy strolls with incredible views to challenging hikes with steep gradients. Depending on your energy level, you can walk one kilometer or six.

Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge

The main attraction at the peak is the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, a 144-meter-long wooden bridge that provides awesome views of Totem Dome and Mount Haber. This bridge is perfectly safe – it’s made from solid Douglas fir and was built in consultation with experts from the Sea to Sky Gondola, so you can rest assured that you can enjoy your stroll across the sky without worrying about safety.

Mountain Biking

The many mountain biking trails at the summit provide hours of fun for those who want a bit of an adrenaline rush. They range from easy to difficult, so anyone from beginner to expert can find a trail that suits their skill level. The trails range from thirty minutes up to three hours long, making them perfect for an afternoon or morning ride. Make sure to use safety gear and call it quits if you’re feeling too tired.

Scenic Walks & Patios

For those who prefer a low-key activity, there are plenty of scenic walks with gorgeous views of Howe Sound and its many islands. There are also multiple patios – perfect for relaxing with a cold beer or glass of wine while taking in stunning sunsets or catching its famous daily orange-gold blaze from dawn to dusk.

Spectacular Views

No matter what activity you choose to do at the summit, one thing is for sure: there are spectacular views everywhere you look. From the top, you can take in panoramic views of some of Metro Vancouver’s most beloved landmarks – including Lions Gate Bridge and Howe Sound – as well as iconic BC icons like Stawamus Chief and Black Tusk. These sights also make for perfect subject matter for any photographers looking to capture sweeping vistas.

Whistler Adventure Day Trip

The adventure doesn’t have to end after your time at the Sea to Sky Gondola; you can cap off your day by heading off to Whistler for a day trip. Whistler is one of Canada’s most popular ski resorts in winter and hiking paradise in summer that offers easy access to activities like biking, zipline tours, rafting adventures, bear watching tours and so much more. With its world-class restaurants, vibrant nightlife, unusual boutiques and exciting attractions such as sliding slopes and Olympic venues, Whistler promises something fun for every type of traveler. To maximize your time here, we recommend taking a guided tour of Whistler from one of the many operators such as The Adventures Group or Northern Dream Tours. But don’t worry: You are in full control over your day trip! Whether you want to spend some time on the slopes or go for a leisurely hike in nature’s paradise, your tour guide will customize your tour according to your wishes.

Tips for Visiting

Whether you decide to visit Squamish and Whistler separately or combine them into one unforgettable day trip adventure, here are a few tips to make sure your visit is as smooth and enjoyable as possible:

• Buy your tickets online in advance – this will save time and ensure that you get the day and time that you want.
• Make sure you wear comfortable shoes – this will ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable time.
• Research online on what activities you can do and what kind of weather conditions they require (for example: if it’s raining heavily then biking trails may not be accessible). This will help you plan properly.
• Don’t forget your camera – both Squamish and Whistler boast some amazing views that would be a shame to miss out on.

Experience both breathtaking views from atop Mount Haber on a Sea to Sky Gondola ride and all that Whistler has to offer on a day trip from Squamish! Combining these two unique destinations into one unforgettable tour is easy with Get Your Guide. With their discounted ticket packages and knowledgeable tour guides, you can experience both attractions without any hassle and make amazing memories that are sure remind you of what an incredible region BC is!