The Ultimate Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Itinerary (2026)

The Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) is consistently ranked among the most scenic drives in the world — and for good reason. Winding 150 kilometres from Vancouver to Pemberton through coastal rainforests, alongside fjord-like Howe Sound, past thundering waterfalls, and beneath towering granite peaks, it's a drive that takes your breath away around every corner.

Whether you're planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a full week of adventure, this guide covers every worthwhile stop along the route. We've driven it hundreds of times, and these are the places that make the Sea to Sky corridor one of the most special regions in British Columbia.

Horseshoe Bay to Squamish (45 minutes)

Your journey begins where the highway meets the ocean. As you leave Horseshoe Bay, the road hugs the coastline with Howe Sound stretching out to your left — a deep, glacier-carved inlet surrounded by forested mountains. On a clear day, the views alone are worth the drive.

Stop 1: Porteau Cove Provincial Park

About 25 minutes north of Horseshoe Bay, pull off at Porteau Cove. This waterfront park offers stunning views across Howe Sound and is one of the most popular scuba diving spots in BC. Even if you're not diving, the rocky beach and mountain backdrop make it a perfect first stop for photos. There's a small campground here too if you want to start your trip the night before.

Stop 2: Britannia Mine Museum

Just past Britannia Beach, the Britannia Mine Museum is a fascinating look at BC's mining history. The underground train tour takes you deep into the mountain, and the gold panning is a hit with kids. Budget about 90 minutes here.

Stop 3: Shannon Falls Provincial Park

You can't miss Shannon Falls — BC's third-highest waterfall at 335 metres. The viewing platform is just a 5-minute walk from the parking lot, making it the easiest stop on the highway. The falls are most impressive in late spring when snowmelt feeds the cascade, but they're beautiful year-round.

Stop 4: Sea to Sky Gondola

Right next to Shannon Falls, the Sea to Sky Gondola takes you 885 metres up to the Summit Lodge. The views from the top are staggering — Howe Sound, the Squamish Valley, and surrounding peaks spread out below you. Walk the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, hike the trails at the top, or just grab a coffee and take it all in. This is the signature Sea to Sky experience.

Squamish — The Adventure Capital

Squamish has transformed from a quiet highway town into one of BC's most exciting destinations. Surrounded by world-class climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and kiteboarding, it's earned the title "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada." But it's also developed a thriving food and craft beer scene that makes it worth a full day — or more.

Where to Eat in Squamish

The dining scene in Squamish punches well above its weight. Start your morning at one of the beloved local cafés — the coffee culture here is strong, fuelled by a community of outdoor athletes and remote workers. For lunch or dinner, you'll find everything from farm-to-table bistros to wood-fired pizza.

After a day of adventure, Squamish's craft breweries are the perfect reward. Several taprooms offer mountain views with your pint, and the quality of brewing here rivals Vancouver's best.

What to Do in Squamish

The hiking around Squamish is legendary. The Stawamus Chief is the iconic climb — a steep granite scramble with three summits, each offering jaw-dropping views. For something less intense, the Four Lakes Trail or the Estuary Trails offer beautiful walks through diverse terrain.

Squamish is also a world-class rock climbing destination, with routes for every ability level. And if you visit in summer, the Squamish Spit is one of the best windsurfing and kiteboarding spots in North America.

Squamish to Whistler (45 minutes)

Leaving Squamish, the highway climbs through the Cheakamus Valley. The landscape shifts from coastal to alpine — the trees get bigger, the mountains get closer, and the rivers run glacier-blue.

Stop 5: Brandywine Falls Provincial Park

A quick 10-minute detour leads to one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the corridor. Brandywine Falls plunges 70 metres into a deep volcanic canyon. The viewing platform is an easy 10-minute walk from the parking lot. If you have more time, continue on the trail to Swim Lake for a refreshing dip in summer.

Stop 6: Tantalus Lookout

Watch for the pullout on the left side of the highway. The Tantalus Range viewpoint gives you a head-on view of jagged, snow-capped peaks and the Tantalus Glacier. It's one of the most dramatic mountain panoramas accessible from a highway anywhere in Canada.

Whistler — World-Class Mountain Resort

Whistler needs little introduction. Host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, it's North America's largest ski resort and a year-round destination for outdoor adventure, dining, shopping, and nightlife. The pedestrian-only Whistler Village is packed with restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.

Where to Eat in Whistler

The restaurant scene in Whistler ranges from casual après-ski pubs to upscale fine dining. Whether you want a massive burger after a day on the slopes or a five-course tasting menu, Whistler delivers. The café culture is strong too — essential for those early-morning gondola lineups.

Where to Stay in Whistler

From the iconic Fairmont Chateau Whistler to cozy slope-side lodges, Whistler has accommodation for every budget. Book well in advance during peak ski season (December–March) and summer weekends.

What to Do in Whistler

In winter, the skiing and snowboarding is world-class across both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, connected by the spectacular Peak 2 Peak Gondola. In summer, those same mountains transform into a massive bike park and hiking paradise with trails reaching alpine meadows and glacial lakes.

Don't miss the cultural attractions either — the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, Audain Art Museum, and the Olympic Plaza all offer rainy-day options.

Whistler to Pemberton (30 minutes)

The final stretch of highway climbs over the stunning Nairn Falls corridor before dropping into the wide, flat Pemberton Valley. The landscape opens up dramatically — suddenly you're surrounded by farmland with massive mountain peaks on every side.

Stop 7: Nairn Falls Provincial Park

Just south of Pemberton, a 1.5-kilometre trail through old-growth forest leads to Nairn Falls — a powerful cascade where the Green River forces through a narrow rock gorge. It's one of the most impressive falls in the corridor and far less crowded than Shannon Falls.

Pemberton — The Hidden Gem

Pemberton is where the Sea to Sky corridor's magic feels most untouched. This small farming community sits in a stunning valley surrounded by towering peaks, and it's the gateway to some of BC's most spectacular natural attractions.

Where to Eat in Pemberton

Pemberton's food scene is small but mighty. Farm-to-table dining is the norm here — with actual farms visible from most restaurant windows. The local cafés are community gathering spots where farmers, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts share tables.

What to Do in Pemberton

The Pemberton Valley is adventure central. Joffre Lakes Provincial Park — with its three stunning turquoise glacier-fed lakes — is the crown jewel, and one of the most photographed spots in all of British Columbia. The hiking here is world-class, and in summer you can add horseback riding, jet boating, and river rafting to the list.

Planning Tips

Best time to go: June through September for the full experience. All stops are accessible and the weather is generally warm and dry. Winter is magical too, especially if skiing is your priority, but some parks and viewpoints may have limited access.

How long you need: You can drive Vancouver to Pemberton in about 2.5 hours without stopping. But to actually experience the corridor, plan for a full day at minimum. A long weekend lets you explore properly, and a full week means you can truly dig into each town.

Fuel up: Fill your tank in Squamish or Whistler. Gas stations get sparse north of Whistler.

Book ahead: Accommodation in Whistler fills up fast during ski season and summer weekends. Squamish and Pemberton are more flexible but still book up on long weekends.

Start early: The highway gets busy on weekend mornings as Vancouverites head to Whistler. Leaving before 8am makes for a much more relaxed drive.

Start Planning Your Trip

The Sea to Sky Highway isn't just a road — it's one of the greatest outdoor corridors on the planet. Browse our complete directory of restaurants, accommodation, activities, and attractions across Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton to build your perfect trip.