The Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) from Vancouver to Whistler is one of the most scenic drives in the world — 120 km of mountains, ocean, waterfalls and old-growth forest. The road climbs from sea level at Howe Sound through the Coast Mountains to Whistler, with stops at Shannon Falls, the Stawamus Chief and the Sea-to-Sky Gondola along the way.
Quick Answer
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler is 120 km and takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours without stops, via Highway 99 North (the Sea-to-Sky Highway). A day trip is doable, but a weekend gives you time for the stops, a gondola ride, a hike and a full day in Whistler.
Verified Driving Distances
| Segment | Distance | Driving Time | |---|---|---| | Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay | 20 km | 30 min | | Horseshoe Bay to Shannon Falls | 45 km | 45 min | | Shannon Falls to Stawamus Chief | 5 km | 5 min | | Stawamus Chief to Sea-to-Sky Gondola | 5 km | 5 min | | Sea-to-Sky Gondola to Whistler | 45 km | 45 min | | Total: Vancouver to Whistler | 120 km | 2–2.5 hr |
Key Stops Along the Sea-to-Sky Highway
1. Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay, 20 km from downtown Vancouver, is a ferry terminal village with a marina, restaurants and the start of the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Stop for a coffee and a view of Howe Sound before the climb.
2. Shannon Falls Provincial Park
Shannon Falls, 65 km from Vancouver, is the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia, dropping 335 m from the mountains. The falls are a short walk from the parking area and are spectacular in spring when the snow melts.
3. Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
The Stawamus Chief, 70 km from Vancouver, is a 700 m granite cliff that towers over Howe Sound. The hiking trail to the summit is a challenging 3–4 hour round trip, but the base of the Chief is visible from the highway.
4. Sea-to-Sky Gondola
The Sea-to-Sky Gondola, 75 km from Vancouver, is a 10-minute gondola ride to a summit lodge at 885 m, with a suspension bridge, walking trails and panoramic views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. The gondola runs year-round.
5. Britannia Mine Museum
The Britannia Mine Museum, 80 km from Vancouver, is a National Historic Site in a former copper mine. The underground train tour and the mineral exhibits are a family highlight.
6. Whistler Village
Whistler Village, 120 km from Vancouver, is a pedestrian village at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The village has restaurants, shops, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola and an outdoor skating rink in winter.
Find hotels, vacation rentals, activities and car rentals for Whistler.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver to Whistler
Depart Vancouver by 8 AM. Stop at Horseshoe Bay for a coffee, then drive to Shannon Falls for a short walk. Continue to the Sea-to-Sky Gondola for a gondola ride and a summit walk. Have lunch at the gondola's summit lodge or in Squamish (5 km north). Arrive in Whistler by mid-afternoon, check in, and explore the village. Stay overnight in Whistler Village.
Day 2: Full Day in Whistler
Spend the day in Whistler. In winter, ski Whistler-Blackcomb and ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. In summer, hike the alpine trails, mountain-bike the valley trails, or ride the Whistler Village Gondola to the Roundhouse Lodge. Have dinner in the village and stay a second night.
Day 3: Whistler to Vancouver
Drive back to Vancouver via the Sea-to-Sky Highway (120 km, 2 hours). Stop at the Britannia Mine Museum or the Stawamus Chief if you missed them on the way up. Arrive in Vancouver by early afternoon.
Where to Stay
- Whistler Village: Whistler Village has slopeside lodges and family suites — the best for ski-in/ski-out access.
- Upper Village: The Fairmont Chateau Whistler and quieter luxury lodges near the Blackcomb base.
- Squamish: Mid-range hotels and motels 45 km south of Whistler — a budget alternative with a 45-minute drive to the slopes.
See our where to stay in Whistler guide for full area-by-area recommendations.
Practical Tips
- Driving: The Sea-to-Sky Highway is a well-maintained two-lane highway with passing lanes. Check road conditions before driving — the road can close for rockfall or snow. In winter, snow tires are essential (and mandatory on BC mountain highways from October 1 to March 31).
- Gas: Fill your tank in Vancouver — gas is more expensive in Whistler. There are gas stations in Squamish (halfway).
- Booking: Whistler books up for winter weekends and holidays. Reserve hotels and ski school at least a month ahead. The Sea-to-Sky Gondola can be booked online for discounts.
- Budget alternatives: Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief are free. The Sea-to-Sky Gondola is the best-value paid attraction. Day trips from Vancouver are doable without an overnight stay. Squamish has budget motels 45 km south of Whistler.
- Winter driving: The Sea-to-Sky Highway requires snow tires from October 1 to March 31. Check Drive BC for current conditions. The road can close for avalanche control or heavy snow.
Plan Your Sea-to-Sky Trip
Browse things to do in Whistler and things to do in Vancouver, check hotel availability in Whistler, or explore the full Vancouver to Whistler to Banff road trip.
For more, see Things to Do in Victoria, British Columbia: Top Attractions.
