When we first officially enrolled as full-time van lifers, we’d spend our days weaving through the jagged vertebrates of mother earth as we road-tripped mountainous British Columbia.
After stopping by a vintage thrift store in a wonderful little town that was tucked away somewhere between Vancouver and Whistler, we found a dusty writer’s quill.
We used the quill, complete with dippy ink, to write a letter home. In that letter, we informed our families of our great discovery and how we had fallen in love with a wonderful little town called Squamish…
If only you could see yet another marvelous discovery we made on our worldly adventures.
We roam Cleveland Avenue twice daily, there are no corporate stores here, only businesses that operate from the heart.
Comforting meals from afar and near, a town that all towns once were.
Community gardens, world-renowned kite surfing, and rainbow crossings.
The sweet smell of brewing Barley stirs the nightly wind from the Mamquam Blind Channel.
Shannon Falls shimmers in the moonlight while revelers jamboree at the Goat.
Fencing mountains make you forget that you’re in the real world and the Chief is really in charge here.
Take a flight to Vancouver, we’ll pick you up and drive you an hour North and into the modest town of Squamish.
And it wasn’t until we flew aside eagles and saw from above that we had found paradise ‘under ice’.
The locals told us that there were two options to see Squamish in its true splendor, one was a 2-3 hour upward hike of the famous climber’s spot, the Stawamus Chief, and the other was via the Sea to Sky Gondola.
What is the Sea to Sky Gondola?
The Sea to Sky Gondola is a set of gondola style cable cars that take thousands of passengers a year up to the top of a mountain right off the Sea to Sky highway that runs from Vancouver right up to famous tourist spot, Whistler.
Each one of the Sea to Sky Gondola carriages was made in Switzerland. Up to 8 passengers can be transported 885 meters into the air with luxurious padded seats so visitors can comfortably enjoy sweeping aerial views of the lush wilderness of British Columbia.
The gondolas have incredible floor to ceiling glass windows ensuring a magnificent viewing experience all the way up and all the way down.
As well as wildlife and forestry typical to the stunning province of British Columbia, sights that are visible on the Sea to Sky Gondola journey also include thunderous Shannon Falls and the mighty Stawamus Chief mountain.
Once at the top, many other adventures await. Visitors have access to a wide array of outdoor experiences, including three interpretive loop trails with cantilevered viewing platforms, the spectacular Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, daring climbing adventures and access trails to back-country routes.
The gondolas have a ground-level entrance and exit points, making them perfectly wheelchair and stroller accessible.
History of the Sea to Sky Gondola
After opening in 2014, the Sea to Sky Gondola has been through a lot of changes and it is still constantly evolving today.
In 2019 the Sea to Sky Gondola was subjected to sabotage and the tourist attraction took several months to rebuild and recover. Then the COVID-19 pandemic forced closure for several more months.
We were pleased to visit the Gondola right after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and found that all relevant safety measures were put into place.
Visitor groups had a gondola to themselves and each gondola was thoroughly sanitized after each gondola was cleared. Social distancing measures are also in place in all areas of the attraction.
Where is the Sea to Sky Gondola?
If Vancouver and Whistler were two slices of bread, then the Sea to Sky Gondola would be the delicious filling.
The popular attraction is located right in the middle of the Sea to Sky Highway which is an expressway between Vancouver and Whistler.
There is a turn off on the Sea to Sky Highway/Hwy 99 just before Downtown Squamish if driving from Vancouver and just after Squamish if driving from Whistler.
Sea to Sky Gondola is located 2 kilometers south of Squamish.
36800 Highway 99
Squamish, BC
V8B 0B6
Phone: 604.892.2550
Toll Free: 1.855.732-8675
Highway 99 itself is incredibly scenic and visitors can enjoy the backdrop of Vancouver Island and its boundless neighbors as well as the wonderful colors of an enchanting rainforest and fauna.
Lots of wildlife can be seen close to the highway so keep your eyes peeled for rare birds, otters, bears, and deer.
Sea to Sky Gondola Attractions
If you think the Sea to Sky Gondola ends at the thrilling ride to the top, then think British Columbia. The gondola ride itself is just the start of a valiant trip to the top of the mountain.
Summit Lodge
When the gondola ride up to the top of the mountain ends, visitors arrive at the Summit Lodge which is the base for exploration.
As well as souvenir stores, food and drink outlets, and viewing platforms, there are many support staff and information boards to help plan your day.
The Summit Lodge is home to the trailheads of the hiking loops. There are useful maps and trailhead markers at the Summit Lodge and it is also a good place to spot adorable wildlife looking to score crumbs from the hundreds of tourists that pass by.
The Summit Lodge is also home to the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge and the Sky Pilot Restaurant, both of which are close together.
Access to backcountry routes and rock climbing routes is also available here should visitors wish to amp up the adventure!
Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge
Before we headed up to the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, we had heard about the Suspension Bridge and assumed it was a paid attraction. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that it is indeed free to walk on!
The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is 100 meters long and offers 360-degree aerial views of a majestic rainforest as well as open views of Howe Sound and the scrapes of the Rocky Mountains.
The bridge is open all year round and it is very sturdy, safe, and secure. It is wheelchair and stroller accessible too making it a great experience for the whole family.
Take a look over the edge if you dare and admire the blanket of trees, swirling ravens, and elevating mountain pathways thousands of feet below.
The Sky Pilot Restaurant
The Sky Pilot Restaurant is located at the Summit Lodge right beside the exit/entrance to the Gondola.
The Restaurant prides itself on offering ‘a casual West Coast-inspired menu focused on fresh, local, and seasonal fare’.
We were lucky enough to sample all of the vegan options at the Sky Pilot Restaurant and needless to say the food was as dazzling as the view!
Vegan Options at the Sky Pilot Restaurant
First up we have the savoury vegan options:
Grilled Veggie Sandwich
An earthy softness with a light crunch, the Grilled Veggie Sandwich offers a mix of thick cut juicy Portabella mushrooms and succulent sliced beets.
The bread maintains its crispiness though sodden with pesto on the inside. The sandwich is bursting with rainbow colors of fresh vegetables and healthy sprouts.
Apple Quinoa Salad
Buttons of perfectly cooked tri-colored quinoa float on rafts of fresh green and purple leaves. Sliced Granny Smith apples, Celery, and Scallions make this a revitalizing jumble that is perfect for Summer.
The gentle blend of a Maple Vinegarette dressing catches a kick of fresh cranberries leaving a refreshingly sweet aftertaste.
Forager Burger
Nothing is sacrificed with the vegan brioche bun that hits the brown rice pattie loosely with a hearty portabella mushroom.
If the juicy portabella wasn’t enough to kindle the tastebuds, the housemade vegan mayo and vegan cheese are enough to excite any plant-based wanderer. The elegant arugula and truffle are the difference between dining casual and dining elegantly.
The side of fries is lightly dusted with generous flakes of sea salt making the Forager burger the perfect Sky High indulgence.
Grapefruit Salad
A moist salad that is abundant in delicate flavors and textures. The concoction of mixed greens, grapefruit dressing, grapefruit segments, and pickled red onion is refreshing and energizing making it a perfect choice for a hiking aid on a hot summer’s day.
The topping of zingy pistachio crumble gives the salad a unique and fulfilling bite.
House Ketchup
Alike smooth salsa in texture, the house ketchup is wholly vegan and offers a subtle hint of garlic. The House Ketchup is a healthier option than conventional ketchup and it is served with all burgers, sandwiches, and fries.
Vegan Desserts
The HUGE variety* of vegan desserts at the Sky Pilot Restaurant was greatly appreciated, there is something for all sweet toothed palates.
* Desserts may vary depending on the day of visit.
Chocolate Hazelnut Slice
A daring pillow of chocolate fluff rests upon a bed of delicate crunch. The fluffy hazelnut and oat base crumble elegantly intertwines with a rich chocolate topping at every chomp.
This is one of the best vegan desserts we’ve tried on the continent, be sure to devour it before it melts!
Raw Granola Bar
The delicious plant-based Raw Granola Bar is the perfect energy booster for those partaking in sky-high hikes.
The hiker’s infusion bar is a mingle of Oats, Sunflower Seeds, Flax Seeds, and Almonds, all glued together with real Canadian Maple Syrup.
Maple Walnut Cookie
This Vegan Maple Walnut Cookie oozes home-baked lightness with a wild kick of cinnamon.
Canadian Maple Syrup seeps through every crunch as the teeth dig through a soft texture that’s crunchy on the outside.
If Grandma was plant-based, this is what she’d whip up!
Raw Energy Ball
A rolled-up power surge for those who seek an adventurous day, the Vegan Raw Energy Ball is packed with energy-swelling cacao, peanut butter, and flaked coconut offering a mouthwatering fill for hungry bellies.
Choco Chip Cookie
The almond and coconut base of the Chocolate Chip Cookie gives a fresh and crumbly texture that melts in the mouth.
The non-dairy chocolate chips would have any vegan questioning its vegan-ness!
Drinks and Offers
The Sky Pilot Restaurant offers beer, wine, and cocktails as well as a wide variety of soft and hot drinks.
The restaurant has a Happy Hour on the Shared Plates & Appies Menu from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm (Sunday – Thursday) and 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Friday & Saturday)*.
Sky Pilot Restaurant Opening Times
Sunday – Thursday | 10:30 am – 5:00 pm (last call 4:50 pm)*
Friday & Saturday | 10:30 am – 8:00 pm (last call 7:50 pm)*
* Please check with the restaurant directly for the most up to date information.
Hiking Trails at the Sea to Sky Gondola
There are three popular loop trails that all start from the Summit Lodge. Each loop is signposted at the trailhead and all are relatively close together.
We hiked all three loops and we gave an estimated time for each one below as well as what to expect along the way.
Timing estimates are based on a steady paced walk with time to admire viewpoints and take pictures.
Wonderland Lake Trail (around 1 hour)
The Wonderland Lake trail certainly lives up to its fairytale name. Weaving around enchanting flora, one certainly feels like Alice as she delved into the depths of giant trees amid the chants of wildlife.
The shade from the towering trees on the Wonderland Lake trail offers a cool walk in the summer months. The trail is mostly downhill and flat making it a great hike for those of all ages and abilities.
Once the canopy of treetops eases and around 30 minutes in, Wonderland Lake is revealed.
The stillness of the lake allows visitors to enjoy the tweets of birds such as Steller’s Jays and croaky insects as they walk on water and dock onto one of the many lily pod islands.
Enjoy sightings of majestic butterflies, rainforest vegetation, and ample unique photo opportunities at this blissful sky-high retreat.
Panorama Trail (around 1 hour)
The Panorama Trail is one of our favorite trails in British Columbia. The reward for taking the windy path to the edge of the mountain is one of the most picturesque views in the province, if not the world!
The Panorama Trail reminded us of Yosemite National Park in California with slices of grand granite domes and trees that expose centuries of wisdom.
The Panorama trail is one of the longest hikes at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, the path is wheelchair accessible and it elevates slightly as the pathway teases visitors with safe views of the surrounding mountains and Howe Sound.
It isn’t until after 20-30 minutes that hikers brush close enough to the edge where an incredible viewpoint is revealed.
And the view from the Panorama trail viewpoint is like something from a Pinterest travel board.
Are there really any better viewpoints in BC? Or in Canada?
Spirit Trail (around 30 minutes)
There is a very special hiking loop at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, one of which documents the native history of the area by means of signposted stories and information that dates back centuries. This is known as the Spirit Trail.
The Spirit Trail is relatively short and there are inclines and declines throughout. There is a great place to sit for those who may need to rest during the hike.
The trail is marked with informative boards on the Squamish people and how they used natural resources for everyday life.
There are information stop points on local Foraging and Medicinal plants. This is also a great short trail to spot local wildlife.
The Spirit Trail gifts a brilliant viewpoint right by the unspoiled snowy peaks of the neighboring Rocky Mountains!
A highlight of the Spirit Trail is a very well placed wooden bench with, arguably, one of the world’s greatest viewpoints.
Prices and Ticket Options
For the most up to date information on Sea to Sky Gondola ticket prices and hours of operation check the website directly.
There are two types of passes to purchase, Day and Annual.
Discounts are offered to Youth, Seniors, Children, and Families*.
There is also a small discount if the ticket is purchased online*.
Children under 5 go for free*.
There are options for a one-way ride down which offers a huge discount. Hiking up to the top can be a fun challenge and a great way to stay in shape!
Annual pass holders also receive many discounts on attractions and food at the top as well as other local activities in the vicinity.
* Check the website directly for the most up to date information.
Find out More
For more information on the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, please visit their website:
www.seatoskygondola.com
Or contact the team directly:
PO Box 2389
36800 Highway 99
Squamish, BC V8B 0B6
Email: info@seatoskygondola.com
Phone: +1.604.892.2550
For tour operators/groups and special events inquiries please contact sales@seatoskygondola.com
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