Is a Whistler day trip from Vancouver worth it?

It is, especially because the drive itself is half the experience. If your time in Vancouver is limited, a well-planned day covers Shannon Falls, the village, and at least one gondola ride. Those with more time who want to ski or hike longer trails will benefit from an overnight stay.

Do I need to know how to ski to visit in winter?

Not at all. The village is charming in the snow — you can go tobogganing, watch the skiers come down the slopes, and ride the gondola without ever putting on a ski.

Is the highway dangerous?

The Sea to Sky was fully rebuilt for the 2010 Olympics and is now a modern highway, with divided lanes for most of the route. In winter we use proper snow tires, as required by provincial law.

Which gondola should we choose, Squamish or Peak 2 Peak?

The Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish offers fjord views and the suspension bridge — it's the most impressive on a clear day. The Peak 2 Peak delivers a high-alpine experience and holds the record for the longest unsupported span. You can do both in one day, but the schedule gets tight.

Can kids handle the full day?

Yes, because the drive is broken up into several short stops. Whistler Village is car-free, which makes everything more relaxed, and there's plenty of open space for kids to run around.

A gondola over a turquoise fjord with snow-capped mountains along the Sea to Sky route

Private tour · 10 to 11 hours · Portuguese-speaking guide

Whistler and Sea to Sky

One of the most beautiful drives in the world, with a gondola ride, waterfalls and an afternoon in Whistler Village.

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Whistler & Sea to Sky

The Sea to Sky Highway regularly appears on lists of the world's most beautiful drives, and the reason becomes clear within the first twenty minutes: Howe Sound fjord on one side, granite cliffs with waterfalls plunging straight into the forest on the other.

The final destination is Whistler, the village that hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics and now runs year-round. In winter it's North America's largest ski resort; in summer it becomes a hub for mountain biking, hiking trails and crystal-clear lakes.

Since the tour is private, we stop at every viewpoint worth seeing — and there are many. Shannon Falls, Tantalus Lookout, Brandywine Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish can be added to or dropped from the itinerary depending on time and the group's interests.

Tour highlights

Sea to Sky Highway and Howe Sound fjord
Shannon Falls, BC's third-tallest waterfall
Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish
Tantalus Lookout
Brandywine Falls
Whistler Village and the Olympic Plaza
Lost Lake and Green Lake in summer
Peak 2 Peak Gondola (optional)

Duration: 10 to 11 hours
Group: Private, just your group
Language: Portuguese, English & Spanish

What a typical day looks like

Hotel pickup

Departure from Vancouver heading north, crossing West Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay, where the highway meets the sea.

Howe Sound viewpoints

Short stops at lookouts over the fjord and the islands. It's the most photogenic stretch of the entire highway.

Shannon Falls

An easy ten-minute walk to the base of the 335-metre waterfall. The trail is flat, shaded and easy for kids.

Sea to Sky Gondola (optional)

A ride up in Squamish to the platform with the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge and open views of the fjord. About an hour and a half at the top, including the ride up.

Tantalus Lookout and arrival in Whistler

A final scenic stop with the Tantalus Range in the background before reaching the village.

Whistler Village

Lunch on your own and time to walk around the fully pedestrian village. Olympic Plaza, shops, cafés, and in summer, the local farmers' market.

Peak 2 Peak (optional) or the lakes

Those wanting altitude can ride the Peak 2 Peak, the gondola linking Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Those who'd rather relax can head to Lost Lake or the turquoise waters of Green Lake.