Sea to Sky Gondola at Squamish is worth a visit

Sea to Sky Gondola at Squamish

When I first heard of the plans to build a Sea to Sky Gondola, I was skeptical. As residents of North VancouverWe often drive the Sea to Sky HighwayEn route to Whistler. 

Back then, Squamish was the halfway point between Whistler and me. Not a destination in itself. I didn’t see the vision of this new outdoor attraction. 

Whistler was just finishing the Peak to Peak Gondola that connected Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. Whistler, which hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics only a few short years before, was still buzzing.

I wondered if this new Squamish Gondola could compete against Whistler. 

In May 2015, we first visited the Sea to Sky Gondola as a tourist. Day trip from Vancouver. Our boys were aged 4 and 2. We returned to the island a few years after our first visit. Winter holiday seasonIt was a totally different experience. 

We visited the Sea to Sky Gondola once again last month.

We had not been to the city for 4 years. We decided to stay in for the weekend. SquamishIt felt like a good moment to return. It was predicted to be sunny and clear that day, which influenced our decision.

Related – Sea to Sky Highway: 22 Awesome Things to Do

Should you visit Sea To Sky Gondola Squamish

Let’s revisit the title of this blog post. Should You can also find out more about us on our website.Visit the Sea to Sky Gondola

The short answer is Yes. It’s a unique year-round attraction that caters to all travel styles. 

If you’re a resident of the Lower Mainland, you should absolutely visit the Sea to Sky Gondola. No matter what season it is, there are many things to do. I’m confident that you won’t be disappointed. Unless, of course, it pours rain and/or it’s crazy busy during your visit (both could happen, so be prepared to pivot). 

That said, if you’re a first time visitor to the Vancouver area, and you’re limited on time, I might give you a different answer. 

This question is ultimately about the value of your time and money.

If you have to choose between the Squamish Gondola, Whistler Gondola or Grouse Mountain tram, I’d recommend the Whistler option because there are more Whistler has many things to do. 

Grouse Mountain may be the better option if your time is limited and you’re staying in Vancouver. If you don’t have a car, you can use public transportation to get to Grouse Mountain, or you can join a tour.

If you have time and a vehicle, we recommend that you take a day trip up to Squamish, and visit the Sea to Sky Gondola.

Watch – Take a virtual ride up the gondola within 30 seconds

Sea to Sky Gondola has many things to do

There’s much more to this popular Squamish tourist attraction then pretty mountain landscapes. The beautiful landscapes are worth seeing. Over the years, the Sea to Sky Gondola has expanded it’s offerings and attractions.  

• Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge – Walk across it!
• Viewing Platforms provide panoramic views of Howe Sound. (Photo below)
• Take a walk. There are a variety of trails that lead from the summit, from easy paths up to backcountry alpine routes. Here’s the list of hiking trails.
• Sky Pilot Eatery’s patio offers spectacular views. 
• Live music, concerts and holidays festivities. Calendar of Events Here is a link to the article.
• Snowshoeing in winter, tubing or skiing.
• Squamish Via Ferrata tours. More info Here is a link to the article.

Watch – Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge offers amazing views

Beautiful landscapes from the Chief Overlook – Viewing Platform. 

How long is a gondola ride from sea to sky?

The gondola ride is approximately 10 minutes from our base to the summit.

How many people can fit in the Sea to Sky Gondola?

Each gondola has a maximum of 8 passengers. If you’re lucky, you might get the cabin all to yourself.

During busy weekends in the summer, each cabin is expected to be filled. There are often long lines in the summer months, so don’t expect to have the gondola all to yourself.

The Sea to Sky Gondola can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.

How high will the Sea to Sky Gondola lift you?

The elevation gain is approximately 885 meters.  This is 200 meters higher than the crest of the  Stawamus Chief. 

More information about the numbers Here is a link to the article. 

This is a shot from the top the Sea to Sky Gondola.

To get a similar picture, cross the suspension bridge. Then turn right. Follow the trail up to the Sky Pilot Lookout.

Our boy crossing the dizzying heights Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. Look at these mountain landscapes! 

Sea To Sky Gondola Route Map

Above is a map of the Sea To Sky Gondola Trail (photo credit to Sea to Sky Gondola). As you can tell, there are a lot of things to do when you reach the Sea To Sky Summit. There is the suspension bridge and viewpoint platforms as well as a variety of hiking and walking trails. 

Wonderland Lake LoopThis is a popular trail for beginners that takes 30-45 minutes. It’s a nice nature trail through the coastal forest. The trail offers a variety of viewpoints with spectacular views of the Summit Lodge and the Sky Pilot and Co-Pilot Mountains.

You can also hike (or descend) to the summit by the Sea to Summit trail.

Entrance to Panorama Trail. The Chief Overlook Viewing Platform awaits you at the end of the trail.

This trail takes 30-60 minutes. This trail is flat, well marked and suitable for beginners. It’s mostly gravel. 

Snowy peaks and coastal forests views from the Spirit Trail. This trail is suitable for families and is easy to navigate. 

The viewing platform offers the best view of Squamish Sound and Howe Sound.

Watch short video Here is a link to the article.

Brave guests finishing the Via Ferrata course at the Sea to Sky Summit.

Keep to the trail! You should be aware of some cliff areas. 

Top of the Stawamus ChiefWith views of Squamish at a distance.

Picnic area for the whole family with a playground at the top.

The kid’s play area has a slackline to practice your balance. 

If you don’t like hiking, relax on the patio at Summit Lodge to enjoy the stunning mountain views. This is probably the best lunch spot in Squamish. 

Sea to Sky Gondola Restaurants – Where To Eat

• Sky Pilot Eatery – main restaurant (pictured above) with outdoor and indoor seating. 
• Edge Bar – serving craft beer from every local brewery in Squamish.
• Co-Pilot Cafe – located inside the Summit Lodge, serving fresh coffee, snacks and to-go items.
• Backyard Bites – located in the Backyard Plaza (see photo below), serving fancy poutine and quick bites.

Backyard Plaza Sea to Sky Summit

Order your food from the red awning in the photo above and grab a picnic table.

There’s a kid’s playground here, too, so you can let the little ones run wild while you enjoy lunch surrounded by coastal forest. 

If you’re lucky, you can eat your lunch inside a gondola with a table (see above). There’s only a few of these gondolas available, so if you happen to see one empty, grab it!

Backyard Plaza has a seating area outside. This is an ideal place to enjoy a packed lunch.

How to get the Sea to Sky Gondola from Squamish

The Sea to Sky Gondola runs along Highway 99, the Sea to Sky Highway. It’s only 2 kilometers south of Squamish city centre. 

Address: 36800 Highway 99, Squamish, British Columbia

From Vancouver, it’s a 45 minute drive.

Parking is available at Sea To Sky Gondola.

There is a parking area at the base of gondola. You will need to drive north on the Sea To Sky Highway to access the main parking area. The parking lot is located just after Shannon Falls Provincial Park. 

If you’re driving from Whistler south to Squamish, you will need to drive past the Sea to Sky Gondola and turn around at the lights at Darrell Bay/Shannon Falls. You can’t turn left off the highway and into the parking area.

Parking is free.Parking lots fill up fast, especially at weekends. Arrive early. 

Where to stay in Squamish

During our visit to Squamish we made a statement at the Sandman Hotel. It’s located off the Sea to Sky Highway, near the Walmart. It’s a fairly new property with good sized rooms. We had two doubles beds and a pull-out sofa, which was ideal for our four-person family. 

Check Sandman hotel room rates and availability Here is a link to the article.

Other family friendly hotels are available in Squamish Executive Suites Hotel & Resort and/or Mountain Retreat Hotel.

Squamish offers a variety of vacation rentals, including rustic cabins or high-end condos along the waterfront. Check VRBO for availability. 

Continue reading more blog posts on travel in British Columbia

Have you ever visited the Sea to Sky Gondola at Squamish, British Columbia?

If not, would you like to visit again in the future? Please leave us a comment.