Sea to Sky Trail Squamish
Experience breathtaking mountain vistas and challenging hikes along the iconic Sea to Sky Trail, from Squamish to Whistler.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Sea to Sky Trail Squamish
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking mountain vistas and challenging hikes along the iconic Sea to Sky Trail, from Squamish to Whistler.
"The views from the Sea to Sky Gondola are next-level—mountains, ocean, and fresh alpine air all around."
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Essential for steep, rocky, and root-filled trails like Sea to Summit. Good grip is key!
⬆️ Gondola down to save knees
The descent can be tough. Consider the gondola down for $20 to save your legs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea to Sky Gondola Summit
Top of the Sea to Sky Gondola
Panoramic views of Howe Sound, coastal mountains, and lush forests. Perfect for photos and a sense of accomplishment.
Shannon Falls Provincial Park
Base of the Sea to Sky Highway
Witness the majestic third-highest waterfall in BC, cascading down 335 meters. An easy, family-friendly walk.
Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
Squamish
Iconic granite monolith offering challenging hikes like the Chief Peaks Trail for breathtaking vistas.
Sea to Sky Trail (Biking/Hiking)
Stretches from Squamish to Whistler/Pemberton
An extensive multi-use trail network offering diverse landscapes, from coastal forests to alpine meadows.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Sea to Sky Trail
Gondola vs. Hiking: Know Your Ascent
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Essential for steep, rocky, and root-filled trails like Sea to Summit. Good grip is key!
⬆️ Gondola down to save knees
The descent can be tough. Consider the gondola down for $20 to save your legs.
🚗 Parking fees apply
Paid parking at the gondola lot ($8-10). Consider parking at Stawamus Chief lot to walk to gondola base.
🐶 Dogs are welcome
Many trails, including Sea to Summit and Shannon Falls, are dog-friendly. Keep them leashed!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Essential for steep, rocky, and root-filled trails like Sea to Summit. Good grip is key!
⬆️ Gondola down to save knees
The descent can be tough. Consider the gondola down for $20 to save your legs.
🚗 Parking fees apply
Paid parking at the gondola lot ($8-10). Consider parking at Stawamus Chief lot to walk to gondola base.
🐶 Dogs are welcome
Many trails, including Sea to Summit and Shannon Falls, are dog-friendly. Keep them leashed!
🗺️ Trail maps are helpful
Trails can split; pay attention to markers. Download offline maps or grab a physical one.
☁️ Fog can enhance views
Don't let fog deter you! PNW fog can create a mystical, moody atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking views from the Sea to Sky Gondola and the challenging, rewarding hikes like Sea to Summit and The Chief. The well-maintained trails and the natural beauty of Howe Sound are major highlights. Some find the gondola tickets and parking fees a bit steep, and certain trails can be very demanding.
"Two main trails to hike up, sea to summit or the climb (aka skatshn aka evac).
Sea to summit is a moderate one with some fun scrambling sections. It also takes you to the upper Shannon fall area where you have a chance to see the fall from a different angle. It is family/ dog friendly and you can descend on this trail back down. 6.3k one way took us 2h 15 min.
The climb is a much steeper trail with more scrambling sections. With almost 500 m elevation gain in the first km, you are literally climbing. Not recommended for little kids/ little doggies nor descending. Still enjoyable trail with many caves and rocks to observe.
3k one way took us 1h 45 min Great workout!
Many more trails to continue on, beautiful view from the bridge and deck, and places to eat and drink at the top. I love the gondola ride down, which saves my knees and the time.
Paid parking at the gondola lot. $8 for 4hrs or $10 for a day, using pay by phone app. Gondola ride down is $20 if paid on line in advance."
Kanako Sakurada
"This was a super fun hike! Four of us went and took our time, finished in about 3.75 hours! The trail was well marked with pink and orange markers. I definitely recommend hiking shoes or boots but poles weren't necessary for us! We took the gondola down for $20/each. Dogs are welcome."
Meredith M
"It’s a beautiful hike. I did it for the first time in 2018 and now again a few days ago. It was very nostalgic to go back. Trail has been improved drastically. They have installed staircases in the beginning. Overall, it just feels very fresh and meditative when you’re in the middle of the woods. I’d love to go back again. It’s a moderate to a challenging hike, good hiking shoes are a must. Some sections are steep and technical but there are ropes and chains to help you climb. First time I went in runners and I was sore for a few days after the hike but this time I didn’t feel anything at all. 5/5"
Manu Goyal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sea to Sky Trail is accessible via the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). It's about a 45-minute drive north of Vancouver. You can drive and park at various trailheads, including the Sea to Sky Gondola base or Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. Public transit options are limited, so driving is generally recommended. +1
Yes, paid parking is available at the Sea to Sky Gondola base ($8 for 4 hours, $10 for a day) and at Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. Some sections of the trail may have limited or no designated parking, so plan accordingly.
Absolutely! The Sea to Sky Trail is a popular multi-use route for biking, with sections suitable for various skill levels. Bikepacking is a fantastic way to experience the full length. 
The trail is extensive, so accessing different sections often involves driving to specific trailheads. Popular access points include the Sea to Sky Gondola, Shannon Falls Provincial Park, and various points along Highway 99.
While not explicitly mentioned for the entire trail, some local operators might offer shuttles to specific trailheads or for bikepacking trips. It's worth researching local tour operators in Squamish.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Sea to Sky Trail itself is generally free to access for hiking and biking. However, if you plan to use the Sea to Sky Gondola for access to the summit or for descent, you will need to purchase a ticket.
Gondola tickets vary, but a one-way ride down is often around $20 if booked online in advance. Round-trip tickets are also available. Check the official Sea to Sky Gondola website for current pricing.
Shannon Falls Provincial Park and Stawamus Chief Provincial Park are generally free to enter. However, parking fees may apply at designated lots.
Yes, this is a very popular option! You can hike up via trails like Sea to Summit or The Climb and then purchase a gondola ticket for a scenic descent.
Operating hours for the Sea to Sky Gondola vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Popular options include the Sea to Summit Trail (moderate-strenuous, ~6.3k one way), 'The Climb' (strenuous, ~3k one way), and trails around the Sea to Sky Gondola summit like the Panorama Trail (easy, 1.6k loop). The Stawamus Chief offers challenging multi-peak hikes. +1
The Sea to Summit hike is considered moderate to challenging, with some fun scrambling sections. It's about 6.3km one way and can take 2-3 hours to ascend. Good hiking shoes are a must.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of Howe Sound, coastal mountains, fjords, and lush forests. It's a postcard-perfect vista.
Yes, the summit area of the Sea to Sky Gondola typically has restrooms, viewing platforms, and dining options like the Summit Lodge.
Some sections are family-friendly, like the easy Panorama Trail at the gondola summit or the walk to Shannon Falls. However, steeper, more technical trails like 'The Climb' or parts of the Chief are not recommended for very young children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
At the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, you'll find dining options like the Summit Lodge. Near the base, Squamish offers various cafes and restaurants. Hong Kong Bakery & Unique Slow Rise Cafe is a notable spot for dumplings.
Yes, packing your own snacks and water is highly recommended, especially for longer hikes. There are limited options on some trails, but the gondola summit has facilities.
While not always designated, many scenic spots along the trail are perfect for a picnic. Shannon Falls Provincial Park has picnic areas.
The Summit Lodge at the gondola typically offers a range of food, from casual snacks to more substantial meals, often with a focus on local ingredients and stunning views.
Generally, consuming alcohol on public trails and in provincial parks is discouraged or prohibited. It's best to check local regulations for specific areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the Sea to Sky Gondola offers unparalleled panoramic views. Shannon Falls is a dramatic subject, and viewpoints like Quercus Viewpoint on the Murrin Loop Trail provide stunning vistas of Howe Sound.
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) provides beautiful light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but the dramatic scale of the mountains and fjords is still impressive.
Yes, the gondola ride itself offers unique photographic opportunities as you ascend and descend, capturing the changing perspectives of the landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant mountain details. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions or long exposures of waterfalls.
Drone usage is often restricted in provincial parks and around tourist attractions like the Sea to Sky Gondola. Always check the regulations for the specific area you plan to fly in to avoid fines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
A visit to Shannon Falls Provincial Park is also a hit, with a short, accessible trail leading to the base of the impressive waterfall. Dogs are welcome on many trails, making it a great outing for the whole family. While the Sea to Summit trail and The Chief are more challenging, consider the gondola ride up for the views, and then explore the easier trails at the top. Packing snacks and water is essential, and planning for potential crowds during peak times will ensure a smoother experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples & Adventure Seekers
The Stawamus Chief offers thrilling climbs for couples seeking an adrenaline rush and incredible photo opportunities.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Sea to Sky Gondola Experience
At the summit, you'll find the Panorama Trail, an easy 1.6 km loop perfect for a leisurely stroll and photo opportunities. For the more adventurous, the gondola provides access to more challenging routes. The Sea to Summit Trail is a popular option for hikers looking for a more strenuous climb, offering a rewarding experience with varied terrain.
+1It's important to note that the Sea to Sky Gondola has experienced past incidents of vandalism, but it has since been rebuilt and continues to be a popular destination.
Hiking the Iconic Trails: Sea to Summit vs. The Chief
The Stawamus Chief, a massive granite monolith, offers a different kind of challenge. The Chief Peaks Trail involves climbing multiple peaks, with the Third Peak being a particularly demanding route. These hikes are known for their steep ascents, requiring the use of hands and feet for some sections, and offering unparalleled views over Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains.
For those seeking a more direct and intense climb, 'The Climb' trail (also known as Skatshn or Evac) is a steeper, more technical option than Sea to Summit, with nearly 500 meters of elevation gain in the first kilometer. It's not recommended for young children or dogs due to its steepness and scrambling.
Exploring the Broader Sea to Sky Trail Network
+3Sections like 'Gord's Garden' between Whistler and Pemberton offer a peaceful 7km stretch along the Green River.
The trail traces historical routes used by Indigenous peoples for travel and trade, offering a deep connection to the land's heritage. Whether you're looking for a short day hike to a waterfall like Shannon Falls
or a multi-day adventure, the Sea to Sky Trail system provides diverse options. Remember to check trail conditions, especially for sections that might still be under construction or have seasonal closures. 
Social
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