The Sea to Sky Gondola – Explore the Wildside of BC

The Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, BC is absolutely worth checking out and dedicating an afternoon to with family and friends. The views are magnificent and keep getting better as you make your way up to the top of the mountain. You can visit at any time of the year, and plan your trip on their helpful website.

Just under a 30min drive from the town of Squamish, or a 45ish minute’s drive from downtown Vancouver sits this amazing tourist attraction known as the Sea to Sky Gondola.

At the base of the mountain, you will be able to find parking in their massive parking lot, purchase your tickets, use the facilities, and explore the gift shop. There is also a small play area for children which is a nice break for parents.

If you’re looking for a grand adventure in nature but with access to modern conveniences and great food, this is for you. The famous Stawamus Chief that has made appearances in multiple movies and TV shows sits beneath the summit of the Gondola. You know you’re high up when the Chief seems to of shrunk!

Attractions

The gondolas themselves are pretty roomy, and it’s likely that you won’t have to share with a stranger which is always a bonus. There is also lots of outdoor seating and places to relax at the top with loved ones or do a photoshoot in BCs nature.

We weren’t sure it was worth the cost at first, but we quickly realized we’d made the right decision. It’s so much more than just a gondola ride; it’s forest trails/hikes, a cafe & bar, a suspension bridge, and spectacular vantage points at every turn. Summit lodge offers a place to regroup and take a pause in your adventures for a bite to eat. The viewing platforms are also perfectly situated so you can get the best vantage possible on your camera.

When you arrive at the top it’s ‘choose your own adventure’ in that you are free to roam and explore while overlooking the great Howe Sound. One attraction is the 100m long suspension bridge. It makes for a fantastic photo op with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, forest, and Howe Sound below. It’s truly breathtaking.

PSA be careful to not drop your phone. That would be a nightmare!

Pristine Trails

During our visit here we enjoyed exploring the trails and seeing what we could see. We didn’t encounter much wildlife other than some small birds, and the occasional eagle. If you spend more time and are patient you may get lucky and see something special like an owl. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow. They wind down paths that take you through the lush forest.

The trails each have a name, they are the Wonderland Lake Loop, Spirit Trail, Sparkys Spin, Panorama Trail, Highline Trail, and Alpine Alley. A description of each trail and their level of difficulty can be found on their website here.

If you want to save on money you can choose to hike your way up to the summit and take a discounted gondola ride down. This is a great option for those of us who enjoy a challenge! It’s a similar idea to what has been implemented at Grouse Mountain, which you can read about here.

Food Options

When we visited the Sea to Sky Gondola in June of 2020, we were lucky enough to get to order the forager burger at the then Sky Pilot Restaurant, which tasted out of this world and was filling to boot! The Sky Pilot Restaurant has since been replaced with the Co-Pilot Cafe, which offers its collection of delicious sandwiches, pastries, and more.

We must visit again soon and try the Co-Pilot Cafe, the Marketplace Eatery, and Edge Bar. They’re sure to impress and can be found inside the Summit Lodge.

Pricing

Here is a price breakdown to visit the Sea to Sky Gondola in 2023. Prices vary depending on which day of the week you decide to go, or if you purchase your ticket ahead of time online. They also have a family ticket bundle available which could be a more cost-efficient option for some.

• Adults 19-64 $62.95
• Senior 65+ $55.95
• Youth 13-18 $36.95
• Child 6-12 $23.95
• Children 5 and under FREE

The prices have certainly climbed since we last visited in June of 2020, but rest assured it is still well worth it. Keep in mind that the recent pandemic has caused businesses of all shapes and sizes to increase pricing in order to survive in the long term.

All in all, I highly recommend adding the Sea to Sky Gondola to your ‘to-do’ list for 2023. It’s perfect for a romantic afternoon together, a solo adventure, or a fun day with family and friends. Getting there is half the fun as the Sea to Sky highway is known for its many turns and gorgeous setting.

If you’re looking to make this an even more significant trip, consider camping at Klahanie Campground. It’s a walkable distance away from the Gondola, and we had a good experience as campers there ourselves. Exploring the town of Squamish is also a nice way to spend time, popping into the local shops and cafes. Lastly, you must add Shannon Falls to your list of places to visit while along this beautiful stretch of the Sea to Sky corridor. All of these places fit together perfectly to create a dreamy getaway from city life, and experience something new and memorable in BC.

Thanks for reading this post, I hope you’ve found it helpful in some way and are able to visit this beautiful place soon.

So happy ^_^