Is The Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish Worth It?

The Sea to Sky Gondola is a world class, 10-minute gondola located in Squamish, British Columbia, that takes you from the base of the mountain to the Summit Lodge at an elevation of 885m (2,900ft).

I first rode the Sea to Sky Gondola back in 2017 not long after I moved to the area from the UK. Because I was working at a hotel at the time I got to use the “Vancouver Tourism Passport” to ride for free. I have since been back to the gondola, and honestly loved it even more. It’s not hard to see why it’s one of the best things to do in Squamish – It’s an attraction I always recommend to first time visitors to the area.

There are a few gondolas is the Vancouver/Whistler area, including the Peak 2 Peak and the Grouse Mountain Gondola, so you may be wondering, is the Sea to Sky Gondola worth it? In my opinion, yes it is! And in this post I’m going to tell you exactly why I think it’s worth visiting!

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Where is the Sea to Sky Gondola?

The Sea to Sky Gondola is located in Squamish, British Columbia, which is about an hour drive from Vancouver and 45 minutes from Whistler. It’s situated along the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway, making it a convenient stop for those travelling between Vancouver and Whistler.

The parking lot is accessible directly from the highway, just after Shannon Falls. Parking at the base of the gondola is free. You can either buy your tickets at the kiosk at the base, or save time and purchase tickets online in advance.

What can you expect during your ride?

As mentioned earlier, the gondola ride takes approximately 10 minutes from the base to the Summit Lodge. During the ride up, you will be treated to stunning panoramic views of Howe Sound, Shannon Falls, and the Stawamus Chief. The gondola cabins are spacious and can accommodate up to 8 people per car.

What is there to do at the Sea to Sky Gondola?

Once you reach the top of the gondola, you will find yourself at the Summit Lodge which offers stunning views and a variety of activities. Here are some highlights:

Summit Lodge & Viewing Deck

When you reach the top of the gondola and exit the loading area, you will see the Summit Lodge immediately to your right. The Summit Lodge is a cozy and modern building that houses a gift shop, restaurant and bar.

The outside viewing deck has a few tables that you can sit at and enjoy breathtaking 360 views of Howe Sound. It’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery, or grab a bite to eat at their restaurant or cafe.

Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge

Although I am afraid of heights, there’s something about suspension bridges that I just love! I’ve been to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge, the Golden Skybridge, and even the suspension bridge at Cascade Falls, but I think in terms of views the Sky Pilot bridge beats them all!

The 100-metre long bridge hangs 70 metres above the ground and features stunning views of Sky Pilot Mountain and Howe Sound below. This is not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely worth it for the amazing photo opportunities.

Spirit Viewing Platform

At the other end of the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is the Spirit Viewing Platform which looks out towards Howe Sound and the Sky Pilot Mountain. If you don’t want to cross the suspension bridge, you can also reach this viewing platform from the spirit trail which is a short 150metre trail. This is a great way to learn about the history and significance of the area to the indigenous Squamish Nation.

Hiking Trails

The great thing about the Sea to Sky Gondola is that there are a variety of hiking trails from easy to difficult. The gondola allows you to hike in the alpine, without the added effort of hiking up, which is great for anyone with hiking experience or mobility issues.

There are various hiking trails available at the top of the gondola. The most popular one is probably the Al Habrich’s Trail which takes approximately 3-6 hours round-trip, and is considered the “flagship” backcountry hiking trail at the gondola due to its fantastic views of Howe Sound and Sky Pilot Mountain.

There are also shorter front-country hikes available such as Wonderland Lake Loop, Panorama Trail and Spirit Trail. I recommend these trails for beginners or if you only have a few hours at the gondola.

Food & Drink

After all that exploring, you’re bound to work up an appetite. The Summit Lodge offers a variety of food and drink options.

I recommend the Sky Pilot Smokehouse because I can’t resist anything BBQ. Here you can choose from a variety of dishes including beef brisket and pulled pork – yum!

The Oceanside Grill is only open on weekends and the menu features small share plates with a wine and beer menu. There’s also Backyard Burgers and Co-Pilot Café for breakfast options and grab and go.

Seasonal Events and Activities

Besides the year-round attractions, the Sea to Sky Gondola also offers seasonal events and activities. During the winter season, there is a snowshoeing trail available along with a tube park for some family-friendly fun.

In the summer, you can enjoy live music on their patio or take part in in a yoga class on the viewing deck. They also have special events such as their annual Brews with Views craft beer festival and Mountain Music Series.

How to get to The Sea to Sky Gondola?

Drive:

To get to the Sea to Sky Gondola from Vancouver, follow Highway 99 (also known as the Sea to Sky Highway) north towards Squamish. The drive is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. As you approach Squamish, keep an eye out for signs indicating the turnoff for the gondola, the entrance is directly off the highway just after the turnoff for Shannon Falls.

If you have time and plan on staying a night or two in Squamish, there are many amazing stops on the Sea to Sky Highway. You can check out my full guide to the Sea to Sky Highway here – my favourite stops include Whytecliff Park and Horseshoe Bay.

Tour:

The other way to visit the Sea to Sky Gondola is by booking a tour. Most tours start in Vancouver and include a stop in Whistler which is definitely worth seeing.

I recommend this tour which includes hotel pick up from Vancouver and your Sea to Sky Gondola ticket. You’ll also get free time to wander through Whistler Village and a stop at the famous Shannon Falls.

Book your spot online in advance to avoid missing out, especially during peak tourist season.

Where to stay in Squamish

Executive Suites Squamish: The spacious studio and one-bedroom suites at Executive Suites Squamish are designed to make you feel at home. Each suite includes a full kitchen with a dishwasher, stove, oven, refrigerator, and microwave, giving you everything you need to cook meals or grab a midnight snack. The suites also offer spacious closets and flat-screen TVs with DVD players for your entertainment.

Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish: Located off the Sea & Sky Highway, the Sandman Hotel & Suites is just 2 miles from downtown Squamish, providing easy access to local attractions and activities. This hotel features an indoor pool, hot tub and a fun waterslide. The Sandman Hotel and Suites also offers pet-friendly rooms, so you can bring your pet along. Each room includes a flat-screen TV, microwave, and refrigerator.

What else is there to do in Squamish?

When I first visited Squamish way back in 2016, there wasn’t much to the town. It definitely had that small-town vibe with few places to grab lunch or coffee. Much has changed since then and many independent shops and eateries have opened, with a lot of development in the way of condos and amenities.

What was once just the “halfway point” from Vancouver to Whistler, is now a town that you should absolutely spend some time visiting.

Here are some of my favourite things to do in Squamish:

Hiking

Besides the trails at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, there are SO many more hiking trails to check out in Squamish.

The Stawamus Chief is undoubtedly the most famous peak in Squamish, it’s the first thing you notice when driving into town. The hike to the top is by no means easy however. There are 3 peaks to choose from, all with varying views of Howe Sound and Downtown Squamish. The climb is steep and involves some scrambling, but the panoramic vistas at the top are well worth the effort.

Another popular option is the Garibaldi Lake Trail. This moderate to difficult hike takes you through lush forests and past glacial streams before arriving at the breathtaking turquoise waters of Garibaldi Lake. The trail is approximately 18 kilometres round trip and can take 5 to 7 hours to complete.

If you are new to hiking or looking for something shorter, there are plenty of easy hiking trails in Squamish. The Four Lakes Trail in Alice Lake Provincial Park is an easy loop that takes you through serene forests and around four different lakes. Another easy hiking option is Mamquam Falls, the trail follows a dense forest that leads to a spectacular glacial-fed waterfall.

Rock Climbing

Squamish is renowned for its world-class rock climbing opportunities. The Stawamus Chief is the most iconic climbing destination in the area, offering a range of routes for all skill levels.

Other notable climbing spots include Smoke Bluffs Park, which features a variety of short crag routes, and Murrin Park, known for its scenic lakeside climbs.

If you have never rock climbed but would like to give it a try, you can book a guided tour like this one. On this half-day tour you’ll learn the basic of rock climbing and the guides cater the tour to suit all levels. All necessary gear is included. You can book online to secure your spot.

Whitewater Rafting

For something more adrenaline pumping, whitewater rafting on the Elaho River in Squamish is a must-try. The Elaho River offers a mix of Class III and IV rapids that will get your heart racing while you navigate through stunning wilderness.

This half-day Whitewater rafting tour includes all the necessary gear, such as wetsuits, helmets, and life jackets, along with experienced guides. No prior experience is required, making it a great option for beginners looking to try something new.

Via Ferrata

If the idea of rock climbing isn’t your thing but you still want to get an adrenaline rush, try the Via Ferrata at the Sea to Sky Gondola. Via Ferrata is a protected climbing route that allows you to experience the thrill of rock climbing with added safety features.

The route is equipped with a steel cable that runs along the path, attached to the rock by metal steps, ladders, and bridges. You wear a harness and are secured to the cable, making it accessible for beginners and those without prior climbing experience.

This guided tour takes you along a network of steel cables and rungs attached to the granite cliffs, allowing you to traverse through rugged terrain while safely harnessed in. No previous climbing experience is required, making it accessible for all skill levels. Booking online in advance is recommended as spots fill up quickly

Britannia Mine Museum

The Britannia Mine Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into British Columbia’s rich mining history. Located just off the Sea to Sky Highway, this National Historic Site was once the largest copper mine in the British Empire. Today, it has been transformed into an interactive museum that provides an educational experience for visitors of all ages.

When you visit, you can take an underground tour on a real mine train that explores the tunnels where miners once toiled. This part was so cool – it reminded me of Big Thunder Mountain! You also get to war a cool orange hard hat.

The interactive gold panning area is always a hit, especially with kids, who love trying their luck at finding real gold. The mineral gallery showcases a collection of minerals and gems from around the world, and the Beaty-Lundin Visitor Centre provides an overview of the mining processes and the significant impact of the Britannia Mine on the local community.

You can purchase tickets to the Britannia Mine Museum online in advance.

So is the Sea to Sky Gondola worth it?

If it’s not already clear, I highly recommend visiting the Sea to Sky Gondola. The stunning views, variety of activities, and convenient location between Vancouver and Whistler make it worth every penny. It’s a great way to spend a day exploring British Columbia’s beautiful landscapes.

Bonus tip: If you happen to visit during peak season, be sure to purchase your tickets online in advance as they tend to sell out quickly. This will ensure that you have a spot reserved and can avoid long ticket lines on the day of your visit.

If you are planning a longer trip, the nearby resort town of Whistler is also worth a visit. I have comprehensive guides on Whistler in the summer, winter and fall seasons. There’s also plenty to do in Whistler if you don’t ski. Both Squamish and Whistler make for an awesome weekend away!

Reserve your Sea to Sky Gondola admission tickets in advance with free cancellation to avoid missing out!