Sea to Sky Highway: Self-Guided Driving Tour

Embark on a breathtaking self-guided driving tour along the Sea to Sky Highway, connecting Vancouver and Whistler. Experience stunning mountain vistas, shimmering views of Howe Sound, ancient forests, and more!

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Lost Lagoon - To our left is the Lost Lagoon of Stanley Park. It was named by the indigenous Canadian poet Emily Pauline Johnson. The name is taken from her poem of the same title.

Note: This 75-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Vancouver to Whistler in 3-4 hours.

  • Lions Gate Bridge - We’re about to cross over the Burrard Inlet on the Lions Gate Bridge. Do you see the two leftmost peak directly ahead of us? That’s where the bridge gets its name! Some say they look a bit like the twin lions of Trafalgar Square if you squint.

  • Cypress Provincial Park - Ahead, you’ll have the option of taking a detour to see Cypress Provincial Park or hiking to Saint Marks Summit from breathtaking mountaintop views. The detour is about ten miles one way, but well worth it if you’d like to see some spectacular sights.

  • St Mark’s summit - We’re still a few miles from St. Mark’s Summit, but the road we’re on now is going to end in about a mile. How does one get the rest of the way there? On foot! The trail begins at the Cypress Creek Lodge and is about seven miles round trip. It’s considered an intermediate hike that takes most people around four to five hours.

  • Sea to Sky Highway - We’re driving along the Sea to Sky Highway, perhaps Canada’s most famous scenic roadway. But did you know this highway is hundreds of years old? Okay, maybe all the pavement and paint and guardrails are a bit newer than that, but the original path really is that old! See, beneath much of this highway was an ancient footpath used by the Squamish and Stó:lō Nations. It connected the two tribes and allowed for easy trading between them.

  • Crystal Falls - Just ahead is Crystal Falls, a lovely roadside waterfall many visitors miss! Take the next exit if you’d like to see it, or drive straight to continue the main tour.

  • Anvil Island - To the Squamish, Anvil Island was once home to a great serpent known as Sínulhkay̓. Sínulhkay̓ lived on the island’s highest peak and watched the people far below. Some said he had created the land all around them, but to others he was simply a terrifying monster who menaced their villages. Sínulhkay̓ would lie in wait in the water, hypnotize villagers, then devour them.

  • Watts Point volcanic centre - Tucked away within those mountains directly ahead of us is the Watts Point Volcanic Centre. Remember how these mountains are largely composed of volcanic rocks? Watts Point marks the spot where much of that volcanic material erupted from! But don’t worry about another burst of magma! It hasn’t erupted for 90,000 years and isn’t likely to do so anytime soon.

  • Murrin Provincial Park - Sporting a lovely, placid lake and a couple of great hiking trails, this is a splendid stop if you’re looking to stretch your legs for a second. In the park, you can embark on an easy 1.5-mile stroll around the lake, or opt for the slightly more challenging Jurassic Ridge Trail. This 2-mile loop climbs almost 700 feet in elevation and offers incredible panoramic views from the top.

  • Sea to Sky Gondola - Coming up is the Sea to Sky Gondola, one of the coolest stops on this route. The Gondola takes passengers nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, to a lodge with an amazing viewing platform.

  • Shannon Falls Provincial Park - Shannon Falls Provincial Park is just ahead, home to an astonishing 1,000-foot waterfall! Shannon Falls is the third tallest waterfall in British Columbia. And this park features a boardwalk around its base! It only takes about 20 minutes to hike to the falls.

  • Stawamus Chief Trail - Expert hikers can turn right to access the Stawamus Chief Trail, which climbs 2,300 feet to the top of The Chief. That’s quite a trek! Ordinary folks like us can continue driving straight.

  • Stawamus Chief - Continue straight. That mountain we’re passing is the Stawamus Chief, and stands at over 2,300 feet above the Sound. The first man to ever summit it was Ed Cooper. And it took him four weeks!

  • Eagle Run Vista Point - This bridge ahead offers some great views, so slow down a bit to enjoy them! Just ahead is the famous Eagle Run Vista Point, featuring panoramic views and a great chance at spotting an eagle. Getting there requires a quick 5-10 minute detour if you’re interested.

  • Edith Lake - This park is dominated by four lakes: Alice, Edith, Fawn, and Stump. The origin of most of these names has been lost to time, but Edith Lake is an exception. And its story is a bit of a peculiar one

  • Alice Lake Provincial Park - If you’re looking to stretch your legs, this picturesque, watery park is a great place for it. The most popular attraction is the Four Lake Trail, an easy 4-mile loop that weaves past all four of the park’s lakes in under three hours.

  • Tantalus lookout - The most dominant peak of these mountains is, of course, Mount Tantalus, standing at 2,608 meters from base to summit. It gets its name from the Greek mythological figure of Tantalus. Tantalus was one of Zeus’s many sons, though his mother was mortal. Still, despite being half mortal, Tantalus was welcomed at the table of Olympus all the same.

  • Cheakamus River - We’re driving alongside the Cheakamus River. In a few minutes, we’ll be able to glimpse the Cheakamus Hydroelectric Dam. It’s been around since 1957, but has recently been the source of much controversy.

  • Rubble Creek Trailhead - An optional detour to Rubble Creek Trail is coming up soon. This brutally challenging 15-mile trail climbs to the top of Black Tusk Mountain. It’s an all-day affair, however, so I wouldn’t recommend trying it on a whim.

  • Cheakamus Hydroelectric Dam - Turn right if you’d like to visit the Cheakamus Hydroelectric Dam or Rubble Creek Trail. Otherwise, continue straight.

  • Daisy Lake - The lake we’re driving past now is Daisy Lake, named by Joseph William Mckay. Mckay was of Metis descent. Metis is a somewhat complicated term, as it can either refer to people from the historic Metis community of Manitoba or it might be used as a general term to describe a person of mixed European and Indigenous heritage.

  • Whistler Creek - We’re nearing Creekside Village at Whistler Creek now, though locals just call it “the Creek.” It was originally the base for Whistler Mountain skiing, home to only a single six person gondola, a far cry from the 79 lifts that can be found in Whistler today.

What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Let the Sea to Sky Highway take your breath away on this jaw-dropping voyage between Vancouver and Whistler. This highway is every bit as fascinating as the two destinations it connects, so make the most of your journey with this self-guided driving tour! Along the way, you’ll witness grand mountain vistas, shimmering views of the Howe Sound, lush, ancient forests, and so much more. Plus, uncover the stories that make this region what it’s from historic First Nations traditions to geological wonders shaped over millennia.

This tour can be taken in either direction.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
  • For the tour guide app to function as intended, iPhones must be iOS 13 or above and Androids must be version 9 or above.
Location
499 Denman St #451
Denman Street
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(5 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
274sharahm
Jun 24, 2024
Better than expected - Beautiful view and riding the Gondola is longer than expected. Theres great food and entertainment once you get to the top.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Explore64213725695
May 3, 2024
Super convinient - Like it because I bought the tour when I was already in my way and when I iniciated the app started just in the precise point as my GPS. Love it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brimelmom
Feb 27, 2024
Great info - We have done the Whistler drive from Vancouver many times. It was really nice though to have some extra added information, and info on things/places that we never knew about
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caroledz8523lg
Aug 28, 2024
A little slow - The audio was very informative, however it was a little behind. It would mention a turnoff just as we were passing it. I wish there was some different commentary when goind both directions.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Warwick_j
Dec 29, 2023
A nice little plus to my travel - I used this while travelling by bus between Vancouver and Whistler. I enjoyed commentary, but was not totally captivated by it.
Review provided by Viator
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