Explore Vancouver on a Self-Guided Sea to Sky Highway Tour

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Tour Details

Tour Type: Driving
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Distance:75 Miles
Audio Stories: 90+
Purchase Qty: One Per Car
Tour At Your Own Pace
Tour Anytime, Any Day
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Welcome to the Tour of Sea to Sky Highway Vancouver

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 is from historic First Nations traditions to geological wonders shaped over millennia.

About the Tour

Once activated, you may choose whether you want to begin your tour in Vancouver or in Whistler.

The journey from Vancouver begins in Stanley Park and crosses the iconic Lions Gate Bridge. Next, the majestic Sea to Sky Highway beckons. More than just asphalt, this route is a chronicle etched across landscapes, unfolding tales of geological marvels, ancient histories, and pristine beauty. With every mile, you’ll be treated to amazing mountain views, sparkling waters of the Howe Sound, and insights into how this stunning region first formed.

Take a detour through old growth forests to Cypress Provincial Park and Saint Mark’s Summit, where you’ll uncover the secrets of the “Wood Wide Web” beneath. Cruise beneath the shadow of the Stawamus Chief and discover the history of the First Nations, George Vancouver, and much more.

The tranquil Horseshoe Bay Village emerges next, boasting unbeatable views of the Howe Sound and a unique glimpse into how glaciers shaped and reshaped this landscape.

Pay a visit to the Sea to Sky Gondola along the way for an elevated journey like no other. Then hear wide-ranging tales, from a dramatic train derailment to ancient First Nations legends about the sea.

Witness wonders like the Crystal Falls or the mysteries of the Glass Sponge Reefs, and even hike through the wilderness to find an abandoned, overgrown train wreck! Plus, get to know the region’s local fauna, from bears and moose to elk and beyond.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Whistler, hear about the daring antics of the Peak Bros, and arrive safely at the Whistler Visitor Centre, ready for your next adventure. Your tour concludes here.

If you begin your tour in Whistler, you’ll see all the same attractions, just in reverse!

Explore Canada’s Best: Coastal Thrills to Mountain Chills!

Discover the best of Canada’s natural beauty and urban charm with our Self-Guided Driving Bundle of Canada Tours. featuring the Sea to Sky Highway, Icefields Parkway, Vancouver Beaches, Downtown Vancouver, Banff, and Quebec City Self-Guided Driving Tour. Unforgettable journeys await!

Where To Start?

Vancouver to Whistler: 451-499 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 3J1, Canada

Whistler to Vancouver: Whistler Visitor Centre, 4230 Gateway Dr, Whistler, BC V8E 0Z8, Canada

How Does It Work?

Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Lost Lagoon
Named by poet Emily Pauline Johnson, the Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park was once a disappearing natural wonder that inspired her poetry.
Beaver Lake Mystery
Beaver Lake, hidden in the forest, had a curious absence of beavers for decades until a surprise reappearance in 2008.
Lions Gate Bridge
The Lions Gate Bridge takes its name from the Twin Sisters peaks, which were transformed into mountains by indigenous legends.
George Vancouver
Vancouver, the city, owes its name to Captain George Vancouver, an intrepid British explorer who mapped the Pacific Coast.
Cypress Provincial Park
The once-logged Cypress Provincial Park now boasts ancient trees, including the 1,200-year-old Roadside Yellow-Cedar.
The Wood Wide Web
Trees communicate through a fascinating network of fungi known as the Wood Wide Web, sharing resources and information.
Saint Mark's Summit
A challenging hike leads to St. Mark's Summit, offering unparalleled views of Howe Sound, glaciers, and Vancouver Island.
The First Nations
The First Nations are Indigenous peoples with diverse cultures who have lived in Canada for thousands of years, tracing their origins to the Paleo-Indians.
Horseshoe Bay Village
Once a Squamish fishing haven, Horseshoe Bay's herring population dwindled due to overfishing and habitat damage but is slowly recovering.
Georgia Strait
This majestic Salish Sea branch stretches 150 miles along Canada's coast and is home to Bowen Island.
Britannia Range
Snow-capped peaks, including Sky Pilot Mountain, part of the Britannia Range, were shaped by geological forces.
Howe Sound
The southernmost fjord in North America, formed by glacial action, hosts gray whales and scenic beauty.
Sea To Sky Highway
This historic roadway originated as a First Nations footpath, later becoming a vital route after improvements.
Fur Trade
The fur trade, driven by beaver pelts, significantly influenced Canada's colonization and economic history.
Beavers
Beavers are fascinating nocturnal creatures that play a vital ecological role in shaping the environment.
Tectonic Struggles
Geological processes, including tectonic plate collisions, created the stunning landscapes of British Columbia.
Glacial Sculpting
Glaciers, with their immense weight and movement, have dramatically shaped the coastal scenery.
Crystal Falls
Crystal Falls is a hidden roadside waterfall offering a delightful natural spectacle.
Canoe Culture
Canoes held profound cultural significance for First Nations, symbolizing transportation and spirituality.
First Nation Languages
Squamish language signs reflect the complexity of indigenous languages and their unique features.
Moving Mountains
Early road construction through the Britannia Range involved dynamite and the challenges of volcanic rock.
Porteau Cove
Anvil Island has a rich indigenous legend involving a heroic warrior and a menacing serpent.
Glass Sponge Reefs
Ancient glass sponge reefs, discovered off the coast, provide a unique glimpse into prehistoric marine life.
Furry Creek Salmon
Pink salmon's synchronized spawning every odd year is a natural phenomenon worth noting.
Torch Relay
The Olympic Torch passed through this area as part of the lead-up to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Watts Point Volcanic Centre
Watts Point marks the site of ancient volcanic eruptions, shaping the region's geological history.
Britannia Mine Number 3
The Britannia Mine Museum preserves the legacy of an old copper mine, showcasing its remarkable
Grizzly Bear Warning
Be cautious of grizzly bears in the backcountry; easily confused with black bears.
Murrin Provincial Park
Enjoy a lakeside stroll or challenging hike with stunning panoramic views.
Estuary Wildlife
Observe diverse wildlife in estuaries where freshwater meets saltwater, including birds.
Sea to Sky Gondola
Experience breathtaking vistas from nearly 1,000 meters above sea level; admission prices available.
Shannon Falls Provincial Park
Visit the sacred Shannon Falls, carved by a legendary serpent, and pay respects to a tragic event.
Eagle Run Vista Point
Spot eagles feasting on salmon during their migration season.
Edith Lake and Ivor Griffith
A peculiar history behind naming a lake after a man's vocal exercises.
Salmon Legends
Learn about the Squamish legend of transforming salmon people.
Tantalus Lookout
Admire the Tantalus Mountain Range and its dominant peak, Mount Tantalus, named after a Greek mythological figure.
Legendary Hunters
The Squamish called the Tantalus Mountains "Twi'liks" after a legendary hunter, where they pursued mountain goats for various purposes.
The Lost Salmon Run
A myth about choosing between a chief's son or a bountiful salmon run, and the consequences of that choice.
Cheakamus Train Derailment
A tragic incident in 2005 when a train derailed and spilled caustic chemicals into the Cheakamus River, resulting in a massive fish die-off.
The Brown One
Ancient European superstitions around bears, leading to the invention of a word to avoid invoking them.
The Black Tusk
The legend of the Thunderbird and how it intervened to stop a war among rival Squamish groups.
Elk
Information about the formidable elk and their significance to indigenous peoples.
Cheakamus River
Controversy surrounding the Cheakamus Hydroelectric Dam and its impact on the river's water levels.
Lillooet Declaration
The historic declaration by the Lil'wat Nation asserting sovereignty over their ancestral lands.
Brandywine Falls
Two colorful stories about how Brandywine Falls got its name.
Earthquakes
The geological risk posed by the Queen Charlotte Fault in the region.
Whistler Olympics
How Whistler played a pivotal role in Vancouver's bid for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Mountain View
An appreciation of the breathtaking mountain views in Whistler.
Train "Wreck"
The story of an abandoned train in the wilderness, now an art canvas for graffiti artists.
Moose
The elusive but impressive moose, and the challenges they face due to wildfires
Whistler Creek
The history of Whistler Creek and its role in Whistler's development.
Alta Lake
The significance of Alta Lake in the early days of Whistler.
The Peak Bros and the Peak Police
The daring antics of ski legends Gord Harder and Shawn Hughes, and their clashes with ski patrol.