On my last trip to Vancouver, two of my closest friends and I decided to head north to Squamish for a day. We’d heard about the Sea to Sky Gondola before, but this was our first time experiencing it in person. It turned out to be one of the highlights of our action-packed trip!

The Ride Up to the Top

The gondola starts just off Highway 99, about an hour from Vancouver. As soon as we stepped into the cabin and began the ride, it was clear why this place is so popular. The gondola climbs steadily from the valley, and the higher you get, the more the landscape opens up. We could see the teal waters of Howe Sound below, winding around forested islands, and the sharp granite face of the Stawamus Chief to the side.

Hiking at the Top

Once we reached the summit, we spent most of our time exploring the trails. There are a few to choose from depending on how much time or energy you have.

Panorama Trail

This was the one we enjoyed the most. The Panorama Trail is about 1.3 kilometres long and easy to follow. It loops through mossy forest, over smooth granite, and past several viewpoints that honestly felt like something from a postcard.

We stopped at the Chief Overlook Platform, which juts out over a cliff, and just stood there for a while. The view of Howe Sound from that spot is unreal. You can see all the way back toward the ocean in one direction, and the peaks of the Coast Mountains rising up in the other.

Sea to Summit Trail
We didn’t hike this one, but it’s worth mentioning. The Sea to Summit Trail starts at the bottom and climbs all the way to the top terminal. It’s about 7.5 kilometres and looks like a solid challenge if you’re up for it. We figured we’d save that for another trip.

A Delicious Break at the Summit

After some hiking, we took a break at the summit’s dining area. I ordered an iced latte and a fresh salad, both of which hit the spot perfectly. The salad was light but satisfying, a great balance after some time on the trails. The dining area has large windows and outdoor seating, so you can enjoy your meal while still taking in the views.

It was nice to relax, recharge, and soak up the atmosphere before heading out again.

The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge

Before heading back down, we crossed the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. It’s about 100 meters long, and yes, it does sway a little. But the views from the middle of the bridge are incredible. You’re standing high above the forest with Sky Pilot Mountain right in front of you and the waterway below.

It’s the kind of spot where you don’t know whether to take a photo or just stand there and let the view sink in.

What to Bring (and How to Stay Comfortable)

The Sea to Sky Gondola is a pretty easy adventure to prepare for (as long as you’re not doing the more difficult hiking trails!), but it’s still good to go in with the basics covered. Here’s what I’d recommend bringing:

• Comfortable shoes – You don’t need hardcore hiking boots if you’re sticking to the Panorama Trail, but sneakers with some grip make the experience better.
• Water – There are a few cafés and restaurants at the top, but bringing your own bottle is smart, especially on warmer days.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses – A lot of the trails are exposed once you get to the viewpoints.
• Layers – It can be cooler at the summit than you might think during the colder months.
• Camera or phone – For obvious reasons, but honestly, this is one of those places where you’ll want to just stand and look around, too.

When we visited, it was a very warm day, so we appreciated the water mist fans they’ve set up throughout the summit area. If you’re getting hot after hiking, walking past those is a quick way to cool off before you hit the next viewpoint.

Why I’d Go Back to the Sea to Sky Gondola

If you’re planning a trip to Vancouver and want to get outside the city for a day, this is a great way to do it.

The Sea to Sky Gondola gives you access to the kind of scenery that feels almost too big to capture in photos. For me, it was also about the time spent with friends—walking the trails, stopping to look at the mountains, and just being somewhere that felt completely different from our usual routine.

Next time, I’d like to try the Sea to Summit Trail. But for this trip, the gondola ride and the Panorama Trail were exactly what we needed.

Safe travels,

Carina

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