10 Lesser-Known Things to do
Along the Sea-to-Sky Highway

The scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) takes you from the emerald waters of Vancouver’s North Shore to the Coast Mountain towns of Whistler and Pemberton, then onwards to the rugged town of Lillooet. With a dramatic ocean fjord, valleys carved by the Ice Age, and volcanic geography, it is often described as one of the most spectacular drives in the world—especially during the summer.

Travel the Sea-to-Sky as a stand-alone road trip, or continue your journey along the Rainforest to Rockies route, an unforgettable trip from the Pacific Ocean on the west coast to the Canadian Rockies, located on the eastern edge of BC, at the Alberta border. But it’s not just about the destination. Getting there is filled with a myriad of adventures. Immerse yourself in a constellation of community gems, cultural experiences, and nature-based activities as you travel through the heart of Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region and beyond. Átl’ka7tsem is Squamish Nation language that translates to “paddling into the sound.”

Enjoy Public Art and Incredible Views at Sp'akw'us Feather Park

Squamish, located half-way between Vancouver and Whistler, is a vibrant community with colourful street art, decadent donuts, and a bounty of outdoor activities. Sp’akw’us Feather Park in the new Oceanfront development is a true gem. This community hub has a Squamish Nation garden, two beaches, a playground, and soon-to-open House of Lager brewery, sister to House of Funk Brewing in North Vancouver. Visitors can feel the swift winds on their face, and inhale the salt air as they take in 360-degree views of jagged mountains and aquamarine ocean, spotting unique landmarks like Mount Garibaldi, Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief. Although it’s dotted by quirky public art, the park’s glittering centrepiece is a towering installation called the Welcome Gate, designed by renowned Squamish Nation artist, James Harry.

Community Culture and a Tasty Brunch at the BAG

Any place with a giant unicorn statue out front is sure to promise offbeat adventure. Affectionately referred to by locals as “the BAG,” Brackendale Art Gallery holds a treasure trove of novelties, local artwork, and community heritage. The beloved cafe and culture centre is located in the unique Squamish neighbourhood of Brackendale, also known as the World Eagle Capital. By day, this bustling space serves up coffee and grab-and-go bites, plus a down-home (and reasonably priced) brunch and lunch menu. By night, the BAG is abuzz with poetry nights, special talks, art exhibits, and live entertainment.

Ride or Run the Thigh-Burning Sea to Sky Trail

Take the scenic route from Squamish to Pemberton. Part of the famed Trans Canada Trail, the Sea to Sky Trail is a non-motorized, multi-use 104-kilometre trail system that runs parallel to Highway 99. The snaking network travels through temperate rainforest and passes by waterfalls, fascinating rock formations, rushing rivers, and plunging canyons. Bring or rent an e-bike or gravel bike to ride the entire trail; or hike, run, and wheel different parts of the journey.

Hit the Rapids Near Squamish

The powerful Cheakamus, Elaho, and Squamish river systems put Squamish on the map for whitewater rafting. Never-evers and thrill seekers alike will get their kicks in the raucous rapids, which range in difficulty from lapping baby waves to voracious whitewater. Don’t forget to look up and enjoy sweeping views of the Tantalus Mountain Range, old-growth forests, and dramatic canyons. Keep your eyes open for local wildlife, including eagles, mountain goats, bears, and elk.

Grab a Coffee at Local Favourites

The Sea-to-Sky is sprinkled with lively independent businesses, pulsing with entrepreneurial spirit. Fuel your road trip with coffee and get a feel for local communities. Pop into cafes like historic Chatterbox Cafe at the Britannia Mine Museum or Noshy in Squamish, a bright space with living plant walls and vibrant artwork. Mountain culture-inspired Forecast Coffee, with two locations in Whistler, serves up locally-roasted fair trade beans. Meanwhile, the charming Blackbird Bakery in Pemberton is a local’s favourite for fresh-baked goods. As you journey northward, Lillooet’s Abundance Artisan Bakery is a prime stop for fresh bread, pastries, and pizza made from 100% organic flour from Canadian mills.

Experience The Callaghan Valley

Home to the elusive wolverine, mountain goats, and grizzly bears, the Callaghan Valley is a spectacular conservancy that encompasses three bioclimatic zones. A winter haven for cross-country skiers, snowshoers and backcountry touring enthusiasts, this stunning nature area is also a popular spot for biking and hiking in the summertime. The Journeyman Lodge, a rustic off-grid backcountry lodge with spacious common rooms, a sauna, and delicious meals, offers both winter and summer stays, and invites day trippers for lunch. Journeyman has teamed up with First Nations-owned Talaysay Tours to offer Love the Land, land-based learning and ethno-ecology walking tours that share traditional land knowledge in the Callaghan Lake area.

While you’re in the Callaghan, be sure to check out the adjacent Whistler Olympic Park, which hosted the Nordic and ski jumping events during the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Once you’ve immersed yourself in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, continue on your Rainforest to Rockies journey via Highway 1, up Highway 5, or loop back down Highway 3.

Please note: Snow tires are mandatory between October 1 and April 30.