The wind first greets us.
Stepping onto the viewing deck, the cold air rolls in from Howe Sound, sharper than it looked from below. The late-afternoon light has turned to a cool blue, washing over the mountains and the water in a way that makes everything seem impossibly vast. Only a handful of people are scattered around, their jackets fluttering in the soft breeze.
We’re at the Sea to Sky Summit in Squamish, reached by a ten-minute gondola ride that climbs more than 800 meters above Howe Sound. Set halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, it’s one of British Columbia’s signature viewpoints—an easy-access escape into alpine scenery without needing a day-long hike.
Joseph walks ahead of us, almost too quickly, drawn straight to the railings like someone finally seeing a long-awaited view. He’s taking photos nonstop, handing me his phone to take his pictures from one angle, then another, and then another. When I asked earlier if he’s been here before, he simply said no. It feels surprising, but probably it shouldn’t have been. Even a lot of Vancouverites, who’s lived in southern British Columbia for years, have never made the trip. Perhaps this is one of those places Joseph has hoped to see but never could, a local “someday” that becomes easier to reach when family is visiting and plans finally have a reason to materialize.
Behind us, Yanyan arrives with my parents and Ate Lita—three people who nearly didn’t come because they were afraid of the gondola ride. It took a lot of prodding by Yanyan before they relented. “Good thing you pushed us,” Mom tells Yanyan as the view unfolds before her. “Otherwise, we wouldn’t have seen this.” Yanyan then becomes like Joseph now, pointing at every corner of the deck and asking for photos. Even Ate Lita, in her usual unbothered way, wants her turn.
It’s funny to think how different the mood was just ten minutes earlier, suspended inside the gondola cabin as we rose higher than any of us expected. The fir trees brushed so close beneath us that the drop wasn’t always visible, which somehow made the ascent both thrilling and nerve-wracking. We joked to shake off the nervousness, and at one point Yanyan muttered that the ride felt too long—only to take it back the moment she stepped outside into this panorama.
We’re all a bit tired from the long morning in Whistler, but up here, with the cold breeze, blue-lit mountains, and Howe Sound opening wide below, the fatigue falls away. We’re all awed by the views in front of us.
Opened in 2014, the Sea to Sky Gondola was built to give easier access to the dramatic alpine terrain overlooking Howe Sound, an area that once required hours of steep hiking to reach. Today, it’s one of the easiest ways for visitors to experience Squamish’s reputation as an outdoor capital. It’s where rock climbers, paragliders, hikers, and weekend travelers all converge for the same views that once took real effort to earn.
Squamish itself sits roughly at the midpoint of the Sea to Sky Highway, a small town framed by cliffs, forests, and fjord-like water. Known as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada,” it’s a gateway for trails, climbing routes, and nature viewpoints that feel more rugged than the polished resort vibe of Whistler. Even if you’re just passing through for the gondola, you get the sense that Squamish is where British Columbia’s wilderness begins in earnest.
This is a spontaneous detour that fit neatly into our one-day drive along the Sea to Sky Highway. Joseph had been excited about this stop since the trip began, mentioning it more often than the me, in fact. And now that we are finally here, it makes sense: it’s a place locals often skip but newcomers dream about seeing, a view that manages to feel both accessible and extraordinary.
From the viewing deck, the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge stretches out like a thread between two ridges, swaying gently above the drop. We walk toward it, mainly because it feels like the next thing you’re supposed to do up here. The wind is light, but at two degrees it has teeth; my hands sting whenever I pull them out of my jacket pockets.
The whole family steps onto the bridge just far enough to capture the whole span behind us. After our obligatory family picture, I ask Joseph if he wants to cross all the way to the other side. He says he prefers to stay on this side—maybe the height, maybe nerves, maybe he just doesn’t want to wander too far from the group. I don’t mind. After Capilano earlier in the trip, this feels like enough for me too; besides, the view from this angle is already perfect.
Behind us, our mom and dad, as well as Ate Lita inch onto the starting platform of the bridge. They don’t go far, but they take turns smiling for Yanyan’s and Joseph’s cameras. For Ate Lita, who’s on her second trip abroad and first time in a place like this, it’s a triumph we subtly root for. A group nearby speaks Hindi or Punjabi—I’m not sure which—and it reminds Joseph of his friend Karthik. “He still hasn’t been here,” he says, partly amused, partly thoughtful.
The cold slowly creeps into us, which, while isn’t punishing, is persistent. The wind carries a chill that brushes just enough to make everyone burrow deeper into their coats. I eventually settle onto a chair on the deck, letting the scene sink in. There’s no epiphany nor profound thought. I’m just appreciating the fact that I’m here, in this place, suspended between mountains and water.
Eventually the cold wins. We retreat indoors to the summit café, where the heaters and the smell of soup feel like a rescue. We order chili chicken soup and tomato soup—both steaming and perfect for hands that have gone a little numb. Our conversations blur together now in my memory, but I’m sure they circled back to Joseph’s plans, his work, and the usual mix of hope and uncertainty that follows him lately.
We sit in the café for a while—maybe more than an hour in total—taking our time because there’s no need to rush. When we finally line up for the gondola ride down, the descent feels quicker, like gravity wants to fast-forward us back to reality. Joseph tells me that he really enjoyed this weekend trip, a brief time away from his daily life in Vancouver. But this unfortunately makes going back to work the next day a little harder.
Sea to Sky Gondola Travel Basics
Timing
- The Sea to Sky Gondola is open all year, but each season offers a different experience.
- Summer (June–August) has lush greenery and long daylight. Autumn (September–October) sees fewer crowds and golden foliage. Winter (November–March) provides snowy vistas and a quiet, magical experience, but it can be really cold.
- Weekday mornings or late afternoons offer the best light and smaller crowds; weekends can be busy, especially in summer.
- Avoid midday in peak summer: crowds can be heavy, and lighting is harsh for photography.
Access
- The Sea to Sky Gondola is located just outside Squamish, BC, roughly halfway between Vancouver and Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99).
- From Vancouver: about 1–1.5 hours drive.
- From Whistler: around 45 minutes.
- Free parking is available at the base, but it can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
- There is no direct public transportation from Vancouver or Whistler to the Sea to Sky Gondola. Some private companies run day trips or shuttle services from Vancouver or Whistler to the Gondola. These often combine the ride with sightseeing stops along the Sea to Sky Highway.
Admission
- Tickets can be purchased online or at the base station.
- Adult (19+): CAD 75.95
- Seniors (65+): CAD 70.95
- Youth (13–18): CAD 43.95
- Children (6-12): CAD 30.95
- Online tickets are recommended for peak seasons (summer, holiday weekends) to avoid long waits.
- Check the official Sea to Sky website for updated pricing and any seasonal promotions.
Activities
- See stunning 360-degree views of Howe Sound and surrounding mountains from the viewing decks.
- Walk the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge far enough to capture the full span; no need to cross if you aren’t comfortable with heights.
- Take a stroll through several short, easy trails around the summit for different perspectives.
- Practice your photography. Sunrise and late afternoon offer the best light; fewer crowds make for better shots.
Food
- After exploring the summit, the Summit Café is the perfect spot to warm up. They serve hot soups, hearty meals, coffee, and snacks.
- There are no other food options nearby, so plan accordingly. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks, but remember to pack out any trash to help keep the summit clean and beautiful.
For more information, including tickets, hours, and seasonal updates, visit the official Sea to Sky Gondola website.
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