How to Get to the Sea to Sky Gondola from Vancouver

The Sea to Sky Gondola sits just off Highway 99 in Squamish, roughly midway between Vancouver and Whistler. It’s one of the easiest “real mountains” trips you can do from the city — here are the three ways to get there.

Driving yourself (the most flexible)

From downtown Vancouver, the base station is about a 45–60 minute drive north on the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) — one of the most scenic drives in Canada, hugging the shoreline of Howe Sound before climbing into the mountains.

• Route: Highway 99 north through West Vancouver and Lions Bay, past Britannia Beach, to the gondola entrance just after Shannon Falls Provincial Park.
• Parking: There’s a parking area at the base; it can fill on peak summer days, so arrive earlier.
• Tip: Build in a stop at Shannon Falls (free, five-minute walk) and the Stawamus Chief viewpoint — both are right beside the gondola.

Driving is the best choice if you want to set your own pace and stay at the summit as long as you like.

Guided day trip from Vancouver (no car needed)

If you don’t have a car, a guided day-trip tour is the simplest option. These depart from downtown Vancouver with hotel pickup and typically bundle:

• Round-trip coach transport along the Sea to Sky Highway
• Your Sea to Sky Gondola ticket
• Free time in Whistler Village
• A photo stop at Shannon Falls

The trade-off is time: most day trips give you around 90 minutes at the summit before the coach continues, so it’s a highlights visit rather than an all-day one. The upside is zero driving and a guide who narrates the route. Browse current day-trip options on the home page.

Public transit and shuttles

Direct public transit to the gondola is limited. Some seasonal shuttle and coach services run the Vancouver–Squamish–Whistler corridor and stop near the gondola — schedules vary by season, so check current operators before relying on transit. For most visitors without a car, a day-trip tour is more reliable.

Which option is right for you?

• Have a car? Drive — it’s cheaper and far more flexible.
• No car, want Whistler too? Take a day-trip tour that combines both.
• Staying in Squamish or Whistler? You’re already close; the admission ticket and a short drive is all you need.

For a side-by-side of the official ticket versus a day trip, see the comparison on the home page. When you’re ready, check live availability and book.