Things to Do at the Sea to Sky Gondola Summit

The ride is only the start — the Sea to Sky Gondola summit, 885 metres (about 2,900 ft) above Howe Sound, is where most of the experience happens. Here’s what to do once you step out of the cabin, all included with your admission ticket.

Cross the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge

The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is the summit’s signature attraction — a roughly 100-metre pedestrian bridge that arcs across a rock gully, opening up views of the surrounding peaks and the fjord far below. It’s an easy, short walk from the upper gondola station and the most photographed spot at the top.

Walk the viewing platforms and trails

• Spirit Viewing Platform — a cantilevered deck reaching out over the edge, with sweeping views down Howe Sound.
• Panorama Trail — a short, mostly easy loop (around 20–40 minutes) linking the best viewpoints.
• Spirit Trail — a gentle interpretive walk through the sub-alpine forest.
• Longer hikes — fitter visitors can pick up access to backcountry routes and alpine trails directly from the summit.

Wear closed-toe shoes; some trail sections are uneven, and the summit is cooler and breezier than the base.

Eat with a view

The Summit Lodge has a restaurant, café, and bar with a large deck — a good spot for lunch or a coffee overlooking the sound. You’re also welcome to bring your own food; there’s plenty of seating at the viewpoints for a picnic.

In winter: snowshoeing and tubing

The gondola runs year-round, and in winter the summit becomes a snow playground:

• Snowshoe trails wind through the snow-laden forest (rentals are available).
• A dedicated tube park offers groomed lanes for all ages.
• The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, framed in snow, is a highlight in any season.

How long to spend at the top

Most visitors spend two to four hours at the summit — enough to cross the bridge, walk a loop or two, and have a bite. With a round-trip ticket there’s no rush: ride down whenever you’re ready.

A bit of backstory

The gondola opened in 2014 and quickly became one of the corridor’s most popular stops. It made headlines for a rare reason, too — the haul cable was deliberately cut by a vandal in 2019 and again in 2020, sending cabins to the ground both times (thankfully when closed). The operator rebuilt and reopened each time, and the gondola has run reliably since.

Ready to go up? Check availability and book your Sea to Sky Gondola admission ticket — and see our tickets and prices guide for what to budget.