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Thinking of taking a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola? I can’t say I blame you – it really is one of the highlights of the Sea to Sky Highway! But with awesome sightseeing gondolas also available on either end in Vancouver and Whistler, you might be wondering whether or not it’s worth it.
As Vancouver locals, we often head up to Whistler on the weekends and have done the Sea to Sky Gondola several times. So, we’ve written an in-depth review to help you decide whether you should add a gondola ride to your road trip or not!
What is the Sea to Sky Gondola?
The Sea to Sky Gondola is a cable car that takes you up to the summit of Mt. Habrich, which is the highest accessible viewpoint over the magnificent Howe Sound. The ride lasts for about 10 minutes each way and honestly, I’d do it for the views alone, but there’s also quite a lot to do up top, from viewing decks and suspension bridges to a Via Ferrata course and a handful of bars and cafes.
The gondola is located just outside the town of Squamish, and it’s pretty much exactly halfway between Vancouver and Whistler. So if you ask me, it’s the perfect place to stop along the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway!
I can’t get enough of the views of Howe Sound, Shannon Falls, and Stawamus Chief from the top. I usually book my tickets in advance online to save queueing in line, which costs $74-$77 CAD (depending on the day you go), but it’s the same price that you’ll pay on the day anyway!
Book tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola here for FREE cancellation!
What are the Highlights of the Sea to Sky Gondola?
The Gondola
The gondola ride itself is so much fun! I loved the views and 10 minutes just flew by. The views are incredibly scenic and only get better the higher up you go. We always take friends and family who come to visit us on this gondola and they love the views, too!
Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge
I won’t lie to you – the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is a little bit scary! It hangs thousands of feet above ground and it definitely gave me butterflies. It’s worth being brave and walking across anyway, though, as the views of Howe Sound and the mountains in the distance are incredibly beautiful. Best of all, entry to the bridge is included in the price of your gondola ticket!
Summit Lodge Viewing Deck
This viewing platform is right near where you get off the gondola. It’s attached to the Summit Lodge, which has an eatery and bar inside, so when the weather’s good we love to enjoy a meal and a drink out here with a serious view. It really doesn’t get much better than that! They also hold fun events on the deck during summer, such as yoga sessions and wine-pairing dinners, which sound pretty dreamy to me.
Spirit Viewing Platform
There are two ways to get to the Spirit Viewing Platform: across the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge or the Spirit Trail. Either way, it’s only about a 150-meter (492-foot) walk, which I think is worth it because I loved reading the info boards and learning about the area’s landscape, wildlife, and Indigenous heritage.
Chief Overlook
This viewing platform did make my stomach do a few flips, as it’s right over a sheer drop – eek! However, these views are worth mustering up a little bravery for. I loved being able to watch people hiking up Stawamus Chief and windsurfing in the distance!
Via Ferrata
I love tackling Via Ferratas because they allow you to safely access places that only the most experienced of rock climbers would normally be able to go. I’ve done them all over the world, but the one at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola is hard to beat. The views are spectacular and you end on the Summit Lodge Viewing Deck, so you’re well-positioned to grab a well-earned drink afterward.
With this Via Ferrata tour, the group sizes are really small, which means lots of attention from your guide, so I think that this would make the perfect introduction to the world of Iron Pathways if you’ve never done one before. And since kids aged 8 and up are welcome, this would be a really memorable activity to include on a family trip! It costs $109 CAD, although you can save money by selecting the Summit Package Option for $169 CAD, as this also includes your gondola ticket.
Book the Via Ferrata climbing experience here!
Bars and Cafes
I think there’s a pretty good range of bars and eateries at the top of the gondola. From breakfast and baked goods at the Co-Pilot Cafe to enjoying Backyard Bites or the Ocean View BBQ out in the fresh air during the summer, we always like grabbing something to eat up here.
Our favorite spot is the Edge Bar, which features craft beer from every local brewery in Squamish. As craft beer fans, that’s definitely something we can get behind! Although saying that, the ice cream-filled Chimney Cakes from the Praguery are definitely a close second. They’re just so decadent!
Walking trails
If you’ve ever read our blogs before, then you’ll know that we love to hike! There are a few trails at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola so of course, we had to explore them. We liked walking along the Panorama Trail because it took us through the old-growth forest to the thrilling Chief Overlook viewing platform, and for a proper hike, Sparky’s Spin will take you right underneath the gondola.
Related Read: While you’re here, check out our list of the best activities in Squamish for more ideas!
Our Experience on the Sea to Sky Gondola
We saved the Sea to Sky Gondola for a nice, clear day and booked our tickets with Viator so that we could reschedule them and get the best weather. We were really excited about the gondola ride and it didn’t disappoint!
The views were fantastic from the get-go and, as cheesy as it sounds, we really couldn’t stop ooh-ing and aah-ing as we rode upwards. This wasn’t an experience we wanted to rush, so when we got to the top we decided to walk the Panorama Trail to the Chief Overlook viewpoint. It was a bit nerve-wracking to walk out onto it, but we fell in love with the view!
Meanwhile, we just had to walk across the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, which was just as spectacular but perhaps even scarier! And of course, since it was such a beautiful day, it seemed rude not to grab a drink from the Edge Bar and enjoy it while admiring the view from the Summit Lodge Viewing Deck.
We spent somewhere between 2 and 3 hours up here in total, and it was totally worth it. It broke up the drive from Vancouver to Whistler perfectly and for me, it’s definitely the best stop along the Sea to Sky Highway. And let me tell you, that’s a very competitive list!
If you want even more info, check out all the things to know before visiting the Sea to Sky Gondola!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
How do you get to the gondola?
Drive
Although Vancouver has a great public transport system, renting a car in the city gives you the freedom to explore all of the incredible places that are slightly further afield, such as Deep Cove, Squamish, Whistler … oh yeah, and the Sea to Sky Gondola!
The gondola is 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Vancouver, which is about a 45-minute drive. So you can either just drive to the Gondola and back, which is very scenic in itself, or continue onto Whistler – the choice is yours! We should also note that there’s plenty of parking here and it’s free for up to 3 hours.
Related Read: If road trips are your style, this list of the best road trips from Vancouver will help you plan your next route!
Shuttle
Alternatively, if you’d rather not rent a car in Vancouver and only want to visit the Gondola, rather than going all the way to Whistler, you can arrange a shuttle from the downtown area. You can either purchase a shuttle and gondola package for $105 CAD round trip, or the shuttle only for $40 CAD. Do note that both of these prices are before tax, as that trips me up sometimes!
There are three shuttle services per day between 7:55 am and 1:45 pm. Keep an eye on the website for exact timings and remember to book well in advance if you want to use this service.
Tour
If you don’t have a rental car and do want to check out Whistler (which I definitely think is worth it!) then you can book this tour from Vancouver to Whistler. We love it because it allows you to spend the morning in the epic resort village of Whistler, which is one of our favorite places in British Columbia, and then ride the Sea to Sky Gondola on the way back to the city. Plus, there’s a bonus stop at beautiful Shannon Falls, so you really do get a fun road trip along one of Canada’s most scenic roads.
Another thing we like about this tour is that you get plenty of time at the top of the gondola and you don’t feel rushed. The guide, Herman, was so attentive and considerate and provided lots of fascinating information about the area and the gondola itself.
The price of the tour does vary a little but typically costs between $231-$242 CAD. This includes return transport from Vancouver and your gondola ticket, so we think it’s good value for money. In fact, if you would only be renting a car for this specific journey, taking the tour will probably work out cheaper!
Book this day trip to Whistler including a gondola ride here!
Is the Sea to Sky Gondola Worth it?
Yes! It’s one of the most beautiful sightseeing gondolas in Canada. In fact, when we compared the three gondolas around Vancouver, we definitely think that this one has the best views.
So as much as we love the Grouse Mountain and Peak 2 Peak gondolas, if you’re only going to ride one of them while you’re in British Columbia, we would advise you to choose the Sea to Sky! The views are absolutely epic and we never get tired of the walking trails and viewing platforms at the top.
Reserve your Sea to Sky Gondola tickets here and you can buy now and pay later!
Other Things to do while you’re in Vancouver
Vancouver is a city filled with tons of things to do and see. So after your gondola ride, don’t miss some of the other top attractions and activities:
- Go whale watching – It’s not just people who flock to Vancouver every year! From the beautiful black and white orcas to the lively humpbacks, going whale watching in Vancouver makes for a truly unforgettable memory. This half-day whale watching tour offers an amazing experience with a guarantee you’ll see whales!
- Hiking – There are a ton of amazing hikes in and around Vancouver. We love wandering the trails near the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge or if you’re making the drive towards Squamish, check out The Chief.
- Eat ALL the food! – Vancouver is a foodie destination showcasing cuisine from all around the world. For breakfast, Jam Cafe or Medina are our go-tos. For Asian cuisine, you can’t pass up Minami for sushi or Danbo for ramen. You can also join this highly-rated food tour that takes you to some of the city’s best restaurants.
- See Granville Island – Granville Island has such a fun energy and you can easily spend an afternoon wandering through the streets seeing the street performers or checking out the famous Granville Public Market. If you’re short on time or want a stress-free stop, there are some Granville Island tours we love like this VIP market access tour where you’ll get to sample all the best food!
- Explore Kitsilano – One of our favorite areas in all of Vancouver is Kitsilano. This suburb is super trendy and has many cute stores, cafes, and restaurants that are well worth checking out. On top of that, Kitsilano Beach is one of the best beaches in Vancouver and the perfect place to relax. It’s also our favorite place to watch the sunset.
Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is one of the most popular cities in Canada. The fact is that in the summer and winter, the city books up very fast. Booking your hotel or hostel well in advance is the only way to secure the best place to stay for you!
For more info on the best areas and hotels, check out my complete guide on where to stay in Vancouver that breaks down everything you need to know before choosing the right hotel! Or have a look at my recommendations below for my favorite hotels and hostels in Vancouver.
Hyatt Regency Vancouver – $$$
The Hyatt Regency Vancouver has the perfect location halfway between Stanley Park and Gastown. As you can imagine, it’s a luxury stay in a large hotel chain that is very highly reviewed! It has an outdoor hot tub, a gym, a Starbucks on-site, and is within walking distance to top sights.
Rooms start at $233 CAD and are clean, spacious, and very well-kept. So if you can afford to spend a little more, we recommend treating yourself to this hotel! You can check availability, prices, and book your stay here.
Times Square Suites – $$
For a beautiful hotel close to Stanley Park, you should opt for the Times Square Suites. It’s very hard to fault this hotel, and we think the location is amazing. Plus, the suites are spacious yet have a cozy feel with kitchenettes and gas fireplaces. This hotel feels luxurious yet still affordable, with prices starting at $196 CAD when you book ahead online.
The Cambie Hostel Gastown – $
The Cambie Hostel Gastown is an overall good budget choice. The location is in the heart of Gastown and close to lots of bars and restaurants. Attached to the hostel is a very lively bar too. The rooms are clean, but we felt the bathrooms were a little cramped.
It’s perfect for backpackers on a budget and is relatively cheap for being so central (starting at $90 CAD). Yet, it still offers quality accommodations. To snag this deal, you’ll want to reserve a room on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com!
Click here to browse all hotels in Vancouver!
Renting a Car in British Columbia
If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!
Thanks for reading!
I hope this review of the Sea to Sky Gondola was helpful as you plan your visit! Make sure there’s lots of room on your camera roll because you’re going to take a TON of pictures up here. We can’t wait to stop back in here on our next road trip from Vancouver to Whistler!
While you’re planning a trip to BC, check out our other blogs about British Columbia. We’ve spent lots of time traveling around the province and have lots of ideas and tips to share!
Capilano Suspension Bridge Review – Is it Worth it?
32 BEST Things to do in Vancouver When it Rains
Is Whistler Worth Visiting? My HONEST Review from a Vancouver Local!