Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip

Fasten your seatbelts and open up those van windows wide because Indie Campers is taking you on a Sea to Sky Highway road trip you'll be talking about for years! The Sea to Sky Highway, known historically as the BC-99 route, has been more than just a roadway for locals. It's a lifeline that knits together communities and cultures.

Indeed, you might be wondering why the name "Sea to Sky"? It's somewhat of a poetic touch. This stretch of highway runs from the hip city streets and salty shores of Vancouver to the snow-sprinkled peaks of Whistler. And it's filled with more eye candy than a candy store. Think towering mountains, lush forests, and the shimmering sea. All packed in a neat arc stretching over 145 jaw-dropping kilometers (90 miles!)

Yet, to truly appreciate this picturesque journey, we encourage travelers to look beyond the postcard-perfect views. This journey also offers a gateway to culturally rich small towns. You'll find delectable food experiences, living indigenous cultures, and exciting outdoor adventures. Indeed, the Sea to Sky Highway provides a one-of-a-kind interactive travel experience that enriches your mind and soul.

Are you picturing it yet? Great! At Indie Campers, our mission is not just about getting you from point A to point B but focusing on everything valuable in between. Stay with us on this ride as we explore each kilometer packed with awe-inspiring sights and lively experiences along one of Canada's most beautiful highways.

Let's kick off our adventure right in the bustling metropolis of Vancouver, or as locals affectionately call it, "Vancity." Time for a giggle; while on this trip, you will explore Vancity in style...in a "van"! We can't ignore the sweet irony: exploring VanCity in an actual van!

Our journey begins right in the heart of Vancouver. If you're visiting from elsewhere, welcome to this radiant city. And for local Vancouverites taking this trip – why not rediscover your hometown from an outsider's lens? There's a saying: sometimes the best explorations happen in your own backyard.

Vancouver boasts a unique blend of coastal vibes and urban life that's hard not to love! With its stunning landscapes, thriving arts scene, and melting pot of cultures, it sets the perfect tone for our upcoming road trip experience. So grab your maps (or apps!) as we unleash the adventurer within you on a rollercoaster ride through Vancouver's diverse neighborhoods.

From Vancouver, let's set our eyes on the charming village of Horseshoe Bay. Simply hop on the BC-99 N (the Sea to Sky Highway itself!) from downtown, and in less than an hour (approximately 25 kilometers/15 miles), you'll find yourself in this scenic coastal nook. Since there aren't many places to sleep here, feel free to make a quick pit stop before continuing your journey further up north.

Nestled at the tip of West Vancouver, Horseshoe Bay is where cityscapes seamlessly transition into wilderness. It's a panorama that never fails to capture hearts! Imagine brisk ocean waves lapping up against a harbor packed with little boats bobbing gently in the water – that's Horseshoe Bay encapsulated for you.

But stunning landscapes aside, Horseshoe Bay also offers ample activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fancy taking a dip? Or perhaps a leisurely shoreline stroll? The village promises a gateway to outdoor fun - all against the backdrop of dazzling views!

We're heading north now, deeper into the mystic tracts of the Sea to Sky Highway. About 25 kilometers or 15 miles from Horseshoe Bay rests Porteau Cove Provincial Park, your access point to the untamed Canadian wilderness. Camping enthusiasts will want to spend at least two days here.

Here's an exciting fact: did you know that 'Porteau' is derived from French and translates as "Water's Gate"? Seems apt, doesn't it? As you drive into this pristine park with the Howe Sound's expansive waters lapping against its sandy shores, it feels like you've entered a road to nature's undisturbed marvel.

Squamish is next on our Sea to Sky Highway road trip itinerary, a scenic town buried between towering monoliths just 20 km or 12 miles north of Porteau Cove Provincial Park.

This quaint community deserves a day and a night on its own, with many reasons to stop and explore. Renowned as an outdoor paradise, it earns props for its action-packed recreational options. With countless trails to hike, lakes to paddle, rocks to climb, and rivers for whitewater rafting, adventure loves company in Squamish!

Thrill-seekers can conquer Via Ferrata or brace themselves for some adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting. But if you fancy a more leisurely experience, well, Squamish serves that too. Just hop into the Sea-to-Sky gondola and savor bird's eye vistas of Howe Sound fjord while dangling your feet midair!

Just when you think the beauty of the Sea to Sky Highway can't possibly be enhanced any further, we arrive at our next stop: Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. This gem is synonymous with one major attraction – its awe-inspiring waterfall. Cascading down about 70 meters, Brandywine Falls is a spectacle to behold! As the water tumbles over hardened basalt ledge and crash-lands into cool pools below, it creates a breathtaking scene that'll make any rugged explorer pause.

Approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Squamish, Brandywine Falls Provincial Park drastically redefines the way you perceive natural beauty. It also extends into other recreational opportunities like hiking, picnicking, and bird watching. As such, you might want to reserve another two days for this hidden gem.

With an ample dose of wilderness savored, it's time to pivot our trip toward civilization as we reach our final stop. Approximately 18 kilometers, 11 miles, or a 15-minute drive from Brandywine Falls, we now discover the renowned resort town of Whistler. Get ready to spend three or more days here without ever wanting to leave.

Resting against the grand backdrop of Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, this charming town is your perfect ending point. But don't mistake it to be all about skiing and snowboarding (though that's a significant part). Its beautifully maintained trails allow hiking in summer while art museums and comfort food restaurants transition it into an all-season destination!

From strolling within the pedestrian-only Whistler Village, filled with eclectic shops, to exploring jaw-dropping sights through Peak 2 Peak Gondola – you're just getting started!