Sea to Sky Gondola

The Basics

The Sea to Sky Gondola is one of the best ways to understand the majesty and grandeur of the immense landscape, which can be difficult to comprehend, let alone appreciate, at ground level. Sightseers can purchase a ticket for the gondola and make their way there independently. At the top, admire views from the observation deck, follow interpretative walking trails, or tread across the Sky Pilot suspension bridge.

Alternatively, opt for an organized day tour that includes round-trip transport from Vancouver and stops at other area attractions, such as Shannon Falls, the historic gold-mining town of Britannia, Brandywine Falls, and Whistler Village. More active travelers can combine tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola with a whitewater rafting trip on the Cheakamus River or take part in a hiking tour during which participants trek up to the summit from Shannon Falls Provincial Park, before riding the gondola back down.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Sea to Sky Gondola offers easy access to a summit with spectacular views.

• Food and drinks are available at the Summit Lodge Restaurant and the Summit Tea House.

• Each gondola car can hold up to eight passengers.

• The gondola is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Located south of Squamish, the Sea to Sky Gondola is just a 45-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver via the scenic Sea to Sky Highway. For car-free travelers, the best way to get there is by organized tour. The Squamish Connector also runs shuttles between Downtown Vancouver and the Sea to Sky Gondola.

When to Get There

The gondola is open year-round. Go in summer for hiking, greenery, and picnics on the patio. In winter, visitors can admire the peaks, inhale the crisp mountain air, and enjoy the silence of the snow-carpeted surrounds.

Summit Activities

In winter, visitors can rent crampons and poles at the Summit Lodge and head out on the trails, slide down the slopes at the nearby tubing park (just a 5-minute walk from the Summit Lodge), or explore the backcountry on skis. In warmer months, outdoor lovers can go rock climbing on nearby granite crags, tackle hiking trails, take part in morning yoga classes, or challenge themselves on the Squamish Via Ferrata.

Ways to explore

Many hiking and sightseeing tours of the North Shore Mountains and the Squamish/Whistler area include the approximately 10-minute ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola—but Mount Habrich has enough attractions to justify a dedicated trip.

Choose a round-trip lift ticket or, if you’d prefer to hike to the summit, a “Ride Down Only” lift ticket. The Squamish Via Ferrata experience can be booked separately or as part of a package with your lift ticket. In the winter, guided snowshoe tours are available, and you can purchase tickets to the Tube Park at Guest Services or the Summit Gift Shop.

Accessibility

The Basecamp, Summit Lodge, and gondolas are all wheelchair and stroller accessible, along with the patio, viewing deck, and suspension bridge.

Age limits

There are no age limits, but children should be closely supervised. Reduced rates are available for youths and children.

What to pack

Water, snacks, sunscreen, credit card, layers

What to wear

Sunglasses, hat, hiking shoes, comfortable outdoor gear

Not allowed

Smoking, drones, pets (on the gondola up), feeding wild birds and animals

Amenities

Restaurant, bathrooms, shop

Address

It takes about an hour to drive from downtown Vancouver to the base of the Sea to Sky Gondola. Regular buses are also available, as are tours with included transport.

Driving

From downtown Vancouver, take the Lions Gate Bridge to the North Shore—follow signs to Squamish/Whistler, and merge onto the northbound Highway 99. Continue past the signs for Shannon Falls until you see signage for the gondola on your right.

Public transportation

A shuttle from downtown Vancouver departs four times a day and drops you off directly at the Sea to Sky Gondola. Tickets can be purchased online, as part of a package deal with your gondola ticket.

Best times to visit

You can’t reserve time slots for your ride, so opt for an early start to maximize your time. Hours change throughout the seasons; be sure to check in advance.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are always better—it’s a popular activity among locals as well as visitors, and the weekends fill up fast.

Best months to visit

For the best conditions, visit in December, January, or late May. You’ll either enjoy a snowy wonderland or the fresh, sunny spring air.

Special events

There are plenty of seasonal events throughout the year, including a Halloween event for families, pictures with Santa in December, and live music and yoga on summer evenings.