Sea-to-Sky Highway
Canada, north-america
130 km
670 m
easy
Year-round; summer for hiking, winter for skiing
The Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) stretches 130 kilometers from Vancouver to Whistler along British Columbia's stunning Howe Sound coastline. The route earned its evocative name from the dramatic elevation change as it climbs from sea level along the fjord to the ski resort town of Whistler at 670 meters. Massively upgraded for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the highway transformed from a notoriously dangerous two-lane road into a modern scenic freeway.
The drive begins with the dramatic crossing of Howe Sound, North America's southernmost fjord, where mountains plunge directly into the Pacific. Highlights include Shannon Falls (British Columbia's third-highest waterfall at 335 meters), the Sea-to-Sky Gondola with panoramic views of the sound, and the charming heritage town of Squamish, which has become a world-class rock climbing and mountain biking destination. The road continues climbing through old-growth forests before arriving in the resort village of Whistler.
Where is it?
Sea-to-Sky Highway is located in British Columbia, Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 49.6752, -123.1558
Driving Tips
Drive north in the morning and south in the afternoon to avoid sun glare. The highway can be very busy on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons with Whistler-bound traffic. Stop at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park for a short hike to a stunning 70-meter waterfall. Winter conditions may require snow tires from October to April.
Road Surface
Paved, modern multi-lane highway with some two-lane sections
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Region
- British Columbia
- Length
- 130 km
- Max Elevation
- 670 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Surface
- Paved, modern multi-lane highway with some two-lane sections
- Best Season
- Year-round; summer for hiking, winter for skiing
- Coordinates
- 49.6752, -123.1558
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