road trip seattle to whistler

The Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Driving From Seattle To Whistler

Looking to embark on an epic Pacific Northwest road trip from Seattle up to Whistler, BC? You’ve come to the right place! This comprehensive 3000 word guide will provide everything you need to know to plan out and successfully execute this incredible journey.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The drive from Seattle to Whistler is around 200 miles and takes 3-4 hours depending on traffic and stops . You’ll drive north on I-5 through Mount Vernon and Bellingham, before heading east from Bellingham on Highway 539 towards the border. After crossing into Canada, continue north on Highway 99, also known as the Sea-to-Sky Highway, passing through Horseshoe Bay, Squamish and Whistler. The route is fairly straightforward but be prepared for stunning scenery and sights along the way.

In this article, we’ll go over optimal timing, must-see attractions en route, where to stop for food/gas/photo-ops, border crossing essentials, driving conditions and tips, recommended vehicle type, and sample 3-4 day Seattle to Whistler road trip itineraries to help you plan out your Pacific Northwest driving adventure.

Optimal Time of Year and Route Overview

When planning a road trip from Seattle to Whistler, it’s important to consider the best time of year for optimal weather and road conditions. The Pacific Northwest is known for its rainy weather, so it’s wise to choose a time when the chances of rain are lower.

The summer months of June, July, and August tend to have the most favorable weather, with mild temperatures and less precipitation. This makes it an ideal time to embark on your road trip, as you’ll have clear skies and comfortable driving conditions.

Best time of year for optimal weather and road conditions

During the summer months, you can expect pleasant temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 18-24 degrees Celsius). This makes it comfortable for both driving and outdoor activities along the way.

Additionally, the chance of encountering snow or ice on the roads is significantly lower during this time, reducing the risk of difficult driving conditions.

If you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, consider planning your road trip in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. These months still offer relatively good weather, although there may be a higher chance of rain.

However, with the right planning and appropriate gear, you can enjoy a scenic drive and explore the beautiful landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

Quickest and most scenic driving route from Seattle to Whistler

The most direct and quickest route from Seattle to Whistler is via Interstate 5 and Highway 99. This route takes approximately 4 hours and covers a distance of around 230 miles (370 kilometers). It offers a convenient option for those looking to reach Whistler as quickly as possible.

However, if you’re seeking a more scenic and adventurous route, consider taking the Sea-to-Sky Highway. This picturesque route stretches from Vancouver to Whistler and offers breathtaking views of the coastline, mountains, and forests.

The drive takes around 5 hours, but the stunning vistas along the way make it well worth the additional time.

As you embark on your road trip, be sure to make stops at popular attractions such as Shannon Falls and Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. These natural wonders provide opportunities to stretch your legs, take memorable photos, and immerse yourself in the beauty of British Columbia.

For more detailed information and real-time traffic updates, you can visit the official websites of Washington State Department of Transportation ( https://wsdot.com ) and DriveBC ( https://drivebc.ca ). These resources can help you plan your trip and ensure a smooth journey.

Must-See Stops and Attractions Along the Way

Driving from Seattle to Whistler offers a stunning journey filled with breathtaking scenery and exciting attractions. Along the way, there are numerous must-see stops that will make your road trip unforgettable.

From picturesque parks to charming towns, here are some of the top attractions to visit on your journey:

Bellingham – Bloedel Donovan Park, downtown breweries

As you start your road trip, a stop in Bellingham is a must. Visit Bloedel Donovan Park, a beautiful waterfront park where you can enjoy a picnic, go for a swim, or rent a kayak. Afterward, explore the downtown area, known for its vibrant craft beer scene.

Don’t miss the chance to visit some of the local breweries and sample their delicious brews.

Chuckanut Drive – scenic alternative to I-5

If you’re looking for a scenic alternative to the I-5 highway, take a detour onto Chuckanut Drive. This winding road offers stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding mountains. Take your time to enjoy the scenic overlooks and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way.

Anacortes – Washington State Ferries, whale watching

In Anacortes, make sure to catch a ride on one of the Washington State Ferries. These ferries offer a unique way to explore the surrounding islands and enjoy the beautiful views of the Puget Sound. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some whales during your journey.

Anacortes is a popular spot for whale watching tours, so consider booking one for an unforgettable experience.

Birch Bay – beachcombing

For beach lovers, a stop at Birch Bay is a must. This charming coastal community offers miles of sandy beaches, perfect for beachcombing and enjoying the ocean views. Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline and keep an eye out for interesting seashells and other treasures.

Larrabee State Park – Chuckanut Mountain hiking trails

Nestled between Bellingham and Anacortes, Larrabee State Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features a network of hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints and offer opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Lace up your hiking shoes and explore the beautiful trails of Chuckanut Mountain.

Mount Baker – scenic views

If you’re a fan of scenic mountain vistas, make sure to make a stop at Mount Baker. This majestic peak offers breathtaking views and is a haven for outdoor activities. Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying the stunning scenery, Mount Baker is a must-see stop along your road trip.

Welcome to Canada sign – popular photo op spot

Once you cross the border into Canada, be sure to stop at the iconic “Welcome to Canada” sign. This popular photo op spot marks the beginning of your Canadian adventure and is a great way to commemorate your road trip.

Horseshoe Bay – ferry terminal, hiking

Horseshoe Bay is a charming coastal village located just outside of Vancouver. It is home to a busy ferry terminal, connecting travelers to various destinations in British Columbia. Take some time to explore the village, go for a hike in the nearby mountains, or catch a ferry to one of the surrounding islands.

Squamish – Shannon Falls, Sea to Sky Gondola, Chief hiking

Squamish is a must-stop destination for nature lovers. Visit Shannon Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in British Columbia, and take a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

If you’re up for a challenge, hike the Chief, a popular trail that rewards hikers with stunning panoramic views.

Alice Lake – scenic swimming and hiking spot

Alice Lake is a hidden gem along the route, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the road. Take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters or go for a hike along the scenic trails surrounding the lake.

This idyllic spot is perfect for a picnic or to simply relax and take in the beauty of nature.

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park

As you near Whistler, make sure to visit Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. This park is home to a stunning 230-foot waterfall, which can be viewed from a scenic viewpoint. Take a short hike to the falls and marvel at the power and beauty of nature.

Whistler Village – shops, restaurants, activities

Finally, arrive at your destination: Whistler Village. This bustling resort town is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, but it offers plenty to see and do year-round. Explore the charming village filled with shops, restaurants, and activities for all ages.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or prefer a more relaxed experience, Whistler Village has something for everyone.

As you embark on your road trip from Seattle to Whistler, make sure to plan your stops and attractions along the way. Each destination offers something unique and memorable, making your journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.

Where to Stop for Food, Gas, and Bathroom Breaks

Gas and food options along i-5.

When embarking on a road trip from Seattle to Whistler, it’s essential to plan your stops for food, gas, and bathroom breaks. Along Interstate 5 (I-5), you’ll find numerous options to satisfy your hunger and refuel your vehicle.

Popular fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Subway can be found at various exits along the way, providing convenient and familiar options for a quick bite. Additionally, there are truck stops and rest areas that offer a wider selection of food and beverage options.

Last spots for cheap gas before Canada

If you’re looking to save some money on gas before crossing the border into Canada, it’s a good idea to fill up your tank at the last available spots along I-5. One recommended option is the gas stations in Bellingham, Washington, which tend to have slightly lower prices compared to those near the border.

Keep in mind that gas prices tend to be higher in Canada, so taking advantage of the cheaper options before crossing can help you save some cash for your journey.

Grocery stores to stock up on before border crossing

Before crossing into Canada, it’s crucial to stock up on any essential supplies, including groceries and snacks. One convenient option is to make a stop at a grocery store along I-5 before reaching the border.

Stores like Fred Meyer and Safeway offer a wide range of groceries, beverages, and snacks, allowing you to restock your supplies for the road trip. Remember to check the Canadian border regulations regarding any restrictions on bringing food items across the border.

Food, gas, and bathroom options along Highway 99

As you continue your journey from the border to Whistler along Highway 99, there are several food, gas, and bathroom options available. The towns of Squamish and Whistler offer a variety of restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores where you can grab a meal or snacks.

Additionally, there are gas stations along the route to refuel your vehicle, ensuring you have a smooth and uninterrupted journey. Remember to check the opening hours of these establishments, as some may have limited hours, especially during off-peak seasons.

Border Crossing Essentials

When embarking on a road trip from Seattle to Whistler, crossing the border into Canada is an essential part of the journey. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free border crossing experience, it is important to be prepared and familiarize yourself with the necessary documents and regulations.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Documents needed to enter Canada

When crossing the border into Canada, it is crucial to have the correct documents with you. Generally, visitors from the United States will need a valid passport or an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) to enter Canada.

It is recommended to check the Canadian Border Services Agency website for the most up-to-date information on required documents.

Tips for a smooth border crossing experience

To ensure a smooth and efficient border crossing, it is important to be prepared. Here are some tips to help make your experience as seamless as possible:

• Arrive at the border crossing with ample time, especially during peak travel periods.
• Have all necessary documents readily accessible.
• Answer any questions from the border officers honestly and accurately.
• Declare any items or goods you are bringing into Canada.
• Be patient and respectful towards the border officers and follow their instructions.

Duty free limits and exemptions when crossing into Canada

When crossing the border into Canada, there are duty free limits and exemptions to be aware of. These limits determine the quantity and value of goods you can bring into the country without having to pay duties or taxes.

The limits may vary depending on the length of your stay and the type of goods you are bringing. For detailed information, you can visit the CBSA website or contact the Canadian Border Services Agency directly.

What to know about purchasing alcohol

If you plan on purchasing alcohol during your road trip, it is important to understand the regulations around bringing it across the border. The legal drinking age in Canada varies by province, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the province you will be visiting.

Additionally, there are limits on the amount of alcohol you can bring into the country duty-free. For more information on alcohol regulations, you can visit the CBSA website .

By being well-prepared and informed about border crossing essentials, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable road trip from Seattle to Whistler. Remember to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information and have all necessary documents readily available. Happy travels!

Driving Conditions and Tips for the Sea-to-Sky Highway

When embarking on a road trip from Seattle to Whistler, one of the most important factors to consider is the driving conditions along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. This scenic route offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Northwest, but it also presents some challenges that drivers need to be aware of.

Seasonal considerations – winter snow and ice

During the winter months, the Sea-to-Sky Highway can be subject to heavy snowfall and icy conditions. It is crucial to check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out on your journey.

It is also recommended to have winter tires or chains, as they can greatly improve traction on slippery roads. Additionally, driving at a slower speed and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles can help ensure a safe and smooth journey.

Narrow, winding road with cliffs – caution advised

The Sea-to-Sky Highway is known for its narrow and winding road, often hugging the cliffs overlooking the coastline. This can be both exciting and challenging for drivers. It is important to exercise caution and be prepared for tight turns and sudden elevation changes.

Staying focused and keeping both hands on the wheel can help navigate these sections safely. Additionally, using turnouts and pullouts to allow faster traffic to pass can help prevent congestion and potential accidents.

Allow extra time for scenic stops and pullouts

One of the highlights of driving along the Sea-to-Sky Highway is the numerous scenic stops and pullouts along the way. From viewpoints offering panoramic vistas to waterfalls and hiking trails, there are plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and admire the natural beauty of the region.

It is advisable to plan additional time for these stops and factor them into your itinerary. After all, a road trip is not just about reaching your destination, but also about enjoying the journey.

Wildlife crossing the road

The Pacific Northwest is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and it’s not uncommon to encounter animals crossing the road along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. This can include deer, elk, bears, and even eagles.

It is important to be vigilant and watch out for wildlife, especially during dawn and dusk when they are most active. Adhering to speed limits and using caution when approaching areas with wildlife warning signs can help minimize the risk of collisions.

Tips for nervous drivers

If you are a nervous driver, the Sea-to-Sky Highway may seem daunting at first. However, with some preparation and a few tips, you can navigate this scenic route with confidence. Firstly, consider driving during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic.

This can help alleviate the pressure of other vehicles tailgating or passing you. Secondly, take breaks at designated rest areas to relax and regain your composure. Finally, remember that it’s okay to drive at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Don’t let other drivers rush you or make you feel unsafe. Your safety and peace of mind are paramount.

For more information on road conditions and safety tips, visit DriveBC.ca , the official website of the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Recommended Vehicle Type

Sedan, suv, or truck are all feasible.

When embarking on a road trip from Seattle to Whistler, choosing the right vehicle type is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable journey. Fortunately, there are several options that are well-suited for this scenic drive.

Whether you prefer a sedan, SUV, or truck, each of these vehicle types can handle the terrain and provide a comfortable ride.

AWD or 4WD recommended in winter conditions

While a sedan or SUV can be suitable for most of the year, it is important to consider the weather conditions, especially during the winter months. The road conditions can become challenging, with snowfall and icy patches.

In these situations, it is highly recommended to opt for a vehicle equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) capabilities. These features provide better traction and stability, which can greatly enhance safety during the journey.

Motorcycle not ideal due to road conditions

While motorcycles may offer a thrilling riding experience, they are not the ideal choice for driving from Seattle to Whistler. The road conditions can be unpredictable, and the route includes mountainous terrain and winding roads.

Motorcycles are more susceptible to adverse weather conditions and have less stability on slippery surfaces. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a four-wheeled vehicle that offers better protection and control.

It is important to note that the information provided here is based on general recommendations. Weather conditions and road conditions can vary, so it is always a good idea to check the latest updates and plan accordingly.

For more detailed information on the best vehicle type for your specific needs, consider consulting with local experts or refer to reputable automotive websites such as Consumer Reports or Edmunds .

Sample 3-4 Day Road Trip Itineraries

Itinerary #1: 3 days from seattle to whistler.

If you’re short on time but still want to experience the beauty of the drive from Seattle to Whistler, this 3-day itinerary is perfect for you. Here’s a breakdown of what your trip could look like:

• Day 1: Seattle to Bellingham

Spend the night in Bellingham and explore the city’s charming downtown area.

• Day 2: Bellingham to Whistler

Once you reach Whistler, take some time to explore the village and enjoy the many outdoor activities the area has to offer.

• Day 3: Whistler and Surrounding Area

End your trip with a relaxing stroll around Whistler Village before heading back to Seattle.

Itinerary #2: 4 days from Seattle to Whistler

If you have a bit more time to spare, consider this 4-day itinerary that allows for a more leisurely pace and additional exploration opportunities:

• Day 1: Seattle to Anacortes
• Start your journey by heading north from Seattle to Anacortes. Explore the charming downtown area and take a ferry to one of the nearby San Juan Islands for a day of island hopping and outdoor activities. Spend the night in Anacortes.
• Day 2: Anacortes to Bellingham
• Continue your drive from Anacortes to Bellingham, making stops at attractions like Larrabee State Park and Fairhaven Historic District. Spend the afternoon exploring Bellingham’s breweries and enjoy a delicious dinner in the downtown area.
• Day 3: Bellingham to Whistler

Arrive in Whistler in the evening and relax at one of the village’s cozy restaurants or bars.

• Day 4: Whistler and Surrounding Area

End your trip with a scenic drive back to Seattle.

Remember, these itineraries are just suggestions and can be customized to fit your preferences and interests. Whether you choose the 3-day or 4-day option, you’re sure to have an unforgettable road trip from Seattle to Whistler.

We hope this guide gave you a comprehensive overview for planning your epic Seattle to Whistler road trip! Let us know if you have any other questions. The journey will take you through incredible mountain scenery, charming towns, and stunning natural attractions. Start planning your ideal Pacific Northwest driving adventure today!

Hi there, I'm Jessica, the solo traveler behind the travel blog Eye & Pen. I launched my site in 2020 to share over a decade of adventurous stories and vivid photography from my expeditions across 30+ countries. When I'm not wandering, you can find me freelance writing from my home base in Denver, hiking Colorado's peaks with my rescue pup Belle, or enjoying local craft beers with friends.

I specialize in budget tips, unique lodging spotlights, road trip routes, travel hacking guides, and female solo travel for publications like Travel+Leisure and Matador Network. Through my photography and writing, I hope to immerse readers in new cultures and compelling destinations not found in most guidebooks. I'd love for you to join me on my lifelong journey of visual storytelling!

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Seattle To Whistler | The Best 4-Day Itinerary

Whistler is a fantastic spot to be no matter the season. Whether you're looking for some world-class skiing in the winter, or picturesque hiking in the summer, Whistler is one place where you will rarely get bored. For this post, I'm going to discuss getting from Seattle to Whistler in the summertime. I will also highlight some of the best things you can do in and see in Whistler and Vancouver over 4 days.

Driving from Seattle to Whistler is easy and can be done in four hours. From Seattle, you'll get onto Interstate 5 and drive for 110 miles until you hit the Canadian border. Once you cross the border, you'll continue onto BC-99 N, which will take you around Vancouver and over the Lions Gate Bridge before putting you on the Sea to Sky Highway. Once on the Sea to Sky Highway, you'll have an hour and 15 minutes left in your drive before reaching the gates to Whistler.

We did our trip my Seattle to Whistler throughout a long weekend. We took off from Seattle on a Thursday after work around 5pm, and we arrived in Whistler just after 9:30pm. Traffic was a little bad getting through Everett due to rush hour, so make sure you account for traffic when timing your trip. The drive on the Sea to Sky Highway was beautiful. You'll drive alongside the pacific ocean as you slowly proceed into the mountains. You get amazing views of mountains seeming to protrude directly out of the Pacific Ocean, and you'll definitely have the urge to pull over and take a few photos throughout the drive.

We booked an Airbnb in the Whistler village for the weekend, and to our surprise, it didn't break the bank. We had a studio apartment equipped with a community pool hot tub, gym, and mountain views. It was the perfect little getaway spot and served as an ideal home base for our adventures. Now, read on for a 4-Day Itinerary in and around Whistler, along with some tips for visiting Vancouver.

Whistler & Vancouver 4 Day Itinerary (For the Summer)

We woke up bright and early on our first full day in Whistler. Energized and ready for adventure, hiking was first on our list of things to do! We loaded up the car and headed North towards the trailhead for Joffre Lakes. Technically the trailhead to Joffre Lakes is outside of Whistler - it's about an hour North, but trust me when I say this is one of the best hikes you will ever do. It's officially in our top 5, and we've done a lot of hiking.

The Joffre Lakes trail is 4.8 miles round trip and features about 1600 feet of elevation gain. Throughout the hike, you'll start at lower Joffre Lake, hike past Middle Joffre Lake, and a raging waterfall, before finally ending up at Upper Joffre Lake. You get to experience three different lakes on the Joffre Lakes trail, all of which radiate beautifully blue water amongst surrounding glaciers and mountains.

The Joffre Lakes trail is rated as moderate. You follow along a gradual incline for most of the hike; however, right before middle Joffre Lake, you will encounter a steep slope. The trail is well maintained, and there are stairs to help you conquer the incline. The final thing to note about this hike is the crowds, as it can be jam-packed. The trailhead only has limited parking, so be sure to get there early! We ended up pulling into the trailhead just before 8:00 am on a Friday, and it wasn't too busy.

After the hike, we drove back to Whistler to continue our day. We proceeded to grab some lunch and explore the Whistler Village. The Village in Whistler has won numerous awards and is home to outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world, and it is easy to see why. With over 200 shops surrounding the Village, it was easy to bring out our inner tourists and do some browsing.

After some shopping therapy, we finished up our day by walking out to Lost Lake. A short walk from the Whistler Village, Lost Lake hosts a small beach area along with walking trails surrounding the lake. It's the perfect spot to bring a snack or some beverages and wind down after a long day.

Day 1 Summary

Hike Joffre Lakes

Explore the Village - Shopping, Olympic Rings, Lunch

Walk around Lost Lake or hang at the beach

Day 2 - Whistler 360 Experience

On our second day in Whistler, we grabbed tickets for the 360 Experience to get up onto the mountain. The 360 Experience allows you to take the Whistler or Blackcomb Gondola to the top of the mountain. You'll experience breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, glacier lakes down below, and wild-flowers blooming throughout the meadows. Tickets range from $75.00 - $80.00 Canadian, so it is a touch on the pricey side, but you're on vacation, right? It's worth it.

Your best bet is to take the Whistler Gondola up. Once you're at the top of the mountain, you have a couple of options for what to do next. We started our excursion by taking the Peak Chair to the very tippy-top of the mountain. At the top of the Peak Chair, you'll find the new CloudRaker Skybridge. A metal suspension bridge that spans 425 Feet (130m) from Whistler Peak to the mountain's West Ridge, the Skybridge offers a breathtaking 360 view of the surrounding mountains, while giving you that sweaty palms feeling as you walk high above the Whistler Bowl below. At the end of the Skybridge, you'll come to a large viewing platform that once again offers terrific sights of the surrounding landscape.

Once we had our fill of pictures, we continue with the central part of our day, hiking! Right after you exit the Ravens Eye viewing platform, you'll come to a trailhead for the High Note Trail. High Note is a 5.8-mile hike that winds down and around the backside of Whistler Mountain. Arguably the best hike on Whistler itself, the High Note Trail, gives you excellent views of the famous Black Tusk Mountain and Cheakamus Lake down below. In total, the hike will take about 3 to 4 hours. As you're hiking down and around Whistler, you don't have to worry about much elevation gain as the hike only features about 850 feet of elevation gain, but there is limited shade on the hike, so make sure you have plenty of fluids and snacks.

When you finish the high note trail, you'll end up back at the Whistler Gondola. We then hopped on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for a relaxing 11-minute ride over to Blackcomb Mountain. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is the world's highest lift of its kind at 1,427 feet above the valley floor, and it holds the records for the longest unsupported span for a gondola, with 1.88 miles being unsupported by towers. It is a magnificent structure.

Once on Blackcomb, we grabbed some much-needed lunch in the Rendezvous Lodge and recuperated from our hike. Before calling it a day and making our way back down to the Whistler Village, we proceeded the ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola back and forth 3 more times - gotta get your money's worth, right?

By the time we got back to the Village, we were exhausted. We grabbed some dinner and drinks at a restaurant at the bottom of the mountain and called it a night.

Day 2 Summary

Whistler 360 Experience

Take the Whistler or Blackcomb Gondola onto the mountain

Explore the Skybridge from the Peak Chair

Hike the High Note Trail

Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Day 3 - Whistler to Vancouver

After getting our fill of hiking and scenic mountain views, we packed up our little Air BnB and headed south towards Vancouver. For the next two days, we had plans to explore the Pacific Northwest city. During the two hour drive from Whistler to Vancouver, we made a stop along the Sea to Sky Highway to see Shannon Falls. Located just 10 minutes south of Squamish, Shannon Falls is the third largest waterfall in British Columbia, rising over 1100 feet (355m) from the base. There is a small trail that will take you to the viewpoint of Shannon Falls. The path is less than half a mile round trip and is very well maintained, making it very accessible. Shannon Falls is another trendy spot, so be prepared to park across the highway in the overfill lot.

Once we arrived back in Vancouver, we checked into our Airbnb and dropped off our bags. We had a fantastic spot in Kitsilano, just blocks away from the beach. Our first Vancouver attraction was Granville Island. Coming from Seattle and Pike Place Market, it is not hard to appreciate Granville Island. Granville spans a public market with over 275 businesses, 100 of which are day vendors selling produce, food, and other goods. Whether you're looking for fresh food for dinner, a midday snack, or some street entertainment, Granville Island definitely warrants a stop on your trip to Vancouver. The market radiates with cultures from around the world.

Our Airbnb was located about a mile and a half away from Granville Island. We were able to walk amongst the coastline all the way to the market, all while admiring the Pacific Ocean and Surrounding Mountains. What a refreshing experience.

After exploring Granville Island, we hopped on a small Ferry Boat known as the False Creek Ferry to get a lift across the harbor. You'll find a bunch of small Ferry Boats on the docks surrounding Granville Island. They might look like small, floating bathtubs, but they are a great way to travel for a small fee. You can get a round trip ferry ride across the bay for as little as five dollars. We took our Ferry Boat to English Bay with plans to go explore Stanley Park.

A 1,000-acre park rated as the 'Top Park in the Entire World' by Trip Advisor, Stanley Park is a staple within the city of Vancouver. The park holds a mix of beaches, forest trails, lakes, bike paths, and even the Vancouver Aquarium. The park is so densely populated with trees that you'll forget you're actually in a city.

Once we got off of our short False Creek Ferry Ride, we grabbed a couple of share bikes from one of the many share-stations that you'll find around the city. With our bikes, we had plans to bike around Stanley Park. Known as the Seawall Bike Path, you can bike 6 miles around Stanley Park. The Bike Path offers spectacular views of the ocean, mountains, and Lions Gate Bridge - a giant suspension bridge that you will likely drive over while going to Whistler. Before biking around Stanley Park, it is essential to note that the trail is a one-way bike path. The path winds around the park in a counter-clockwise fashion, so make sure you don't start going the wrong way! There will be many fellow bikers on the path, so just go with the flow once you get to the park.

Once we finished our ride, we celebrated a good day with some beers at TAPshack in Coal Harbor. A cute spot that allows you to sit outside right near the waterfront. If you've still got some daylight left after TAPshack, continue walking down the waterfront until you hit Canada Place. You'll see 5 large sails off in the distance from TAPshack, you can't miss it. Canada Place is home to Vancouver's Convention Center and Cruise Ship Port. If you're lucky, you'll see a ship coming in or out of the bay.

Day 3 Summary

Kitsilano Beach

Granville Island

False Creek Ferries

Bike Around Stanley Park

Canada Place

Beers at TAPshack in Coal Harbor or Granville Island Brewery

Day 4 - Vancouver

Our last day in Vancouver consisted of a half-day. We had to check out of our Air BNB by 10:00am, but that doesn't mean we didn't get our fill of adventuring in before leaving town. We woke up bright and early to see the Capilano Suspension Bridge . Spanning 460 feet in length and 230 feet high, the Capilano Suspension Bridge presents an exciting opportunity to walk high above the valley floor below on a stable, but swaying structure. Capilano is one of the most popular attractions in all of Vancouver, and it is easy to see why. Because of this, we made sure we go to the park early, just before opening. After purchasing our tickers, which run about $40.00 per person, we were pleasantly surprised to find that we were the first ones in the park. We quickly took advantage by snapping a few photos on the empty bridge while enjoying our coffees, the morning sun, and the breathtaking views.

Outside of the Suspension Bridge, Capilano Park also features 7 suspended footbridges amongst the forest canopy. The bridges are set 110 feet above the forest floor and allow you to experience the surrounding canopy from a different perspective.

The park also features what they call a cliff walk. A narrow structure wraps around a cliffside along the Capilano River, the cliff walk opens up new viewpoints of the valley and even features some glass floors to give you a little adrenaline rush.

Pro Tip: If you want to experience a similar suspension bridge without the cost, check out Lynn Canyon. The bridge is smaller, and you don't get the Footbridges or Cliff Walk, but the overall experience is similar (and cheaper!)

Our final excursion before making the drive back to Seattle was a part of Vancouver called Gastown. A very historic part of Vancouver, Gastown boasts a collection of old, unique buildings, cobblestone roadways, vintage lamposts, and a famous Whistling Steam Clock. Built-in 1977, the Gastown Steam Clock still runs solely on steam and uses whistles to tell the time. You'll hear it go off every hour, and you will usually see a crowd surrounding it before it goes off.

Gastown is full of breweries and pubs and represents a great spot to get a bite to eat. We grabbed some food at the Steamworks brewery before officially packing the car and heading south.

Day 4 Summary

Capilano Suspension Bridge (Early before the crowds)

Gastown - See the Steam Clock

Final Thoughts

We packed a lot into our four day trip from Seattle to Whistler and Vancouver. Overall, our trip was one of the highlights of our summer, and I hope this post helped give you some ideas and tips for your next adventure to British Columbia. If you're from Seattle and you haven't made the trip to Whistler or Vancouver, make some room for it! You won't regret it, and it's all too easy to drive from Seattle to Whistler. Happy Adventuring!

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Seattle to Whistler: 7-Day Itinerary

I’ve always enjoyed gifting experiences over things, so when my mom turned 60, I treated her to a trip to the Pacific Northwest. I lived in Seattle for 3 years in the early 2000s and I had a lot of fun exploring the Pacific Northwest. My mom hadn’t visited Vancouver British Columbia, though, so I thought it would be a great “International” travel destination that we could reach with fairly reasonable airfare by going from Seattle to Whistler, via Vancouver.

Seattle and Vancouver are two of the best cities in North America, so it can be hard to narrow down an itinerary. You can easily spend a full week in Seattle or Vancouver, but since I had lived in the area already, we cut out a lot of the popular Seattle tourist attractions. Here’s how I planned our Seattle to Whistler itinerary.

This post contains affiliate links. Buying through these links will not cost you extra, but I will earn a small commission.

Seattle to Whistler Day 1 – Seattle

With a direct flight from O’Hare to Sea-Tac Seattle airport, we landed in Seattle on a Sunday afternoon and took a car service to the Crowne Plaza, which offered a good rate and was within walking distance of everything in downtown Seattle. ( Check prices at Crowne Plaza Seattle ) While we waited for our room to be ready, we walked around the downtown area, grabbed a salmon pierogi at Piroshky Piroshky and browsed through Pike Place Market. We had dinner Steelhead Diner, one of my favorite spots, which sadly closed during the pandemic. A glass of pinot grigio and their Dungeness Crab Cakes make the perfect Pacific Northwest dinner!

Check out my full guide on where to stay in Seattle !

• City Sightseeing Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

• Price: $54.00
• BEST Seattle Full-day City Tour

• Price: $98.80
• 5-hour Seattle and Suburbs Attractions Tour

• Price: $185.00

Day 2 - Seattle to Vancouver Train

On Day 2, we were up bright and early at King Street station, where we took Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver. This was my first Amtrak trip and it was awesome! The ocean and mountain scenery of the Pacific Northwest certainly helps make four hours fly by. We arrived in Vancouver and took a cab to the Sheraton Wall Center, which was another great location and good value for SPG members! ( Check prices at Sheraton Wall Center ) This Vancouver hotel is in walking distance of everything, including Robson Street, which has tons of shopping and eating choices. Our room had a nice view of the harbor, too.

If you prefer to get a car for this trip, the Seattle to Vancouver drive is easy. Just double-check that your rental car contract and auto insurance will be valid in Canada and the United States or you may have issues at the border crossing.

Wondering where to stay in Vancouver? Browse Vancouver hotels at Booking.com

After unpacking and grabbing lunch on Robson, we took a taxi over to Chinatown for a walking tour of the Dr Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden .

We then had a birthday dinner at Francesco's near the hotel, and it was an early night as we were signed up for a full day of orca watching the next day.

Day 3 - Whale Watch ing Cruise

I chose Vancouver Whale Watch for our tour, mostly because they would pick us up right at the hotel, which was super convenient. The drive to the boat docks in Richmond takes about 30-45 minutes. After signing a bunch of paperwork, we were loaded onto the boat. The ride out of the harbor was so scenic with the mountains in the background. We immediately saw eagles, sea lions, and eventually, tons of orcas! Success!

We saw up to 5 whales at a time swimming together, and our guides were incredible. They could identify each orca just by the notches on their dorsal fin, or markings on their backs. The boat was stocked with books that showed Vancouver Island whales with the family trees showing how each orca was related to others in its pod. You could tell the guide really loved her job and loved talking about the orcas.

• Whale-Watching Tour from Vancouver

• Price: $135.70
• Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Vancouver

• Price: $170.10
• Vancouver Whale Watching Safari

• Price: $248.98

After a long day on the water, we returned to our hotel and then walked down to the ferry dock to head over to Granville Island for dinner under the bridge at the Sandbar. Can you get a better view of Vancouver?!

Find more unique things to do in Vancouver !

Day 4 - Vancouver / Stanley Park

The next day we took the bus into Stanley Park and started out at the Vancouver Aquarium . We spent a full day in Stanley Park, visiting the aquarium, exploring the trails, and also eating at a lodge in the park. This is such a great urban park, I highly recommend adding it to your Vancouver itinerary. The seawall offers so many great views of downtown Vancouver.

• Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Granville Island & Stanley Park

• Price: $55.38
• Talking Trees: Stanley Park Indigenous Walking Tour Led by a First Nations Guide

• Price: $56.76
• Stanley Park Bike Tour

• Price: $67.57

Vancouver to Whistler Drive

After 3 nights in Vancouver, we picked up a rental car for the two-hour Vancouver to Whistler drive. It is a beautiful drive along the Sea to Sky highway! The scenery on this trip is just breathtaking! We checked in to the Westin Whistler and set out to check out this cute little ski town. (Check prices for Westin Whistler R esort & Spa) We also took a drive out to the Olympic Village and got a treat along the way when we saw a bear ambling around near the road.

Make sure you allow plenty of time for the drive from Vancouver to Whistler, as there are a lot of cool places to stop. A few of the best spots along the Sea to Sky Highway include:

• Cypress Provincial Park
• Shannon Falls
• Sea to Sky Gondola
• Brandywine Falls Provincial Park

We spent two nights in Whistler, enjoying the scenery and since it was cold and rainy, we spent a lot of time enjoying the outdoor hot tub. I love hot-tubbing in the mountains! Now that I live in a ski town, I know that May is "mud season" at ski resorts, but nevertheless we enjoyed the fresh mountain air!

Wondering where to stay in Whistler? Browse Whistler hotels at Booking.com

• Whistler Guided Day Hiking

• Price: $87.62
• Whistler Whitewater Rafting

• Price: $110.46
• Zipline Adventure in Whistler

• Price: $120.38

Day 7 - Vancouver to Seattle Bus

The Amtrak schedule was kind of odd for the return trip south, so I booked a shuttle bus instead. First, we drove from Whistler to Vancouver, then took a bus from the Vancouver airport to Seattle. Our last night of vacation was spent at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel, which I highly recommend for the waterfront location. ( Check prices at Seattle Marriott Waterfront ) After a final evening of strolling the waterfront and enjoying fresh seafood at Elliott's , it was time to fly home the next day.

For a 7-day trip, I think this was the perfect Pacific Northwest vacation itinerary.  Since I lived in Seattle previously, we skipped a lot of touristy stuff that I might recommend for a first-time visit. With an extra week, I would recommend squeezing in some of the island areas around Seattle or Vancouver.

What would you add to this Seattle to Whistler road trip?

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12 comments.

Whistler looks so so beautiful! I can imagine on winter <3 <3 I am in love with places of that kind.

Watching wales… What a dream!

I’ve been taking notes from your article because I’m trying to plan a trip in this exact area for me and my husband. This was very helpful, thank you for posting!

I like that you included so many different activities in your 7 days itinerary. I would love to go whales watching, I have never seen one (I don’t count the half a tail I’ve spotted while on a ferry, in Norway). And hiking or trekking in the nature is always high on my list of activities to do. 🙂

Looks like a great trip! I totally agree on giving experiences instead of things. Boyfriend’s last two birthdays have been celebrated with travel.

I am glad you had a great time in my beautiful country, and glad you got to see whales on your trip! That sounds cool, and a grizzly, looks like you did well in natures eyes. I love Whistler

This whole trip sounds amazing! I’m heading to Washington later this year and this is making me want to add in some Canada! Thanks for some great ideas

Wow! Those whale watching photos are great! I will absolutely look into that if (when) I go there.

I love playing tourist in my own city or one that I used to call home. I do that now with Dallas and Fort Lauderdale, having lived both places for so long. It’s cool to see them in a different light.

You should do travel writing as a career! Very detailed, colorful, and helpful !

Great post! I’m planning a trip for my mom and me in the fall, flying into Seattle and out of Vancouver. We have 7 full days. My mom has bad knees and can’t do a ton of walking so I’m wondering if there are good local transportation options in Seattle/Vancouver and best areas to stay that will be close to the sights, restaurants, shopping, and scenery! We are considering renting a car for Vancouver but not Seattle and thinking about taking the Amtrak up the coast from Seattle to Vancouver. I welcome any suggestions/ideas!

Sounds like you can pretty easily follow our itinerary! We didn’t need a car in Vancouver, but it was the best option for our side trip to Whistler!

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Mini road trip: Seattle to Whistler

This journey takes us over the border into Canada and onwards to Whistler along Highway 99 – better known as the Sea to Sky Highway. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll pass though coastal rainforest, pine-clad mountains and the deep blue waters of Howe Sound. There are incredible views at every turn and the landscape here offers some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in all of North America.

Without stopping, the drive would take just over four hours – but with so many reasons to get out of the car, we’re sure you’ll want to set aside the whole day…

Leave Seattle behind and head north on Interstate 5 towards the laid-back town of Bellingham, just before the Canadian border. At Burlington, take the exit on to Route 11, where a stretch of road known as the Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway follows one of the prettiest patches of coastline in Washington.

Our first stop was once a rough-and-ready port town, but over the years its downtown core has transformed into an atmospheric central zone filled with coffee shops, microbreweries, indie boutiques and galleries. Also a jumping off point for ferries to the San Juan islands, Victoria, the Inside Passage and Alaska, the town’s waterfront area has been spruced up too. Formerly run down, it’s slowly become a go-to area for pedestrians, with a waterfront trail and new parks.

Whytecliff Park and Howe Sound

Cross the US-Canada border and head towards Vancouver. This thriving city deserves a separate side trip of its own, but for our mini road trip we’re continuing north towards Whytecliff Park , a great place to stop for a picnic lunch.

Set near West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay neighbourhood, this rugged beach park became Canada’s first Marine Protected Area in 1993. You’ll easily find a secluded driftwood-strewn spot to view the rocky islands and still waters of Howe Sound, criss-crossed all day by ferries serving Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast.

Rough but manageable trails lead to clifftops for the best views. Those specks in the water that look like people probably are; the marine park is a popular spot for scuba divers who think nothing of driving up here after office hours to swap a work suit for a wetsuit.

Shannon Falls

About 15 minutes north of Whytecliff is the sleepy little village of Lions Bay. Stop for coffee overlooking the ocean and stock up on freshly made sandwiches at the cute general store . You’re now travelling on Highway 99, otherwise known as the Sea to Sky Highway, where an alternative picnic spot is at Shannon Falls Provincial Park about 25 minutes north of Lions Bay.

The park can get busy in the height of summer so arrive before midday to secure a picnic table. Then work off your lunch with a walk to the base of the falls along the boardwalk and well-maintained trail. Surrounded by old growth trees and a permanent mist, you’ll hear the water’s thundering roar before the falls come into view. Easy accessibility and the non-strenuous hike make this one of the Sea to Sky Highway’s most popular places to pull over.

If you want to split this journey over two days, Squamish would be a great option for an overnight stop. An old mill and logging town, Squamish is now more focused on the tourist dollar, as well as being home to many ex-Vancouverites who’ve moved up here to escape the high rents of the city.

The adventure sports and hiking scene is huge. The self-proclaimed Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada offers every kind of adrenaline activity imaginable, including rock climbing, canoeing, whitewater rafting, kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, scuba diving, sailing, dirt biking and cross-country skiing – phew. The less mobile and energetic don’t need to miss out either – try eagle viewing, flightseeing, snowmobiling, golfing or horseriding for starters. Accommodation options range from hotels and B&Bs to campsites, RV parks and log cabins along the riverside.

Garibaldi Provincial Park

The word ‘provincial’ might make it sound rather tame, but Garibaldi Provincial Park comprises almost 200,000 hectares and is one of the most dramatic – and accessible – wilderness areas in Canada. This is real backcountry stuff: a rugged skyline of steep volcanic mountains, wildflower alpine meadows, near-impenetrable cedar forests and a number of impressive turquoise lakes. Glacier-encircled Wedgemount Lake and 300 metre-deep Garibaldi Lake are two of the most popular, both of which can be reached via several moderate-to-challenging hiking trails.

Garibaldi Park covers a huge swathe of land between Squamish and Whistler. This is an area with a high concentration of black bears and you’ll need to be bear aware when hiking or travelling through. If you encounter a bear, this will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable moments of your trip, but do take some time to educate yourself so you’ll know what to do to stay safe.

Continue onwards to the premier year-round mountain resort of Whistler . Everything you can do in Squamish and Garibaldi you can also do here, with the added bonus of more than 200 shops, world class spas, four championship golf courses and 100+ restaurants and bars.

Whistler’s two towering peaks – Whistler and Blackcomb – are spanned by the world-record breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola which has the world’s longest unsupported span and is the highest lift of its kind, at 436 metres above the valley floor. The Peak Chair is also open daily, whisking visitors to the top of Whistler Mountain for all-encompassing views and easy trails into the summit terrain. The Whistler alpine experience can even include wine-tasting on a mountain-top patio or high tea at an alpine hut.

Unless you fancy driving back to Seattle straight away – and we guarantee you won’t – you’ll need somewhere to stay. For the ultimate in mountain luxury, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Four Seasons Resort are arguably the best hotels in town. Another two options right in the heart of Whistler village are Crystal Lodge and Delta Whistler Village Suites , both of which have hot tubs and pools.

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Seattle to Whistler: 2-Day Itinerary w/ Overnight in Vancouver

• by Brian Smith
• September 3, 2023

This 217-mile road trip takes you through my recommended pit stops no more than 30 minutes from the main highways. Pro tip: Always check road conditions before heading out. I was once stuck for hours on the road to Whistler in traffic, and wish I had made a pit stop earlier to avoid it. Get ready for adventure!

The Route at a Glance

Day 1 has you winding through Everett and Bellingham, waving at the Peace Arch, and then diving into Vancouver’s eclectic scene. On Day 2, the Sea-to-Sky Highway becomes your playground, leading you straight to Whistler. Ready, set, road trip!

Day 1: Culture, History, and a Sprinkle of Nature

Boeing future of flight.

8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo, WA 98275 Website Time : 1-2 hours Great For : Techies and history buffs

First up is Boeing Future of Flight. Here, it’s not just about airplanes. It’s about the future of aviation and mankind’s fascination with flight.

Bellingham Farmers Market

1100 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 Website Time : 1 hour Great For : Foodies and local culture enthusiasts

Swap cobblestones for fresh produce at the Bellingham Farmers Market. Think of it as your intro to Washington’s rich agriculture—come hungry!

Whatcom Museum

121 Prospect St, Bellingham, WA 98225 Website Time : 1-2 hours Great For : Art and history lovers

Shift gears with a touch of culture at the Whatcom Museum. The Lightcatcher building is a piece of art itself, and the exhibitions inside are just as captivating.

👍 Tip : Check for any temporary exhibitions; they’re usually worth the extra time.

Peace Arch Park

19 A St, Blaine, WA 98230 Website Time : 30 minutes Great For : Quick snaps and border crossers

Say your temporary goodbyes to the U.S. with a quick pic at Peace Arch Park. It’s where international friendship is set in stone.

🏨 Overnight in Vancouver : For an artsy stay, The Burrard (1100 Burrard Street) won’t disappoint. More of a luxury traveler? The Fairmont Pacific Rim (1038 Canada Pl) is where you want to be.

Day 2: From Urban Buzz to Outdoor Thrills

Granville island public market.

1669 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada Website Time : 1-2 hours Great For : Foodies and shoppers

Start your day the Canadian way—in the bustling Granville Island Public Market. Artisanal foods, crafts, you name it; this place is a sensory delight.

Vancouver Art Gallery

750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7, Canada Website Time : 2-3 hours Great For : Art lovers and culture seekers

Before hitting the road, spend some quality time at the Vancouver Art Gallery. From classical to contemporary art, it’s a visual feast.

Britannia Mine Museum

1 Forbes Way, Britannia Beach, BC V0N 1J0, Canada Website Time : 1.5-2 hours Great For : Families and history buffs

Back on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, take a detour into history at the Britannia Mine Museum. It’s educational, interactive, and surprisingly, a whole lot of fun.

Squamish Adventure Centre

38551 Loggers Ln, Squamish, BC V8B 0H2, Canada Website Time : 1 hour Great For : Adventure planning and information gathering

A pit stop at the Squamish Adventure Centre can offer inspiration for spontaneous adventures. Grab maps, book activities, or simply soak up local tips. You’re just about 45 minutes away from Whistler!

🏨 Where to Stay in Whistler : For tranquil lake views, Nita Lake Lodge (2131 Lake Placid Rd) is hard to beat. If you prefer staying in the heart of it all, The Sundial Boutique Hotel (4340 Sundial Crescent) is your pick.

So, folks, this is your roadmap from Seattle to Whistler. You’ve got history, food, art, and the great outdoors—all boxed into two incredible days. Time to hit the road!

Brian Smith

Brian Smith is a Washington state native who enjoys taking road trips to new and interesting places. He's been to 35 states with plans to visit all within the next 5 years.

• Brian Smith https://www.drivesaway.com/author/admin/ Best Car Rentals in Vancouver, BC - Airport vs Downtown
• Brian Smith https://www.drivesaway.com/author/admin/ Portland to Mt. Hood/Timberline 2-Day Itinerary
• Brian Smith https://www.drivesaway.com/author/admin/ Fun Day Trip Drive to Vancouver, BC, from Seattle (And Back)
• Brian Smith https://www.drivesaway.com/author/admin/ Seattle to Bellingham: Best Things to Do Along the Way

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38 Best Stops Between Whistler and Seattle

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How long is the drive from Whistler to Seattle?

The direct drive from Whistler to Seattle is 218 mi (350 km) , and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 23 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Whistler to Seattle, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Vancouver , North Vancouver , Squamish , Bellingham , Port Townsend , Richmond , Delta , and Burnaby , as well as top places to visit like Golden Ears Park and George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, or the ever-popular Town Centre Park.

Top cities between Whistler and Seattle

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Port Townsend

Best stops along whistler to seattle drive, town centre park.

Golden Ears Park

George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Fort langley national historic site of canada, bc ferries tsawwassen terminal, crescent beach, white rock pier camera, white rock promenade, clayburn village store, mill lake park, orcas island pottery, moran state park, whatcom falls park, lake padden park.

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Remlinger farms, snoqualmie falls, top searches in seattle, other popular road trips from whistler, explore nearby places.

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Get inspired for your trip to Seattle with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from whistler to seattle.

Yes! You can drive from Whistler to Seattle.

How far is Seattle from Whistler by car?

The drive from Whistler to Seattle is 218 miles (350 km).

How long does it take to drive from Whistler to Seattle?

Driving from Whistler to Seattle should take you 4 hrs 23 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Whistler to Seattle?

Gas from Whistler to Seattle would cost around $19 to $44 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Whistler to Seattle?

You could check out Golden Ears Park and George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, or the always popular Town Centre Park!

What are the best cities to visit between Whistler and Seattle?

People love visiting Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Squamish, among others.

What's the weather like in Whistler?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Whistler in January
• Weather in Whistler in February
• Weather in Whistler in March
• Weather in Whistler in April
• Weather in Whistler in May
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• Weather in Whistler in September
• Weather in Whistler in October
• Weather in Whistler in November
• Weather in Whistler in December

What are some other road trips from Whistler?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Whistler.

• Whistler to Vancouver drive
• Whistler to Seattle drive
• Whistler to San Francisco drive
• Whistler to Las Vegas drive
• Whistler to Victoria drive
• Whistler to Los Angeles drive
• Whistler to Banff National Park drive
• Whistler to San Diego drive
• Whistler to Portland drive
• Whistler to Banff drive
• Whistler to Calgary drive
• Whistler to North Vancouver drive
• Whistler to Jasper drive
• Whistler to Jasper National Park drive
• Whistler to Yellowstone National Park drive
• Whistler to Denver drive
• Whistler to Bellingham drive
• Whistler to Tofino drive
• Whistler to Sedona drive
• Whistler to Monterey drive
• Whistler to Yosemite National Park drive
• Whistler to Nanaimo drive
• Whistler to Kelowna drive
• Whistler to Colorado Springs drive
• Whistler to Grand Canyon National Park drive
• Whistler to Astoria drive
• Whistler to Greater Palm Springs drive
• Whistler to Tucson drive
• Whistler to Page drive
• Whistler to Phoenix drive

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Drive down Highway 99 for the perfect weekend getaway. (Photo: Getty Images)

Outdoor Adventure, Culture and Amazing Food Await on a Seattle to Whistler Road Trip

Whistler is a go-to weekend road trip from Seattle , especially during winter months. (Summer is actually Whistler’s busiest time of year.)

Widely regarded as the number one ski destination in North America, skiers and snowboarders soak up Whistler Blackcomb’s 200 trails and 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. During summer months, hiking, biking, rafting and adrenaline-fueled activities can be found in abundance.

Here’s what to see along the Seattle to Whistler road trip route.

Start: Seattle to Bow-Edison

Seattle is the kickoff point for so many Pacific Northwest adventures: cruises to Alaska and trips to Washington wine country or Whistler in Canada’s British Columbia. Get up, get going and enjoy the gorgeous journey to the Coast Mountains.

If you’re a foodie, a stop in Bow-Edison is a must. Head northbound for a little over an hour on I-5 before getting off at Exit 236 and heading west for a quick rural detour.

Dairy lovers will delight in a stop at Samish Bay Cheese . Artisan farmstead cheesemakers and owners Suzanne and Roger make cheese, yogurt and kefir. Don’t miss their signature cheese, Ladysmith, which has been described as a cross between queso fresco and ricotta salata.

About a mile down the road, swing by Breadfarm for its rustic loaves (don’t miss the black olive baguette) and buttery shortbread cookies. Bring cash.

Bow/Edison to Bellingham

From Bow/Edison, drive 40 minutes north to Bellingham, where Whatcom County meets the bay.

If you have time, visit the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention . The MegaZapper show, featuring one of the largest Tesla coils in the country, is not to be missed. Afterward, grab a scoop (or two) at locally beloved Mallard Ice Cream . Try the Oreo mint.

Bellingham to Vancouver, BC

This stretch of the drive isn’t the most scenic; it’s all about crossing the Peace Arch Crossing border as expeditiously as possible. For current border wait times, be sure to check the Canada Border Services Agency website .

Once in Vancouver , celebrate your arrival to Canada with a bite and cocktail at Stock & Supply at Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown Suites . The house-smoked beef brisket pairs well with an on-tap Negroni.

If you plan to stay overnight, hop on the Aquabus or False Creek Ferry and spend a few hours meandering Granville Island and its fantastic farmers market. Raise your spirits with skillfully made craft cocktails at The Liberty Distillery , or sign up (in advance) for a guided grains-to-glass tour.

Or you could visit historic Chinatown — the third-largest in North America — which had a recent rebirth and influx of hip new restaurants and retailers, especially along Union Street.

Looking for something a little more adventurous? Take to the water for a thrilling ride on Sea Vancouver ‘s 90-minute zodiac-style boat tour of the city’s Inner Harbour and environs.

If you’re traveling with your dog, Spanish Banks and Trout Lake Beach both have off-leash areas so you can give your pup a break.

The drive should take roughly 90 minutes, plus however long it takes to navigate the third most active U.S./Canada border crossing.

Vancouver to Porteau Cove

Head north along Highway 99 for about 45 minutes along the Sea-to-Sky Highway . The spectacular route curves along the sea and affords plenty of Instaworthy moments of ocean and mountains. Take your time and soak up the views; it’s one of the most scenic stretches in Canada. Where else might you spy a bald eagle or an orca breaching?

Cross the Lions Gate Bridge on your way out of town and head toward Whytecliff Park near Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver (7102 Marine Dr., West Vancouver). Walk down to the beach for views of Howe Sound and the nearby Sunshine Coast. It’s one of the first Marine Protected Areas in Canada where you can see sea lions stack themselves like sausages in the sun during summer months.

Just north of Squamish, look for signs for the Tantalus Range Lookout. Known for its jagged mountains, white glaciers and 8,540-foot peak, it’s one of the most iconic stops along the route. (Pro tip: Driving north, there’s no way to turn left into the main pullout on the south side of the highway. Instead, pull into the parking lot across from the main pullout. It’s easy to miss, so pay close attention.)

Porteau Cove to Whistler

You’re almost there! Only one more hour to Whistler.

In the meantime, stop at Porteau Cove Provincial Park . It’s home to some of the most incredible views of Howe Sound. Park at Porteau Cove and go for a walk along the beach or take a quick (and easy) hike up the hill.

Stop around the midpoint and take the Sea to Sky Gondola , half a mile up the side of Mount Habrich. If heights don’t scare you, brave the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, a 328-foot bridge that offers 360 views of the area all the way to Howe Sound. It’s a popular spot for photographers to catch the golden light.

End: Whistler

Once you arrive in Whistler, indulge in cheese toast, a Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar staple since 1955; Canadian Black Angus steaks; and an Old-Fashioned before hitting all the outdoor adventuring this mountain town has to offer.

For something low-key and off the slopes, go ice-skating in Whistler Olympic Plaza . Rink access is free; just pay $6 for rental skates. Afterward, warm up at the fire pits around Whistler Village with a hot chocolate from Purebread Bakery.

Advanced-intermediate to expert skiers can book a two-day deep skiing clinic with Extremely Canadian , bypass the lift lines at Whistler Blackcomb and learn steep skiing techniques on the highest vertical rise (5,280 feet) in North America.

After hours of skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing, recharge at Scandinave Spa . This outdoor spa sits on the edge of the Lost Lake Park spruce and cedar forest and offers the old Scandinavian tradition of hydrotherapy with a series of warm hydro pools and cold pools. Steam baths, saunas and an outdoor gas fire are heavenly additions to the relaxation mix. Achieve maximum serenity by booking a massage.

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Mini road trip: Seattle to Whistler

This journey takes us over the border into Canada and onwards to Whistler along Highway 99 – better known as the Sea to Sky Highway. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll pass though coastal rainforest, pine-clad mountains and the deep blue waters of Howe Sound. There are incredible views at every turn and the landscape here offers some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in all of North America.

Without stopping, the drive would take just over four hours – but with so many reasons to get out of the car, we’re sure you’ll want to set aside the whole day…

Leave Seattle behind and head north on Interstate 5 towards the laid-back town of Bellingham, just before the Canadian border. At Burlington, take the exit on to Route 11, where a stretch of road known as the  Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway  follows one of the prettiest patches of coastline in Washington.

Our first stop was once a rough-and-ready port town, but over the years its downtown core has transformed into an atmospheric central zone filled with coffee shops, microbreweries, indie boutiques and galleries. Also a jumping off point for ferries to the San Juan islands, Victoria, the Inside Passage and Alaska, the town’s waterfront area has been spruced up too. Formerly run down, it’s slowly become a go-to area for pedestrians, with a waterfront trail and new parks.

Whytecliff Park and Howe Sound

Cross the US-Canada border and head towards Vancouver. This thriving city deserves a separate side trip of its own, but for our mini road trip we’re continuing north towards  Whytecliff Park , a great place to stop for a picnic lunch.

Set near West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay neighbourhood, this rugged beach park became Canada’s first Marine Protected Area in 1993. You’ll easily find a secluded driftwood-strewn spot to view the rocky islands and still waters of Howe Sound, criss-crossed all day by ferries serving Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast.

Rough but manageable trails lead to clifftops for the best views. Those specks in the water that look like people probably are; the marine park is a popular spot for scuba divers who think nothing of driving up here after office hours to swap a work suit for a wetsuit.

Shannon Falls

About 15 minutes north of Whytecliff is the sleepy little village of Lions Bay. Stop for coffee overlooking the ocean and stock up on freshly made sandwiches at the cute  general store . You’re now travelling on Highway 99, otherwise known as the Sea to Sky Highway, where an alternative picnic spot is at  Shannon Falls Provincial Park  about 25 minutes north of Lions Bay.

The park can get busy in the height of summer so arrive before midday to secure a picnic table. Then work off your lunch with a walk to the base of the falls along the boardwalk and well-maintained trail. Surrounded by old growth trees and a permanent mist, you’ll hear the water’s thundering roar before the falls come into view. Easy accessibility and the non-strenuous hike make this one of the Sea to Sky Highway’s most popular places to pull over.

If you want to split this journey over two days,  Squamish  would be a great option for an overnight stop. An old mill and logging town, Squamish is now more focused on the tourist dollar, as well as being home to many ex-Vancouverites who’ve moved up here to escape the high rents of the city.

The adventure sports and hiking scene is huge. The self-proclaimed Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada offers every kind of adrenaline activity imaginable, including rock climbing, canoeing, whitewater rafting, kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, scuba diving, sailing, dirt biking and cross-country skiing – phew. The less mobile and energetic don’t need to miss out either – try eagle viewing, flightseeing, snowmobiling, golfing or horseriding for starters. Accommodation options range from hotels and B&Bs to campsites, RV parks and log cabins along the riverside.

Garibaldi Provincial Park

The word ‘provincial’ might make it sound rather tame, but  Garibaldi Provincial Park  comprises almost 200,000 hectares and is one of the most dramatic – and accessible – wilderness areas in Canada. This is real backcountry stuff: a rugged skyline of steep volcanic mountains, wildflower alpine meadows, near-impenetrable cedar forests and a number of impressive turquoise lakes. Glacier-encircled Wedgemount Lake and 300 metre-deep Garibaldi Lake are two of the most popular, both of which can be reached via several moderate-to-challenging hiking trails.

Garibaldi Park covers a huge swathe of land between Squamish and Whistler. This is an area with a high concentration of black bears and you’ll need to be bear aware when hiking or travelling through. If you encounter a bear, this will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable moments of your trip, but do take some time to  educate yourself  so you’ll know what to do to stay safe.

Continue onwards to the premier year-round mountain resort of  Whistler . Everything you can do in Squamish and Garibaldi you can also do here, with the added bonus of more than 200 shops, world class spas, four championship golf courses and 100+ restaurants and bars.

Whistler’s two towering peaks – Whistler and Blackcomb – are spanned by the world-record breaking  Peak 2 Peak Gondola  which has the world’s longest unsupported span and is the highest lift of its kind, at 436 metres above the valley floor. The Peak Chair is also open daily, whisking visitors to the top of Whistler Mountain for all-encompassing views and easy trails into the summit terrain. The Whistler alpine experience can even include wine-tasting on a mountain-top patio or high tea at an alpine hut.

Unless you fancy driving back to Seattle straight away – and we guarantee you won’t – you’ll need somewhere to stay. For the ultimate in mountain luxury, the  Fairmont Chateau Whistler  and the Four Seasons Resort are arguably the best hotels in town. Another two options right in the heart of Whistler village are  Crystal Lodge  and  Delta Whistler Village Suites , both of which have hot tubs and pools.

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Thanks in advance 😊

Crossing the border in both directions is easy - all you need is your passport. You don't need an eTA - that only applies to air passengers.

Press the right buttons & you can get your car to tell you your speed in km/h while you're in Canada!

Border crossings can be quite slow at busy times. Will this be over a weekend? What are your travel dates?

Here's what their US Location-Specific Conditions say on the subject:

"Vehicles may be driven into Canada with no restrictions. The rental counter must be notified at the time of rental that you plan to drive into Canada so that we can provide a Canadian non-resident insurance card (provided at no cost)."

You’ve been a great help! I had read so many conflicting blogs online I was starting to panic that we’d not be able to drive across. Thank you 😊

We are travelling into Vancouver on Sunday 12 May and back to Seattle on Friday 17th. I imagine neither are great days for travelling 😬

Friday 17th could be bad - that's the start of the long weekend. The 20th is a Cdn holiday, and anyone heading south will be making a break for it after work on Friday. I've seen 4-5 hour waits on those days. Make sure you know where the three border crossings are located and adjust your plan if one of the crossings further east has shorter waits.

Not sure if the US long weekend is the week before ours? Which could impact your crossing on the 12th.

As you are traveling on UK passports, you can expect longer processing time at the border and you may be asked to pull over and go inside. Not a big deal, but it could just take you a little longer.

Portland to Vancouver is about a 5-6 hr drive, depending on what time you hit Seattle traffic. Its an absolute parking lot northbound in the afternoon. I'd suggest you head from Portland up to somewhere nice closer to the border - La Conner is a good option - then get an early start to Whistler in the morning. Its about 2.5 hrs once you get over the border. You'd be better off using the Pacific Highway crossing and coming up 176th to Highway 1 and crossing the Port Mann Bridge. This will avoid downtown Vancouver on your way to Whistler. If you come over the Peace Arch Crossing and use highway 99, that will dump you right in central downtown Vancouver.

As for UK passports taking longer, for us it was just a quick couple of routine questions, passport stamped, "Welcome to Canada" & we were on our way.

Yeah, the guy or lady on the Avis barrier just gives you a small card slip (you’ll only need it if you have an accident, no one will ask for it at the border) as you drive out if you ask, never been asked to get out of the motor at a Canadian border, and I’ve been through lots, it’s almost always faster than the US IMO.

I’d also like to see an internet booking website that lets you say where your going!

No need to do anything at booking other than just reading the T&Cs to check it’s allowed. Very rare there is any restriction on Canada when booking via .co.uk or similar sources ( all depends on company and pick up location) but Avis are fine.

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Whistler to Seattle drive

Whistler to seattle road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Whistler to Seattle. If you're planning a road trip to Seattle, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

9:00 am  start in Whistler drive for about 45 minutes

9:45 am   Squamish stay for about 1 hour and leave at 10:45 am drive for about 35 minutes

11:21 am   Grouse Grind stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:21 pm drive for about 1 hour

1:31 pm   Bellingham stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:31 pm drive for about 2 hours

4:31 pm   Langley stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:31 pm drive for about 37 minutes

6:08 pm   Golden Gardens stay for about 1 hour and leave at 7:08 pm drive for about 16 minutes

7:24 pm  arrive in Seattle eat at Serious Pie stay at Ace Hotel

driving ≈ 5.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Squamish   (10 mentions) Grouse Grind   (13 mentions) Bellingham   (16 answers)     questions about Bellingham:         What is your favorite restaurant in Bellingham?         What's the best neighborhood in Bellingham for a first time visitor?         Best day trip suggestions from Bellingham, WA? Langley Golden Gardens   (12 mentions)

Where's the best place to stay in Seattle?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Seattle .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Ace Hotel , which was mentioned 6 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in Seattle? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Seattle?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Serious Pie , which was mentioned 12 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Seattle? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Seattle?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Seattle. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Seattle.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Seattle to Whistler drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Whistler? Try searching for places within 4 hours of Whistler .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Whistler to Seattle . Or get a full Whistler to Seattle flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Whistler well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Whistler!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Whistler to Seattle

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18 fun sea to sky highway stops on a vancouver to whistler drive.

One of the most scenic roads I’ve ever been on is the Sea to Sky Highway in British Columbia. You’ll be driving along the water for the first part of your trip and have tons of beautiful places to stop on your Vancouver to Whistler drive. While it’s a short trip in itself, I recommend taking a day to visit the Sea to Sky attractions along the way.

My family has a timeshare in Whistler, so I’ve made the drive from Seattle to Whistler at least once a year for the past 15 years (it’s one of my favorite long Seattle weekend getaways ). I’m always discovering new Sea to Sky Highway stops each time I go up, and I love visiting any time of the year.

You might not know where to stop the first time you drive through, which is why I wrote this article to give you some of my favorite recommendations! Here are some of my best tips when driving from Vancouver to Whistler as well as Sea to Sky stops to make.

This post was first written in 2020 and last updated on February 2023.

Table of Contents

Tips for Planning a Vancouver to Whistler Drive

Here are some tips to help you plan your Sea to Sky Highway road trip.

About the Sea to Sky Highway

The British Columbia Highway 99 is affectionately known as the Sea to Sky Highway. The major north-south road from the US border to Canada’s Pacific Coast passes through Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler, and Lillooet.

The route lets you experience towering cliffs, waterfalls, lakes, temperate rainforests, and coastal communities. While a Vancouver Island road trip is also stunning, all the Sea to Sky Highway lookout points make this one of the most scenic drives.

The Sea to Sky Highway is possibly the best day trip to do in Vancouver and refers to the route from Vancouver to Pemberton. The drive starts with views of the sea in Vancouver and continues into Squamish and Whistler’s steep mountains. If you have just spent a weekend in Vancouver and aim to cycle or ski in the backcountry, this trip is the one for you.

Here is a Sea to Sky Highway map so you can visually reference where you’ll be stopping:

Vancouver to Whistler Drive Time

If you’re coming from the states, you’ll go on a Seattle to Vancouver drive up I-5 to cross the border. From there, you have multiple options to get to Whistler.

Highway 99 is the quickest route, and the Vancouver to Whistler distance is 75 miles . The drive time is only one hour and forty-five minutes if you decide to go straight through without stopping. However, you can choose to extend your trip with any viewpoints, hikes, and attractions below, and it’s a great Vancouver weekend getaway .

Renting a car or driving your vehicle is the perfect way to experience the stops along the way. Alternatively, relax during an informative full-day tour . 

If you live in Emerald City, you can also experience the perfect cross-border road trip. How long does it take to drive from Seattle to Vancouver? Start in Seattle and travel on the I-5 for two and a half hours to Vancouver.

Once in Vancouver, your route on British Columbia Highway 99 can begin (unless you plan on spending 3 days in Vancouver first).

Need help planning out your road trip? I’ve been using Roadtrippers for years to see exactly how long it’ll take from one point to the next and find new places to add to my itinerary!

When is the Best Time to Drive From Vancouver to Whistler?

You can expect the town of Whistler to be busy from December to February as winter offers the peak skiing season, as people are taking advantage of all the things to do during winter in Whistler . The route from Vancouver at this time of year offers views of snow-capped mountains. Keep an eye out for snowstorms, especially during Janua ry in Vancouver , as heavy snowfall can affect Whistler’s road conditions and visibility.

From April to June , spring is arguably the best time to drive from Vancouver to Whistler. The world-class ski resort sees fewer visitors and offers snow-covered slopes with warm sunshine during the day. While you won’t be guaranteed a chance to ski the slopes, which close at the end of March, you can enjoy pleasant cycling, hiking, and rafting conditions.

Traveling to Whistler in summer is the perfect time to explore on foot or with two wheels. Despite the sunshine and warmer weather, you can still experience views of snow-capped mountains and icy glaciers. The warmer temperatures between July and September make hiking and picnics suitable while nearby waterfalls flow.

Autumn falls between October and December and is one of the most affordable times for accommodation in Whistler. I personally love going up on this scenic drive when looking for things to do in Vancouver in the fall . The hiking routes and cycling trails are typically open until snow coverage makes them unavailable through the winter.

Is it worth driving from Vancouver to Whistler?

Yes, this is one of my favorite drives in the world (although a Seattle to Glacier National Park drive is close), so you must go on it if you have a chance! I’ve been driving this yearly since college, and I never get sick of it. I recommend stopping at as many of the places as possible, but even if you only have time to do quick driving to Whistler from Vancouver, it’s worth it.

I’ve been on many fun road trips over the years – a Seattle to Yellowstone National Park road trip , an Oregon coast road trip , and a Seattle to San Diego road trip on top of many other short road trips from Seattle , but this is one I still do over and over.

Make sure to read my road trip packing list before you go on this!

Tips for Visiting Sea to Sky Highway Attractions

Here are some top tips for your trip from Vancouver to Whistler and driving beyond.

Bring Snacks 

Be prepared and pack for an impromptu picnic on your Sea to Sky Highway road trip. You can save both money and time while spending more of your day enjoying the outdoors. However, be cautious where you decide to eat, as many areas, such as Porteau Cove, have curious raccoon populations.

Take Your Time 

Start your trip as early as possible to give yourself ample time to include one or two activities on the way. The adventurous nature of the activities means it will be hard to stay on schedule. So stick to a rough plan and remember to relax and enjoy each moment.

Another fun Canadian drive is the Seattle road trip to Banff .

Prepare for Winter

Traveling the Sea to Sky Highway during winter with the snow-covered landscapes is extremely fun, and there are tons of things to do in Whistler in the winter . However, it does bring its own set of challenges. The waterfalls don’t flow as dramatically, the lakes are too cold for swimming, and many of the hiking routes are closed. While winter in Vancouver doesn’t bring much snowfall, Whistler gets plenty this time of year.

However, with practical footwear , a warm jacket, and a waterproof shell , you can still comfortably experience many of the scenic views. Keep your hands and feet warm, and pack a flask of hot tea to keep the spirits high.

You should also note that the road can be icy, so check out the highway cameras ahead of time to prepare and bring chains if needed.

The ice and snow start to thaw in Vancouver in spring , but you’ll still want to check conditions first.

Where to Stay During Your Whistler to Vancouver Drive

Some people may decide to drive from Vancouver to Whistler and back on the same day, while others may opt to stay in Whistler. Here are a few options for both.

• Hyatt Regency Vancouver – This is a beautiful hotel to treat yourself to in downtown Vancouver that has a heated outdoor pool and restaurant and bar. (rates start at $236 per night)
• Days Inn by Wyndham Vancouver Downtown – This Vancouver hotel is an excellent base for your drive and includes free breakfast each morning. (rates start at $135 per night)
• Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village  is centrally located in the village and is close to dozens of restaurants.  (rates start at $76 per night)
• Sundial Boutique Hote l is right in Whistler Village and has rooms with hot tubs and a view of the mountain and the village.  (rates start at $165 per night)

18 Amazing Sea to Sky Highway Stops on a Vancouver to Whistler Drive

Here are some of the best places to see on your Vancouver to Whistler drive.

1. Stanley Park

Distance: 3 miles from Central Vancouver

Highlight: Beautiful trails and views

Cost: Free access to the park

Stanley Park is open to the public and offers incredible seaside walking routes along a 6,2 miles seawall. It is the perfect starting point for your Sea to Sky road trip and offers stunning views of the Lions Gate Bridge from Prospect Point lookout.

In addition, the park is home to more than 500 animal species, the Vancouver Aquarium , and areas to walk your dog off-leash. Our family always stops here on our drive from Vancouver to Whistler because it lets everyone get some energy before the second leg of the trip.

Visit Second Beach for a swim during summer in Vancouver with lifeguards on duty to ensure all swimmers are kept safe. Access to the heated swimming pool at Second Beach costs $7.50 for adults and $4 per child .

2. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Distance: 6 miles from Central Vancouver

Highlight: Stunning suspension bridge in a forest

Cost: Starts at $45

When you’re on your way out of Vancouver, you’ll want to stop in the northern part of the city to see the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park . This is a giant bridge that goes over the Capilano River, and they’ve made it even more interactive with it feeling like a giant tree house with the different paths you can go on.

This is such a fun activity to do during the day, but the nighttime is even better if you can time it right. They have their famous holiday lights during December, and this year they’re even doing a special Valentine’s Day lighting at night for 2023.

3. Cypress Mountain Lookout

Distance: 17 miles from Central Vancouver

Highlight: Panoramic viewpoint

Only 30 minutes from Central Vancouver, the Cypress Mountain Lookout offers views over West Vancouver, the Lions Gate Bridge, and Stanley Park. It’s on the second switchback of Cypress Bowl Road and offers panoramic views from an easy-to-access viewpoint on this easy Vancouver hike.

From Highway 1 in West Vancouver, take exit 8 for Cypress Bowl Road to visit this on your Vancouver to Whistler road trip. The parking area is not very big, but there is a gravel area for overflow parking. The lookout is the perfect location for a Vancouver road trip picnic, with tables and a toilet on site.

4. Lighthouse Park

Distance: 12 miles from Central Vancouver

Highlight: Amazing viewpoint

When you’re looking for a quick Sea to Sky Highway stop, Lighthouse Park is perfect. It’s in West Vancouver, so not as populated as the downtown area, and you’ll get some beautiful pictures here.

You can make this a nice hiking loop that almost totals 4 miles if you want to do all of it, or you can just walk out to the lighthouse.

Going during the rainy season? There are still plenty of Vancouver indoor things to do !

5. Horseshoe Bay

Highlight: Water views

We actually had never stopped here until the last few years when the kids started getting a little restless more easily, so we decided to see if they had any food in this area. After driving down a massive hill, we were pleasantly surprised to see a whole little town here which you can’t see from the Sea to Sky Highway.

Depending on what time of day you leave for your road trip from Vancouver to Whistler, I recommend stopping here for lunch. You can grab something quick from Subway or Starbucks or sit down to enjoy a meal at C-Lovers Fish and Chips .

I also like walking along the marina to see the various boats they have, as well as watching the BC Ferries come in and out of the town.

6. Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Distance: 28 miles from Central Vancouver

Highlight: Viewpoint over Howe Sound

On route to Porteau Cove, you will travel along the scenic Howe Sound on your Vancouver to Whistler drive. It is North America’s southernmost fjord and extends from West Vancouver to the Squamish river.

Head down to the rocky beach to explore, or bring your snorkel to experience marine life. Three sunken boats in the area attract scuba divers of all levels.

Travel by car to the day-use area for free access between 7 am and 10 pm . While the BC train line runs alongside the park, your carriage will not make a stop at Porteau.

While relaxing in Porteau Cove, keep an eye out for majestic eagles perched on the top of trees. These birds of prey enjoy the same abundance of fish that attract hopeful fishermen to the area.

7. Britannia Mine Museum

Distance: 33 miles from Central Vancouver

Highlight: History

Cost: Starts at $30

When you need a break or are looking for more Vancouver to Whistler drive stops, you’ll love this museum. The Britannia Mine Museum is a perfect stop on the Sea to Sky drive, where you can learn about the history of Britannia Beach and the mine that operated there in the 1900s.

There are a ton of interactive activities here, such as panning for gold, getting a picture by a giant haul truck, and even going on an underground tour . I had seen this attraction on the side of the ride for years but had no idea what was actually inside it until a few years ago.

8. Shannon Falls Trail

Distance: 37 miles from Central Vancouver

Highlight: Waterfall

After passing the mining community of Britannia Beach, you will soon reach the Shannon Falls Provincial Park. If you have reached the town of Squamish, you have gone too far. The towering Shannon Falls cascades down a series of cliffs and is especially impressive in spring or following heavy rainfall in the area.

You will be impressed by the 355-meter tall waterfall that is the 3rd highest in British Columbia. Walk along an easy trail and well-maintained wooden boardwalks beneath old-growth forests to the base of the falls to soak in the atmosphere and sounds. 

9. Sea to the Sky Gondola

Highlight: 10-minute gondola ride

Cost: $55.95 for adults & $32.95 for children

The Sea to Sky Gondola offers the perfect family outing while driving to Whistler and is one of the best things to do in the Pacific Northwest . Since 2014, it has safely transported visitors into what feels like a new world. In addition, it gives mobility-challenged travelers the chance to reach the summit to experience views of the Stawamus Chief Mountain and the entire Squamish Valley.

The 10-minute ride to the summit is one of the best Sea to Sky Highway viewpoints. I’ll admit that the first time I did this, I was a little hesitant about how high it is, but it’s completely worth it for the views.

The Sea to Sky Gondola offers incredible sights of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains while going over the forest below. At the top, you can walk between three main viewing platforms and cross the bouncy Sky Pilot suspension bridge .

Feeling hungry? The summit has a quick-service restaurant and serves craft beer on the patio.

10. Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

Distance: 38 miles from Central Vancouver

Highlight: Viewpoint

The Stawamus Chief Provincial Park offers some of the best hikes near Vancouver , so you’ll want to stop here on your Vancouver to Whistler drive. It Is a 700m high granite dome that towers over the Howe Sound network of fjords and has three distinct summits.

The first peak is a challenging 2.5 miles round trip and takes about 90 minutes. You can expect a steep route consisting of wooden steps, ladders, and in some places, guide ropes.

The second peak is the largest of the three summits, and the 3 miles round trip takes significantly longer to complete. It requires scrambling over rock and features chains to help you leverage yourself over boulders.

Reaching the viewpoint positioned on the third peak is 4 miles round trip and is separated from the second peak by the North Gully, a 60-meter gap in-between. 

While on the trail, keep an eye out for Peregrine falcons that nest in the area.

11. Squamish

Distance: 40 miles from Central Vancouver

Highlight: Outdoor activities

Squamish is only a 50-minute drive from Vancouver and offers a laid-back and creative environment. It is the perfect rest stop along your road trip to refuel and explore the town’s arts and culture.

While being the most popular location for outdoor recreation in Canada, it is also filled with public art , thanks to the yearly Squamish Wind Festival.

Looking for things to do in Squamish? The area surrounding the town offers adventurous cyclists more than 124 miles of singletrack mountain biking trails. The nearby Stawamus Chief offers rock climbing on steep granite cliffs and bluffs. If you are not a fan of heights, you can hike along the rivers, lakes, and forests.

Squamish is also a great stopping point to stock up for your trip, as it’s a pretty big town. You’ll find Tim Hortons and Wendy’s for fast food , Backcountry Brewing for beer, and multiple grocery stores. There are also plenty of clothing and gear stores if you forgot something (and it will be more affordable to buy items here than in Whistler).

12. Alice Lake Provincial Park

Distance: 47 miles from Central Vancouver

Highlight: Fishing

Alice Lake is a provincial park with a campground with four freshwater lakes, making it a beautiful setting for fishing, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding. 

You can experience the best fishing between spring and fall, and it’s also easiest to access it during this time on your Vancouver to Whistler drive. The lake has a native population of trout and char and is seasonally stocked with rainbow trout by the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery .

Are you traveling with children? There is a bike park for kids and a fantastic mountain bike trail leaving the campground. The Cliffs Corner trail is an easy cycling route that is suitable for beginners. It covers a distance of 0,9 miles and helps develop your cornering skills.

13. Brohm Lake Rope Swing

Distance: 49 miles from Central Vancouver

Highlight: Swimming

Located only an hour from Vancouver, Brohm Lake is an ideal spot to stop for a swim in the summer during your Sea to Sky road trip. The lake is located alongside Highway 99 and is surrounded by some of the oldest forests in Squamish. Pack a picnic, swimsuit, and inflatable craft for a relaxing time on and alongside the water.

The lake is ideal for adventurous children and pets. You will still need to exercise caution when swimming, as there are no lifeguards on duty. The rock outcroppings, cliffs, and a handful of rope swings provide hours of fun jumping into the water.

14. Cheakamus Canyon Climbing Site

Distance: 55 mi from Central Vancouver

Highlight: Rock climbing

I’ve really gotten into rock climbing back in Seattle over the years, so it makes me excited to see just how many places there are to climb in the B.C. area. As I gradually buy more of my own gear, I hope to do some of these climbs, such as the ones at the Cheakamus Canyon Climbing Site.

This area is not for beginners – the grades start at 5.9 and go up to 5.13, so you’ll want to either know what you’re doing or go with a group or a guide. That aside, it’s the perfect place to stop when driving from Vancouver to Whistler quite literally to stretch your limbs.

15. Brandywine Falls

Distance: 65 miles from Central Vancouver

Travel for one hour and twenty minutes from Vancouver to the dramatic Brandywine Falls. This impressive waterfall plummets 230 feet (70 meters), and it falls in a clean drop, unlike the tumbling water found at Shannon Falls.

Brandywine Provincial Park is located south of Whistler and offers an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs during a 15-minute walk to the waterfall. Travel to the viewing platform along a wooden boardwalk that takes a breathtaking route over the river and through the forest.

While the waterfall is the main attraction, the area does offer hiking and mountain biking. Not interested in hiking but still want incredible views? Consider setting off on a spectacular glacier tour by floatplane .

16. Whistler Trainwreck Hike

Distance: 70 miles from Central Vancouver

Highlight: Old Train Cars

Trainwreck Hike is by far my favorite hike in Whistler, which is why I keep doing it year after year. There are multiple box cars from the 1950s that have sat in the forest since and are now colorfully decorated.

It’s only 10 minutes south of Whistler Village, so you can easily fit it in during your trip there one morning or make it a quick addition on your drive to Whistler from Vancouver.

Most of it is flat and kid-friendly, and you’ll only want to hold little ones’ hands on the suspension bridge and a steep hill at the end. It’s also a great encouragement to get your kids to hike by telling them there are old color trains at the end (it worked for my oldest, at least).

17. Whistler Brewing Company

Highlight: Beer and pub food

Cost: Varies depending on your purchase

I don’t know about you, but nothing says you have arrived at your destination after a long drive than a brewery. Sinking into a comfy spot with a beer and some pub grub to refuel with feels amazing, and I love Whistler Brewing Company for that. We stop here yearly and love that it’s south of the main part of Whistler, so much less crowded.

They’re also a very kid-friendly brewery , which is now much appreciated with having our two little ones. I recommend getting some of their cans to go if you’re staying in Whistler so you can save some money as well.

They also have big portions, so it’s a perfect cheap restaurant in Whistler if you want to share.

18. Whistler & Blackcomb Mountain

Distance: 75,8 miles from Central Vancouver

Highlight: Ski and Mountain bike routes

Cost: Adults $73 & Kids $65 (summer), Adults $111 & Kids $56 (winter)

Whistler is nestled into the Fitzsimmons Range of the Coast Mountains and is a year-round destination for adrenaline junkies. It’s arguably the best mountain resort globally, offering more than 200 marked ski and snowboard trails and 16 alpine bowls.

As I said earlier, I come here every year each spring, and I highly recommend staying a night or two if it’s within your budget. It’s fun whether you’re with friends or visiting Whistler with kids .

The hiking, biking, and skiing trails mean the mountain lifts are used all year to cart visitors to the summit. While people love skiing in the winter, Whistler in the summer is also a popular time to visit.

The Whistler Village is designed to make you feel welcome and has a host of luxurious lodges and boutique hotels . After your fun yet physically demanding activities, you can explore the tiny town’s cafes, restaurants, and shops to help you unwind. I always stop at Moguls Coffee House (one of the best coffee shops in Whistler ) for breakfast and visit High Mountain Brewing Company for pizza and beer.

With so much to see and do, a weekend in Whistler might not be enough. Just arrived? Travel between Whistler and Blackcomb mountain tops on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains without needing ski gear.

Regardless of the time of year that you decide to road trip, your Vancouver to Whistler drive on the Sea to Sky Highway is guaranteed to be an adventure!

Marissa Pedersen

Marissa is a Seattle local who's obsessed with exploring all things Pacific Northwest, especially hiking, road trips, and national parks. She's been to hundreds of places all over the region and started this website to help others discover the beauty of the area and create their own trips.

4 thoughts on “ 18 Fun Sea to Sky Highway Stops on a Vancouver to Whistler Drive ”

Thank you for these amazing tips and info. Will be travelling from Vancouver to Calgary in September this year You have made my planning so much easier

Enjoy! It’s such a beautiful drive.

So true of what Gaye had mentioned. We are travelling from Vancouver to Calgary as well Sep-Oct this year, you really made it easier for us to plan our trip and maximize our time. One question though, i heard it’s not practical to bring vehicle to Whistler as parking is not cheap and places to see are within walking distance. So, we are thinking to take the skylynx bus. Do they stop in Squamish for a tour? Maybe not…what if we book the trip to Whistler via bus by separate date in itself, and then rent a vehicle going back to squamish and those stunning falls (Shannon and Brandywine Falls) you’ve mentioned? What do you think?

Hi Mel, great question – yes, parking can be expensive, so if you just want to stay in the village, you’ll easily be able to walk around everywhere. The bus depot is right in the center of the village, so very convenient. However, I like having my car every year I go because I love to explore hikes in the area and other attractions (such as the falls you mentioned), and those are not easily accessible without your own vehicle.

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How to Get to Whistler

Editor’s Note: This post was originally written in 2013, and most of it stands true (Whistler hasn’t moved), but it has been updated to reflect recent changes in transport options. 

For one of the biggest ski and mountain play areas in North America, getting to Whistler is surprisingly easy. We’re close to not one but three international airports, serviced by a major mountain road and tons of transport providers, so options abound. We’ve put together an Insider’s Guide to getting to Whistler, with locals’ tips and tricks to help your journey go as smoothly as possible.

Where is Whistler?

Basic – but essential knowledge, particularly if you are coming from overseas – Whistler is in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia (BC) in Canada. The closest major city is Vancouver, BC which is just two hours by road along the scenic Highway 99, also known as the Sea to Sky Highway.

Flights to Whistler

Whistler doesn’t have an airport or an airstrip – there’s just not enough space for a runway with all these mountains around. You can still fly to Whistler by helicopter or floatplane – both fast, direct options with absolutely spectacular views.

Note that floatplane trips are only available in warmer months when Green Lake is clear of ice. Arriving by helicopter is possible year-round, but like all air travel is dependent on weather conditions on the day.

Closest Airport to Whistler

The closest major airport is Vancouver International (YVR), approximately a 2.5 hours drive to Whistler. We’re also within 5 hours drive time of Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) and 3 hours of Bellingham International Airport (BLI) in Washington, USA which gives you lots of options in flights.

Airport Transfers, Coaches and Shuttles

Once you are on the ground at any of these airports, there are two major ways to get to Whistler – by road and by air (that’s the helicopter or floatplane option). Check out this handy summary of airport transfers and shuttles from YVE, SEA and BLI.

Do I need a car once I’m in Whistler?

The answer is no. Choose your accommodation wisely and you can stay steps away from the lifts and access to skiing, hiking, biking plus the delights of the village with some hotels and condos also providing complimentary shuttles. Leaving the vehicle behind can save money on parking, provide a kick for all sorts of new adventures and leave you free to enjoy the views on the way here.

Once you are in Whistler getting around is easy with a great public transit system , and taxis equipped with ski boxes and bike racks to move you and your gear. Check Whistler.com’s transit tab for up-to-date information as over the summer months weekend and Holiday transit travel is sometimes free. The free transit will assist the resort in achieving its Big Moves Climate Action goals and is funded through Day Lot 1- 5 revenues, through the Community Transportation Initiative Fund (CTIF).

Find information on parking in Whistler on the RMOW website .

Self-propelled transit is often the locals’ choice – in summer you can rent bikes and e-bikes and use the non-motorized Valley Trail to explore the Valley and get from lake to lake, and in winter you can rent fat bikes. Walking is always an option , and the absolutely best way to get to know Whistler at true vacation pace. We’ve included a list of car-free options for getting to Whistler below.

Driving to Whistler

There’s only one road that goes to Whistler – Highway 99 aka the Sea to Sky Highway – and the views are pretty spectacular whether you drive from Vancouver or Lillooet. There are options for free and paid parking once you get here. Be sure to check the road conditions before you leave, and for folks coming from the United States by road you can find information on border crossing wait times and locations here.

Driving From Vancouver

Driving to Whistler from Vancouver is simple – take Highway 99 and drive north through Squamish (these driving instructions have more information). On a clear day you’ll get views of Vancouver, the mighty waters of Howe Sound and glimpses of Mount Garibaldi, Black Tusk and the Tantalus Range. If it’s your first drive, it’s definitely worth taking extra time to stop at viewpoints, waterfalls and culturally significant spots along the way.

Driving From Lillooet/The Interior

For the adventurous, you can also take a longer loop from Vancouver into the interior and drive south to Whistler via Pemberton. This route comes over the Duffey Lake Road past popular hiking spots such as Joffre Lakes . This road is spectacular – it’s also smaller, slower and has a significant mountain pass to ascend and descend – so keep that in mind when you plan your drive.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, hiring a car to get to Whistler is an option, with one-way and return car rentals available from Vancouver and Whistler.

Safety and Mountain Highway Driving

The Sea to Sky Highway received a big upgrade around the time of the 2010 Winter Games , and it’s in great condition with all new variable speed signs that provide safe driving speeds in all weather conditions. That being said, it goes through rugged mountain terrain and depending on the season you’ll need to be on the lookout for changing conditions and hazards including wildlife such as deer and bears, rain, snow (can be very heavy at times), road cyclists as well as fog, wind and more. It’s always a good idea to check the Highway 99 road conditions and webcams before you leave.

Winter Driving Tips

Whistler is a ski resort, and that means it can snow here…HARD and FAST. A bare highway on your trip up might receive a foot of snow very quickly, and while all roads are maintained having a correctly winterized vehicle is essential for your safety and the safety of other drivers. Before you drive on the Sea to Sky Highway in winter, you must make sure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires and/or chains – it’s the law from October 1 – March 31 and you will be turned back by the police if you don’t comply. Visit Transit BC for the current legal requirements, brush up on your winter driving skills and leave yourself plenty of time for the journey. Not confident in the snow? Take one of the car free options below.

Car-Free Road Transport to Whistler

Depending on your budget, group size and what gear you are bringing with you, there’s plenty of car-free options from coaches to private vehicles with a driver – here’s a quick rundown with links to more info.

Shuttle and Bus Services

One of the easiest and cost-effective ways to get here is by shuttle, with daily services running from downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport. The buses have regular services, plenty of room for luggage and big windows so you can see the views without having to worry about driving (local tip – sit on the left side of the bus on the way to Whistler for views of Howe Sound and the Tantalus Range). Once in Whistler, buses will usually make stops at both Whistler Creekside and at the central Gateway Loop in Whistler Village so make sure you know which stop you need. Some will even stop at your hotel – fancy!

Check out the services, fares and baggage policies and book shuttle rides online here . If you are traveling with a bike in summer in or out of the box, Epic Rides offer a custom-made trailer for getting you and your vehicle to the mountains.

Airport Transfers and Private Charter Vehicles

Private charters come with a driver who will meet you inside the airport or at your hotel, help you load your luggage then take care of all the driving to Whistler so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the views along the way. The beauty of booking your own transfer means you also get dropped off right at your accommodation so you can settle in and start your vacation.

Rather than depending on a set schedule, private transfers by limousine, SUV, van or mini-bus are able to be booked 24 hours a day. Charters are excellent if you are arriving on an early or late flight, and cost effective if you are traveling with a big group. Transfers are available from all three airports (you’ll need your flight details to book) and downtown Vancouver.

Whistler by Rail

There is a railway that links Vancouver and Whistler, and once upon a time there were daily trips to Whistler on the Rocky Mountaineer sightseeing train . This service has been discontinued, and while you can still make a short visit to Whistler by train as part of the Rocky Mountaineer Rainforest to Gold Rush Route (Vancouver to Jasper), there are currently no options to catch a train to Whistler.

There’s a lot of ways to arrive in Whistler, and if you want details on any of the transport options listed or advice on how to get you and your crew here, you can always call and speak to a real live human at Whistler.com – the travel consultants have all the up-to-date schedules at their fingertips, and can help you work out the best option quick smart.

Pip has somehow worked her way around from being a snow-and-bike bum to holding a real job while also being outdoors as much as possible. She’s collected scars, bikes for (almost) every occasion, a small trail dog and a love of craft beer plus a rudimentary understanding of skiing, snowboarding, sketching, and the art of chairlift conversations. She currently believes a combination of gravity, snow, dirt and rad people are what make Whistler tick but investigations are ongoing.

Mountain and Backcountry Safety in Whistler: AdventureSmart Winter

The Local’s List: February 2022

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