Sea to Sky Gondola

Experience the majesty of the wilderness as you soar above the treetops of ancient forests on the Sea to Sky Gondola. This modern gondola is located just a couple of kilometers from the town of Squamish and serves as a true gateway to alpine landscapes. In just 10 minutes, comfortable cabins transport guests from sea level to an elevation of 885 meters, revealing a breathtaking panorama.

In a country like Canada, this unique spot combines engineering marvels with pristine mountain beauty. The complex's crown jewel is the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, offering unforgettable views of the turquoise waters of Howe Sound and rugged granite peaks. Here, nature becomes accessible to everyone, regardless of fitness level.

At the summit, guests will find more than just a viewing platform; the cozy Summit Lodge features a café and restaurant. The Sea to Sky Gondola is more than just transport—it is a complete tourist hub where many hiking trails begin and cultural events take place, allowing you to touch the spirit of British Columbia.

To plan your visit and check for the latest updates, you can use the official communication channels. Below are the primary contact details for the Sea to Sky Gondola.

The main adventure begins right inside the gondola cabin: during the ascent, a 360-degree panorama of the sound and mountain ranges unfolds before you. Once at the top, be sure to walk across the 100-meter Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. It is the perfect spot for those seeking a light thrill from the height and wanting to take spectacular photos against the backdrop of an endless horizon.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there is a whole network of hiking and trekking trails of varying difficulty levels. You can choose a short walk along specially equipped boardwalks through the forest or embark on a more serious hike to alpine lakes. The area often hosts educational programs about the region's ecology and outdoor workshops.

After your walk, it is nice to relax in the mountain lodge, which houses a restaurant and café. During the summer, music festivals and yoga sessions are regularly held on the open terraces. In winter, the surroundings transform into a magical snow-covered forest, perfect for snowshoeing and contemplating the peaceful beauty of a Canadian winter.

The attraction is conveniently located right on the famous Sea to Sky Highway (BC-99), approximately 2 kilometers south of the town center. If you are driving from Vancouver, the journey will take about 45–60 minutes. The drive itself is an adventure thanks to breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.

For travelers without a personal vehicle, there are organized shuttles from Vancouver that often include the gondola ticket in the tour price. You can also take scheduled buses to Squamish. From the town center, the base station is easily reachable by local taxi or a short walk if you enjoy pedestrian routes.

The site features spacious parking capable of accommodating both cars and tour buses. During peak seasons and on weekends, it is recommended to arrive early to guarantee a spot closer to the entrance.

The Sea to Sky Gondola is a relatively young but already legendary tourist destination. Realization of this large-scale project began in April 2013. Builders had to work in challenging mountain conditions to create a safe and eco-friendly path to the peaks that were previously accessible only to experienced mountaineers.

The official opening took place on May 16, 2014, and the project immediately caught the public's attention. The total construction cost was an impressive 7.6 million dollars. The investment quickly paid off, as the location instantly became one of British Columbia's most visited natural attractions.

The site's popularity grew rapidly. By 2018, annual passenger traffic exceeded the 425,000 people mark. Despite temporary technical closures in 2019, the gondola was fully modernized and is today considered a benchmark for safety and comfort for tourists from all over the world.

To fully enjoy everything this place has to offer, we recommend setting aside 2 to 4 hours for your visit. This is plenty of time for a leisurely ascent, a walk around the main viewing platforms, and crossing the famous suspension bridge.

If you plan to head out on the longer trekking trails at the summit or intend to have lunch at the mountain restaurant with its panoramic views, it is better to allow for a half-day. Also, factor in time for potential queues at the ticket office on weekends and holidays.

The Sea to Sky Gondola welcomes guests daily, offering a convenient schedule for visits on both weekdays and weekends. Please note that evening hours are extended closer to the weekend, allowing you to enjoy the sunset from the heights.

The current schedule is as follows: Monday and Tuesday from 09:00 to 17:00; Wednesday and Thursday from 09:00 to 18:00; from Friday to Sunday, the complex is open longer—from 09:00 to 20:00. Nevertheless, it is recommended to check the official website before your trip, as operating hours may change due to weather conditions.

A trip to this region is rarely limited to just the mountain ascent. The Squamish area offers many interesting locations where you can experience local culture, try authentic cuisine, or simply relax after an active hike.

Exploring nearby establishments and landmarks will allow you to better feel the atmosphere of British Columbia. The table below lists sites located within a few kilometers of the gondola's base station.