The Sea to Sky Highway: Canada's Most Scenic Coastal Drive
The Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) is exactly what its name promises — a road that hugs the ocean before climbing into the mountains, linking Vancouver with Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton. Upgraded for the 2010 Winter Olympics, it's smooth, wide and endlessly photogenic, making it a perfect campervan drive for first-timers and families.
You could knock it out in under two hours, but with waterfalls, gondolas, alpine lakes and provincial-park campgrounds along the way, it deserves two to four unhurried days.
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Best Stops Along the Way
| Stop | From Vancouver | Why Stop |
|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe Bay | 20 km | Seaside village, ferry views |
| Shannon Falls | 58 km | 335 m waterfall, short walk |
| Squamish | 65 km | Sea to Sky Gondola, the Chief |
| Brandywine Falls | 90 km | 70 m falls, easy viewpoint |
| Whistler | 120 km | Village, gondolas, biking |
| Joffre Lakes | 155 km | Turquoise glacial lakes |
Squamish: The Outdoor Capital
Halfway to Whistler, Squamish sits between ocean and granite. Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for a suspension-bridge view over Howe Sound, watch rock climbers on the Stawamus Chief, or spot bald eagles along the river in autumn. Alice Lake Provincial Park just north of town is one of the best campgrounds on the route — book through BC Parks in advance.
Whistler and Pemberton
Whistler is world-famous for skiing, but summer is arguably better for campervanners: mountain biking, alpine hiking off the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, and a lively pedestrian village. Beyond Whistler, the highway drops into the farmland of Pemberton and the show-stopping Joffre Lakes, where a moderate hike reaches three brilliant turquoise lakes (a free day-pass reservation is required in peak season).
Where the Road Goes Next
Most travellers turn around at Whistler, but Highway 99 keeps climbing past Pemberton to Lillooet and the dry interior, eventually meeting the Trans-Canada Highway near Cache Creek. That makes the Sea to Sky a spectacular alternative opening leg for a Vancouver to Banff road trip.
Tips for the Drive
Book Campgrounds Early
Alice Lake and Nairn Falls fill fast on summer weekends with Vancouver locals. Reserve through BC Parks as soon as your dates are set.
Reserve Day Passes
Joffre Lakes and some other popular BC parks require free timed day-use passes in summer. Grab them online the day before to guarantee entry.
Go Midweek
The highway and its viewpoints are busiest on weekends. Travelling Monday to Thursday means quieter roads, easier parking and more campground availability.
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