BY ROAD CANADA
VANCOUVER TO WHISTLER REGION:
British Columbia,
Canada Skirting a glacial fjord before climbing into the Coast Mountains, the
Sea-to-Sky Highway, a ribbon of road between Vancouver and Whistler, is one of
the world's great road trips. You can drive the route, also known as British
Columbia Highway 99, in less than two hours.
All along the way are
long ocean views, jagged peaks, thick forests, evocative historic sites and
some of the best outdoor adventure options on the planet. And that's just for
starters. The new Sea to Sky Gondola, opened in May just south of Squamish, can
whisk you high into the alpine to see this landscape from a whole new angle.
The gondola (actually 20 eight-passenger cable cars) soars 885 metres (almost
3,000 ft) from sea level up onto the slopes of Mount Habrich, offering sweeping
views of Howe Sound, Stawamus Chief, Shannon Falls and the surrounding peaks.
At the top, viewing
options include the Chief Overlook, a deck which cantilevers over a sheer drop
(gulp), and the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, a 100 metre-long (328-foot-long)
walkway stretched high above the fjord. It's okay. You can look down. You can
also explore 30 kilometres (19 miles) of hiking trails, ranging from
stroller-friendly walks to backcountry treks, learn about the local Stawamus
First Nation's heritage along the interpretive Spirit Trail or just soak up the
views over lunch at the Summit Lodge. While you're up there, watch for climbers
on neighbouring rock faces and windsurfers in the fjord below.
GETTING THERE
The Sea-to-Sky Highway runs from Vancouver to just north of
Whistler. Squamish is about an hour north of downtown Vancouver, and about 45
minutes south of Whistler. Your family could see you driving by taking Landsea
Tours' Sea to Sky Tour and explore Horseshoe Bay, Shannon Falls, the Britannia
Mine Museum and the Sea to Sky Gondola.
Contributed by Sue
Kernaghan
For more on British
Columbia's destinations and travel information, visit HelloBC.com.
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