{"id":185,"date":"2018-05-03T16:14:38","date_gmt":"2018-05-03T16:14:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bootsnotroots.com\/?p=185"},"modified":"2021-12-01T19:43:40","modified_gmt":"2021-12-01T19:43:40","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-sea-to-sky-highway-squamish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bootsnotroots.com\/the-ultimate-guide-sea-to-sky-highway-squamish\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to British Columbia\u2019s Sea to Sky Highway"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

At the beginning of September (only 2 months after moving across the globe to Seattle), it happened \u2014 I got itchy feet again. I was scrolling through Pinterest (my guiltiest of all pleasures) and couldn\u2019t help but dream of far-away lands that I missed dearly in Europe. Like any normal person with an itch, I scratched it (no pun intended) and booked the best last minute trip of all time \u2014 camping in British Columbia! As we drove up a few days later to Squamish, Canada (an hour north of Vancouver) we were taken aback by the impressive scenery creeping up around every corner along the Sea to Sky Highway. I quickly realized that I didn\u2019t need to travel to faraway lands to scratch my travel itch and snapped my travel goggles back on for one of my favorite weekend trips of all time. Read on to learn why Squamish should be on your bucket list and tips for how to plan the perfect weekend in beautiful British Columbia. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s in this post?  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ultimate Map of the Sea to Sky Highway<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Do<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to eat<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Stay<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boots not Roots Tried and True tips<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ultimate Map of the Sea to Sky Highway<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\nhttp:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20180503023325if_\/https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/2\/embed?mid=1uK9oaXluzBJ3hPdKrXB9uVyVq_sZORWs\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What to see and do on the Sea to Sky Highway<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Waterfall hunting, epic hikes, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, skiing\u2026 the list goes on! Here are the top spots along the Sea to Sky Highway that everyone should check out. Note: \u201cthings to do\u201d are the blue dots on the map above. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shannon Falls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shannon Falls is the third tallest waterfall in British Columbia. This beautiful waterfall is located right off the Sea to Sky Highway with ample parking and a short walk to the viewing platform. There are two viewing platforms with the second one being a bit more impressive so keep walking past the first one up some stairs. We were pretty impressed with this waterfall and ended up having a small picnic at this spot to fully enjoy our surroundings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brandywine Falls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brandywine Falls is an impressive 229 feet tall with impressive views all around of Daisy Lake and surrounding mountains. The falls are thought to have received it\u2019s name by two explorers who wagered a bottle of brandy on who could guess the height of the falls correctly. The explorer who won the bet ended up naming the waterfall Brandywine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro Tip: After reaching the first viewing platform, keep walking to the next one to get a beautiful view of Daisy Lake. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alexander Falls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We stumbled across Alexander Falls after trying to visit the Olympic Village near Whistler and boy were we glad we did. These falls were the most impressive we saw during our visit and surprisingly the least crowded. Despite the unrelenting rain the morning we visited we loved watching these falls from the comfort of our warm car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Alice Lake<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alice Lake<\/a> is one of the best places to spend a sunny summer afternoon in Squamish. Paddle boarding, hiking, canoeing, cycling \u2014 you really can do it all here. We took a lovely hike on the Four Lakes trail and I played with the \u201cOld Man\u2019s Beard\u201d (the mossy stuff that hangs from the trees).  I even tested my balancing skills by walking out into the lake on a log. I would budget an afternoon or more to fully explore this peaceful park and enjoy it\u2019s surroundings. I\u2019m not lying when I say this was one of the most relaxing afternoons we\u2019ve had all year long. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"BritishTrain Wreck<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BYyGL20gEEP\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&v=8&wp=658&rd=bootsnotroots.com#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A103596.5%7D\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Derailed boxcars in the forest turned into art\u2026 #OnlyInWhistler | \ud83d\udcf7@laur101<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A post shared by Tourism Whistler<\/a> (@gowhistler) on Sep 8, 2017 at 7:05am PDT<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We unfortunately heard about this unique spot on our last day in Squamish, but after scanning through Instagram I had to add this to the list! The Train Wreck<\/a> near Whistler is the product of an actual train wreck that occurred in the 1950s. Remaining boxcars from the wreck are now scattered in this forest and have turned into a work of art. Plan for a short hike to see this cool and unique site \u2014 we\u2019ve added it to our must-do list for our next visit to Squamish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canadian Outback Rafting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Whitewater<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I could go on and on about why whitewater rafting with Canadian Outback Rafting is a must-do during your visit to Squamish, but I\u2019ll let my post on this amazing adventure<\/a> speak for itself. If there is one thing you do during your visit to Squamish \u2014 please please go whitewater rafting with this awesome company.<\/strong> I absolutely loved my experience with them and know that you will too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whistler Village<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We only spent about two hours in Whistler, but I fell in LOVE. Mostly pedestrian only streets in the village center lined with adorable little houses and shops equated to pretty much the cutest town I\u2019ve ever seen. We popped in and out of all kinds of shops and enjoyed our stroll around town immensely. If you\u2019re interested in spending more time in Whistler here is a good post <\/a>on what to do in the summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sea to Sky Gondola<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Sea to Sky Gondola is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.<\/strong> We came for sunset and WOW. No words can describe how much we loved exploring here. It\u2019ll cost you a pretty penny to visit (roughly 40 CAD during our visit), but check out their website <\/a>for special deals. Since we visited for sunset we got a half off deal. Be sure to also watch for any of their special events during your visit. There was a special 3-course dinner and wine event that ended up being sold out for the weekend we visited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where to eat and drink <\/h1>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ll be honest\u2026 we fell into the trap of eating at the same place twice.. because it was SO good. So, our recommendation list is a bit short since we spent two amazing dinners gorging on amazing wild-caught salmon at Howe Sound Brewing. Can you really blame me though? WILD CAUGHT SALMON.<\/strong> \ud83d\ude00 <\/p>\n\n\n\n