Credit: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

Whistler + Sea to Sky Gondola

A Fire and Ice Experience

Escape the city to discover Howe Sound fjord, with its islands and inlets, winding your way along the Sea to Sky highway, up into the coastal mountains, through old lava flows, past ancient glaciers and a dormant volcano. Ride to the summit on a gondola and enjoy interpretive walking trails with cantilevered viewing platforms and the spectacular Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. Enjoy free time to explore the pedestrian Village of Whistler during this epic day of scenery and discovery.

Tour Description

Escape the city to discover Howe Sound fjord, with its islands and inlets, winding your way along the Sea to Sky highway, up into the coastal mountains, through old lava flows, past ancient glaciers and a dormant volcano. Ride to the summit on a gondola and enjoy interpretive walking trails with cantilevered viewing platforms and the spectacular Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. Enjoy free time to explore the pedestrian Village of Whistler during this epic day of scenery and discovery.

TOUR DESCRIPTION:
Explore Howe Sound, Canada’s most southern fjord as you venture into Sea to Sky country, up into the coastal mountains to discover the forces of nature which shaped the region’s natural beauty over the past 10,000+ years. With its lush rainforests, mountains rising from sea to sky, spectacular glacier mountain ranges, lakes, waterfalls, and volcanic remains, this elevated fully guided tour showcases the wonders of Mother Nature on a truly grand scale.

Your journey will take you north along the breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway, ranked as one of the top ten most scenic highways in the world. You will stop at Shannon Falls, British Columbia’s 3rd highest waterfall to observe the power and beauty of its cascading waters created by a hanging glacier 1000s of years ago. This awe-inspiring waterfall is one the area’s most impressive natural attractions that was once owned by a local brewery, which used the pure mountain water to brew their beer. Later the brewery donated the land to BC Parks for the enjoyment of everyone.

Next stop, experience the thrill of adventure with a ride to the summit of Habrich Ridge on the Sea to Sky Gondola. Enjoy a 10-minute ride, rising above a coastal rainforest canopy and take in panoramic views of Howe Sound and the neighbouring mountains on clear day. At the summit, enjoy some free time accessing a wide array of outdoor experiences, including two different interpretive loop walking trails with cantilevered viewing platforms, the spectacular Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge and or relax at the Summit Lodge for a snack or some shopping.

Continue your journey past the township of Squamish, climbing up into the coastal mountains, past Mount Garibaldi, a dormant stratovolcano, before making a quick photo stop at the Tantalus Glacier viewpoint and driving through old volcanic lava flows to reach Whistler, a year-round mountain resort and pedestrian-only village. Enjoy free time and a chance to explore the unique shops, restaurants, galleries and cafes, take pictures with the Olympic rings all while enjoying the fresh mountain air and scenic beauty that attracts visitors year-round from around the world.

On your return to Vancouver, the scenery comes from a new perspective. Looking south from the mountains to the ocean, you will be captivated by the breathtaking views along Howe Sound and as you wind your way around the corner above Horseshoe Bay the city's skyline will become increasingly clear. This tour provides an opportunity to discover with your own eyes the power and beauty of fire and ice. How glacier retreats, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes over 10s of 1000s of years have created the natural beauty of southern British Columbia that we know and love today.

HIGHLIGHTS + INCLUSIONS:

  • Unlike other operators who offer a driver that doubles as a guide, we provide a first-class professional driver plus a dedicated step on tour guide for a more personalized and elevated experience

  • New Coach Busses: In addition, we use only the new model Highway Coach buses offering the latest in safety and comfort including Cloud One Seating, the most ergonomic seat available today designed to reduce fatigue during long trips, 120V and USB charging ports for every passenger, passenger blinds, reading lights, cup holders and an onboard washroom.

  • Sea to Sky Highway: A scenic journey along Howe Sound fjord into the Coast Mountain Range

  • Mount Garibaldi: Visible on a clear day, Mount Garibaldi is a dormant stratovolcano with an elevation of 2,678 metres (8,786 feet)

  • Shannon Falls Park: The third highest waterfall in British Columbia and magnificent display of Mother Nature’s force

  • Sea to Sky Gondola and optional Guided Interpretive Walking Tour: A 1.5 hour stop including a gondola ride to the top of Habrich Ridge and access a wide array of outdoor experiences, including two different interpretive loop walking trails with cantilevered viewing platforms, and the spectacular Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge

  • The Stawamus Chief: A granitic dome located adjacent to the town of Squamish. It towers over 700 m above the waters of nearby Howe Sound. It is one of the largest granite monoliths in the world and is a mecca for rock climbers from all over the World

  • Squamish: Loosely translated, it means “Mother of the Wind” and “people of the sacred water”, this town ½ way to Whistler, is where the mountains reach the sea

  • Tantalus Glacier Range Viewpoint: Stop for a spectacular view of Mount Tantalus Glacier, 2603 metres above the Squamish River (weather permitting)

  • Black Tusk: Visible on a clear day, Black Tusk is a stratovolcano and a pinnacle of volcanic rock in Garibaldi Provincial Park with an elevation of 2,319 metres (7,608 ft) above sea level. The upper spire is visible from a great distance in all directions weather permitting

  • Whistler Village and optional Guided Walking Tour: Co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympic games and pedestrian-only village with a variety of shops, art galleries, artisan cafes, and scenic trails

Tour Season + Start Times

Operating Daily
May 1 to October 15
Tour Duration 
10 hours

Vancouver hotel pickups starting at 
8:00

Tour start time 
08:30

Tour Cost

$219 / Adult
+5% GST

$120 / Child 
+5% GST


Book This Whistler + Sea to Sky Gondola Package


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Frequently Asked Questions

All tours require a reservation. Same day reservations are available subject to availability. For same day reservations, please call our reservations team directly at 604-685-STAR.

Cancellations are fully refundable up to 24 hours prior to departure. After that time, all bookings will be considered non-refundable. Please note that no shows or missed departures will not be refunded.

Yes, up to 24 hours prior to departure subject to availability.

No. All of our tours run rain or shine. Vancouver is called a Rain City due to the fact that it rains an average of 168 days a year. No rain jacket, no umbrella? No problem. We provide complimentary loaner umbrellas for you to use for the duration of the tour.

Our prices are listed in Canadian dollars. Please note, applicable taxes and a small booking fee are added during checkout.

Star Sightseeing accepts payment with VISA, Mastercard and American Express. Paying by Cash, Direct Debit, WeChat and Alipay are currently not available.

A 3% Credit Card booking fee and 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax) are added during checkout.

All of our booking pages are protected by SSL Security, which encrypts all information sent to our server, including all personal information sent as part of the booking process.

Credit card purchases will reflect a charge from Star Sightseeing Inc. on their statements.

Adults are considered those 13 years and older. Children are aged 3-12 years, and infants 2 and under are free on all of our tours. Child and infant seats are available on request.

No, at least 1 adult must travel with any children under the age of 12.

Currently, our tours are conducted entirely in English.

We operate 34 and 56 passenger highway coach buses for our tours, as it provides a more comfortable and spacious experience for our guests.

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Comfortable clothing for the weather
  • Camera or video camera
  • Sunscreen and/or a sunhat is recommended for sunny days
  • Cash or credit cards

Even though your tour is by bus, you will be stopping at various locations. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather depending on the season. Please check the weather forecast for the day. Bring a rain jacket just in case of inclement weather. Loaner umbrellas are available for use for the duration of the tour.

All of our tours offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off at select hotels in Vancouver. A pull-down list of pick-up locations will be provided during the booking process. Pick-up and drop-off times may vary depending on hotel location.

We are happy to accommodate drop-offs at different locations, provided that this is arranged ahead of time. Please contact our team at 604-685-STAR or email info@starsightseeing.com to ensure that we can accommodate your request.

We do not pick up at the Vancouver Airport. We can drop-off at the Vancouver Airport on select tours. Please contact our office to inquire. Additional fees may apply.

Yes, all of our tour buses can accommodate luggage with additional notice. Please advise us if you will have luggage by noting it in the comments section of the reservation form.

Our coach buses have storage space for foldable wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers, but they are not wheelchair accessible. The guest must be able to walk up the stairs into the coach bus.

Unfortunately, our vehicles are unable to accommodate motorized wheelchairs or scooters.

With the exception of registered service dogs, no pets are allowed on board.

Whistler FAQs

It takes about 1.5 hours driving time, but keep in mind that the tour makes plenty of stops along the way.

From Vancouver City centre to Whistler village it is about a 122km (76 mile) drive.

Explore, eat, play, and relax on your own or choose to enjoy an optional walking tour of the village with your guide. Whistler Village is home to many shops, restaurants, museums, and activities. Ask your guide for recommendations and what activities are available.

  • March–June: Highs are usually between 8°C (46°F) and 20°C (68°F).
  • July–August: Average daily highs reach around 27°C (81°F).

About 30 minutes at Shannon Falls, 1.5 hours at the Sea to Sky Gondola, 15 minutes at the Tantalus Glacier Lookout (weather permitting), and approximately 3.5 hours in Whistler Village.

The gondola ride takes approximately 10 minutes each way between the base station and top station.

The Sea to Sky Gondola climbs 850 meters to reach an elevation of 885 total meters above Howe Sound.

Yes, the gondola cabins are wheelchair and stroller accessible. The Summit Lodge and viewing deck is also accessible (weather conditions permitting).

You will return to Vancouver by around 6:00pm. Please note that this time is subject to change based on traffic and other factors outside of our control.

Why choose us   

There is simply no better option than Star Sightseeing


Personalized
Experience

We provide a first-class professional driver plus a dedicated step on tour guide for a more personalized and elevated experience, unlike others who offer only a driver/guide. 

Modern Fleet &
Comfort

Our new coach buses feature the latest in safety and comfort, including washrooms, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for all passengers.

Trusted Expertise &
Legacy

With over 45 years of experience, Star Chauffeured Services is the largest and oldest livery car service in Western Canada, specializing in custom sightseeing tours and private transportation.

Environmental
Commitment

We are dedicated to sustainability, aiming to become carbon neutral by 2030 and transitioning to an electric fleet as soon as possible.

Check out our other tours

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Vancouver + Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
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May 1 - October 15
Duration: 6 hours
Price: $174 +tax

STAR SIGHTSEEING


328 Industrial Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia 
V6A 2P3 Canada

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  • Fax: 604-685-2500
  • info@starsightseeing.com