5 Epic Stops along the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99)

The Sea-to-Sky highway is one of Canada’s most scenic drives. This highway (also known as Highway 99) spans from Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler and onward to Lillooet. The drive to Whistler from Vancouver is about 2 hrs and to drive the entire Sea-to-Sky Highway you are looking at about 3.5/4 hours (without any stopping).

The highway gets the name Sea-to-Sky as you are literally starting from the Sea and driving into the Sky (mountains). This entire drive you are in complete awe of just how beautiful the views are. Once you get on the drive past Whistler the roads become very windy, and are legit on the edge of the mountains so just take your time. There are plenty of view point stops that you can pull over and just take in the views.

Please note all these stops cannot be completed in one day, I recommend giving yourself a few days to truly enjoy this list to its fullest!

Just a short walk from the parking lot, this beautiful 70m waterfall is a MUST SEE. There are a few trails around this area which also lead to a look out area to Daisy Lake, the Whistler Bungee jump and the Cal Cheak Suspension Bridge.  There are plenty of different spots along the trails to have a picnic as well, so you can make this a short stop just to the falls or make it a longer hiking day to view other points in the park.
To Note: The trail to get exactly down to the falls is actually off limits and illegal to access, and if caught you can be fined $150.00CAD.

A stop in this town is an absolute must, it is also a great place for base camp while you travel the Sea-to-Sky highway. Whistler Village is such a stunning town, there is everything you could think of doing whether its rain or shine.  From so many hiking trails to lakeside swimming, mountain biking, to bear viewing, this village will leave you with something to do everyday! My Guide to Whistler Village will be coming soon…

Nairn Falls is located about 20 minutes away from Whistler Village. This is an easy 2.6km out and back hike and considered an easy hike. Along the trail there are a few spots where you can walk down to the river, if you do so please ensure to take every precaution as the water is moving very fast. The entire trail is very well kept and once you get to the view point their is a lower and upper view point so be sure to check both of them out!
To Note: This hike has a few step drop off sections along the hike so if you have kids or a dog, please ensure to watch them at ALL times. 

History of Nairn Falls:  Over one hundred and fifty million years ago, this area was near the shore of a vast ocean. Gradually the earth’s crust moved upwards and crushed nearby volcanic islands against the shoreline. Further upheavals and other movements of the earth’s crust changed this area from a shoreline to a mountainous area.
^{[source: B.C. Park’s sign]}

Joffre Lakes is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful experiences in British Columbia. This hike is 8km out and back and considered a moderate hike with beautiful views the entire hike. There are 3 lakes along the hike the lower, middle and upper, along with a beautiful waterfall between the middle and upper. My favorite lake was easily the middle lake, which also has the very well known insta worthy log in the water. It is a pretty steady incline the entire hike but I promise the views are completely worth it, pack a lunch and enjoy a bite to eat at the upper lake before you make your way back down.
Tip: I highly recommend getting here early! The parking lots fill up quickly and the trails are very heavy trafficked; our way up there were a few people around us but when we started to make our way down at 1200 the trails were PACKED!

The Seton Lake lookout is a must do stop along the way! It is just a short 1km out and back which makes it a great stop along the drive to stop and stretch your legs. The Switch back of the highway is known as Duffey Lake Road U-Turn. It is such a beautiful spot to sit and lookout at the beautiful turquoise Seton Lake water with the picturesque mountains in the back. When we went we did not know where to park as we did not find anything that had the exact address to park, so if you go the coordinates of where to park is: 50.662549, -121.990656. Walk across the sheet the trail is very noticeable as it has been walked on plenty of times.

This brewery is located in Squamish, BC about an hour drive from Vancouver. I randomly came across this brewery a few years ago through Instagram, and has been on my list to visit ever since! There beer list is AMAZING, and they seriously make the best sour Beer I have ever had. The “Take me to the Candy Shop” tastes just like fuzzy peaches. This brewery has raving reviews about their pizza’s as well, which we unfortunately did not get to try. With just with our luck we were there on a Monday and they close their kitchen Monday and Tuesdays as they have different food trucks each week that provide food!
Check out their website here!