Hiking high above Howe Sound
Fall offers a special and colourful hiking experience at Sea to Sky Gondola
Fall has arrived, and there’s no better place to experience the colourful change of seasons—or a brisk autumn hike—than at the Sea to Sky Gondola. Located just forty-five minutes north of Vancouver in beautiful Squamish, B.C., the venue offers visitors a scenic and comfortable gondola ride, high above the Sea to Sky Highway and Howe Sound below, to the Summit Lodge. There, guests can enjoy a delicious menu of food and drinks on arguably the most spectacular patio this side of the Rocky Mountains. Just across the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, you’ll find a host of hiking trails suited to any level of fitness. Discover the Wonderland Lake Loop, a new addition to the Gondola’s array of trails for hiking and walking. It’s a true nature trail— perfect for beginners or intermediate hikers—that meanders along diverse terrain dotted with viewpoints including the Summit Lodge, and Skypilot, Copilot and Goat Ridge mountain peaks before arriving at Wonderland Lake. Another trail to try is the Highline Trail, a new hike that offers a short and steep scramble for intermediate hikers looking for stunning 360-degree views of Howe Sound, the Stawamus Chief and Squamish. Or, if you want to avoid any early snowfalls, take a two- to three-hour trek along the Shannon Basin Loop, with winding terrain that follows the Shannon Creek watershed. And you’ll find more than spectacular hikes at the Sea to Sky Gondola. There are always special events, dinners and live music happening throughout the year. In October, bring your little ghosts and goblins to the Gondola for Halloween Trick or Treating for Kids on October 27. This family-friendly event lets costumed kids enjoy the enchanted forest, trick or treating on the trails while encountering friendly characters. Admission is free with a lift ticket or annual pass and takes place from noon to 4 p.m. The Sea to Sky Gondola is open until October 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will close for fall maintenance from October 29 to November 30, before opening again for the winter season with magical holiday experiences on December 1.