SQUAMISH—RIDE INTO WINTER
Sea to Sky Gondola
Located 2 kilometres south of Squamish, B.C., the Sea to Sky Gondola offers an exceptional winter adventure that combines the thrill of a spectacular gondola ride with sweeping views of the fjord, forest and mountains, and a variety of exciting outdoor experiences.
The journey starts with the gondola, which gently carries the 8-passenger cabin up over the forested mountainside to the Summit Lodge at an elevation of 885-metres (2,800-feet) above sea level. On the comfortable, ten-minute ride, you’ll want to spend every moment gazing out the floor-to-ceiling glass windows at the breathtaking views, from brand new views of Shannon Falls and the Squamish Chief to the deep blue waters of Howe Sound and surrounding white-capped peaks.
At the top, step out of the gondola and breathe in the crisp, mountain air. You’re a snowball’s throw away from the alpine wilderness with an array of winter activities to choose from. The facilities and gondola are wheelchair and stroller accessible, with ramps and walkways leading to impressive lookouts. The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, Spirit Viewing Platform and Summit Lodge Viewing Deck will all be kept clear of snow in the winter for everyone to enjoy. The Chief Overlook Viewing Platform will be accessible by snowshoe.
Be sure to take a short walk on the frontcountry loop trails, with the 400-metre Spirit Trail being perfect for young children. Extend your visit and take a winter hike on the 1.6-kilometre Panorama Trail, relaxing in the serenity and sweet hush that comes from being surrounded by snow-laden fir trees. If you are curious to learn more about the coastal mountains’ ecosystem and wildlife, frequent signage offers an outstanding interpretive trail experience.
Once the snow flies, rent or bring your own snowshoes to travel five marked trails (Panorama, Shannon Basin, Wrinkle Rock, Wonderland Lake Loop and Skyline) for an authentic winter-wonderland adventure. Take the time to stop at the viewpoints and cantilevered viewing platforms to appreciate vistas towards all points of the compass, from the Tantalus Range, to the town of Squamish, to Atwell Peak, or Diamond Head. One of the scenic highlights is traversing the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge to the Spirit Trail Viewing Platform to see the ragged peak of Sky Pilot Mountain, and the rounded buttress of Co- Pilot Mountain.
Hard-core hikers who like to ascend should try the Sea to Summit Trail (open in winter as conditions permit), which winds up the mountain through the lush coastal forest. Grab a fortifying snack at the top and then catch the Sea to Sky Gondola down to save your knees!
Experienced backcountry enthusiasts will be able to swiftly access the vast network of ski- touring and snowshoeing trail networks. The pristine wilderness is also rugged and remote, so if you’re not an expert in backcountry expeditions, the Sea to Sky Gondola has partnered with local guiding services to lead you safely on snowshoeing and ski-touring wilderness adventures.
Children and the kids-at-heart in your family will be overjoyed by the pure sliding fun of the new tube park, located adjacent to Wonderland Lake Loop. Rent tubes and slip, slide away! This entertaining Canadian sport is an essential for cranking up the fun factor. After exercising outside in the cold, stop in and relax at the Summit Lodge, warm up your core with a hot beverage and fuel up your next adventure with a delicious snack.
The Sea to Sky Gondola is open all winter from Thursday to Sunday, and daily during the Christmas Holiday period, with special events such as candlelight and traditional fondue dinners, photos and pancakes with Santa. Be a part of the inaugural winter of Squamish’s newest outdoor adventure with a stunning ride up the Sea to Sky Gondola. 604-892-2550 | seatoskygondola.com
For information about all recreational and cultural attractions that Squamish has to offer, visit the Squamish Adventure Centre, adventurecentre.ca | 604-815-5084, tourismsquamish.com. Plus, read more about Squamish, the ‘Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada’, the people, history and more at whistlertraveller.com.