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SEA-TO-SKY – SQUAMISH
GETTING THERE: From end to end, the Sea-to-Sky Highway is
just over an hour's leisurely drive between Vancouver and Squamish.
Coach lines also service this corridor, including Pacific Coach Lines
and Greyhound Bus Lines.
WHY GO?: One of the top scenic routes in B.C., the Sea-to-
Sky corridor offers jaw-dropping views of North America's most
southerly fjord, Howe Sound, with a spectacular backdrop of glaciers
– not to mention the fun and fascinating activities along the way.
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS:
■ A challenging round at the stunning and acclaimed Furry Creek
Golf Course
■ Spectacular sightseeing at Squamish on the Sea to Sky Gondola
■ Rare artifacts and unique artwork at the Squamish Lil'wat
Cultural Centre
■ Copper mining history at the interactive Britannia Mine Museum
■ Driving the route in a series of luxury sports cars on a Scenic Rush
driving experience
WHISTLER RESORT
GETTING THERE: Whistler is a two-hour drive north up
the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. From early May through October,
Rocky Mountaineer offers a three-hour train ride called the
Sea to Sky Climb, or Whistler Air offers a 30-minute floatplane
excursion. There are also numerous coach services to choose from,
including Pacific Coach Lines, Greyhound Bus Lines and Whistler
Direct Shuttle.
WHY GO?: Located two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is
Canada's favourite year-round destination. There are two majestic
mountains with a vibrant base village, epic skiing and snowboarding,
four championship golf courses, unbeatable shopping, restaurants
and bars, accommodation to suit every budget, hiking trails, spas and
arguably the best mountain bike park in the world.
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS:
■ Whistler Blackcomb's 3,200 hectares (8,000 acres) of skiable
terrain on two mountains connected by the Peak2Peak Gondola
■ Canoeing in summer with Whistler Eco Tours
■ Snowmobiling in winter with Canadian Wilderness Adventures
■ High-flying adventure at Whistler Bungee and Ziptrek EcoTours
■ Indulgent treatments at Scandinave Spa, set amid cedar forests
with incredible mountain views
■ Superfly tree obstacle course with The Adventure Group
VICTORIA
GETTING THERE: Westcoast Air, Pacific Coastal Airlines and Harbour Air
have dozens of daily departures to and from Victoria. BC Ferries offers a 1.5-hour
ride across Georgia Strait. Helijet offers a 30-minute scheduled helicopter service.
Prince of Whales offers whale-watching tours to Victoria as a one-way or return
trip. Pacific Coach Lines scheduled buses are another option.
WHY GO?: Savouring the sights and smells of the ocean on the ferry ride is half the
fun. Passing through or over the beautiful Gulf Islands en route is another highlight. Once
there, visitors are charmed by the blend of Old World British tradition and modern style.
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS:
■ Famous tea service at the Fairmont Empress Hotel
■ Historic Craigdarroch Castle, built between 1887 and 1890 for one
of British Columbia's wealthiest immigrants
■ Butchart Gardens' 22 hectares (54 acres) of gorgeous show gardens
■ Historic finds at the Royal BC Museum
■ A city sightseeing tour with CVS Cruise Victoria
■ Marine exploration at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
■ Whale-watching tours, available through Prince of Whales and
Great Pacific Adventures
■ Delectable edibles at the Victoria Public Market at the Hudson
