Visiting this scenic wonder is always a good idea – but it’s not exactly clear exactly how to get to the Sea to Sky Gondola!
Luckily, I’m here to walk you through how to go to Sea to Sky Gondola from Vancouver, so let’s take a look.
Getting to the Sea to Sky Gondola by Shuttle, Public Transit, and Car
Address: 36800 HWY-99 at Squamish BC.
The Sea to Sky Gondola is located in the town of Squamish – so it’s not reachable by conventional public transit.
The average trip takes about 45 minutes, depending on the traffic leaving downtown on the Lions Gate Bridge towards North Vancouver.
It’ll cost about $120.00 for a Vancouver taxi from downtown – if you’re willing to spend the money.
Many travellers choose to treat the Sea to Sky Gondola as a full-day excursion, and it’s one of the best day trips from Vancouver.
However, others prefer to stop in on the way to Whistler from Vancouver or as part of a tour package.
Let’s break these directions down more in depth.
Related: Is the Sea to Sky Gondola Worth It?
How to Drive from Vancouver to the Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola is conveniently located just off of the main transportation link between Vancouver and Whistler: the majestic Sea to Sky Highway.
More specifically, the Sea to Sky Gondola is 61.5 km from downtown Vancouver – which is about a 50 minute drive in optimal conditions.
Most tourists drop in for about 2-3 hours and then continue on up to explore Whistler.
Looking for driving directions to the Sea to Sky Gondola from downtown Vancouver?
Click through to our Google maps directions to the Sea to Sky Gondola.
Sea to Sky Gondola Parking
Parking is included as long as you’ve book your tickets online, which you can do using the calendar below:
There are actually two parking lots:
- Short-term lot (1-3 hours) lot at base camp
- Long-term lot (3+ hours) a 500-metre walk from camp at Darrell Bay.
The short-term lot is fine for most visitors, while the long term lot should be used by those who plan to do some back-country hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing.
If you do choose to use the long-term lot: do not walk along the highway. It can be dangerous. Simply follow the signs and take the Shannon Falls walking trail 500m toward the base camp.
Driving up? Ensure you book your Sea to Sky Gondola tickets well in advance – especially in high season the bookings fill up quickly
Getting to the Sea to Sky Gondola by Bus
Unfortunately, there is no direct bus between Vancouver and the Sea to Sky Gondola.
That said, the Skylynx Squamish offers a bus from Downtown Vancouver to Squamish.
The service is available as a stand-alone ticket, and departs from Melville Street in downtown, taking you to the Squamish Adventure Centre in the heart of Squamish.
After this one hour trip, you can grab the #5 bus (South Parks) and arrive at the bottom of the gondola in just 10 minutes.
Vancouver to Squamish Bus Prices:
- One way: $35.00
This is recommended for people moving onto Whistler, and exploring the area in an independent manner.
If you’re looking at a return trip shuttle from Vancouver to the Sea to Sky Gondola then simply consult the Sea to Sky Gondola shuttle page.
How to Get to Sea to Sky Gondola from Vancouver (Whistler Day Trip Packages)
Finally, if you don’t have a car but are looking to explore Whistler, there are some great all-inclusive Sea to Sky Gondola-Whistler tour packages to get you there.
The most highly rated one (4.5 stars on 350+ reviews) also throws in some of BC’s most beautiful waterfalls, some forest exploration, and plenty of time to explore Whistler alone.
It also has hotel pickup, which is super convenient.
Shuttle + Gondola + Whistler Day Trip Prices:
- Adults (12+): $191.10
- Youth (3-12): $105.00
- Children (up to 2): $0.00
Sea to Sky Gondola Directions FAQ
Where is the Sea to Sky Gondola?
The Sea to Sky Gondola is found about 45 minutes north of downtown Vancouver, along the Sea to Sky Highway in a town called Squamish.
How Far is the Sea to Sky Gondola from Vancouver?
The Sea to Sky Gondola is 61.5 kilometers away from Vancouver.
How to Get to Sea to Sky Gondola from Squamish?
To get to the Sea to Sky Gondola from Squamish, simply head to the Squamish Events Centre, and from there you can grab the #5 bus – it’s just two stops away.
Still Looking for Directions to the Sea to Sky Gondola?
It doesn’t have to be rocket science when considering how to arrive at the Sea to Sky Gondola from Vancouver – that said, I know it can be tough.
If you’re stuck with your Sea to Sky Gondola directions then just drop me a line below!
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