Best Sea to Sky

08/29/2026

Whistler is where the highway ends for most people. It isn't where the road ends.

Pemberton is 30 minutes further and it's a completely different trip — farmland, fewer crowds, and prices that make you double-check the menu.

Nobody's fighting you for a parking spot up there. Yet.

One thing before you go: Joffre Lakes needs a day-use trail pass, and the park closes Sept 8–30 this year for harvesting celebrations and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Plan around it.

Been to Pemberton? Tell people what they're missing.

08/26/2026

The Stawamus Chief is not a walk. People find this out halfway up.

The numbers: 11km round trip for all three peaks, 600m of elevation, about 6 hours. First peak alone is closer to 2.5 hours return — that's the one most people should do.

There are ladders. There are chains. There are sections where you're using your hands.

It's also one of the best things you can do in this province, and the view off the top is worth every bit of it.

Ten things worth knowing before you go. Save it for the trailhead.

Which peak did you make it to?

08/22/2026

Meet Milo. 👋

He’s lived along the Sea-to-Sky his whole life — and apparently, he’s got a few things to say about everyone driving straight to Whistler.

Whistler is incredible. But it’s only part of the story.

There’s a whole lot of Best between the Sea and the Sky.

🌲 BestSeaToSky.com

08/22/2026

The Stawamus Chief is the granite crown of Squamish — 702 metres of sheer rock rising straight out of Howe Sound.

Whether you’re tackling the First Peak ladders, scrambling to Third Peak, or watching climbers from the spit below, here are 10 things you need to know before you lace up:

1️⃣ The First Peak Trail is a steep, staircase-heavy burner (600m elevation in just 1.5km).
2️⃣ Pack at least 2L of water and sturdy hiking boots — granite slabs get slick when wet.
3️⃣ Start early (before 8 AM) to beat the highway rush and trail congestion.
4️⃣ Third Peak offers the most expansive, unobstructed 360° views of Howe Sound and Mt. Garibaldi.
5️⃣ BC Parks Day-Use Passes may be required during peak summer weekends.

📍 Squamish, BC — Traditional territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.

🔗 Full corridor guides, trail conditions & local dining at BestSeaToSky.com

08/19/2026

$28 for a burger in the Village is a choice, not a rule.

We asked people who actually live here where they eat when they're not expensing it. Seven spots, all under what you'd expect, none of them a compromise.

Save this before your next trip — the Village at 7pm is not the time to be figuring this out.

What's your go-to cheap eat up here? Genuinely taking notes.

08/16/2026

Before the mountain peaks and deep fjords take over, the journey starts right here.

06/09/2026

https://bestseatosky.beehiiv.com/p/the-drive-is-the-trip

The 100 km between Vancouver and Whistler is the most underrated drive in BC. Three stops the locals actually pull over for, and why the journey beats the destination.

04/17/2026

Squamish Chief vs. Whistler Village

Okay, settle this for us. 👇

You've got a long weekend. Do you base yourself in Squamish or Whistler?

Drop your pick below and tell us why — we genuinely want to know.

(We wrote a whole neighbourhood guide to help you decide 👉 bestseatosky.com/neighbourhood/squamish)

04/05/2026

04/05/2026

Did you know Jack's Bar from Virgin River is actually The Watershed Grill in Brackendale? 🎬

The Sea to Sky corridor is one of Hollywood North's most filmed locations. From Netflix's Virgin River to Disney+'s Percy Jackson to the iconic Happy Gilmore golf scenes at Furry Creek — some of your favourite shows and movies were filmed right here.

We put together a guide to every filming location you can actually visit along the Sea to Sky Highway:

🎬 Virgin River — Shannon Falls, Sea to Sky Gondola, Smoke Bluffs, Watershed Grill
⚡ Percy Jackson — Minaty Bay near Britannia Beach
⛳ Happy Gilmore — Furry Creek Golf Club ("Happy's Hole" is still there!)
📺 The Social — Opening shots from the Sea to Sky Gondola summit

Full guide with all locations and a suggested tour itinerary:
👉 bestseatosky.com/blog/movies-tv-shows-filmed-sea-to-sky

Have you spotted any film crews along the highway? What's your favourite Sea to Sky filming location? 🎥