2 Day Itinerary For A Super Scenic Drive From Vancouver To Whistler

This site uses affiliate links and we may earn a small commission when you use our links and make a purchase without incurring additional fee yourself. Many thanks for supporting this website. Please see our disclosure page for more details.

Looking to do a weekend trip from Vancouver? A quick and easy one is the drive from Vancouver to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway. Also known as BC Highway 99, the scenic route hugs the shore of Howe Sound, with many awe-inspiring sights along the way. This 2-day itinerary encompasses exciting things to see and do on your Vancouver road trip to Whistler!

Whistler Lost Lake / Photo Credit: Jasmine Chen

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).

Weekend Trip from Vancouver: Seeing Whistler in the Summer

Day 1

Morning: Plan to depart Vancouver early (ideally at around 7 am) as we have a lot to cover on the first day!

Need help with car rental? Select and compare prices on Expedia!

Head north on Hwy 99 towards Squamish and Whistler. Approximately halfway through the drive (~1 hour), watch for signs to Shannon Falls. This impressive sight stands at 335 meters as the third highest waterfall in British Columbia. With the cooling waters and soothing sounds of the waterfall, you can find a little zen in this natural wonder.

Shannon Falls Vancouver Sea to Sky Highway

Shannon Falls

The hike to Shannon Falls is an easy walk from the parking lot, with multiple viewpoint platforms for photos.

Pro tip: For a more up-close view of Shannon Falls, tackle the Upper Shannon Falls Hiking Trail. The 7 km route is one of the popular hikes in Squamish and represents the bottom section of the larger Sea to Summit Trail. If you choose to do this, make sure you wear hiking boots and leave at least 4 hours for the activity.

[irp posts=”7620″ name=”Planning A Canadian Rockies Road Trip: What To Do In Banff In Fall”]

Next stop: Sea to Sky Gondola. A short 10-min gondola ride takes you 849 meters above sea level.

At the summit, you will have access to the 100 m-long Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge and numerous hiking trails with views that will leave you awe-struck.

Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge at Sea to Sky Gondola

Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge / Photo Credit: Jasmine Chen

A walking trail that is relatively easy is the 1.6 km-long Panorama Trail. It winds through the lush forest and at the halfway point, it leads to the Chief Overlook Platform where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Howe Sound fjord, Mamquam Valley, Mt. Atwell and the mighty Stawamus Chief. The walk will take no longer than 20 mins. Click here for the trail map at Sea to Sky Gondola.

Chief Lookout Platform at Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish

Chief Lookout Platform

Hop back in the car and continue onward. Make a quick stop at Brandywine Falls – another iconic landmark along the Sea to Sky Highway. Compared to Shannon Falls, it is tiny, dropping from a 70 m-tall cliff into the valley below. Nonetheless, it is a spectacular sight and one of the most photographed waterfalls near Whistler.

Brandywine Falls, Squamish

Brandywine Falls

Adventurous hikers can take on the challenge to find the unofficial, unmarked trail down to the base of the falls. We attempted to do so but gave up midway for fear of getting lost – and also it just seemed too dangerous as it required us to climb down a pile of boulders.

Brandywine Falls

view on the unmarked trail to the base of Brandywine Falls

Noon: You are fairly close to Whistler. From Brandywine Falls, you will arrive at the world famous Whistler Village in just 15 mins.

Relax and have lunch at Table Nineteen. This lakeside eatery is located at Nicklaus North Golf Course, overlooking the glacier-fed Green Lake. In warm weather months, their outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine and indulge in the mountain surroundings as you sip on some cocktails!

Table Nineteen Whistler

Table Nineteen

Afternoon: Want to explore Whistler from the air? Then, you must go on a seaplane tour with Whistler Air! Imagine flying beyond the Whistler Valley, traveling deep into the mountains, and soaring above the majestic glaciers. It’s one of the top things to do in Whistler in the summer and will leave you the memory of a lifetime!

The tour company offers different tours of varying duration and prices, all departing from their base on the Green Lake. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience!

Whistler Air seaplane tours

Whistler seaplane

[irp posts=”10590″ name=”10 Fun Weekend Getaways From Vancouver For Couples”]

Spend the rest of your afternoon at Scandinave Spa Whistler for a complete relaxation. Unlike other spas in Whistler Village, this Nordic-inspired day spa offers a traditional Scandinavian baths experience that uses hydrotherapy to cleanse the body and improve circulation. On top of that, its peaceful environment allows you to disconnect from the busy daily life and escape from all the worries!

Scandinave Spa Whistler

Scandinave Spa Whistler / Photo taken by Jasmine Chen

So what exactly are Scandinavian baths? It’s quite simple. It consists of the following 3 stages to help you refresh and rejuvenate:

  • First, heat the body in hot baths, eucalyptus steam bath, sauna, or thermal waterfalls for 10-15 mins
  • Immediately after, cool the body in Nordic waterfall, cold baths, or cold shower for 5-20 secs
  • Finally, relax in a solarium, by an outdoor fireplace, or in a hammock for 10-15 mins
  • Repeat the hot-cold-relax cycle 3-4 times to release the tensions in the mind and body

Scandinave Spa Whistler is the proud recipient of several awards including Best Whistler Spa and Top 50 Spas in Canada. You are guaranteed to look and feel your best after your visit!

Scandinave Spa Whistler

Scandinave Spa Whistler

After your spa visit, check in at your hotel and stroll the charming Whistler Village. The Village is full of shops, boutiques and galleries to keep you busy.

Note: Most places are within walking distance. I personally find the town a bit difficult to navigate compared to Banff. So I strongly advise familiarizing yourself with the area with this map of Whistler Village.

Dinner: There are plenty of places to eat in Whistler Village. For a memorable dinner in Whistler, we recommend Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar. Their menu features the freshest seafood and farm-fresh fare that offer unforgettable tastes.

Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar Whistler

Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar

This popular Whistler Village restaurant does not disappoint, earning a place in this year’s 100 Best Restaurants in Canada and Best Whistler Restaurant by Georgia Straight!

[irp posts=”7658″ name=”Planning A Canadian Rockies Road Trip: What To Do In Jasper In Fall”]

Evening: Whistler has a buzzing nightlife with many bars, lounges and nightclubs spring into life after dark. If partying is not up your alley, check out Whistler’s newest attraction – the Vallea Lumina experience.

At sundown, join other adventurers on a multimedia night walk into the enchanted forest of Cougar Mountain. The spectacular evening of lights and sound brings the forest to life as you set off a journey into finding two missing hikers in a hidden valley.

vallea lumina Whistler

Vallea Lumina / Photo Credit: Jasmine Chen

It was a mind-blowing experience for us. We just had one piece of advice – be prepared to be dazzled by the dancing lights, captivating sounds, and high-tech special effects!

Get a sneak peek at the clip below:

[click_to_tweet tweet=”Want to explore Whistler in the summer? This 2-day itinerary details all the exciting things to see and do along the drive from Vancouver to Whistler.” quote=”Maximize your next Whistler trip with these incredibly fun activities!” theme=”style3″]

Day 2

Morning: Wake up early to catch the sunrise! A sunrise paddle on one of Whistler’s lakes would be a wonderful way to start your day in this natural paradise.

Rainbow Park on Atla Lake is reportedly one of the best sunrise viewpoints in Whistler. Lost Lake also offers gorgeous mountain views in the early morning, but be warned that this is a nudist dock.

Lost Lake sunrise Whistler

Lost Lake sunrise

Treat yourself to a hearty breakfast at The Wildflower at Fairmont Chateau Whistler after the beautiful Whistler sunrise. At their bounteous buffet ($35 pp), you will find a wide selection of breakfast delights such as egg benedict, omelette, and smoked fish, ensuring you are full of energy to start the day. Of course, you can also opt for an a-la-carte breakfast.

breakfast buffet at Fairmont chateau Whistler Wildflower

breakfast at The Wildflower

Now that you are all fueled up, it’s time to get some action going! Whistler offers an exciting collection of things to do in the summer.

Looking for something adventurous? Ride the Whistler Gondola (aka Peak 2 Peak Gondola). The horizontal lift connects two mountaintops at the record-breaking distance of 3.024 km apart.

Peak 2 Peak Gondola Whistler

Peak 2 Peak Gondola / Photo Credit: Destination BC (Blake Jorgenson)

For the thrill seekers and daredevils out there, the Whistler Peak Suspension Bridge (officially known as the Cloudraker Skybridge) will sure get your adrenaline pumping. The 130 m-long wobbling bridge hovers 2000 meters above sea level with exhilarating views of the surrounding mountains.

Whistler Suspension Bridge Cloudraker Skybridge

Cloudraker Skybridge / Photo Credit: Tourism Whistler (Justa Jeskova)

Note: In addition to the gondola and chairlift, Peak 2 Peak 360 Experience Summer Ticket will give you access to the new Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk. More details here.

Other summer activities for adventure-loving travelers in Whistler include ziplining, helicopter tours, whitewater-rafting, canoe or kayak, bungee jumping, and ATV tours.

[irp posts=”10896″ name=”8 Best Places To Spend Christmas In Canada For A Romantic Winter Escape”]

Lunch: Grab a quick bite at Peaked Pies. Whether you like sweet pies or savoury pies, this bakery cafe has got your covered. All pies are made fresh daily and everything is handmade in store to ensure the best taste possible!

Peaked Pies in Whistler

Peaked Pies / Photo Credit: Peaked Pies

Afternoon: It’s time to hit the road and drive back to Vancouver, but our journey does not end here.

[irp posts=”8802″ name=”3 Days In Vancouver: A Delicious Itinerary For Foodies”]

On the way back, stop by Whytecliff Park by Horseshoe Bay. The oceanside park boasts beautiful scenery of the rugged coastline, stunning mountain range and passing ships.

The Lighthouse Park is another must-see in the West Vancouver district. Besides the lighthouse, there are several easy trails along the shores of Burrard Inlet offering spectacular coastal views.

Point Atkinson Lighthouse in West Vancouver

Point Atkinson Lighthouse / Photo Credit: Tourism Vancouver

[irp posts=”8756″ name=”Vancouver Date Ideas: 10 Romantic Things To Do In The Summer”]

Other attractions to Consider If You Have Extra Time

In Squamish, there are endless hiking trails and mountains to explore. Alice Lake Provincial Park, comprised of 4 lakes, has a relatively easy trail (6.5 km) that runs around them all. Stawamus Chief Hiking Trail (11 km) is a bit more challenging yet rewarding. It leads you to 3 different summits with magnificent views from each.

Garibaldi Provincial Park is a popular park in between Squamish and Whistler. A short and easy trail (3.5 km) worth checking out is the one to the turquoise Cheakamus Lake.

Cheakamus Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park

Hiking on Whistler’s High Note trail, above Cheakamus Lake and Garibaldi Provincial Park / Photo Credit: Destination BC (Andrew Strain)

In Whistler, go chasing waterfalls! Rainbow Falls, Nairn Falls, and Alexander Falls are some of the best ones to add to your list.

Accommodations in Whistler

Looking for a high-quality place to stay? Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Four Seasons Resort Whistler are top places to consider in the luxury category. Both are a walkable distance away from the Whistler Village.

Nita Lake Lodge is also considered one of the best hotels in Whistler. It is a short ride away from the Village and locates on the shores of Nita Lake (hence the name!).

Not sure which hotel to book? Click here to compare prices on TripAdvisor!


Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish

Photo taken by Jasmine Chen

A summer road trip to Whistler is a lot of fun – especially with the addition of new attractions like Vallea Lumina and Whistler Peak Suspension Bridge! If you’re looking for a different getaway from Vancouver, consider Richmond for a romantic couples weekend.

To give you a chance to explore Whistler this summer, we have partnered up with The Adventure Group to give away a pair of tickets to the Vallea Lumina experience!

Vallea Lumina Giveaway – CLOSED

Enter to win 2 tickets to Vallea Lumina. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to experience the immersive, multimedia night walk this summer in Whistler’s forests!! This season runs till October 15th, 2018. If you are unable to use them this year, an arrangement can be made to extend to next year.

The contest ends on Sept 11th, 2018. 1 lucky winners will be announced on the very next day.

Try your luck now by entering the contest with the widget below:

[giveaway id=8876]

[one_half]

Road Trip Guide to Sea to Sky Highway

[/one_half]

[one_half]

Whistler Itinerary

[/one_half]

Disclaimer: This post is written in partnership with Tourism Vancouver, The Adventure Group, and Scandinave Spa Whistler. As always, all opinions on For Two, Please are our own and we only recommend brands that we 100% stand behind.

Previous Post:3 Days In Vancouver: A Delicious Itinerary For Foodies Next Post:10 Best Tokyo Shopping Districts – From Luxury Malls To Local Boutiques

28 Comments Leave a Comment »

  1. Shannon Falls looks absolutely amazing, but I’m not so sure about that suspension bridge. I’m terrified of heights, and your beautiful photo alone has my stomach down in my shoes! What savoury pie did you try at Peaked Pies?

  2. Wow. Thats surely is one of the best trips. At least that’s what I felt reading through! Especially loved the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. Amazing variety too!

  3. I remember driving this route on a family trip when I was a kid (I wasn’t the one driving, of course!) and I really want to go back to share it with my husband. Thanks so much for the tips for a weekend itinerary, taking in some stunning viewpoints along the way. The Scandinavian Spa in Whistler looks lovely.

  4. Your drive from Vancouver to Whistler looks perfect with full of nature views with pampering yourself in between. I loved the Shannon falls and Brandywine falls and they are very photogenic. I can imagine that my camera’s memory would surely drain off on this road trip. Also pampering myself at Scandinavian spa would be a great idea because they have some unique hot and cold baths.

  5. Reading your vacation story is very enjoyable. You look amazing in the photo when you are in suspension bridge. I will feel dizzy if I do that 🙂

  6. My friend moved to Vancouver last year. I don’t know if he has been to Whistler. I’m gonna send this to him.
    Hiking to Shannon Falls sounds like the typical activity I’d enjoy. 4hrs doesn’t seem like a difficult trek as well.
    Cloudraker Sky Bridge sounds too good. I’d love to walk on it as well!

  7. Wow! What a picturesque place! I love the sound of Whistler and now that I have images to put with the name, and an itinerary to make planning a trip so simple, I am definitely going to plan a visit there soon! But I should start getting my nerve up to cross the suspension bridge right now because my legs are going to water just looking at the picture.

  8. I have done this drive, but we didn’t get to stop, get out and experience it. It was a gorgeous drive so I’d love to go back and do some of these things you suggest such as Shannon Falls and Brandywine Falls. I love waterfall and these are beautiful, especially that rainbow at Brandywine! That seaplane adventure also looks amazing! Vancouver and BC in general are so beautiful to me! After all of this, the Scandinavia Spa Whistler would most definitely happen. And the Vallea Lumina…oh my gosh, YES!!! Unique and amazing! It kind of reminds me of the Rain Room I visited in LA just with lights instead of rain. Is this a permanent thing to do or an exhibition? We did the Whistler Gondola and it was beautiful. Also glad to know there’s a Fairmont there, I love them!

  9. I have been to Vancouver and expected to see the epic mountains and fabulous foods. The multimedia night walk and Valle Lumania really surprised me. I love night hikes and light shows. This is like peanut butter and jelly go together goodness. What a terrific idea.

  10. This honestly sounds like my dream trip… all my favorite things (hiking, views, nature, spas, brunch, art) rolled into one trip. I entered your contest and if I win… maybe I will be making some last minute October travel plans haha!

  11. I typically don’t like using other people’s itineraries when I travel, but this is one I am going to have to save on my Pinterest board! Shannon Falls is BEAUTIFUL!! I’m obsessed with waterfalls, and the adrenalin rush from the suspension bridge looks like it is right up my alley 🙂

  12. Wow…Such a detailed itinerary. I loved each photo posted in the article. Everything looks so breathtaking. The 100 m-long Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge looks amazing. The nature at its best. This is the perfect itinerary for scenic drive from Vancouver to whistler summer. The Whistler Peak Suspension Bridge and Rainbow Park on Atla Lake are my favorite 🙂 Great read

  13. I did this drive myself a couple years ago and had a blast, I mean the views are spectacular on their own. I stopped by Shannon falls as well. But that suspension bridge looks just amazing, and I have always wanted to stay at a scandinave spa! so cool

  14. Yay for cocktails at Table Nineteen, haha! We really need to do more road trips — they’re perfect for summer and fall. Shannon Falls is beautiful 🙂 Will have to check out the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge too. Maybe a Canadian road trip is in our future in 2019!

  15. First of all, I WANT A PEAKED PIE! Darn, do those look good! All you recent Western Canada posts make me want to go on a giant road trip there, it is such a beautiful area!

  16. Wow, what exciting travel Itinerary you have, and such gorgeous destinations as well.

  17. All The images are very beautiful and eye-catching. I hope I would travel to this place once a day and turn my visuals into reality.

  18. What extraordinary scenery! Whistler in the summer may even be prettier than it is during ski season. The itinerary from Vancouver is well-thought out, and a combination of hiking, flightseeing with the float planes, and spa relaxation look like a great mix.

  19. Okay the night walk looks absolutely amazing! I wish I was closer and I’d totally enter to win those tickets. Also, why aren’t suspension bridges a thing everywhere? I love them! I used to live in Washington and I’m kicking myself for not exploring more North.

  20. Hi, that’s a great list of to-do things 🙂
    If I were to choose just one of them, I’d go for Whistler Peak Suspension Bridge. It looks awesome!

  21. Pingback: Canada Travel tip: Peak 2 Peak or Sea to Sky Gondola - we12travel blog

  22. Pingback: Seattle to Whistler: 7-Day Itinerary | Campfires & Concierges

  23. Pingback: 10 Fun Weekend Getaways From Vancouver For Couples | For Two, Please

  24. just wondering if nay of these activities are doable for a 80 year old or more for the young.

  25. We are planning our first trip to BC combined with an alaska passage cruise, your guide to Whistler is perfect and really useful for us to start planning this part of the trip. Thanks for sharing all you excellent tips.

  26. Amazing photos ! love to go anytime soon. wonderful places to visit.Thanks for sharing

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *