Vancouverites are an adventurous lot. We love the outdoors. And we hardly think of fall as the season to hang up our hiking boots. If anything, fall is the time for us to venture outdoors and enjoy the not-too-wet weather, the pleasant air, the fewer crowds and the insanely gorgeous views of the gold and crimson-dusted foliage. Incidentally, we have the perfect adventure to experience every version of the fall beauty our province has to offer.
Say hello to Sea to Sky Gondola, an experience worth adding to your fall calendar. This Squamish adventure is perfect not just because it’s less than an hour from Vancouver but for many more reasons. Here are 5 of plenty…
The Ride
It is the Sea to Sky Gondola we’re visiting. Of course, this 10-minute ride up to the summit is one of the primary reasons we love visiting. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls of the cabin ensure that you get the most spectacular views of Howe Sound below while also feeling the thrill of the experience.
The Summit
The best way to enjoy a mountain is from its summit. At 885m above sea level, the summit of the Sea to Sky Gondola boasts a lodge, a suspension bridge, stunning viewing decks and several seasonal activities to make your trip worthwhile.
The Trails
The summit is also the launching spot for several trails of varying difficulties to explore, each more beautiful than the other. You can hike along the Spirit Trail that begins at the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, the Panorama trail that offers breathtaking views, the kid-friendly Alpine Alley trail or, if you are looking for a longer adventure, head to Al’s Habrich trail. Whichever route you take you can’t go wrong.
The Views
Aaah! The reward of all our adventure-indulgence… the views. Be it while riding the Gondola, standing atop the suspension bridge or while hiking one of the many trails, you’ll get insanely beautiful, unforgettable and always changing views of the surrounding mountains, Howe Sound, Squamish Valley and the forests surrounding you.
The Apres
After your adventure, it’s time for some delicious food and thirst-quenching drinks. This is where the Sky Pilot Restaurant, the Co-Pilot Café and the Backyard Bite come to our service. Enjoy a casual West Coast-inspired menu focused on fresh, local and seasonal fare. With autumn’s cooler days, savour the warmth of nourishing stews, chilli, grilled sandwiches and other backcountry comfort foods.
Ready to experience all the amazing things the Sea to Sky Gondola has to offer? Well, check out their website here to get all the info you need to plan your next trip.
