Is the Sea to Sky Gondola Worth it?

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British Columbia’s dramatic lake and mountain views are the reason first-time visitors flock to the popular Sea to Sky Gondola near Squamish. But is it worth it for a $76 price tag?

I live in Vancouver, so paying for the Sea to Sky Gondola is something I only do when friends or family visit from Australia. We decided to go with my family on a sunny summer’s day, which is the perfect time to go.

I’ve decided – yes, the Sea to Sky Gondola is worth it, especially if you want a high pay off panoramic mountain view and a classic British Columbia patio experience without needing to hike uphill (which was perfect for my parents).

That said, I don’t think the Sea to Sky Gondola is for everyone.

Here’s what’s unique about the Sea to Sky Gondola vs the Grouse Gondola on Grouse Mountain and why you should consider adding it to your Vancouver itinerary, especially if you’re planning a road trip up the famous Sea to Sky Highway.

I’ll also include the gondola’s latest ticket costs, operating times, food and hiking options, along with everything you need to know before you go.

Is the Sea to Sky Gondola Worth it

My honest opinion

While I do think the Sea to Sky Gondola is a worthwhile experience for first-timers, it’s definitely optional. And don’t worry, there’s plenty more to do if you decide to skip it. See my recommendations for the perfect one day Squamish itinerary.

Personally, I would be there every day to watch the sunset if it was free to ride up and down because the views are STUNNING and you can get some great photos.

It would be an extra bonus if Winnie, our Goldendoodle puppy was allowed on the patio, because we need to factor that into our adventures now. We have hiked up the Sea to Summit trail with her though and taken the gondola back down which was a fun day out.

I will say that even though I am a local I am keen to be up there again soon for some sunset photos and a beer at the Summit Lodge Patio.

The feedback from when my parents when we brought them up the Sea to Sky Gondola was that it was honestly one of their favourite parts of their trip. They loved the fact that they could get up to the top of a mountain without needing to hike and have yummy food and drinks while soaking up the views.

There are lots of other things to do in Squamish, many of which are free, but if you are travelling with family or a group of friends, I think the Sea to Sky Gondola is a great choice – book ahead of time here. You could even have a cheeky poutine and a beer at the Summit Lodge after doing a more challenging hike like The Chief or The Shannon Falls Pools Trail (much less touristy).

Make sure you bring along a small backpack with water and snacks, some money and some layers. A fleece similar to the Patagonia Los Gatos couple with a windbreaker would be perfect because it can get cold and windy at the top.

Who the Sea to Sky Gondola is worth it for (and who it’s not)

If you are looking for a short hike with a view and not really interested in the extras that you get with the Sea to Sky Gondola like the Summit Lodge, I would recommend doing the Murrin Loop Trail instead. It’s short, in the same area and has an absolutely stunning viewpoint!

The Sea to Sky Gondola is perfect for:

• Photographers – go at sunset!
• Families with kids – your kids are going to love the gondola and the suspension bridge (and the poutine).
• Casual travellers wanting a view without the intense hike.
• Adventurers wanting to do a longer, more intense hike like Sky Pilot Valley.

It might not be worth it for:

• People on a tight budget – In terms of value, I’d recommend spending your money to see Capilano Suspension Bridge Park over the Gondola, especially if you are visiting when the fairy lights are up and then doing a hike with a view (like this one) to replace the Gondola.
• Anyone that hates heights – if you are afraid of heights or want some alternatives to the gondola, here are some of my favourite easy hikes near Vancouver.

How to book

You can purchase tickets at the gate on arrival or online in advance. I recommend booking online in advance so that you can make sure that you don’t miss out.

Most popular: To book a return ticket on a day of your choice, check availability and book online here.

Other: To book a Download ticket or a Sunset saver ticket, check availability and book online here.

What’s included in the price

Included in the Sea to Sky Gondola ticket price, is access to the trails at the top, the suspension bridge and the Summit Lodge. Of course, there’s no free food or drinks included in the cost, but you are free to purchase them once you arrive at the lodge. 😉

How much does the Sea to Sky Gondola cost

How to get there from Vancouver

1. Drive – From Vancouver the drive to the Sea to Sky Gondola is around 45 minutes – 1 hour.
2. Get the Sea to Sky Gondola Shuttle – You can also catch the Squamish Connector which is a round-trip shuttle from Downtown Vancouver to the Sea to Sky Gondola.

Is there a parking lot?

The Sea to Sky Gondola has its own paid parking lot. Parking currently costs about $8 for a half day and $10 for a full day. The parking lot does tend to fill up so I recommend not arriving during those very popular hour of 10-12pm. If you can get there a little earlier when the gondola opens at 9am or otherwise late afternoon, you will have more luck getting a parking spot.

What to do at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola

The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge

You’ll see the Sea to Sky Gondola suspension bridge pretty much as soon as you get off the gondola at the top. Once you get off, walk towards the right and there it is! The suspension bridge is about 100m long and is open all-year-round. From it, you will see Sky Pilot, the gorgeous surrounding forests and Howe Sound.

When I was walking across it, I definitely felt like I was super high up! I think it has a crazy height feeling than the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and maybe even Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Main viewpoints

There are 3 main viewing platforms at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola.

Summit Lodge Viewing Deck – This is the main viewpoint and is 5,000Sq/ft so really great for events. The views are of Howe Sound, the Tantalus Mountain Range, and the Co-Pilot and Sky Pilot mountain peaks. It is also connected the Summit Lodge. This was my favourite viewpoint, perhaps because it is right next to the food. 😅

Spirit Viewing Platform – 100m away from the Summit Lodge via the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.

Chief Overlook Viewing Platform – This platform is located about a 10-20 minute (800m) walk from the Summit lodge, along the Panorama Trail. From the platform, you can see Howe Sound, the Mamquam Valley, Mount Atwell and the back of the Stawamus Chief. This platform was the hardest to get a photo on because it is very narrow and there were lots of people on it constantly when we were there.

Hiking trails from the Sea to Sky Gondola

There is quite a list of hiking trails (both front country and backcountry). I’d love to do some of the backcountry ones one day but for now we have only done the Panorama Loop.

Some popular ones include:

Front country

• Spirit Loop: Easy
• Panorama Loop: Easy
• Wonderland Lake Loop: Easy – Intermediate

Backcountry

• Sky Pilot Valley Trail: Intermediate
• Al’s Habrich Trail: Advanced
• Neverland Loop: Advanced

The Sea to Sky Gondola Café & Restaurant

At the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, there is:

Backyard Burgers (to go burger stand)

Co-Pilot Café (hot and cold beverages, pastries and sandwiches)

Edge Bar (craft beer)

Oceanview Grill (Special Mediterranean-inspired menu & cocktails/mocktails)

Sky Pilot Smokehouse (BBQ sandwiches, bowls, salads, fries and more)

The food is kind of expensive but what’s new. Everywhere in Canada that is touristy (or even not touristy) has expensive food these days. I actually don’t remember the cost because I enjoyed eating and drinking with my family and the view so much.

Seasonal events

Best to check their website for this as the events change year-round, but they tend to have things like music evenings during Summer. In fact, I think we’re going to try to go to one of these very soon so stay tuned for my review!

When is the best time to visit the Sea to Sky Gondola

The Sea to Sky Gondola is open to visit each year all-year-round. It is a beautiful spot to visit in Spring and Summer but Winter can create a super unique experience. Here are more magical things to do in Vancouver in the Wintertime.

The Sea to Sky Gondola is one of my favourite sunset spots in Squamish, It’s a great spot for photos on the suspension bridge and with the views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains.

Sea to Sky Gondola operating hours

The Sea to Sky Gondola is open from 9am – 5pm ,6pm or 8pm, depending on the day and what time of year it is. You can check their official opening hours here on their website.

Sea to Sky Gondola vs Grouse Mountain Gondola

Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting Vancouver and Squamish? You might also enjoy:

• An Epic 2 Day Vancouver Travel Itinerary: Breweries, Waterfalls, Sunsets
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• Best Views in Vancouver
• Is the Capilano Suspension Bridge Worth it?
• Best Rainy Day Hikes Near Vancouver
• Best Sunset Hikes in Vancouver
• Beautiful Places To Go Paddle Boarding in Vancouver
• Is a Scenic Flight in Vancouver Worth it? A Local’s Perspective
• How to Spend One Day in Squamish – Itinerary
• The Most Insane Places to Watch the Sunset in Squamish

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