Sea to Sky Highway
Highway 99 follows Howe Sound from Horseshoe Bay past Squamish to Whistler, about two hours without stops. For campers, the winter tire rule and reservable provincial park campgrounds matter most.
- State
- British Columbia, Canada
- Road
- Highway 99
- Suggested time
- Vancouver–Whistler about 2 h without stops
- Top elevation
- Whistler Village about 675 m (2,214 ft)
- Best season
- Late spring to early autumn; winter tires Oct–Mar
What should you know before visiting Sea to Sky Highway?
- Winter tires (M+S or snowflake symbol, at least 3.5 mm of tread) are required on Highway 99 from 1 October to 31 March. Commercial vehicles carry chains where signs say so.
- Stops from south to north: Whytecliff Park, Lions Bay, Britannia Beach with its mine museum, Shannon Falls and Squamish. Squamish suits an overnight stay.
- Porteau Cove and Alice Lake take reservations through BC Parks; Alice Lake is usually full from July to September. A local guide lists Stawamus Chief as first come, first served; check with BC Parks.
The drive
Highway 99 starts at Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, follows the shore of Howe Sound and continues through the Coast Mountains to Whistler, where the village lies at about 675 m (2,214 ft). Along the way are Whytecliff Park, Lions Bay, Britannia Beach with the Britannia Mine Museum, Shannon Falls and Squamish. The number of lanes varies by section, and the road can be demanding in bad weather, so allow extra time and check DriveBC.
Camping
Porteau Cove and Alice Lake are provincial park campgrounds that take reservations through BC Parks, and Alice Lake lists electrical hook-ups. A local guide describes Stawamus Chief as first come, first served, with walk-in and drive-in sites. In Garibaldi Provincial Park, backcountry camping is reserved online. Season dates and vehicle length limits are not given on the pages checked, so ask BC Parks. Roadside wild camping is not documented here; ask BC Parks and the municipalities beforehand.
FAQs
How long is the drive from Vancouver to Whistler?
About two hours without stops. With stops at Britannia Beach, Shannon Falls and Squamish, plan a full day or an overnight stay in Squamish.
Do I need winter tires in winter?
Yes. On Highway 99 they apply from 1 October to 31 March, and on some mountain routes until 30 April. With a rental camper, ask about the tires beforehand and check DriveBC.
Where can I stay overnight in a camper near Squamish?
Alice Lake and Porteau Cove provincial parks take reservations through BC Parks, and Alice Lake lists electrical hook-ups. A local guide describes Stawamus Chief as first come, first served. Check season dates and length limits with BC Parks.