I have prepared an interest list to stay close home but still enjoy the outdoors. You will find some interesting stops on the way from Vancouver to Whistler. We will start our tour in:
Horseshoe Bay
It is located in the western part of the north coast of Vancouver. It is a small town where the BC ferries terminal is located. From this terminal you can board the boats to sail to Vancouver Island, Bowen Island or Sunshine Coast among others. This bay is perfect for walking and admiring the view especially during the summer and it has a park along the shore with games for children as well as restaurants and small shops.
Porteau Cove Provincial Park
22 min (25.2 km)
North of Horseshoe Bay is Porteau Cove Provincial Park, a popular diving destination. The beach is rocky, the view is beautiful, and it has a viewpoint. Just north of Porteau Cove, is
Ferry Creek
6 min (3.7 km)
It is known for its golf course that overlooks the waters of Howe Sound, making it one of the most scenic golf courses in BC.
Britannia Beach and Britannia Mine Museum
7 min (7.0 km)
Continuing north you arrive at Britannia Beach there is the Britannia Mine Museum. Today it shows the history of the mine in the area but was once home to the largest copper producing mine in the British Commonwealth. It is scenic to take the tour to board the mining train and you enter an old mining tunnel.
Shannon Falls
15 min (14.8 km)
It is located right off the Sea to Sky Highway, very well signposted so easy to find, with a large parking area right next to it where you can get out of your car. At the base of the falls there is a well-kept wooden boardwalk from which you can admire the falls. Around it there is also a network of short trails from which you can explore the area. If you want to hike to the falls, taking photos and taking a look at the falls will take no more than 30 minutes.
Sea to Sky Gondola
9 min (8.8 km)
Continue north of Shanon Falls to Sea to Sky Gondola. There you usually take the Gondola to the top and you can see the panoramic views of Howe Sound. There are several observation platforms, you must not forget to go through the suspension bridge.
Squamish
3 min (3.7 km)
Listed as the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada", it is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. If you want information about Squamish there is the Squamish Adventure Center.
Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
12 min (7.8 km)
North of Squamish is Brackendale, home to one of the highest concentrations of wintering bald eagles in North America. From November to February, they are most frequently seen feeding on salmon from the main viewing facility "Eagle Run".
Brandywine Falls (Recommended stop in the summer)
27 min (36.1 km)
Brandywine Falls is a 70-meter waterfall located in Brandywine Creek, along the Sea to Sky Highway between Garibaldi and Whistler. If you're into hiking, turquoise blue lakes, and stunning mountains, Lake Garibaldi is a must-see on your Vancouver to Whistler trip. The hike is long and strenuous (18km total round trip) with no views, it takes about 5-6 hours to complete, and the elevation is about 810m. But, the scene at the end is beautiful!
Whistler
46 min (53.7 km)
Whistler is listed as one of the best four-season resorts in North America, and boasts a number of outdoor activities: hiking, mountain biking, and world-renowned alpine skiing and snowboarding. Take the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola to hit the best slopes - or trails - and enjoy a day out on the two Whistler Mountains. You can visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center
Nairn falls
26 min (29.0 km)
Passing Whistler you get to Pemberton, here visit the Nairn Falls Provincial Park. It is nice for a moderate hike where you can appreciate the falls and the river that they form.
