Sea to Sky Gondola: Tickets, Prices, Hours & What to Expect

Sea to Sky Gondola ticket prices in 2026

Booking online is cheaper than buying at the ticket window.

These are the standard round-trip day-ticket prices published by the Sea to Sky Gondola:

Prices are published as “from” rates and can change, so check the current amount before traveling.

Our pick: the Sea to Sky Gondola admission ticket on GetYourGuide is the same round-trip day ticket, rated 4.8/5 from more than 600 reviews, and listed from about $55 in US dollars. Prices may vary with the exchange rate on the day you book.

What does a Sea to Sky Gondola ticket include?

A regular round-trip ticket includes much more than transport up the mountain.

You get access to:

• the gondola ride up and down
• Summit Lodge
• Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge
• summit viewing areas
• Spirit Loop
• Panorama Loop
• other open walking and hiking trails
• seasonal summit areas and activities where no separate fee applies

The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is included in the standard ticket. You do not need to buy a separate suspension bridge ticket.

Some additional experiences, rentals and guided activities cost extra.

Do you need to book the Sea to Sky Gondola in advance?

You do not need to reserve a specific gondola departure time.

Standard day tickets can be used on any day before their printed expiration date, so there is no timed entry slot to lock in.

Buying online still makes sense, because the published online prices are lower than the ticket-window rates.

If you are visiting as part of a Vancouver to Whistler trip, the more important reservation may be your transport or organized tour, particularly if you are traveling without a car.

Sea to Sky Gondola opening hours in 2026

Hours change considerably through the year.

Summer

June through September 13

Daily: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM

Last ride down: 9:00 PM

Early fall

September 14–October 12

Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, last ride down 7:00 PM

Friday–Sunday: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, last ride down 9:00 PM

There are some earlier closures for private events.

Mid to late October

October 13–30

Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, last ride down 5:00 PM

Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, last ride down 6:00 PM

October 31–November 8

Daily: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Last ride down: 6:00 PM

November maintenance closure

The gondola is scheduled to be closed November 9–26, 2026 for annual maintenance.

This matters if you are planning a November Vancouver-to-Whistler trip. Do not assume the gondola operates every day simply because it is described as a year-round attraction.

Winter reopening

From November 27 through December 31, 2026, the published schedule is 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with the last ride down at 6:00 PM.

Hours can change because of weather, events and operating conditions, so check again on the morning you travel.

What is the Sea to Sky Gondola ride actually like?

The gondola journey itself takes roughly 10 minutes.

There are 39 gondola cabins, each carrying up to eight people. Cabins can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.

The appeal of the ride is how quickly the scenery changes. You begin close to Highway 99, surrounded by dense coastal forest. As the gondola climbs, the view opens over Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound, the surrounding mountains and the Squamish Valley.

Still, the ride is not the main event. The better views come once you get out.

The best things to do at the summit

If you have limited time, concentrate on four things:

1. Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge
2. Spirit Loop
3. Panorama Loop
4. Chief Overlook Viewing Platform

These give you most of the views without a strenuous hike.

1. Cross the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge

The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is roughly 100 meters long and sits high above the forested terrain at the summit.

The landscape drops steeply away beneath it, with views toward Sky Pilot Mountain, Howe Sound and the surrounding Coast Mountains.

The bridge sounds more intimidating than it is. It moves slightly, as suspension bridges do, but this is a developed visitor attraction, not an adventure course. It is also wheelchair and stroller accessible and open year-round, subject to operating conditions.

Good to know: you do not need a separate ticket for the bridge.

2. Walk the Spirit Loop

If you have only a short time at the summit, start here.

The Spirit Loop is:

• 400 meters
• about 20 minutes
• beginner difficulty
• around 15 meters of elevation gain

It has views toward Howe Sound, Sky Pilot and Goat Ridge and suits larger-wheeled strollers. It gives you a taste of the summit landscape without turning your gondola stop into a hike.

3. Walk the Panorama Loop

If you have another hour, the Panorama Loop is probably the best easy walk at the summit.

The trail is:

• 1.3 km
• approximately 30–60 minutes
• beginner difficulty
• around 30 meters of elevation gain

It runs through coastal forest before reaching viewpoints above Howe Sound.

Its standout feature is the Chief Overlook Viewing Platform, a cantilevered platform projecting over the mountainside with views toward the Stawamus Chief and the landscape around it.

For most first-time visitors, we would choose the Panorama Loop over trying to squeeze in a longer backcountry hike.

4. Walk to Wonderland Lake

For something quieter, the Wonderland Lake Loop is a 1.6 km return walk through forest to a small alpine lake.

Allow around 30–60 minutes.

The trail has approximately 40 meters of elevation gain and is rated beginner/intermediate. It stays part of the winter trail network when conditions allow.

How much time should you allow?

For most people:

• Absolute minimum: 1.5–2 hours
• Comfortable visit: 2.5–3 hours
• With lunch and walking: 3–4 hours
• With serious hiking: half a day or longer

The gondola takes only about 10 minutes each way, but going straight up and back down misses the point. The operator says most visitors spend around 2–4 hours at the summit.

A good 2-hour itinerary

If you are fitting the Sea to Sky Gondola into a Whistler day trip:

• 0:00 Gondola to the summit
• 0:15 Summit viewing deck
• 0:30 Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge
• 0:45 Spirit Loop
• 1:10 Panorama Loop and Chief Overlook
• 1:50 Gondola down

A better 3-hour visit

Add:

• Wonderland Lake
• coffee or lunch at the Summit Lodge
• extra time at the viewpoints

This is the version we would choose if your Vancouver–Whistler schedule allows it.

Is the Sea to Sky Gondola worth it?

If you are already traveling the Sea to Sky Highway, usually yes, especially on a first visit.

The ticket is not cheap, but you are paying for considerably more than a cable-car ride.

The strongest reasons to go are:

• some of the best easily reached views on the Vancouver–Whistler route
• no hiking needed to reach alpine-style scenery
• the suspension bridge is included
• several pleasant short walks
• a good option for mixed-age groups
• easy to combine with Shannon Falls and Whistler
• accessible for many visitors who cannot manage steep mountain hikes

The weaker case is for travelers who already plan to spend several days hiking around Squamish or Whistler. You can find extraordinary scenery elsewhere without paying for a gondola.

For a one-day visitor, though, the Sea to Sky Gondola packs a lot of British Columbia scenery into one easy stop.

Sea to Sky Gondola or Whistler Peak 2 Peak?

They are not really substitutes.

The Sea to Sky Gondola is in Squamish, between Vancouver and Whistler, and works well as part of the journey.

Peak 2 Peak connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains and is part of the Whistler mountain experience.

Choose the Sea to Sky Gondola when:

• you are doing a day trip from Vancouver
• you want a scenic stop along Highway 99
• you have limited time
• you want to combine Squamish and Whistler
• you want easy walking and viewpoints

Choose Peak 2 Peak when:

• Whistler itself is the focus of your trip
• you want to spend a lot of time on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains
• mountain sightseeing matters more to you than exploring the Sea to Sky Highway

If you have a full day and the operating schedules line up, you can do both, but the day becomes much more rushed. Our Peak 2 Peak Gondola guide has its tickets, seasons and the time it needs.

Sea to Sky Gondola from Vancouver

The gondola is at 36800 Highway 99, Squamish, British Columbia, approximately 45 minutes from Vancouver by car in light traffic.

Real journey times can be longer, particularly leaving Vancouver, on weekends or when traffic builds on Highway 99.

The drive is part of the experience. Highway 99 follows the eastern side of Howe Sound, with mountains rising sharply beside the water. If you are traveling to Whistler, the gondola is directly on your route.

Visiting without a car

You do not need to rent a car.

The Squamish Connector runs between Vancouver and Squamish, with a stop at the Sea to Sky Gondola. Its Vancouver stops include Waterfront and the Hyatt Hotel, with more stops along the route. Schedules vary by season, so check the current timetable rather than relying on an old departure time. Our guide to visiting the Sea to Sky Gondola from Vancouver without a car compares the shuttle and the tours in detail.

Another option is a guided Whistler and Sea to Sky day tour from Vancouver. For visitors who also want to reach Whistler, this can be more practical than stitching together separate transport legs.

Our pick: the Whistler, Sea to Sky Gondola & Shannon Falls day trip by Westcoast Sightseeing is the most-reviewed Whistler day trip from Vancouver on GetYourGuide, at 4.7/5 from more than 1,400 reviews. It costs from $121, includes hotel pickup and the gondola ticket (except during the November 9–26, 2026 closure), and runs all year. Every tour that rides the gondola is compared on our Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler tours page.

Should you take a tour or visit independently?

Visit independently if:

• you have a rental car
• you want control over how long you stay
• you plan to explore Squamish
• you want to stop at several places along Highway 99

Take a tour if:

• you are staying in downtown Vancouver
• you do not want to rent a car
• this is your first trip to the region
• you want the Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler in one day
• you would rather not worry about parking and driving

For a Vancouver-based visitor with only one free day, a well-timed Whistler tour that includes the gondola can be one of the simplest ways to see the corridor. The Jupiter Legend premium day tour gives about two hours at the summit, longer than most of the large tours, and is rated 4.9/5 from more than 200 reviews (from $134).

Parking at the Sea to Sky Gondola

Parking at the base is currently CAD 10 for the day.

Payment is by PayByPhone, although Guest Services can help visitors who cannot use the app. Paid parking is in effect year-round.

Parking can fill during busy periods, particularly in summer and on weekends. In peak season, arriving earlier in the day gives you more flexibility.

Combine the gondola with Shannon Falls

This is one of the easiest additions to your visit.

Shannon Falls Provincial Park lies immediately south of the gondola area, and trails connect the Shannon Falls, Stawamus Chief and Sea to Sky Gondola parking areas.

Shannon Falls drops about 335 meters, making it one of British Columbia’s highest waterfalls.

The main walk is short and easy, so you do not need to give up half the day.

An efficient itinerary from Vancouver is:

Vancouver → Shannon Falls → Sea to Sky Gondola → Whistler

That combination gives you a waterfall, coastal scenery, mountain views and Whistler Village without any real backtracking.

Food at the summit

You do not need to bring lunch unless you want to.

Food and drink options include:

Sky Pilot Smokehouse

BBQ-style food including sandwiches, bowls, salads and fries.

Co-Pilot Café

Coffee, other drinks, pastries and sandwiches.

Edge Bar

Local Squamish beer, cocktails, mocktails and other drinks.

More seasonal food outlets may open during busier periods.

The main restaurants are casual and do not take reservations.

Food and retail outlets are cashless, so bring a payment card.

Visiting with children

The Sea to Sky Gondola is easy to recommend to families because you get mountain scenery without a demanding climb.

Children 5 and under ride free, although you still need to collect a ticket for them at Guest Services.

At the summit:

• the Spirit Loop is short and easy
• the Panorama Loop is manageable for many families
• large-wheeled strollers can use the Spirit and Panorama trails
• the suspension bridge is stroller accessible
• washrooms and food are available
• seasonal children’s activities may operate

Families visiting in winter can also find snow-based activities, depending on conditions.

Is the Sea to Sky Gondola wheelchair accessible?

Much of the core experience is accessible.

Gondola cabins can accommodate wheelchairs and can be slowed to make boarding easier.

The Summit Lodge, patio and viewing deck are wheelchair accessible, subject to snow and weather conditions. Accessible parking and accessible washrooms are also available.

The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge itself is wheelchair accessible.

Trail conditions vary more, particularly in winter.

Can you bring a dog?

Not for a normal ride up the gondola. Pets are not permitted to ride up.

There is an unusual exception for hikers: dogs that hike up the Sea to Summit Trail can buy a ride-down-only ticket. Restrictions also apply to where dogs can go at the summit. They are not permitted on the suspension bridge, the viewing platforms or the front-country trails.

Officially recognized service dogs are handled separately under the attraction’s accessibility policy.

Sea to Sky Gondola in winter

Winter changes the experience completely.

Instead of summer hiking, you may find:

• snowshoeing
• winter walking
• tubing
• Nordic skiing when snow conditions allow
• ski touring
• winter Via Ferrata
• seasonal skating when available

The Spirit Trail, the Summit Lodge viewing deck and the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge are maintained for winter visitors.

Snowshoe and traction-device rentals are available when conditions call for them.

Winter activities depend heavily on snowfall and weather, so check the current activity status before traveling.

If you would rather go with a guide and without driving Highway 99 in winter, the Snowshoeing at the Top of the Sea to Sky Gondola tour includes Vancouver pickup, the gondola ticket and snowshoes. It is rated 5.0/5, but from only six reviews so far.

Sea to Sky Gondola in fall

Fall is one of the more underrated times to visit.

Crowds can be lighter than in peak summer, the forests begin changing color and temperatures are usually more comfortable for walking.

There is one important drawback: opening hours shorten significantly from mid-October, followed by the annual November maintenance closure.

If you are traveling in October or November, checking your exact date against the operating calendar matters much more than it does in July.

What should you wear?

Even if Vancouver feels mild, the gondola carries you to 885 meters above Howe Sound.

Bring:

• a layer warmer than you think you need
• a waterproof shell if rain is possible
• comfortable walking shoes
• sunscreen on clear days
• a hat and gloves outside summer
• traction devices or suitable winter footwear when snow is on the ground

Mountain conditions can feel much colder and windier than at sea level.

Best time of day to visit

There is no single perfect time, but each part of the day has advantages.

Morning

Best if you:

• want quieter trails
• are continuing to Whistler afterward
• prefer cooler walking conditions
• want the most flexibility

Afternoon

Best if:

• you are traveling up from Vancouver at a relaxed pace
• you are stopping at Shannon Falls first
• the forecast shows visibility improving later in the day

Late afternoon and evening

Summer’s long daylight can make this particularly scenic.

The attraction periodically offers Sunset Savings, with discounted after-4 PM tickets on selected dates. In 2026 the promotion advertises savings of up to 40% online on participating days.

Later light over Howe Sound can be beautiful for photographs, but check the last ride down carefully.

What if the weather is cloudy?

This is the biggest variable.

On a clear day, the views are the reason to come. Heavy cloud can hide the mountains and Howe Sound, which takes away much of what you are paying for.

Before leaving Vancouver, check:

• summit weather
• webcams
• cloud level
• precipitation
• visibility

Do not judge conditions only by the sky over downtown Vancouver. Coastal mountain weather can be very different by the time you reach Squamish.

If you have some flexibility during a multi-day Vancouver stay, this is one attraction to schedule around the clearest forecast.

Can you hike up and ride down?

Yes.

The Sea to Summit Trail is a much more demanding alternative to riding the gondola up. Tourism Squamish lists the climb at roughly 6.5 km to the summit.

A separate ride-down-only ticket is available.

We would not suggest this for a tightly scheduled Whistler day trip, but it can be an excellent choice if Squamish itself is your destination and you want a substantial hike.

Sea to Sky Gondola vs Grouse Mountain

If you are staying in Vancouver and deciding between mountain attractions, the distinction is fairly simple.

Grouse Mountain is closer to Vancouver.

The Sea to Sky Gondola gives you the Sea to Sky Highway journey, Howe Sound scenery and a natural pairing with Squamish and Whistler.

For a dedicated Vancouver sightseeing day, Grouse may be easier. For a Vancouver-to-Whistler day, the Sea to Sky Gondola fits the route far better.

Is the Sea to Sky Gondola scary?

Usually less than people expect.

The gondola cabins are enclosed, and the ride is smooth under normal operating conditions.

The suspension bridge feels more exposed because you can see the terrain falling away below, but crossing it is optional.

If heights make you uncomfortable, you can still enjoy the Summit Lodge, the viewing deck and several trails without spending much time looking straight down.

Sea to Sky Gondola FAQ

Where is the Sea to Sky Gondola?

It is at 36800 Highway 99, Squamish, BC, approximately 2 km south of Squamish on the Vancouver–Whistler Sea to Sky Highway.

How long is the Sea to Sky Gondola ride?

Approximately 10 minutes each way.

How high does the Sea to Sky Gondola go?

The Summit Lodge sits approximately 885 meters above Howe Sound.

How much time do you need?

Most visitors spend about 2–4 hours at the summit.

Is the suspension bridge included?

Yes. The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is included with the regular gondola day ticket.

Can you buy tickets when you arrive?

Yes, but the published online prices are lower than the ticket-window prices.

Do you have to reserve a time?

No. Standard day tickets are not tied to a reserved gondola departure time.

Is parking free?

No. Parking is currently CAD 10 per day.

Are children free?

Children aged 5 and under ride free.

Can you take a stroller?

Yes. The gondola cabins, the Summit Lodge and the suspension bridge accommodate strollers, and the Spirit and Panorama trails work best with larger-wheeled strollers.

Is the Sea to Sky Gondola open in November?

Not continuously. In 2026 it is scheduled to close for maintenance from November 9 through November 26, reopening November 27.

Can you visit the Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler in one day?

Yes. This is one of the most logical combinations for a Vancouver day trip, because the gondola lies directly beside Highway 99 on the route to Whistler. Allow roughly 2–3 hours for the gondola if you also want meaningful time in Whistler. Our Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler day trip guide shows how the main tours split the day.

Our suggested Vancouver to Whistler itinerary

If you have one day, we would structure it like this:

1. Morning: leave Vancouver early
2. Shannon Falls: 30–45 minutes
3. Sea to Sky Gondola: 2–3 hours
4. Sea to Sky Highway: continue north
5. Whistler Village: afternoon and early evening
6. Return to Vancouver

This makes a much stronger day than trying to cram numerous minor roadside stops into the route.

The scenery builds as you move north, and each stop feels different: a waterfall, a mountain summit, highway panoramas and finally Whistler Village.

The bottom line

The Sea to Sky Gondola is expensive enough that it is fair to ask whether a 10-minute gondola ride can justify the ticket. That is the wrong way to think about it.

You are paying for easy access to a mountain summit with Howe Sound views, short forest walks, viewing platforms and a 100-meter suspension bridge, without needing the fitness, equipment or time a major hike takes.

If you are driving from Vancouver to Whistler for the first time, it is particularly easy to recommend, because it sits directly on your route.

Give it at least two hours, three if you want to walk the Panorama Loop and stop for food.

And if the weather is clear, do not spend all your time around the Summit Lodge. Walk away from the crowds and out toward the viewpoints. That is where the stop starts to earn its price.

Related reading

• Sea to Sky Gondola from Vancouver without a car
• Sea to Sky Gondola + Whistler day trip: is it worth it?
• Peak 2 Peak Gondola: tickets, prices and hours
• Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler tours compared
• Whistler day trips from Vancouver
• Whistler winter tours from Vancouver