Driving to Whistler

Enjoy the Journey

Driving to Whistler takes approximately two hours North of Vancouver. You will travel along Highway 99, also known as the Sea to Sky Highway. The drive offers beautiful views of the Howe Sound and the stunning mountains of Garibaldi Provincial Park. There is no need to rush this spectacular drive as the journey to Whistler is definitely an experience not to miss!

We feel that a vehicle is not necessary once you are in Whistler. The resort town is easy to get around via free local transportation, affordable taxi’s or along the Valley Trail. That being said, should you decide to drive your own vehicle or rent a car we have provided some helpful information including directions, weather and highway reports plus a list of must-do activities along the way. These will help you plan your trip so that you can arrive here worry free.

Should you decide to find alternative arrangements, we work with a reliable company that specializes in transportation between Whistler and YVR (and Vancouver). They offer an array of options for all tastes and budgets. These range from AFFORDABLE SHUTTLES TO PRIVATE TRANSFERS. Get in touch with our team and we can help you book your Whistler transportation!

Driving to Whistler from Vancouver Airport (YVR)

Continue over the Arthur Lang Bridge into Vancouver.
Exit the bridge via. Granville Street.
Continue north into downtown Vancouver and over the Granville Street Bridge.
Exit the Bridge via the Seymour Street exit, a right lane off ramp.
Continue on Seymour (6-7 blocks).
Take a left on Georgia and then continue on, over the Lions Gate suspension bridge.
Merge left for the West Vancouver exit which will circle you under the bridge onto Marine Drive.
Stay in the right-hand lane, over a green bridge to the first stop light at Taylor Way.
Turn right and head up the hill and then merge to the left under the overpass, immediately turn left to access Highway 1.
As you approach Horseshoe Bay, watch for the exit to Squamish and Whistler.
You are now on Highway 99. This road will take you all the way to Whistler (approx. 2 hrs.)
You will pass through Squamish, a small town, which you may wish to stop at Walmart etc. for supplies before reaching Whistler.

Please check out the snow and road conditions before you start your drive:

Sights to see on your drive to Whistler

SHANNON FALLS

Shannon Falls Provincial Park is located 58 kilometers North of Vancouver and 2 kilometers South of Squamish. It is the third highest waterfall in British Columbia, falling from a height of 335 meters. From the parking lot it is a short walk, about 10 minutes, through a beautiful old growth forest to the base of the waterfall. This is a perfect place to snap some photos and take in the breathtaking views.

TOWN OF SQUAMISH

Squamish is 60 kilometers North of Vancouver. It is known as the Adventure Capital of Canada for it’s wind surfing, hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing. Aside from all of the adventures that you can do in Squamish, it is a great place to stock up on supplies before you arrive in Whistler. Groceries in Squamish are cheaper than Whistler so we recommend that you take the time to stop at Walmart or Save-on-Foods. Squamish is also a great place to grab a bite to eat. Our staff recommend the Howe Sound Brewery right in downtown or the Shady Tree that is just off of the highway.

BRANDYWINE FALLS

Brandywine Falls is a great place to stop and stretch the legs for a short walk before you get to Whistler. From the parking lot it is just a short walk, about 15 minutes. You walk across the bridge and over the train tracks to get to the lookout point. The waterfall drops approximately 70 meters and is stunning in every season. There are also spectacular views of Daisy Lake that you would just passed on the drive up.