Travel to the West (6): Sea to Sky Gondola
Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish is along the route of spectacular Sea to Sky Highway or Highway 99 from Vancouver to Whister. We didnt understand why they called Sea to Sky untill we actually drove on the highway and took the Gondola up to the top of the mountain.
As alway, we rented a car from Costco. Because we will drive this car to Olymmpic park in USA later, we rented a middle-sized SUV in advance.
P1: the route from Vancouver to Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish
P2: Crossing the lion gate bridge, heading to north
The weather cooperated very well with our plan. It was a beautiful sunny day on the tenth of April, We picked up the car in the early morning and hited the road, starting our trip to the Sea to Sky Gondola.
P3: view of the sea and sky all the way along
The ticket price of riding the gondola for one single adult is $71 CAD ( including up and down). I thought it was kind of pricy. But after we went up , It think it is well worth the money, The ride up is so scenic that and there are also lots of amazing viewing platforms to explore at the top! And the ticket also includes access to a Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, as well as all of the hiking trails at the top.
P4: A view from the Summit Lodge viewig platform at the top of the gondola, adjacent to the gondola terminal
P5: Enjoy a slack "beside" the snow mountains.
There are lots of picnic tables on the Summit Lodge viewing platform.
p6: Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge
The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is approximately 100 metres long and has amazing 360 degree views of the area, both up to the high alpine of the mountains above and down to Howe Sound below.
I am normally scare of crossing suspension bridge because of the heigh and wobbling, especially when the bridge is over a river and the floor is not solid. I was hesite if I should pass this one when I saw a old lady was crossing it. I summoned my courage to try. It turned out this one is not that bad because underleash the bridge are forests, and the floor of the bridge is solid. I am glad I did. There is a another fantistic viewing platform - spirit viewing platform on the other side of the bridge.
P7: spirit viewing platform
P8: There are a few short trails on the top. All are still covered with some snows. We walked all of them.
P9: Chief overlook viewing platform
This viewing platform is very unique and dramatic. It hangs over hundreds of metres of sheer drop. It's a heart-thumping opportunity to stand close to the edge and see the landscape surrounding Howe Sound. It located on the middle of the Panorama Trail
It is said this place is very busy in Summer. I can imagine that. I think we went there at right time. Even though I Iike seeing mauntains and sea, I try to avoid people mountain and people sea.
On the way back, we stopped by to watch the Shannon Falls in Shannon Falls Provincial Park. We skipped the Lynn Canyon Suspention bridge which dangles above the raging waters in the canyon below. I didn't want to challenge my heart.
Thank you.