We took the opportunity with the cooler weather this past weekend to go to one of our local mountains in Squamish. We love visiting this area, especially when we can go up the Sea to Sky Gondola. Last winter we bought a year-long pass to go thanks to them having a great sale. It’s given us the opportunity to visit during each season. Every time we go we discover something else we love about being there.
OVER THE MOUNTAINS AND THROUGH THE WOODS
Despite the look of our 5-going-on-16 year old’s face, we were all looking forward to being back here. One thing we have learned to do is arrive early. Very early! We like to be able to get on the gondolas to go up to the top of the mountain right at opening. Having a pass does help because you can just line up to go on. Another bonus of having a pass is that when we have family or friends who are interested in going to if they come with us we can get them a little discount off the ticket fee.
The gondola goes up 850m to reach an elevation of 855m above Howe Sound. It’s a ten-minute ride to the top. The girls love watching for if they can see any hikers and their dogs taking the trail to the top. Doing the hike up is not something we have braved, I’ve heard from others it is beautiful but not for beginners. Jason is hoping to go one day soon though.
HEAD TO THE TRAIL RIGHT AWAY
We did the Panorama Trail right away and only passed two other people who were already completing the loop. Why did we head to the trail right away? We had a bit of an inkling that the Chief OverlookPlatform would be less busy. What we didn’t expect was for there to be no one else but our group there! It was actually the first time we saw it empty which was a nice surprise.
This is a great little spot to take in all the views. You can see the ocean and the surrounding mountains really well on a clear day. It’s incredible to watch the clouds roll in too. If you’re looking for a great little spot to take a family photo, this is a favourite for many too. On a busy day or even if we had arrived a little later, this spot is normally full of people trying to get that perfect photo.
The Panorma Trail is perfect for all ages, even the littlest of walking feet can manage. It’s why we love doing this loop. The girls spotted several chipmunks along the way. We just never know what we’ll see while walking there.
TAKE A LITTLE BREAK
You can pack your own snacks and lunches and enjoy them while there. There are lots of picnic tables located all around the lodge. If you are hungry and forgot food, there are places you can get some food inside the lodge and outside towards the back. We like the little spot located outside and near the kids play area. We grabbed some simple things for the girls to eat and for all of us to share. Plus there are amazing cinnamon donut holes that are served hot!
Evie quickly spotted the hammocks that were hung up in the trees this time. She, of course, wanted to take a little break there this time. One thing about those if you use them, is please be courteous and respectful. We experienced some other quests, who arrived at the hammocks after us, swinging them back aggressively and trying to hit one another. I spoke up and asked them to stop and reminded them to be respectful of property that wasn’t theirs. This is, unfortunately, something we’ve noticed a lot lately when in tourist locations.
We had a nice little visit and hope to go back again soon. We are really looking forward to going in the Fall and seeing the colours of the trees change. Hopefully next time the girls will be a bit more rested before we go up so that we can stay a little longer and do even more exploring together.
Have you ever been up to the Sea to Sky Gondola or something similar where you live?
Fantastic pics! I feel like I was on the trip with you! It’s been years since I’ve been on a Gondola…what fun!
Gorgeous! I have never been on one but would love to see if they have them in my area.
This looks amazing! We did the tramway in Jasper and loved it but I love how this is over the water, what a stunning view! I am for sure checking this out with my family one day. Your photos are beautiful too <3
I love seeing families out in nature. The views are just stunning and I truly believe its builds character. Some great shots here as well.
The mountains, the trails, the weather and your loved ones. What else you need to have an amazing trip.
I took a gondola ride up a mountain once. I was actally standing in a cloud. It was so cool, but really just like fog.
Beautiful photos! This sounds like the perfect summer/fall activity with family!
Wow the views on the trail are spectacular!
This is a really cool place. I wish we had something like this in WV. Plenty of mountains but no gondola that I know of.
What a fun family outing! I’d love to visit there with my boys
Wow, what a beautiful place to explore! This is totally the kind of place we love to visit. So scenic and just downright beautiful. We are going to Washington next summer and I would love to visit here.
This looks like a great place to see. I’m loving the views captured in these shots.