Before You Go
- Book the Joffre Lakes day-use pass first. This is your main attraction for Sunday, and it requires a free reservation during peak season (May to October). These passes open 2 days in advance at 6 AM and disappear fast on summer weekends. Set an alarm, book it, then plan everything else around it. Check out our hiking guide for details about how to score a permit and everything else you need to know going into the hike.
- Familiarize yourself with the local road rules. The Sea to Sky highway is pretty straightforward, and it's not really one of those harrowing mountain roads with hairpin turns on the edges of cliffs as you find in other parts of the world, but it does have a few quirks and specific rules that you might not be used to. We wrote a guide that breaks down what you need to know.
- Pack for shoulder season weather, even in summer. The Sea to Sky creates its own weather patterns. We've had brilliant sunshine in Squamish and driven into fog and rain in Whistler forty minutes later. Layers, a rain jacket, and shoes you don't mind getting muddy will save your weekend.
- Pack sunscreen and bug spray. The sun is unforgiving in the alpine and when reflected off the lakes. Even if you don't normally burn, make sure to apply and reapply. Also, the mosquitoes are relentless and abundant. I find they are normally the worst at the start of summer and calm down a bit by the fall, but without bug spray, they could drive you a little mad.
- Plan around weather and wildfire smoke. Planning around the rain was something I was used to growing up, but it wasn't until I moved to BC that I had to start planning my summer around the fire season. Wildfires happen around the province from as early as April and as late as October. Some seasons you hardly notice, and some summers there are whole weeks where the visibility is awful, and it becomes unhealthy to be straining your lungs in the open air.
Location Map
All locations mentioned in this blog are pinned here so you can visualize your trip!Before You Go
Don't Leave Home Without Travel Insurance
We never leave the country without our safety wing coverage activated. Whether it's a missed flight, a lost bag, or a serious medical evacuation Safety Wing offers an irreplaceable peace of mind. Our favourite part is we can pause it with the click of a button when we're back in Canada and turn it back on just as easily when we're back on the move.
Friday Early Morning: Shannon Falls
We only have 3 days, so if you're my friend flying in from the UK, I'm picking you up at the airport, and we're heading straight up the highway to Squamish. We are going to pass by a lot of great stuff, but that's because I'm taking you on the absolute highlights tour.
Starting off small, we're stopping at Shannon Falls just south of Squamish. This is a stop I drove past for years without stopping because I always figured a tourist attraction that is literally on the side of the highway had to be lame. I was wrong. It's definitely not lame, it's just accessible. A 5-minute walk from the parking lot takes you to one of BC's tallest waterfalls (335 meters) crashing down a granite cliff face.
There's no entrance fee, and the parking is free. The trail is paved and accessible for all mobility levels.
Later in the summer, when the flow is lighter, you can actually swim at a small pool at the top, but that is too time-consuming for our 3-day whirlwind of a trip, so this will be a quick stop and our first pic!
Friday Late Morning: Sea to Sky Gondola
Right next to Shannon Falls is the Sea to Sky Gondola, and this is where I'd actually anchor our whole Friday. It's literally the next pull-off on the highway and only a few minutes away from the falls.
This was another one I was sleeping on for years. It had mixed opinions when it was first being built. Some people of the more hardcore backpacking mindset saw it as an unnatural abomination, which in some ways it is, but it's also a great accessibility improvement. Sure, some lazier people are taking an unnatural shortcut up the mountain, but also, people of every ability and mobility level can experience what it's like at the top. Plus, it's gonna save me and you a ton of time.
The gondola ride takes about 15 minutes to the lodge at the top. If you sit with your back to the direction of motion, the Howe Sound opens up in front of you, to your left, you can see the true scale of Shannon Falls in the distance, and to the right, you can see Squamish's most iconic mountain: The Stawamus Chief.
Just riding the gondola as a loop would be incredible, but there is enough to do at the top that it's earned a longer portion of this itinerary.
Pic # 2 is going to be us at the lodge viewpoint. The gondola stops at the lodge, and then you will need to walk through the gift shop and food court out to the massive wooden deck. We are going to skip on the souvenirs and food because we have much better and more well-priced options coming soon.
The big deck looks down to the Howe Sound and all of Squamish Valley stretching out towards the large mountains to the north. We will take some time taking in the views and getting our selfie, and then we will cross the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge: a long suspension bridge that sways over a massive drop and connects the deck with a rocky outcropping on the other side.
The bridge is cool, and it's fun to balance yourself as it sways, but the view from the other side is not too different from what we've already seen, so we will soon head back across the bridge and down to the Panorama Loop trailhead (this is just below where the gondola dropped you off).
The Panorama Loop trail is an easy to medium loop through old-growth forest that leads to an epic and sweeping view of The Chief and the Squamish Valley. The vantage of The Chief from here is my personal favourite in all of Squamish, and the whole trail only takes about an hour.
| Distance | Elevation | Time | Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 km | 45 m | 1 h | loop | easy |
Once we're back by the gondola we're going to head down and head into town for some lunch!
Friday Afternoon: Squamish
We're going to actually bypass downtown for now and head to a more industrial area called Dentville. This is a much more industrial area that's not really so cute, but it has one important thing: Backcountry Brewing.
We will catch up over a pint and some of the best pizza in town, and you can tell me all about how you're already dreaming of what it would be like to live here.
Once we're nice and fuelled up, I'm actually going to check in with what you're feeling like doing. If you're up for a bigger hike, we're going to keep heading north to Brohm Lake and hike up to one of the coolest views in Squamish.
If you're feeling like something more chill, we will head downtown and take a stroll through the shops and head down to Oceanfront Park.
If we choose option 1, we're heading up to Brohm Lake. This is one of my favourite lakes on the Sea to Sky. The only downside is I'm not the only one who loves it. It's a very popular spot with a tiny parking lot. On a nice summer day on the weekend, it can be a real challenge to get a parking spot, and you might end up waiting a while for someone to leave. But it's not just the lake that people park here for; there is also a great hiking loop.
We are going to follow the Brohm Lake Loop and Tantalus View on AllTrails. There is another one on AllTrails that is only the Brohm Lake Loop, but we're definitely not doing that one, because that just loops around the lake with no viewpoint.
Trail Map
| Distance | Elevation | Time | Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8 km | 186 m | 2 h | loop | moderate |
The loop part of the hike is a nice, typical BC trail with some beautiful forest sections and manageable terrain. Just past the halfway point of the trail, there is a fork where the left path takes you around the rest of the loop and the right path shoots you straight up onto an exposed ridge. We will be heading up the right path and then back down to finish the loop. At the top of the exposed ridge, there is an amazing view of Squamish Valley with the Tantalus range towering above it.
We will take a break up here and have a snack and watch some eagles use the valley wind to effortlessly climb high above us and then soar off back towards the Howe Sound without flapping a wing. The full loop takes about 2 hours, or a little more if we spend a long time at the top.
If we opted for the chiller option, we would head downtown and check out some of the shops. First stop would be Fox & Oak for good coffee and great donuts. This coffeeshop has one of the best vibes in town, partly because it is literally always busy. Year-round and every day of the week, you will see locals and tourists sitting on the patio and queuing out the door for a donut.
It's actually so busy that I don't come here as often anymore, but if it's your first time downtown, I think it's a great first stop.
From here, we would take a wander through downtown. It's compact enough to cover on foot in under an hour. A few places worth ducking into:
- Random & Co: A large consignment store that has a good selection of both men's and women’s clothing. It generally has a good selection of athletic brands like Patagonia, Lululemon and Arcteryx.
- Book Mountain: A comprehensive book shop with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Most books are new; however, they do have a selection of used books as well.
- Pearl's: An amazing thrift store with actual thrift store prices (half of the things in our new apartment are from Pearl's).
In this itinerary, we would be here on a Friday, but if you're visiting on a Saturday, you can also visit the Squamish Farmers Market before 2 PM. Great for vibes, baked goods, ceramics, and local produce.
Once we've had our fill of wandering the town, we will head over to Oceanfront Park. The views of the Stawamus Chief and Howe Sound from the waterfront are incredible, and we can also see our third perspective of Shannon Falls of the day.
Friday Evening: Brackendale Eagle Run Path
Regardless of whether we choose a hike or a wander around the town, afterwards we will head to Brackendale, which is the Northernmost neighbourhood of Squamish. Specifically, we will park near the Watershed Grill and take a walk on the Brackendale Eagle Run Trail. It follows the Squamish River and is an easy, flat walk suitable for all fitness levels. The trail is best known as one of the top bald eagle viewing spots in North America.
Between November and February, hundreds of eagles congregate along the river. In spring, you'll see fewer, but sightings are still common, and the views of the Tantalus Range across the valley are reason enough to come regardless of the season.
This is one of the most underrated trails in Squamish. It's pretty short, but the views are incredible the whole way. After our walk (it's a short one), we will grab dinner at the Watershed Grill. This is a classic Canadian pub with cold pints and a simple menu. The real selling point is the location right along the riverside path.
We won't pack anything more in today because we have another big day tomorrow, so it's time to drop you off at your hotel (unless you're crashing on my couch!)
For a budget-friendly but still comfortable stay downtown, our go-to is

August Jack Inn
This is a no-frills motel with a price tag to match. It's clean and well-run and located right in the heart of downtown. This was our go-to spot for a night in Squamish for a long time before we got our apartment here. It doesn't have much in terms of amenities, but it offers a clean spot to crash with an excellent location.Check AvailabilityOr if you have a slightly higher budget there are two standard chain hotels in town:

Sandman Hotel and Suites
This is a solid mid-range option that hits all the basics without any fuss. The rooms are spacious and come with the essentials: fridge, microwave, decent wifi, and a work desk if you need it. There's a pool and gym on-site. It's pet-friendly too, so you can bring your dog along for the adventure. Not the most charming spot in Squamish, but it's comfortable, consistent, and won't break the bank.Check Availability
Executive Suites Hotel
This is a great option if you want a bit more space and the ability to cook your own meals. The suites come with full kitchens, dishwasher, stove, oven, the works, which makes it easy to settle in for a longer stay or save money by skipping restaurants. You get either a studio or a one-bedroom setup, both with plenty of closet space and a flat-screen TV. The property has both indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, and a gym, so there's enough to keep you entertained without leaving the grounds. Check AvailabilityAnd for something a little more interesting, you could try:

Sunwolf Riverside Cabins
The cabins are tucked into the woods in Brackendale, where two rivers meet, with views of the Tantalus Mountains. Each room has handmade pine furniture, a gas fireplace, and an en suite bathroom, making it cozy without being precious about it. There's no wifi, no TV, and no phone in the rooms, which is the whole point. You get a campfire pit and the sound of the river instead. It's pet-friendly, so your dog can enjoy the setting too. The location is a bit removed from town but close to Alice Lake and the eagle-watching spots in Brackendale.Check AvailabilityIf these are all booked up, you can browse more options here or check out the interactive map below.
Where to Stay (Before It’s Fully Booked)
Saturday Morning: Brandywine Falls
We're up early again because Saturday is going to be our biggest day. We're leaving Squamish behind and heading north towards Whistler, but we've got a few crucial stops before we get there.
First up is Brandywine Falls, about 40 minutes north of Squamish. This is another spot that's so accessible it feels almost too easy. The waterfall is just a 10-minute walk from the parking lot, but it's worth the stop, and the short walk is along a nice, easy path through lush rainforest.
The 70-meter waterfall plunges into a volcanic canyon, and the viewpoint sits right on the edge, looking straight down into the gorge. I would argue that Shannon Falls was more impressive yesterday, but it's a totally different style of waterfall. This one doesn't fall down along a cliff; it's more like it's pouring over and filling up the volcanic canyon below.
The whole stop will take us maybe 30 minutes. Then we're getting back in the car because it's time for breakfast!
Saturday Midday: Whistler Village & Gondola
We're rolling into Whistler Village mid-morning, and I'm taking you straight to Moguls Coffee House. There are some great brunch options in the village, but time is of the essence, so we're doing the tried and true breakfast wrap and coffee to go. The food is spot on, and we're taking it to a much better view than any patio in the village. Also, there are meat, veggie, and vegan options, so everyone is happy.
We're taking our wraps and coffee straight to the Whistler Village Gondola. This is going to be our second gondola ride of the weekend, and this one will make our one yesterday look like a trip up a hill. The Whistler gondola is part of the PEAK 2 PEAK experience, which connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, and first we're going all the way to the top of Whistler Peak.
To reach the peak, you’ll start by riding the Whistler Village Gondola, which takes about 25 minutes. The ride itself is smooth and comfortable, with enclosed cabins that fit multiple people. As you climb higher, the views slowly open up, and you’ll start to see glaciers, alpine lakes, and long ridgelines stretching into the distance.
Once you exit the gondola, there’s a short, well-maintained walk to reach the Peak Chair. This walk is easy and clearly marked, with plenty of chances to stop, take photos, and soak in the views. It’s not strenuous, but you are at elevation, so moving a bit slower is normal.
The chairlift is a smooth ride, but it's an exposed ski-lift style chair, so we will feel the winds whipping around the peak, and the chairs can get rocking pretty good on a windy day. At certain points, you will be dangling pretty high above some sheer cliffs. I love it, but if you have any issues with heights, this might freak you out. It is perfectly safe, though, so it's a great chance to expand your comfort zone.
At the top, we will wander around and take in some incredible 360-degree views of multiple mountain ranges and check out the Cloudraker Skybridge. This is quite similar to our Friday gondola experience, but the scale of everything up on Whistler is 10X.
The Cloudraker Skybridge is a metal bridge located at Whistler Peak that spans across a narrow mountain ridge. This is the most iconic thing to do at the peak, and for good reason. If you don’t like heights, this is probably not for you.
The bridge hangs high above the valley below, and at certain points, you can see straight down thousands of feet through the open grating. On a clear day, the views are unreal, with endless mountain ranges stretching out in every direction. On cloudy days, you might find yourself walking above the clouds, which somehow feels even more surreal. Looking down hundreds of feet only to see the top of a cloud really gives the feeling that you could be suspended above a bottomless pit!
It’s not a long walk, and you can turn around at any time if it feels like too much. Most people end up crossing it more than once, especially if the weather or light changes while they’re up there. If you’re visiting Whistler in summer and you’re already at the peak, this is the one thing you shouldn’t skip.
Once we've had our fill at the peak, we won't actually be taking the chairlift back down. We're taking the scenic route.
Saturday Afternoon: Whistler Alpine and the High Note Trail
The best part of riding the Gondola up is that you can experience hiking through the high mountain alpine without the exhausting grind of getting yourself up to the trailhead first.
The best trail for our timing is a mix of the Half Note and High Note Trail.
| Distance | Elevation | Time | Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.4 km | 420 m | 5 h | point to point | hard |
This high-alpine trail traverses across Whistler Mountain's upper slopes with constant jaw-dropping views. We'll walk through alpine meadows, past glacial tarns, and along ridgelines with massive peaks surrounding you.
The trail eventually connects back to the Roundhouse, where we got off the Gondola and headed for Peak Chair. I'll take you my secret way, where we follow the High Note trail up to the junction, where you can turn off onto the Half Note.
From here, we will follow the High Note trail another 20 minutes(ish) past the fork. This is where we will have the most stunning views of Cheakamus Lake. The views are still good past this point, but this is the peak (in my opinion), so I usually turn back here and re-trace my steps back to the fork and then take the Half Note down.
Saturday Late Afternoon: Peak 2 Peak
Once we're back at the Roundhouse, we're not heading down just yet. We're getting on what is arguably the most iconic lift experience in all of North America: the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
This thing is an engineering marvel. It's the longest unsupported span for a gondola in the world, stretching 4.4 kilometres between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. At its highest point, you're dangling over 1000 meters above Fitzsimmons Creek. That's higher than we ever were on our mountain exploration yesterday!
Most of the cabins are standard enclosed gondolas, but if we time it right and get lucky, we might snag one of the glass-bottomed ones. These are clearly marked, and there's usually a bit of a wait for them, but if we have the time, it's worth it. Looking straight down through the floor at the valley below is both amazing and terrifying.
The ride takes about 11 minutes, and the whole time you're just suspended in the middle of nowhere with mountains stretching out in every direction. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Coast Mountains and the glaciers we were admiring from Whistler Peak earlier. On a cloudy day, you might cross through the clouds themselves, which is equally surreal.
Once we touch down on Blackcomb, we'll poke around the Rendezvous Lodge for a few minutes, grab a quick drink or snack if we need it, and then we're taking the chairlift back down to the village. We've been up in the alpine for most of the day at this point, and it's time to get back to civilization for a proper meal and to rest up before our grand finale tomorrow.
Saturday Early Evening: Food and Quick Lake Dip
Instead of going straight to a proper restaurant, we are going to rough it a little for a better dining experience. We will head to Fresh Street Market and pick up a random collection of snacks.
They have a decent hot to go section with sandwiches and samosas and those types of things, or maybe we just go with a classic like a baguette and hummus or chips and salsa. Either way, we will take our haul over to Rainbow Park.
This is my favourite swim spot and favourite picnic spot all in one. Plus, across the lake, there are great views of both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, so we can point up and marvel at the fact that we were just up there while we snack our hearts out.
There is not so much to say about this stop because it's intentionally simple. We can snack, swim, and lounge on the grass or out on one of the many docks. We will rest up here for as long as we need before we head back into the village for dinner.
Saturday Evening: Dinner & Back to The Hotel Hottub
After the lake, we will get cleaned up at the hotel and then head out for dinner.
Top picks for dinner are:
- La Cantina Tacos: for casual Mexican fare
- Earls: for a solid meal at a nice chain restaurant
- Rimrock Cafe: for something a bit more upscale
- Araxi: if we want a truly upscale fine dining experience
And best options for hotels in Whistler are:

Nita Lake Lodge
Nita Lake Lodge sits lakeside 500m from Creekside Gondola with an on-site spa, outdoor heated pool, and hot tub. All units feature gas fireplaces, rain showers, and 2-person soaker tubs. Free shuttle to Whistler Village, free summer kayak/bike/paddleboard rentals. The Den serves West Coast cuisine with ingredients from local farms and the rooftop garden. Couples rate the location 9.5.Check Availability
The Pan Pacific
The Pan Pacific is our go to stay in the village. It offers full suite rooms with fully functional kitchens and the location could not be more central. The amenities are also a big selling point for us. After a long day of hiking it is amazing to relax in the steam room and then take a dip in the rooftop pool and then soak in the hot tub.Check Availability
Aava Whistler Hotel
The location is incredibly convenient, tucked right into the village so you can walk everywhere without dealing with the noise of the busiest spots. What makes Ava a standout for us, though, is the more relaxed, private atmosphere. After a day outside, it’s the kind of place where you can slow things down.Check AvailabilityIf these are all booked up, you can browse more options here or check out the interactive map below.
Where to Stay (Before It’s Fully Booked)
Sunday Morning: Alpine Cafe & Nairn Falls
So sorry, but it's another early morning, and today we are continuing further north. But before we get too far, we will stop at Alpine Cafe for breakfast. They do wraps, smoothies, and full plates of breakfast classics. We should really fuel up today because today we are heading up our third mountain, but this time there is no gondola.
Before we start the real hike, we will keep up our waterfall tradition with Nairn Falls.
This one is about 30 minutes north of Whistler, right off the highway. It's another short walk (about 15 minutes from the parking lot). The trail follows Nairn Falls Creek through old-growth forest, and you can hear the falls long before you see them.
When you reach the viewpoint, the falls are barreling through a narrow rocky gorge, creating this intense, churning whitewater that's completely different from the graceful drops we saw at Shannon and Brandywine. The force of the water here is wild, especially in late spring and early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak. There's a viewing platform that gets you close enough to feel the spray and hear the roar without getting too sketchy.
It's a quick stop (maybe 30 minutes total), but it's a nice way to ease into the day and get the legs warmed up before the main event. Plus, it keeps our waterfall streak alive: three days, three waterfalls, and we're about to add three glacial lakes to the list.
Sunday Late Morning: Joffre Lakes
Alright, this is it. The grand finale and the reason we booked that day-use pass two days ago at 6 AM. This is the hike that everyone who visits BC talks about for years afterward.
Joffre Lakes is about 30 minutes past Nairn Falls, and we're pulling into the parking lot before 9 AM to beat the crowds. Even with the permit system limiting numbers, this place still fills up, and honestly, experiencing these lakes with fewer people around makes all the difference.
The hike is a 7 km round trip with about 478 meters of elevation gain. That's more than anything we've done so far this weekend, but it's totally manageable. The trail is well-maintained, and the payoff is three glacier-fed lakes that get progressively more incredible as you climb.
Lower Joffre Lake greets you after just a 5-minute walk from the trailhead. And already, you're standing in front of water so turquoise it looks fake. Mount Matier reflects perfectly on the calm surface, and you'll immediately understand why people lose their minds over this place and why the permit system had to be set up. We'll grab a quick photo here, but we're not spending too long because the lakes only get better.
The trail climbs steadily through old-growth forest for the next 2.5 km. It gets steep in sections, with plenty of rocks and roots to navigate, but nothing too technical. Just take your time and enjoy the forest.
Middle Joffre Lake is where things really start to look too good to be true. This is arguably the showstopper of the three, and it's where you'll find the famous floating log that's all over Instagram. The water here is insanely blue (we're not editing these photos; it genuinely looks like this), and the log sits perfectly positioned for photos and jumping.
This is also my favourite spot for a swim. The water is glacier-fed, so it's absolutely freezing (around 10°C even in July), but on a hot day, it's the most refreshing thing in the world. The log makes a great diving platform if you're brave enough for the cold shock. We'll spend some time here swimming, snacking on the rocky beach, taking way too many photos, before continuing up.
The final push to Upper Joffre Lake is about 1 km and mostly flat. Along the way, you'll pass Halloway Falls, a series of powerful cascades rushing right beside the trail. The mist feels amazing on a warm day, and it's a natural spot to cool down and catch your breath.
Upper Joffre Lake sits right at the base of the glacier. The water is the coldest of the three, and the surrounding landscape is all rocky outcrops, waterfalls, and raw alpine terrain. This is where most day hikers stop, rest, and turn around. The viewpoint here can get crowded, but the views are worth it because you're staring directly at the glacier that feeds all three lakes.
We'll take our time up here. Eat lunch. Soak it all in. Maybe dip our feet in the water if we're feeling brave. I swam at this one last year, and it is significantly colder than the lower two. This is the moment where the whole weekend comes together: three days, three waterfalls, three mountains, three glacial lakes, and a whole lot of BC at its absolute best.
The hike back down is easier on the lungs but harder on the knees, so we'll take it slow. By the time we're back at the car, we'll have been out for about 4-5 hours, and honestly, we'll probably be ready to collapse. But there is no better place for that than the next destination, which is my absolute favourite place along the entire Sea to Sky Corridor.
Sunday Late Afternoon: The Beer Farmers
For our last stop on this epic 3-day trip, we're heading to The Beer Farmers in Pemberton, and this is where I'm going to make you understand why I love living here.
The Beer Farmers is part brewery, part farm, part community hub, and hands down the best spot to end a big day in the mountains. It's about 45 minutes from the Joffre Lakes trailhead, and it will be one of the prettiest drives we've done all weekend.
The brewery sits on a working farm with views of Mount Currie rising up behind the fields. In the summer, the patio is packed with people fresh off the trails, dogs sprawled out in the grass, and perfect golden afternoon light hitting the mountains. The vibe is casual, welcoming, and exactly what you need after spending the morning hauling yourself up a mountain.
The beer is excellent, and they brew everything on-site, and they're serious about it without being pretentious. If you're not sure what to order, go for a tasting flight. You'll get four small pours to try, and you can figure out what you like.
The food menu is simple but solid. Burgers, fries, and poutine. If you've agreed with all my recommendations so far, please don't skip out on this last one: go for the poutine!
This is where we'll debrief the whole weekend. We'll talk about the gondolas, the alpine views, the freezing lake swims, and how your legs are going to hate you tomorrow. We'll probably also talk about when you're coming back, because three days is only really enough to pique your curiosity about everything I had to skip over for this trip to work on such a short timeline.
Eventually, we'll have to leave. You've got a flight to catch, and I've got to get you back to Vancouver. But sitting on a farm patio in Pemberton with a cold beer, sore legs, and three days of memories will be a moment you'll remember forever.
Planning Your Trip
Where to Stay (Before It’s Fully Booked)
Unfortunately, I will not actually be picking you up from the airport, but you can feel free to steal this whole itinerary. If you do copy this guide, I hope you have a wonderful time and that the weather and the bugs cooperate. Here are some resources to help you lock in the trip details.
- To rent a car at the airport, compare all the reputable brands here.
- For finding hotels in Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler, compare discounts here.
My top hotel recommendations for Squamish are:
- August Jack: For a budget friendly but still comfortable stay downtown.
- Sandman Hotel and Suites: For a reliable mid-range option with all the amenities like a pool, gym, and pet-friendly rooms.
- Executive Suites Hotel: For longer stays or if you want a full kitchen and more space to spread out.
My top hotel recommendations for Whistler are:
- Nita Lake Lodge: For a lakeside escape with mountain views and a more relaxed vibe away from the village buzz.
- The Pan Pacific: For a full suite with a kitchen, the central location, and great ammenities.
- The Ava Hotel: For a private feel while keeping a central location and a great hot tub.
If this is a bit too fast-paced for you or it's a bit too much hiking, consider a more relaxing visit on Vancouver Island with a weekend escape in the seaside town of Ucluelet, or a slower-paced trip along BC's Sunshine Coast.
Or if this actually isn't intense enough for you, you can turn the adventure up a notch and take on one of the most gruelling day hikes in the area: Wedgemount Lake. Or if you rent a reliable enough car, you can take on one of the roughest forest roads and one of the lesser-visited alpine lakes: Watersprite Lake.
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