SEA TO SUMMIT
7.5 km | 1,150 m | 3 hours
Oh how much we missed this trail when the Sea to Sky Gondola was closed. I guess you could go up and down, but that would make for a long day and very tired legs. It’s always nice to do a big climb and have the gondola take you back down.
We tend to park either in the Chief’s parking lot or the Shannon Falls lot and take the connector over. The main parking lot is busy and meant for tourists taking the gondola up and down. The Shannon Falls connector will add about 2 km to your journey.
The beginning of this trail is shared with the Stawamus Chief trail and it tends to be busy with steep stairs that get your heart rate pumping immediately. Once you get to the junction, most people stay left to head to first, second or third peaks of the Chief. You are to keep right and stay on the Sea to Summit Trail. This part of the trail isn’t very busy and it’s filled with beautiful rivers, waterfalls and view points of Howe Sound and Squamish Harbour.
You will require a downloading ticket, but these can be purchased at the summit.
There are also endless trails to discover at the peak, which we have never done, but would love to do one day soon. The views are incredible regardless of where you turn.
For the apres there is a restaurant at the summit, but we tend to head to Locavore Bar & Grill for lunch. You can put in your order as soon as you’re done your hike. That way your food will be waiting for you upon arrival. For dessert and coffee your choice is between Cloudburst Cafe and Alice + Brohm Ice Cream. This may be the most expensive ice cream you ever have, but I guarantee you it will be the best you’ve ever had!
