Sea-to-Sky Highway
Canada, north-america
130 km
670 m
easy
Year-round; summer for hiking, winter for skiing
# The Sea-to-Sky Highway: A Coastal Adventure Worth Taking
Picture this: a 130-kilometer drive from Vancouver that literally goes from sea to sky. Highway 99, affectionately known as the Sea-to-Sky Highway, is exactly that—a breathtaking journey that climbs 670 meters as it winds from the sparkling waters of Howe Sound all the way up to Whistler's mountain playground.
This route has quite the glow-up story. What used to be a sketchy, two-lane white-knuckler got a major makeover for the 2010 Winter Olympics, transforming into the smooth, modern freeway you'll cruise today. Game changer.
The magic starts immediately as you tackle the dramatic crossing over Howe Sound, North America's southernmost fjord. Those aren't just pretty postcards—actual mountains literally tumble straight into the Pacific Ocean here. As you drive, keep your eyes peeled for Shannon Falls, a jaw-dropping 335-meter cascade that ranks as BC's third-highest waterfall. Seriously stunning.
Stop in quirky, creative Squamish along the way—it's evolved into a legit rock climbing and mountain biking mecca that'll blow your mind. If you want to skip the driving for a minute, ride the Sea-to-Sky Gondola for some killer panoramic views of the sound spread out below you.
The final stretch winds through old-growth forest as you climb higher and higher until you roll into Whistler, the ultimate mountain resort town. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience.
Where is it?
Sea-to-Sky Highway is located in British Columbia, Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 49.6752, -123.1558
Driving Tips
# Road Trip Tips for a Better Drive
**Time your drive with the sun in mind.** Heading north in the morning and south in the afternoon? That's a smart move to keep the sun out of your eyes. You'll be way more comfortable and safer that way.
**Watch out for weekend traffic.** If you're planning to hit the road on a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon, be prepared for some serious congestion—especially if everyone's heading to Whistler. Maybe leave earlier or later to dodge the worst of it.
**Take a break at Brandywine Falls.** Seriously, stop here if you can. There's a quick hike that takes you to this gorgeous 70-meter waterfall. It's a perfect spot to stretch your legs and clear your head during a long drive.
**Gear up your car for winter.** From October through April, swap on some snow tires. Winter conditions can get sketchy on these roads, and proper tires make all the difference in keeping you safe and in control.
Road Surface
Paved, modern multi-lane highway with some two-lane sections
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Region
- British Columbia
- Length
- 130 km
- Max Elevation
- 670 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Surface
- Paved, modern multi-lane highway with some two-lane sections
- Best Season
- Year-round; summer for hiking, winter for skiing
- Coordinates
- 49.6752, -123.1558
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Cumbres Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Cumbres Pass in southern Colorado is a must-do for any road trip enthusiast. Nestled high in the Rio Grande National Forest, near the New Mexico border, this beauty tops out at a cool 10,029 feet. "Cumbres" means "crests" in Spanish, and trust me, the views are worth it! This paved ribbon of road – that's Colorado State Highway 17 – stretches for about 47 glorious miles, starting near Antonito, Colorado, and winding down toward Chama, New Mexico. It's been around since the late 1800s, with improvements made in the early 1920s, so you're driving on a piece of history! Now, heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive for the faint of heart. You'll be tackling some serious inclines, with grades hitting nearly 13% in spots! The north approach averages around 5.8%, while the south side chills out a bit at 4%. While this pass is generally open year-round, Mother Nature can throw curveballs, especially in winter. Snow is common, and short-term closures can happen due to wicked weather. But don't let that deter you. The San Juan Mountains offer views you won't forget!
moderateUpper Kananaskis Lake
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Kananaskis Country in Alberta, Canada, heading for Upper Kananaskis Lake. This isn't just any lake; it's a high-altitude beauty sitting pretty at 1,724m (that's 5,656ft!). The road you'll be gliding on? It's the Kananaskis Lakes Trail, a smooth asphalt ribbon winding its way through the stunning Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. So pack your camera and get ready for some seriously epic scenery!
moderateCarlsbad Caverns switchbacks in New Mexico: a 20 degree grade
🇺🇸 Usa
Nestled in the New Mexico's Eddy County, right where the Chihuahuan Desert kisses the Guadalupe Mountains, you'll find the entrance to something truly magical: the Carlsbad Caverns. And the way in? A series of switchbacks that are pedestrian-only, so lace up those hiking boots! You're heading into the heart of southeastern New Mexico, into the rocky slopes and canyonlands of the Guadalupe range. This isn't just any cave; we're talking about a labyrinth carved by sulfuric acid over millions of years, creating a network of caves, passageways, and chambers that will blow your mind. Prepare to descend into a world of geological wonder. The Big Room is the star of the show, a natural limestone chamber stretching almost 4,000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and soaring 255 feet high. It's the third-largest chamber in North America, filled with pools, lakes, and otherworldly gypsum formations. The path? A curvy, paved trail within Carlsbad Caverns National Park that winds its way into the cave's mouth. These switchbacks are no joke, they're steep! As you descend, the light fades, adding to the sense of adventure. It's about a mile and a quarter of these winding paths, taking you 750 feet below the surface at a pretty steady 20-degree grade. It's narrow, it's steep, but the views along the way (or lack thereof!) are unforgettable. Plus, park rangers are always around, making sure everyone enjoys the journey safely.
hardCan you drive the Piilani Highway in Maui?
🇺🇸 Usa
Pi'ilani Highway is a must-drive. Located in Maui, the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, in the USA, this highway loops all the way around the southern coast of the island. The road is rough and unpaved at times. Be sure to honk around blind corners. Can you drive the Piilani Highway in Maui? The road (Hawaii Route 31) is 61 km (38 miles) long, running from Kipahulu to Ulupalakua. It’s a twisty, up-and-down roller coaster. The toughest section of the road is about 10 km (6 miles) long, where the road sometimes narrows to a single lane in sharp bends. In some areas, such as at Lelekea Bay, it's just a one-and-a-half-lane bumpy road hugging the sea cliff around a blind curve. Fences have been installed on the mountain here to prevent rocks from falling onto cars. The hairpin bends are completely blind, but there is almost no traffic. Occasionally the road is closed to traffic due to landslides. Although it is somewhat rough in places, it is by no means a daunting or particularly dangerous road if taken slowly. Traffic is light. Is Maui Highway 31 paved? The road is mostly paved, with a few sections of gravel or dirt, without too many holes. Four-wheel drive is not necessary. It’s not a gravel road; instead, it looks more like a very old paved road that’s been patched over and over and over again with asphalt. Is the Piilani Highway in Maui safe? It’s not an easy drive as it’s unpaved in sections, rough, and rugged in spots. Some parts are washboard-like and require speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less to avoid damaging the suspension of a rental car. Most major rental car contracts forbid driving this section. This prohibition in rental car contracts seems more related to the remoteness of this section of highways. Avoid driving the road during or after heavy rainfall. Sometimes vehicles can get stuck on the unpaved stretches (especially after rains on those stretches or upslope on the Haleakala volcano), or the road is closed for other reasons. Is the Piilani Highway worth it? Running through the southern coast of Maui, the drive, also known as the back road to Hana, is very scenic, with stunning views of the astonishing shoreline. Along the way, you’ll discover lovely beach colors, amazing natural sceneries, and the majestic Pacific Ocean. The drive offers great views of pebble beaches, sea cliffs, and the undeveloped coastline. The area is probably the least visited part of the island, and yet it is one of the wildest. Katy Freeway in Texas is one of the widest highways in the world US Highway 50 is the Loneliest Highway In America Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.