Film Venue Spotlight: Sea to Sky Gondola
Though the Sea to Sky Gondola is only four years young, the attraction has already played host to a number of crews filming commercials, movies and TV shows. Visitors to the attraction might recognize its stunning panoramas of the coastal mountains and Howe Sound fjord, leafy hiking trails, and swaying suspension bridges from productions like recent sci-fi favourite Altered Carbon, fantasy series come-to-life The Magicians, upcoming heartwarmer A Dog’s Way Home (2019) and the most recent season of Amazing Race Canada.
Situated an easy 45-minute drive from downtown Vancouver – the stunning Sea to Sky Highway that leads visitors from Vancouver to Squamish and beyond is a drive everyone should take at least once in their lifetime – the Sea to Sky Gondola is jam-packed with activities for the whole family. Here are our top four warm-weather favourites:
Yoga on the summit During the summer months, there’s no better way to start your day than with an invigorating session of yoga in the mountains. Classes are taught by different yoga schools, ensuring a range of styles on offer daily. Afterward, guests are encouraged to linger in the CoPilot Café for coffee or tea before hitting the trails and exploring all the rest the Sea to Sky has to offer. Classes cost $15 each, and begin at 9.45am.
Via ferrata fun Operated by Mountain Skills Academy Adventures, the Sea to Sky Gondola Via Ferrata tour provides guests with a guided opportunity to reach and ascend the mountain. During one action-packed hour, guests will ascend ladder-like rungs, cross wobbly suspension bridges, and marvel at the beauty of the surrounding ocean fjords and mountain peaks – all while safely attached to the rock face with fixed cables. The adventure costs $109 (via ferrata only), and an additional $30 for return shuttle. Minimum age requirement is eight years old.
Selfies on the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge The 100-metre long, gently swaying Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is backdropped by canyons reaching thousands of feet below, giving guests the feeling of flying through air as they cross from one side to the other. The walk showcases stunning views of pristine outdoors, assuring a memorable experience that visitors won’t soon forget – not to mention 360 degrees of perfect selfie backdrops.
Hike the day away The Sea to Sky Corridor boasts some of the world’s most spectacular hiking terrain which, until the Sea to Sky Gondola was built, was only accessible to those hardy souls willing to ascend the mountain by foot. Now, visitors can catch the 10-minute ride up the gondola to access a plethora of trails for all skill levels, including Alpine Alley, perfect for families; Wonderland Lake Loop, boasting picture-perfect views of surrounding nature; and others. Read about the different trails here.
