British Columbia
Sea-to-Sky Hiking in Vancouver & Whistler
Program No. 23783RJ
Hike in Vancouver and the Coast Mountains from our home base in Whistler, as you learn about local ecology, history and the First Nations peoples from the experts.
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800-454-5768
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7 days
6 nights
15 meals
6B 5L 4D
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Vancouver, BC
2
Hiking Lynn Canyon, Vancouver Mural Walking Tour
Vancouver, BC
5
Whistler Mountain, Cloudraker Skybridge
Whistler, BC
6
Shannon Falls Provincial Park
Vancouver, BC
7
Program Concludes
Vancouver, BC
At a Glance
From coastal Vancouver to the alpine beauty of Whistler, the Sea-to-Sky Corridor ascends along Howe Sound and through the spectacular valleys of British Columbia’s Coast Mountains. These are the lands the First Nations Peoples call home. It’s where black bears roam and where eagles soar. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best hiking in Canada. Learn about the natural beauty of the Sea-to-Sky Corridor from the base of the Stawamus Chief — the world’s second-largest granite monolith — to the peaks of Whistler-Blackcomb. Meet local researchers and representatives of First Nations Peoples, then take this knowledge to the trail on spectacular hikes through temperate rainforests and mountain meadows.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hiking 3-6 miles per day over the course of approximately 2-5 hours. Varied terrain including paved and groomed trails, roots, rocks and mud. Trail elevations can start between 3,000-6,000 feet with net gains/losses between +1,500 and -950 feet. Drives of 1-2 hours by motorcoach or van each way to reach trailheads.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Discover the triumphs and tribulations of the local black bear population with a presentation from a local bear researcher.
- Travel back in time to the fiery origins of the Coast Mountains with a geologist-led hike atop Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
- Learn about the area’s significance to the local First Nations People and hike through coastal rainforest to Shannon Falls, one of British Columbia’s highest waterfalls.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Jacob Johnson
Jacob Johnson has spent the better part of his life in the mountains, from growing up in Fernie, B.C. to his current home in Canmore, Alberta. His love for being in the mountains has taken him rock climbing in Thailand, mountain biking in Italy and skiing and mountaineering in the Canadian Rockies. Now retired from a career in engineering, you will often find Jacob with a camera in his hand as he’s also a professional photographer, constantly seeking to capture the beauty of the environment.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Jacob Johnson
View biography
Jacob Johnson has spent the better part of his life in the mountains, from growing up in Fernie, B.C. to his current home in Canmore, Alberta. His love for being in the mountains has taken him rock climbing in Thailand, mountain biking in Italy and skiing and mountaineering in the Canadian Rockies. Now retired from a career in engineering, you will often find Jacob with a camera in his hand as he’s also a professional photographer, constantly seeking to capture the beauty of the environment.
Liesl Lafferty
View biography
Liesl Lafferty is a scriptwriter, facilitator and Jessie award-winning director, focusing on creating new material. She also likes to work outside. In May 2019, Liesl graduated from the University of British Columbia with an MFA in creative writing and theatre. She happily lives with her husband at English Bay Beach, and they think of Stanley Park as their backyard.
Suggested Reading List
(6 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Sea-to-Sky Hiking in Vancouver & Whistler
Program Number: 23783
The Island Within
A beautifully written tribute to the Pacific Northwest. Drawn from the author's journals, this is an account of the natural and cultural history of an island in the waters of Haida Strait, focusing on geology, marine life, wildlife, habitats and Koyukon heritage. Much in the tradition of Barry Lopez, the author focuses on the relationship between people and the land.
Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest
A world-leading expert shares her amazing story of discovering the communication that exists between trees, and shares her own story of family and grief. Suzanne Simard brings us into her world, the intimate world of the trees, in which she brilliantly illuminates the fascinating and vital truths—that trees are not simply the source of timber or pulp but are a complicated, interdependent circle of life; that forests are social, cooperative creatures connected through underground networks by which trees communicate their vitality and vulnerabilities with communal lives not that different from our own.
The West Beyond the West, A History of British Columbia
PAPER, 834 PAGES, $32.95
A general history of the Canadian province from the 18th century to the mid-1990s. (Item no. CND116)
The Raven Steals the Light
A classic collection of 10 Haida myths and legends with accompanying black and white etchings by Vancouver artist Bill Reid. These stories capture the storytelling traditions of the Haida.
Klee Wyck
Originally published in 1941 this is the memoir of Canadian artist Emily Carr. Through short sketches, the artist tells of her experiences among First Nations people and cultures on British Columbia's west coast. The book won the 1941 Governor General's Award and occupies an important place in Canadian literature.
Big Lonely Doug: The Story of One of Canada’s Last Great Trees
Big Lonely Doug weaves the ecology of old-growth forests, the legend of the West Coast’s big trees, the turbulence of the logging industry, the fight for preservation, the contention surrounding ecotourism, First Nations land and resource rights, and the fraught future of these ancient forests around the story of a logger who saved one of Canada's last great trees.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
15 meals (
6B, 5L, 4D
)
1 expert-led lecture
11 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Vancouver, BC
Meals:
D
Stay:
Coast Coal Harbour
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:30-8:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Lectures and field trips will be conducted by local experts. Transportation will be via motorcoach and van as noted. Breakfasts will be at the hotel, lunches will be mostly in the field, with dinners occurring at the hotel and local restaurants featuring seasonal ingredients. Periods in the schedule designated as “independent exploration and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Hiking Lynn Canyon, Vancouver Mural Walking Tour
Location:
Vancouver, BC
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Coast Coal Harbour
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, less than 1 hour riding time. Hiking up to 3 miles with stops; groomed park trails; little elevation gain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during independent exploration according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll join our Group Leader on a hike through a second growth forest and a temperate rainforest. Lynn Canyon contains red cedar, douglas-fir, and western hemlock trees that are aged from 80-100 years old. Look for beautiful waterfalls as you cross over the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge.
Lunch:
At a scenic trailside spot, we’ll have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, we will join a local expert who will walk us through the alleys and backstreets of the Vancouver Mural Festival. These stunning murals will tell the story of neighborhood changes, colonialism, immigration, gentrification, de-industrialization and the rise of the tech economy in Vancouver. Admire the many Indigenous artists, especially from the local Musqueum, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. After we returun to our hotel, there is opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that this period is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. You might like to hike to Beaver Lake via Lover’s Walk, one of the many trails that wind through Stanley Park’s forested interior. Or, explore Granville Island, once an industrial hub and now renowned for its bustling market, or relax at the hotel.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
3
Sea to Sky, Hiking Stawamus Chief, Whistler Overview
Location:
Whistler, BC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Westin Resort and Spa, Whistler
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 75 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Hiking 5-6 miles, 3 hours; starting at the summit elevation of approximately 3,000 feet with net gain of approximately 1,500 feet and loss of 950 feet; groomed trails.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel, board a motorcoach, and ride along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish, a railway and First Nations community at the northern tip of Howe Sound. There, we ride the gondola to the summit of Stawamus Chief, the second-largest granite monolith in the world. At the peak, we will learn about the region’s ecology, geology, and human history with a local expert. With our expert, we hike through alpine meadows and stands of Douglas fir, western red cedar, Sitka spruce, and alder trees. We will enjoy several breathtaking views of Howe Sound at the various look-out points.
Lunch:
At a scenic trailside spot, we’ll have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will ride the gondola down the mountain and board the motorcoach to continue on to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. We will learn from an Indigenous educator about First Nations history, customs, and traditions through dance, storytelling, and material artifacts.
Dinner:
At the hotel featuring locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Black Bears Presentation, Blackcomb Mountain, Free Time
Location:
Whistler, BC
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
The Westin Resort and Spa, Whistler
Activity Note
Walking to museum and trailheads; pavement. Getting on/off a gondola and standing. Hiking 4-5 miles, 3 hours; starting at an elevation of approximately 6,070 feet with elevation changes of approximately 1300 feet; groomed trails. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during independent exploration according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we will walk to the Whistler Museum where we will join a resident bear researcher to learn about the local black bears that roam the surrounding mountains. We will gain insight into bear behavior, biology, and population ecology. Next, we will ride a gondola to the top of Blackcomb Mountain. Here we will join our local expert and hike through alpine meadows at tree line to rugged alpine view spots. If we are lucky, we may see black bears grazing on the slopes. Our morning ends on a ride across the Peak 2 Peak Express gondola connecting Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain. The Peak 2 Peak holds the world record for the longest free span gondola between rope-way towers with over a 1.85 mile stretch.
Lunch:
At a scenic trailside spot, we’ll have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
For those wanting to continue hiking, the group leader will lead another hike on the mountain. Those that would prefer a more relaxed afternoon can return to the hotel at the base of the gondola and enjoy all that Whistler Village has to offer.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local fare. Whistler has a variety of culinary experiences close at hand.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Whistler Mountain, Cloudraker Skybridge
Location:
Whistler, BC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Westin Resort and Spa, Whistler
Activity Note
Getting on/off a gondola and standing. Walking to trailheads; pavement. Hiking approximately 6 miles, 5 hours; starting at an elevation of 6,070 feet with elevation changes of 1650 feet; groomed trails.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we will ride the gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain to spend a full day hiking with our local expert. Our hike takes us over an exposed hiking trail with views of blue glacier lakes and glacier covered mountains. We will learn how the landscape was formed and how the changing climate impacts the mountain environment. Our hike today takes place on the traditional territories of two local indigenous nations whose history ties to the surrounding landscape.
Lunch:
We will enjoy a trailside boxed lunch.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we will continue our hike on Whistler Mountain. To end our day of hiking we will enjoy the stunning mountain views as we walk over the Cloudraker Skybridge, a suspension bridge hovering 7200 feet above sea level, one of the highest in the world.
Dinner:
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
6
Shannon Falls Provincial Park
Location:
Vancouver, BC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sylvia Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 90 miles, approximately 4 hours total riding time. Hiking 2.5 miles, 2-3 hours; slight elevation change of 650 feet; groomed trails.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After check out, we will head back to Vancouver with a stop in Squamish. Here we will join a local expert and hike to Shannon Falls. We will explore some of the area’s towering trees, old-growth stumps and the ever-present mist from the roaring falls above.
Lunch:
Trailside boxed lunch
Afternoon:
We continue our hike at Shannon Falls before returning to Vancouver.
Dinner:
Share our favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner at the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
7
Program Concludes
Location:
Vancouver, BC
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
15 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
- Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 15 Reviews
Sort By:
The Sea-to-Sky trip in British Columbia was fabulous. Great guides, transportation, meals, and adventures. Everything was taken care of for me. First-class operation.
I particularly loved the Westin Resort in Whistler.
— Review left August 27, 2024
Our group was blessed with fabulous weather, and there were no physical or health emergencies or accidents.. it was a wonderful trip. Everyone was very kind to our large family group and did not make us feel that we were "taking over"
— Review left August 9, 2024
Excellent tour guide in Marlene. Very much enjoyed the entire tour.
— Review left September 10, 2023
Jacob was an excellent leader and guide. He made adaptations to match individual skill levels. The experiences were unique--3 suspension bridges over looking valleys, lakes and mountains; 2 gondola rides; one ski chair lift--and the hiking! We saw a lot of beautiful nature, including layers of mountains, waterfalls, giant trees, flowers, pika, marmot and snow. The other guides were also skilled, fun and shared a lot of knowledge about our surroundings. We listened to a Native American in a First Nations cultural center and learned about bears from a bear expert. We also learned about the geology of the area on one of our hikes. Two of the hikes started at 6,000 ft elevation and went up the mountains over one thousand feet. Be prepared. The scenery and exercise was worth the difficult hiking (I live in Florida).
— Review left July 31, 2023
The areas we visited were spectacular. I loved being out in them hiking. The urban portions (mural walk) was also wonderful—different, but still a highlight. And learning bout this part of Canada and the native people there was something I had really wanted to do. A fantastic combination of experiences.
— Review left July 22, 2023
Had a great time on the Sea-to-Sky Hiking in Vancouver & Whistler. Program was as described with options for hiking. Jake was a excellent leader and even offered extra hikes and adventures.
— Review left July 21, 2023
We appreciated and enjoyed our Group Leader, Jacob Johnson. He helped our group to enjoy the mountains, the city of Vancouver, Granville Island, and what/where we could learn.
We were enriched also about the Indigenous people of Whistler. And bears! I had been very afraid of bears, until we learned about bear behavior.
The hikes seemed daunting, but after we did some challenging hikes and I had seen glaciers, lovely lakes, and fabulous views, I wanted more!
Thanks again, Jake!
— Review left June 25, 2023
Such beautiful and pristine alpine hikes around Whistler, amazing accommodations. There's biking available in Vancouver and Whistler too. So fun! Learned so much about the First Nation people too. Changed my perspective.
— Review left August 21, 2022
Great program! Dan an Chloe are well organized and personable guides. Stunning scenery, and super lodging especially the Westin.
— Review left August 21, 2022
Fantastic program! The Company of Adventurers shared the paradise of the national parks -- Banff, Yoho -- with us. The hikes for the "motivated" group rewarded those of us who want to hike, not stroll. And the leaders gave us tips to improve our skills. Eating lunch on the rocks next to a raging waterfall was divine. My comfort zone, especially with respect to stream crossings, is so much larger now than it was before the trip. The guides are so much more than guides. They're problem solvers, teachers, cat herders, raconteurs, and people you wish were your neighbors.
— Review left August 17, 2022
This was in nearly every respect an excellent program that delivers as described. The one exception is that 25 days before the the first day we received a form requiring us to unconditionally release from liability (including any negligence with regard to transportation) those conducting a particular activity. This to us seemed unethical and outrageous. Such a form should be presented before one signs up for the trip. We refused to sign. Fortunately the group leader arranged an alternative activity for us.
— Review left July 24, 2022
This was a truly enjoyable program with nice people! There were hikers of varying ability levels. It was a tad difficult to accommodate everyone, but the group leader generally had two--and sometimes three--levels on the hikes. Worked best with three levels of hikes.
— Review left July 23, 2022
I have done 23 trips with Road Scholar. I do no recommend this trip. The presentations at the cultural center and museum were excellent. Otherwise the trip failed to meet the description and expectations on all levels.
— Review left June 27, 2022
Vancouver and Whistler are both very beautiful, as was the bus trip along Howe Sound between the two. There were several excellent presentations by local experts: history of Whistler resort, culture of First Nations people, and bears. The hiking was pleasant, but not nearly as extensive as suggested in the description - nothing close to 10 miles!! (I'm not sure if any of our hikes were longer than 3 miles.) This was at least partly because of the closure of the Cheakamus area due to an aggressive bear, and also the unusual amount of residual snow at the top of Whistler's ski areas which kept many trails closed (this was late June). Our group leader and the local guides did their best to come up with Plan B and provide good experiences. Overall, the trip was excellent, especially for those who hadn't yet visited this area. But for motivated hikers, it was not as satisfying.
— Review left June 26, 2022
Whistler B.C. was an amazing place with waterfalls and hiking paths within walking distance from the hotel. We traveled to the top of the world by gondola and it was amazing. The Westin Whistler was a 5 star hotel and very luxurious. I got spoiled. Great trip!
— Review left June 25, 2022
