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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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
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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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.

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices will be unavailable.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
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.

Profile Image of Jacob Johnson
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.
Profile Image of Liesl Lafferty
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.
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.
Meals
15 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Aug 25, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024
  • Aug 25, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024
  • Jun 23, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024
  • Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024
2 nights
Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Whistler
Fresh mountain air, pristine luxury accommodations, a perfect slope side location — welcome to The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler. Nestled steps away from the gondolas in the center of Whistler Village, this award-winning hotel is designed using indigenous materials reflective of our stunning natural environs; we were also the host for downhill events during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Hotel amenities include a spa and health club, indoor, outdoor and whirlpools as well as a fitness studio. Cash machine/ATM and laundry on site, In-room coffee makers, iron and ironing board, mini fridge, kitchenette, electrical adapters, Internet access ($$$), plug-in-panel clock radios and flat screen TV’s. Bathrooms have a separate tub and shower, bathroom amenities, bathrobes and hair dryers
1 night
Richmond
The Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel, a waterfront property on the banks of the Fraser River, overlooks the 158-slip marina on one side and the Coast Mountains on the other.
2 nights
Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Whistler
Fresh mountain air, pristine luxury accommodations, a perfect slope side location — welcome to The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler. Nestled steps away from the gondolas in the center of Whistler Village, this award-winning hotel is designed using indigenous materials reflective of our stunning natural environs; we were also the host for downhill events during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Hotel amenities include a spa and health club, indoor, outdoor and whirlpools as well as a fitness studio. Cash machine/ATM and laundry on site, In-room coffee makers, iron and ironing board, mini fridge, kitchenette, electrical adapters, Internet access ($$$), plug-in-panel clock radios and flat screen TV’s. Bathrooms have a separate tub and shower, bathroom amenities, bathrobes and hair dryers
1 night
Richmond
The Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel, a waterfront property on the banks of the Fraser River, overlooks the 158-slip marina on one side and the Coast Mountains on the other.
2 nights
Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Whistler
Fresh mountain air, pristine luxury accommodations, a perfect slope side location — welcome to The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler. Nestled steps away from the gondolas in the center of Whistler Village, this award-winning hotel is designed using indigenous materials reflective of our stunning natural environs; we were also the host for downhill events during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Hotel amenities include a spa and health club, indoor, outdoor and whirlpools as well as a fitness studio. Cash machine/ATM and laundry on site, In-room coffee makers, iron and ironing board, mini fridge, kitchenette, electrical adapters, Internet access ($$$), plug-in-panel clock radios and flat screen TV’s. Bathrooms have a separate tub and shower, bathroom amenities, bathrobes and hair dryers
1 night
Richmond
The Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel, a waterfront property on the banks of the Fraser River, overlooks the 158-slip marina on one side and the Coast Mountains on the other.





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