Trans Canada Trail from Squamish to Whistler: Sea to Sky Trail
Distance

DISTANCE

70km
GPS

GPS DOWNLOADS

Distance

MAP

About the Journey

The trail is operational from Squamish to Whistler – and a portionĀ is completed from Whistler Village up to Wedgemont Village north of Green Lake and another portion entering Pemberton between Nairn Falls and One Mile Lake. The trail is in great condition for walking and cycling. As a touring route, it doesn’t get any finer. Wayfinding signage is easy to find – familiarize yourself with the logo and watch for it as you ride!

While, at this time there is road and highway riding for some stretches between Squamish and Brandywine Falls, the features of the trail such as the Cheakamus Canyon, Brandywine Falls, a number of lakes, coastal forestĀ and the shear fun navigating the substantial sections of winding trail makes the whole experience worthwhile.

The trail can be navigated at this time from Wedgemont VillageĀ at the north end of Green Lake to the trailhead in Squamish for a distance ofĀ 78 km, the most popular section being from Whistler Village to Brandywine Falls for a distance of 22 km one-way.Ā Ā Navigating the trail from Whistler to Squamish entails quite a bit more downhill than going north.Ā  The Squamish trailhead is at sea level and the highest point on the trail north of Whistler Village isĀ 730 metres/2400 ft (680 metres/2200 ft at Whistler Village)




Staging Areas:

GPS INFORMATION:

  • KML/KMZ files can be opened in Google Earth, and many smartphone apps.
  • GPX files can be opened by most GPS software apps when KMZ cannot. Note, GPX files do not contain custom colours and icons that we use on our maps; all tracks and icons will appear the same colour and styles. We recommend using KMZ instead of GPX if possible.

The files below include data for only this specific area. For all of our Trans Canada Trail data for the entire province (including features, campsites and alternate routes), download our BC.kmz master file (1.2 MB)

Visit ourĀ GPS & NavigationĀ page for instructions of how to use your smartphone as a GPS device (even when outside of data coverage) or how to import data to your Garmin unit.


GPS DOWNLOAD (KMZ FILE)
GPS DOWNLOAD (GPX FILE)
DOWNLOAD INFORMATION SHEET

Staging Areas:

Washrooms:

Route Highlights:

  • The trail is being further expanded to the north, past Whistler Village to Green Lake and beyond to Pemberton.
  • Collaboration with Squamish and Lil’wat Nations has resulted in signage being produced displaying First Nations’ place names and logos. Watch for them posted along the trail soon!
  • A new bridge constructed over the Cheakamus River (north of the bungee bridge) in early 2015 now allows year round access to the trail.
  • A long awaited rail overpass north of Squamish is in the works which will facilitate a much safer method of crossing the live CN rail line.

DOWNLOAD INFORMATION SHEET

Shopping:

Accomodations:

 

For both camping and hotel accommodation in Squamish and WhistlerĀ check in at the Visitor Centers on the website.

Near the half-way point on the trail just north of Brandywine Falls is the Cal-Cheak Forest Recreation Site campground.

Whistler Accommodation

Transportation:

Directions:

DOWNLOAD INFORMATION SHEET (PDF)
Southbound Directions:

Because much of this trail is well signed as of the spring of 2013, it won’t be necessary to give detail written directions for this trail.Ā  The trail is described here heading south.

Wedgemont Village to Whistler Village Center – 11 kmĀ –Ā change in elevationĀ 150 metres/500 ft.

Here the trail winds its way on the east side of Green Lake offering great vistas over the lake.Ā  The 150 metres elevationĀ uphill change takes place in the first 5 km.; then it is mainly downhill from there.Ā  In the last leg of this segment the trail is part of the Lost Lake trail system and passes by the Blackcomb resort.Ā  Then the trail heads toĀ Whistler Village CentreĀ a mecca of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Whistler Village Center to Brandywine Falls – 22 km – change in elevationĀ 250 metres/820 ft. mostly downhill

ThisĀ fun ride or walk first meanders through the village toward picturesque Alta Lake followed by the smaller Nita andĀ Alpha Lakes on the way to Creekside at the base of Whistler Mountain. Soon the trail gets away from theĀ built up areaĀ enteringĀ the forest and winding its way toĀ the Cal-Cheak Forest Recreation Site that featurea a campground and a suspension Bridge.Ā  One day this bridge will become part of the route but for now follow the signage out of the Recreation site on a Forest Service Road all the way to the Bungee Bridge.Ā  Cross this Bridge and once again follow a windy forestedĀ trail all the way down to the bottom of Brandywine Falls.Ā  The falls are a short distance away from the trail before heading out of the park (turn left at the railroad track).

Brandywine Falls to the top of the Cheakamus Canyon Trail – 15 km –Ā overallĀ elevation drop 170 metres/550 ft

In this section the route is onĀ the edge of the Highway at the start (4 km –Ā part of it along picturesque Daisy Lake)Ā and at the end (5 km, the last 1.5 kmĀ is a 50m climb).Ā In timeĀ all of this will be off-highway.Ā  However, the 6Ā km presently off-highway past Pinecrest village is once again a fun ride orĀ walk through forestĀ that takes inĀ pleasant Shadow Lake.Ā  After being on the edge of the highway for 4 km watch for an entrance for Pinecrest.Ā  And follow the former highway to the end of the road.Ā  Look for a trail entering the forest on the right side of the road.

Cheakamus Canyon Trail to Government Rd., Brackendale –Ā  17 km – elevation drop of 280 metres/920 ft

The first 4 km is the 250 metre/820 ft.Ā drop in the must be seen Cheakamus Canyon with its great vistas over the Cheakamus River and the railroad below passing Starvation Lake before reaching the bottom at a railroad crossing.Ā  From the railroad and alongside the Cheakamus River the route follows the near level and quietĀ Paradise Valley Rd. all the way to Government Rd at Brackendale.

Government Rd. to the trailhead in Squamish – 13.6 km

BecomeĀ more vigilant watching for the Sea-to-Sky signage in this urban seting.

Soon after crossing the Cheekye Bridge where the Paradise Valley Rd. becomes the Squamish Valley Rd isĀ Government Rd.Ā  At this intersection, look for a trail entering the forestĀ across Government Rd. and turn right on this trail heading west.Ā  Stay on this trail paralleling Government Rd. as it turns south.Ā  When the trail runs out continue on Government Rd. to Eagle Run Drive and turn left.Ā  Near the end of this street look for a trail between houses.Ā  It accesses a highway overpass.Ā  After the overpass turn right at the next corner.Ā  From here carefully follow the signage and soon the trail is on a paved pathway known as the corridorĀ all the way to the visitor Centre.

Pick up the trail again from a parking lot across the Visitor Centre and follow it south through Rose Park up to a highway bridge.Ā  Go under the bridge and work your way to Loggers Lane via Pemberton Ave.Ā  Turn left and follow it all the to Vancouver Street.Ā  Turn right and immediately look for a trail on your left.Ā  Stay on this trail until you get to the Howe Sound ocean waterfront and be treated to a spectacular view of Shannon Falls.Ā  This is the designated km 0 of the Sea-to-Sky Trans Canada Trail land trail.