Whistler: Sea to Sky Gondola Shannon and Brandywine Falls Tour
Description
A Scenic day tour to Whistler with stops at Shannon Falls & Brandywine Falls via Sea-to-Sky Highway. Experience the stunning natural beauty of British Columbia on an intimate full-day tour from Vancouver to Whistler. Travel along the breathtaking Sea-to-Sky Highway with scenic stops at Shannon Falls, Sea to Sky Gondola, Brandywine Falls, and Porteau Cove Park. Enjoy panoramic views of Downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, and Howe Sound. In Whistler, explore the charming mountain resort town at your own pace—book an adventure or soak in the alpine atmosphere. This small-group or private tour offers a personalized experience with a knowledgeable local guide, luxury transportation in an air-conditioned high-roof van with coach-style seating for up to 12 guests, and convenient pickup from any Downtown Vancouver hotel or cruise port. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to discover Whistler and its stunning surroundings in comfort and style.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Downtown (Pass By)Downtown Vancouver blends natural beauty with urban charm, offering ocean and mountain views, scenic waterfronts, and vibrant shops and restaurants—all in a walkable, modern setting. It’s the perfect gateway to explore the best of the West Coast.
Stanley Park is Vancouver’s crown jewel—a 1,000-acre urban oasis surrounded by ocean and filled with lush forest, scenic trails, and iconic landmarks. Walk or bike the famous Seawall, visit the Totem Poles, and take in panoramic views of the city, mountains, and waterfront.
The Lions Gate Bridge is one of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks, connecting downtown to the North Shore. Spanning Burrard Inlet, this suspension bridge offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, Stanley Park, and the coastal mountains, especially stunning at sunset.
Shannon Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder located along the Sea-to-Sky Highway near Squamish. Cascading 335 meters (1,099 feet), it's British Columbia’s third-highest waterfall and a popular stop for travelers. Enjoy easy trails, lush forest surroundings, and spectacular photo opportunities.
The Sea to Sky Gondola offers a breathtaking ride up the mountainside, revealing sweeping views of Howe Sound, lush forests, and towering peaks. At the summit, visitors can walk across the thrilling Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, suspended high above the alpine landscape, offering incredible photo ops and panoramic vistas. With scenic trails, viewing platforms, and a cozy summit lodge, it's the perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty—a must-stop experience on the way to Whistler!
The famous monolith in Squamish is The Stawamus Chief, a massive granite cliff that towers 700 meters above the town. One of the largest granite monoliths in North America, it's a magnet for hikers and rock climbers. Trails lead to breathtaking summit views of Howe Sound, coastal mountains, and the Sea-to-Sky Highway, making it a must-see natural wonder in British Columbia.
Brandywine Falls is a stunning 70-meter (230-foot) waterfall located near Whistler, along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Surrounded by volcanic cliffs and lush forest, it offers an easy hike to a viewing platform with dramatic views, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Whistler is a world-renowned mountain resort bursting with adventure and charm year-round. From epic skiing and snowboarding in winter to mountain biking, ziplining, and gondola rides in summer, it’s an outdoor playground like no other. Explore the lively pedestrian village, dine at top restaurants, and soak in breathtaking alpine scenery—Whistler is where unforgettable memories are made.
Porteau Cove is a scenic coastal park along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, offering stunning views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. A favorite stop for travelers, it features a peaceful beach, picnic areas, and a pier perfect for photos, stargazing, or spotting marine life.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
PICKUP TIMES VARY, DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU ARE STAYING. Kindly also scroll down to "Additional Information " below to see the exact pick-up time of your desired pick-up location.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Sea to Sky Gondola Ticket
- The travelers need to contact to arrange the Gondola ticket
- Small group tour up to 12 people
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please call to confirm your pickup location 24 hours prior to the tour departure time
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Reviews(33)
Excellent day trip, well timed
Great tour and fun experience. Amir was very flexible to our wishes and did his best to show us everything.
Best tour guide we’ve ever had. He was only interested in creating memories for us, and provided us ample opportunities to explore and enjoy the scenic displays of an area of the country we’ve never been to before. Thanks again Amir
We had an incredible day with Amir. He was knowledgeable , a pleasure to be with. As a family of 6 adults we all Enjoyed the sights & professional guiding. In addition, the transport was spacious and comfortable. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Amir and Vans trip.
A multi-generational trip with a cruise ship on one end and an international flight on the other, and every part seemed seamless. The only thing missing was a Time Machine— our guide was correct that this visit could easily have been a week long. What I am confident about after a day, though, is that we will be back! I would suggest this as a very suitable tour for kids, but there is a windy drive so plan a few distractions. If you can, stay overnight! If you must get your plane, feel confident you’ll be on time with a lot of great things to discuss at the airport.
We had such a great time with Amir! He was super pleasant and made everyone feel comfortable right from the start. Instead of the usual boring, scripted tour, he told funny stories that kept us entertained the whole way. He also took amazing pictures and videos for us, which was such a nice touch, and even played our favourite music on the bus—definitely added to the vibe. Overall, he made the experience fun, relaxed, and memorable. Would 100% recommend him to anyone!
Amir provided an excellent experience! Very informative as to the history of the various sites in the area including Brandywine Falls, Shannon Falls and Tantalus Lookout! A very interesting and enjoyable day overall! Thank you Amir!!
Amir created an amazing experience. Great ride and several stops up the stunning mountain side. I strongly recommend Amir and his knowledge of the area. A trip we won’t forget.
Review for “Whistler: Sea to Sky Gondola, Shannon & Brandywine Falls Tour” – Provider: Vantrips.ca My wife and I had a mixed experience on this tour — the scenery itself was absolutely worth seeing, but the service we received did not match what was promised or what we paid for. First, the positives: The Sea‑to‑Sky drive was beautiful and full of photo‑worthy views. Each stop offered plenty of time to explore, and the waterfalls were truly amazing. The natural sights themselves made the day worthwhile, and we never felt rushed at any of the locations. Unfortunately, the service side of the tour fell far short of expectations. We were left waiting for pickup for about 25 minutes with no communication. The tour was advertised as private, but at the last minute another passenger was added without any notice. We were also promised an executive mini‑bus, yet a standard Honda van arrived instead — a surprising downgrade. The tour guide, Farshid, brought his brother‑in‑law to drive because he had a sciatic medical condition that prevented him from walking to some of the sites. As a result, his brother‑in‑law escorted us at the stops, but we were never told his name or role. There was no real orientation or explanation at any location; in fact, the guide seemed to be taking pictures as if it were his first time visiting. It felt less like a guided tour and more like we were sharing a ride with another passenger and being dropped off at each stop. The tour description also promised “coffee & tea,” but the only refreshment offered was water. When the guide did speak, he had no microphone, faced forward, and spoke so quietly that it was difficult to hear anything — the person in the back seat couldn’t hear him at all. In the end, while the sights were wonderful, we could have easily done this on our own without paying for what amounted to an expensive Uber‑style ride with minimal guiding. The natural beauty delivered; the tour service did not.
As a local, independent small business, we pour our hearts and souls into showcasing the beauty of British Columbia. Reviews are the lifeblood of small operators like us, and receiving a 2-star rating is deeply devastating to our livelihood—especially when the core of the dissatisfaction stems from an unforeseen medical emergency and a misunderstanding of the service booked. While I am glad you enjoyed the breathtaking scenery of the Sea-to-Sky highway and that the pacing allowed you to fully appreciate the waterfalls, there are several important facts regarding your trip that need to be clarified. First, I must gently correct the assumption that this was a private booking. The tour you purchased was a shared group tour, which is why another passenger joined the trip. We apologize if the booking platform did not make this clear enough, but it was not a last-minute alteration to a private service. Second, regarding your guide: Farshid experienced a sudden, severe medical emergency on the morning of your trip. Rather than taking the easy route and cancelling your tour at the last minute—which would have ruined your travel plans entirely—he pushed through. He made the difficult choice to bring along a trusted assistant to handle the physical walking portions so that you would not lose your day in Whistler. He did his absolute best to deliver an experience under incredibly painful circumstances. That being said, we take full accountability for the communication breakdown. You deserved to be informed of Farshid’s medical situation and introduced properly to his assistant. We also acknowledge that the missing amenities, such as the coffee and tea, and the vehicle substitution did not meet the 5-star standard we strive for at VanTrips. We are a small team that cares deeply about our guests. We would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you directly regarding this miscommunication and the challenges on the day of your tour. Please reach out to me at info@vantrips.ca or my cell number 7787121062. Sincerely, Amir
Wonderful way to spend the day exploring the beauty of Vancouver and Whistler. Guide and driver had to compromise quickly as we ran into a few snags due to road closures,. Vancouver marathon had closed streets and park for awhile, but they made it all happen. They even accommodated my husband's frequent requests for photo opportunities. They were so thoughtful and worked with us every step of the way . We felt very special and catered to. Definitely do this tour if you are near Vancouver.
