Also known by different names such as Sea to Sky hike, Sea to Sky Gondola hike, Sea to Summit trail, etc. Sea to Sky Summit hike is a steep hiking trail that offers nice views of Howe sound & top sections of the Shannon Falls. This hike was formerly also known as the Upper Shannon Falls Trail because it follows Shannon Falls for most of the part.
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Sea to Sky Summit Hike Summary
- Rating: Hard
- Distance: 7.5 km
- Elevation Gain: 3050 feet or 920 meters
- Time Needed: 3-5 hours
- Type: Out & back
- Season: May to October
Sea to Sky Summit Hike Video Guide
Sea to Sky Hike
Overview
The Sea to Summit trail is considered an intermediate/advanced hike, featuring several steep and challenging sections. The trail is marked with a total of 128 numbered blazers, with each blazer placed at 50-meter intervals. For instance, the 20th blazer corresponds to a distance of 1 kilometer, while the 40th blazer indicates a distance of 2 kilometers. To assist with navigation, there are additional blazers situated between each numbered blazer.
Sea to Sky Trailhead
We parked our cars at the Sea to Sky Gondola. There is a trailhead just the back of the parking lot which connects you directly to the main trailhead for this hike i.e. the Chief hike trailhead. There is a clear marking of “trailhead” near Sea to Sky Gondola. You walk for around 150 meters and it joins the chief hike trail as the chief hike and Sea to Sky Summit hike share the same trailhead.
Beginning of the hike
The hike starts with the stairs for the next 700 meters. Climbing up the stairs is tough. There is also a water stream that runs parallel to the wooden stairs. I guess there are a total of 200 steps. After a km, you arrive at the sea to summit hike & the chief hike fork. Take right from here. After taking right, the trail becomes easier for the next 400 meters. After the easy 400 meters, there is another steep part for another 200-300 meters which ends directly under the Gondola.
Under the Gondola
Once you reach directly under the Gondola, you get a nice view of the Howe Sound from here. Looking at sliding Gondolas from the bottom is not less than watching from sci-fi movies. Because of the recent Gondola wire-cut issue of Sea to Sky Gondola, Hikers are asked not to approach any Sea to Sky Gondola infrastructure and stay away from those. You will notice around that area.
Gondola to Upper Shannon Falls
The trail becomes steeper again after this point for the next 300 meters with boulders, rocks, and tree roots. Then it gets easier till upper Shannon falls. There is a trail section with a chain just before the Upper Shannon Falls. You also catch a nice view of the upper Shannon Falls, rocks, Gorges, etc.
Please be mindful that this part of the falls could be slippery and tricky, especially when the water flow and rocks are wet. So please be advised not to try to go into the water. The trail becomes steep after this point till the next viewpoint which is located almost halfway
Howe Sound View Point
As mentioned above, there is a very beautiful viewpoint after the upper Shannon Falls area. The viewpoint is around 300 meters to 400 meters from the Upper Shannon Falls area. The hike is steep throughout. There is also a rope section midway just before the viewpoint. This viewpoint is located almost the midway.
Elevation gain until this viewpoint is about 60% of the total hike elevation gain. Also, the second half of the hike is not as tactical in terms of tree roots, rocks, boulders, etc. So, the second part is easier compared to the first part except for small steep sections.
Shannon Basin Loop Fork
After about a km from the viewpoint, you reach the Shannon basin loop fork. You need to take left on the fork. There is a constant elevation gain from the viewpoint to the fork but it’s not that technical. At the Fork, you walk on a wide graveled trail for the next 500 meters.
Upper Sea to Summit Fork
After covering 500 meters, you will reach another fork called Upper Sea to Summit Fork. You can go either way, right or left, from here. The left route is harder compared to the right. If you are tired, you are advised to take the right route as the left route has some rope sections but if you want to enjoy the rope section, follow the left route. The left route is around 1.2 KM and is shorter & harder while the right route is around 3 km and is longer and easier with more viewpoints.
Sea to Sky Summit Gondola
Once you reach Sea to Sky Summit Gondola, you can either trek down or you can also take the Gondola to go down. It costs $15 as of June 2021.
Sea to Summit Hike vs Other hikes
| Sea to Summit | Sea to Summit vs Grouse Grind | Sea to Summit vs Chief first peak | |
| Length | 11.1 km | 1.8 km | 3.7 km |
| elevation gain | 950 m | 777 m | 535 m |
| hiking time | 3-5 hours | 1 hour | 1-2 hours |
Sea to Summit Hike FAQ
What is the trail’s distance and elevation gain?
The trail measures 6.5 kilometers in length, one way. It begins at an elevation of 35 meters above sea level and ascends to the summit at 885 meters, resulting in a total elevation gain of 918 meters. The trail features a few shorter descents along the way.
What is the typical duration for completing the trail?
The trail’s duration can range from 3 to 5 hours, depending on a variety of factors. The duration can vary widely due to the trail accommodating a full spectrum of users, including experienced trail runners and novice hikers.
Does the Sea to Summit trail offer any scenic viewpoints?
Yes, there are numerous scenic viewpoints throughout the trail, showcasing the breathtaking Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. Additionally, the trail passes alongside Shannon Creek for a brief section, offering another beautiful perspective. These viewpoints also provide excellent picnic spots for hikers.
Is it possible to see Shannon Falls from the Sea to Summit trail?
No, Shannon Falls cannot be viewed from the Sea to Summit trail. To access Shannon Falls, hikers should take the Shannon Falls Connector trail that begins at the Base parking area. Look for the trailhead sign located on the mountain side of the parking area. The hike to the falls typically takes between 10 to 20 minutes, during which hikers will traverse through a serene forested area.
How challenging is the Sea to Summit trail?
The trail is categorized as advanced, featuring fixed lines, roots, granite bluffs, steep segments, and technical terrain.
Is there a trail map of the Sea to Summit?
Here is the Alltrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/sea-to-summit-trail
Are there any water fountains or restrooms available on the Sea to Summit trail?
Hikers should be advised to bring ample water (at least 1 liter, and more during hot weather) as there are no potable water stations located along the trail. However, once you reach the top near the Gondola, you can get free drinking water there.
Is it possible to hike down the Sea to Summit trail?
Due to the trail’s steep and technical nature, it is not recommended to hike down the Sea to Summit trail. The trail was designed as an up-trail, and all trail markers are oriented to face uphill traffic only.
Is it likely to encounter wildlife while hiking the Sea to Summit trail?
While sightings are infrequent, hikers should be mindful that the trail passes through a wilderness area, which means there is a possibility of encountering any of the wildlife that inhabit the region.
Do I need a BC Park Permit?
No, BC park permits are not required for any of our trails.
Is there a trail from the Chief peaks across to the Sea to Summit?
No, not a direct one. The Stawamus Chief trail and the Sea to Summit trail join at the beginning of the trail, but there is no connecting trail past that point.
Do I have access to the amenities at the Summit if I hike up?
Yes, you will have access to all the amenities, just like the people who took the gondola to reach the summit. If you hike up with a dog, note that there is only one designated area at the summit where dogs can go.
If I hike up, can I buy a download ticket at the summit?
A: Yes, you can buy them for $20 per person at Guest Services or the Summit Gift Shop.
Can I hike up and the take the gondola down with my dog?
Yes. Note that there is only one designated area for dogs when you get to the summit. It is on the edge of the Backyard Plaza and is clearly marked “Dog Parking Zone”. There is a $20 fee for the dog download ticket with profits going to the Squamish SPCA. The Dog Parking Zone has picnic tables, water bowls, and shade.
Do children need to purchase tickets to ride down?
Children up to 12 years old get a complimentary download ticket when hiking to the summit. They must be accompanied by an adult.
Is there cellular reception along the whole trail?
There is reception most of the way. Note that if you choose to finish the trail via the Shannon Basin Loop option (a longer but less technical option), you will have very limited cellular reception after you branch off the Sea to Summit trail.