Have you ever visited the Sea to Sky Gondola? It's only a 45-minute scenic drive from Vancouver up the Sea to Sky Highway, so it's a perfect family day trip for us. Until recently, we'd only been up the gondola and hiked their beautiful trails with adults & kids aged 8+. But last week we visited with kids aged 2-6 and discovered that it truly offers gorgeous, fun adventures for families with kids of all ages. We're SO happy they've re-opened, and extra pleased that their team has gone to great lenghts to make families feel safe with distancing & enhanced cleaning.
EXCITEMENT OF THE RIDE UP
There's nothing quite like seeing little faces light up at the sight of something spectacular. The gondola ride up the mountain took their breathe away, alternating between complete silence and "wow", taking in the widesweeping views of Howe Sound and the Stawamus Chief. We had our own gondola car for the ride up the mountain and noticed that the staff were doing a very thorough job of sanitizing touchpoints between groups.
VIEWS FOR MILES
The Sea to Sky Gondola certainly wins a gold medal from us for incredible viewpoints. Can't think of a more lovely place to spend a beautiful, sunny, West Coast day. Endless trails are topped off with a suspension bridge like no other. We'd crossed the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge on previous trips, but doing it this time with "wowed" young kids brought a whole new element of fun to the adventure. Lots of pointing and "ooing" and "ahhing"!
ALPINE ALLEY
The Alpine Alley Family Adventure Trail was the highlight of this trip to the Sea to Sky Gondola. Having never done this trail before, we were delighted to discover how much it is tailored specifically to young kids. Meandering easy trails through the forest with a good mix of sunshine & shade, plus fun activities to surprise the kids along the way - a mini rock wall, mini ropes courses, interactive animal information stops, tiny tunnel and slide...it got better and better! And we were comforted seeing staff along the trail santizing many of the touchpoints.
After an hour on the Alpine Alley Family Adventure Trail and some extra time on the suspension bridge, we found picnic tables in a cool shady spot to eat our lunch. Then we wrapped up our visit with some time on the playground before catching the Gondola back down. Only to find our kids begging for a second round of playground time at the bottom! What an incredible structure for imaginative play...how could we resist?!
What else to know before you go:
- Purchase your day ticket online prior to visiting the Sea to Sky Gondola
- The Sea to Summit ascent trail from the base to the summit is open, however, at this time hikers will be required to obtain a free day-use pass for Stawamus Chief Park from BC Parks.
- There are a number of indoor and outdoor dining & food options available at the base and the top of the gondola, or you're welcome to bring your own picnic like we did this time.
- If you're curious about the Sea to Sky Gondola's covid health & safety plan, visit their website.
- And most importantly...have a blast!
Born & raised in Vancouver, and co-founder of Healthy Family Media and the Healthy Family Expo, Angela is a reformed divorce lawyer turned healthy family champion! By day, she thrives on connecting conscious brands with busy Vancouver families. By night, you’ll find her wrangling two feisty daughters, choosing between instant pot or healthy freezer meals for dinner, and singing with MomChoir. She especially loves sharing her favourite family-friendly finds with other Lower Mainland parents!
