A pal of mine advised me concerning the Sea to Sky Gondola expertise in Squamish, positioned an hour north of Vancouver. She mentioned that the views have been insane and that it was definitely worth the drive and the associated fee! Although we needed to lease a automotive, she insisted we go to this new-ish attraction.
So the day after my birthday, we took the scenic and windy drive up north. Previous Stanley Park and Lions Gate, alongside the coast and with views of The Chief, it may need been essentially the most gorgeous drive I’ve ever taken!
As soon as we made it to the parking zone, we have been greeted with a sound of speeding water. To the fitting have been the big Shannon Falls, a waterfall cascading off the aspect of the very mountain we’d be hoisted above.
The sights, the sounds and the smells assured me this was about to be an intimate afternoon with Mom Nature.
We grabbed our tickets and made our manner into our personal, non-public gondola. Because the gondola swiftly pulled us 2,900 ft. excessive in about 8 minutes, we loved the view in full and utter awe.
Previous to our arrival, I had heard of the 100-meter lengthy suspension bridge excessive over the gorge. I had by no means skilled a suspension bridge earlier than and it was simply, like, a traditional bridge proper?
Mistaken.
The suspension bridge was a sequence of picket panels held along with sturdy, metallic cables. And whereas the cables appeared sturdy sufficient, the motion of each passerby shook and swung the bridge with ease and fragility.
It was truly, kinda, sorta, terrifying.
As soon as I acquired over the foolish thought of plummiting to my dying, I regarded up and noticed what was round me. To the East, one other 3,000 ft up, have been mountains lined in snow-in late June! To the West was the Howe Sound, a fantastically blue sound linked to a sequence of fjords. And beneath us have been 1000’s and 1000’s of inexperienced bushes.
It was mesmerizing.
As we swung backward and forward on the bridge (okay I exaggerate-a slight swing), we reached the Spirit Viewing Platform. On the time, this platform was holding a sequence of night yoga lessons, so we didn’t get to benefit from the view.
Nonetheless, this result in the Spirit Path which was a small path that lead us by a small loop alongside the sting, permitting us to see a number of the greatest that the land needed to provide.
Midway by the trek, the path opened as much as one of many coolest viewing platforms I had ever seen. A suspended platform jetted out from the rock, often known as The Chief Overlook Viewing Platform, supplied panoramic views of Howe Sound and the unbelievable solar beams placing by the clouds.
It was completely heavenly.
From right here, we might additionally see what is often known as “The Chief.” What regarded like a rock to this metropolis lady was truly the second largest granite monolith on this planet!
Earlier than Sea to Sky was constructed, locals would climb The Chief to get a view from above the Howe Sound. (And it took without end to climb it.)
Now, you’ll be able to nonetheless climb The Chief or, in case your like this anti-hiker, you might benefit from the view from a snug distance.
We ended the day with beers on the Summit Eatery and Edge Bar (the place there additionally occurred to be a marriage)! Native brew after a trek round essentially the most stunning view was the proper finish to the proper outside expertise.
