The Road to 2010 - Sea to Sky Highway Driving to Whistler

The Long and Winding (and Construction-Laden) Road to Whistler

The Sea to Sky Highway drive from Vancouver to Whistler is one of the most beautiful, scenic journeys in the world. It will soon be known for freshly paved, dual-lane roads as well. In the meantime, if you're traveling during off-peak hours, hover your foot over the brake and pack your camera. Snap some gorgeous mountain shots while waiting for a yellow-vested human signpost to wave you on.

Convenient Inconveniences

The Sea to Sky Highway Improvement Project's goal is to finish construction by 2009 in time for the 2010 Olympics while maintaining travel-worthy roads for the majority of regular traffic.

Without construction delays an average journey to Whistler will take 2 hours 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver or 2 hours 45 minutes from Vancouver International Airport. Expect average travel times and smooth sailing, without scheduled delays or closures during peak travel times:

• 6 am to 9 am Monday to Friday
• 5 pm to 8 pm Monday to Thursday
• noon Friday to 10 pm Sunday
• all major Canadian and US holidays

Can't travel during these times? Plan on an average 45-minute delay from West Vancouver to Whistler. For a specific schedule of maximum delays and closures check out the weekly Sea to Sky Highway closures schedule the week you intend to travel.

It may also be a good idea to program 1-877-4SAFE99 into your phone to check road works and conditions before heading out.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait... in Traffic

The Sea to Sky Highway Improvement Project completion is scheduled for 2009. Improvements will make the drive to and from Whistler faster and safer.

Roads will be straighter with longer sightlines meaning consistently higher speed limits. Getting stuck behind a logging truck will be a thing of the past with 80 kilometres of new passing lanes between Horseshoe Bay and Whistler.

There are approximately 300 traffic accidents on the Sea-to-Sky Highway every year. New barriers, intersections and reflective pavement markings should create better visibility and decrease the number of crashes. New weather stations along the highway will also contribute to more efficient road maintenance.

Snooze While You Cruise or Soak in the Sights

Wondering if you're up for the challenge of driving the Sea to Sky Highway? Maybe you'd rather gawk at your surroundings instead of staring at the car in front of you? Avoid the nerves and frustration of being in the driver's seat. Be a pampered passenger of one of the many buses, private transfers or trains that run between Vancouver and Whistler daily.

Buses from Vancouver Airport:

Pacific Coach Lines*
Perimeter Whistler Express*

Buses from Vancouver:

Snowbus*
Greyhound

Private Transfer:

Star Limousine*

Scenic Train Journey from Downtown Vancouver:

Whistler Mountaineer

*Indicates discount available through AlluraDirect.com Whistler Guest Newsletter.

However and whenever you take your next trip to Whistler you'll likely be setting off on vacation so you shouldn't have any worries. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view. And bring a spare set of batteries for your camera!