Sea to Sky Gondola (WB), British Columbia, Canada
SEA-TO-SKY Gondola
Only built in the last years when we heard about it, we always said we
have to go up there… and so for our 15th Wedding Anniversary we
decided to come here: Camping at Porteau Cove and up the gondola.
On time Parking
It opens at 9.30: that means we leave here at 9 am, that means coffee
is short cut, breakfast fast and then we leave– and as per internet the parking
at the gondola is only if < 3 hrs…. and because it is a quite day – we got
the best parking spot right at the Gondola and even we were a little bit later
than planned went up at 09.31!!!
The Gondola ride
It’s quit steep up, but the most amazing is: we had the gondola all for
ourselves – that means walking around and looking wherever we wanted and the
view onto Howe Sound is simply amazing. The greenish looking Howe Sound with
the mountains in the background… already on the way up our mind was blown!!!
The Suspension bridge
What’s the first thing you do: you go out on the viewing platform and
on the Suspension bridge. Overall we crossed this bridge at least 3 times!! And
also we went in both directions over the course of the day….
Even better you go from one Viewing Platform to the next one… each with
amazing views….
The Stellar Jay
- is the nice blue-black bird we saw a lot here
- it is related to ravens and crows (wow!!): they are intelligent and curious
- they travel in pairs and have a complex social system
- besides eating nuts, seeds and berries, they also eat insect & small rodents - and let's not forget eggs from other birds
- they are noisy and can imitate the calls of many birds (like hawks and eagles) as well as imitate squirrels, dogs and cats (Isn't that amazing?)
The High line trail
When Gine checked out the map she thought let’s do the waterland lake
trail… guess this trail is closed today!!! So that was a little bit upsetting,
but then the guys there recommended to do the highline trail going onto a bluff
with even nicer views and so we went towards there…
Along the wide gravel road and there is the trail head: and it already
looks super cool: a huge rocky straight wall up bluff and the path are rough rocks:
and it says: some scrambling required!!! Ok this is definitely a walk for us:
so up onto the bluff – over rocks – down and up and up and down – a view here,
a better view there, then the mountains in one direction and the other… we
discovered some water tank…
This hike was absolute the best!!! And we were the only one on it – I’m
so glad the other trail was closed and we went on this walk. It took us 2
hours, because there was so much to see and once in a while we had to sit down
and enjoy!!!
At the very end you go down and end up near those huge rocky walls
again…
The best bench
On the way to the summit lodge we found 2 benches – which I think are
the best benches we ever saw: huge roots cut into a bench – they are super
comfy and look super awesome… I wonder why our roots and trees at home were not
re-used that way… but then Paul’s argument is always that he doesn’t has the
tools!!!!
Lunch with a view
We found a spot with view on the Howe Sound. Sandwiches and cold
drinks… an amazing view and already a nice walk behind us… we totally enjoyed
our little break before we go on and explore more.
The Panorama trail
Ok so you can’t really miss this one: the sign is so huge that you must
be blind to miss this trail: and so we start out on this stroller friendly
loop. Fairly soon there is a short loop onto a bluff with a nice view on the
Garibaldi mountains… and that is where we met that Chinese couple… Paul can
really learn from her to pose for pictures! Soon after another side trip and we
learn about all the birds up in the mountains…. And then we arrive at the
Stawamus Chief viewing platform: guess everyone coming up on the Gondola comes
here: during we were there and enjoying the view a group full of teenagers
came: it’s like a can got opened!!! And we were looking from the backside down
on the Stawamus Chief… it does not look that high – so it goes back on the
list. Meanwhile it also gets quite hot up here and we continue on the loop:
The lookback loop
Goes off and yes we have to go there and see the view from the bluff
right!!! It even says a little bit more difficult: and that is only because it
is not a stroller path, but a normal walking path… and you end up on a bluff
with great view down to Howe Sound… most people turn then around.. which we
don’t get because if it is a loop then you don’t turn… and so we went onto the
next bluff where we were all by ourselves: and from here you also have a great
view up on the Summit Lodge… perfect rocks to sunbath and that’s what we did
until we felt to hot!!!
That means back to the Lodge for another drink and then head down with
the Gondola… this time facing the rocks…
Cool off in the ocean
with the air matress
Back a quick coffee and then we have to go in the ocean to cool off!!!
And we took the air matresses with us, because that is more relaxing and you
can stay longer out…. Lucky for us, it is high tide and the water nearly comes
to the campground.
With the camera out on the water we have fun, relax and Gine paddles
along the shoreline and back…. What a great cool down!!!
Relaxing evenings
After a shower… it’s time for supper in the sun and then we sit in our
loungers and relax and watch the sun set behind the mountains…. See the ocean
turn in all kind of reddish-grey colors…. Until it is time for a nice bedtime
cake…
Sleeping with ocean
view
And what we like best is: we are
in bed and turn our head and overlook the ocean… what more do you want!!
2025-05-22