From Sea to Sky

Every ascension up the Sea to Sky Highway is full of breathtaking views of Howe Sound at every turn; not to mention incredible wildlife viewing opportunities from the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, to the banks of the Squamish River. The Squamish River Estuary is a local gem for birders, with over 240 species recorded throughout the year!

 Birding
  • 1
    Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
    38049 3 Ave, Squamish, BC V0N 1T0

    Stawamus Chief Provincial Park is home to one of the largest granite monoliths in the world and provides good nesting habitat for Peregrine Falcons. They can be viewed from the highway pull out day-use area, but remember to bring some binoculars. Ruffed Grouse can also be seen or heard along the trail if you’re lucky. Please note that the Stawamus Chief trails are steep and challenging.

Sea To Sky Gondola
 Birding
  • 2
    Sea to Sky Gondola
    36800 BC-99, Squamish, BC V8B 0B6

    Start this adventure with a thrilling gondola ride 885m above sea level, take in the bird’s-eye view of Howe Sound, explore a variety of frontcountry trails, and enjoy some time birding along the way.

  • 3
    Rose Park
    38550 Loggers Ln, Squamish, BC V8B 0H2

    From the park, take the gravel trail that follows the river past the open grassy field to a wooden viewing platform, perfect for watching the river and surrounding area for birds.

Squamish Estuary
 Birding
  • 4
    Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area
    Bailey St, Squamish, BC V8B, Canada

    Accessible through downtown Squamish off of Main St or at the end of Bailey St, this beautiful estuary is a great place to see waterfowl and songbirds. Watch for Purple Martins, Great Blue Herons, and Spotted Sandpipers. In the winter, large numbers of bald eagles can be seen feeding on the salmon.

 Cafe
Zephyr Café
 Cafe
The Salted Vine Kitchen + Bar by @viranlly / Destination BC
 Food
Downtown Squamish
 Shopping
 Accommodations
 Visitor Centre
Eagle Run Dike

Adventure Awaits

Over the bridge and far away, BC’s wild west coast reveals itself as the highway snakes northward along the Sea to Sky Bird Trail. As you pass Brackendale, cross your fingers for the seasonal return of thousands (yes, thousands!) of Bald Eagles from November to February.

 Birding
Bald eagle
 Birding
  • 21
    Fisherman’s Park
    River Rd, Squamish, BC V0N 1H0

    Enjoy the white sandy beach along the edge of the Squamish River where you might see Buffleheads, trumpeter swans, common mergansers, and belted kingfishers.

Field Notes

Exploring the Sea to Sky Bird Trail

Regarded as one of the world’s best road trip routes, Highway 99 stretches 377 kilometers from the US border northeast to Cache Creek, BC. But it’s at the northern tip of Howe Sound, in view of the towering Stawamus Chief Mountain, that the Sea to Sky corridor of this coastal route earns its namesake.  Exploring…
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 Birding
  • 22
    Alice Lake Provincial Park
    BC-99, Squamish, BC V0N 1H0

    Surrounded by towering mountains, dense forests, and grassy areas, Alice Lake Provincial Park offers 10 hiking trails and plenty of amenities. Keep watch for Swainson’s Thrush, Warbling Vireo, and a variety of flycatchers as you explore the area.

Warbling vireo
 Cafe
Brackendale Art Gallery
 Cafe
 Food
 Accommodations

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Attend the Brackendale Eagle Festival

January 1–31 every year.

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