The Best Day Hikes in the Sea to Sky
- foundinthewildca
- Jan 12
- 5 min read
The Sea to Sky is one of the best corridors in BC for accessible and stunning day hikes. Its close proximity to Vancouver means some of these hikes can be busy, but that doesn't change just how scenic they are. If you're travelling to Squamish, Whistler or Pemberton and are looking for a day hike in the area, here are some of my favourite trails that I return to again and again.
Before heading out to hike any of these, keep up to date on any day pass requirements from BC Parks, especially if you're heading out on a weekend.
Note on the stats: these are pulled from my personal Garmin GPS tracking from when I hiked the trails - they may differ slightly to information available from AllTrails or other sources, but they are realistic to actual hiking distances.
Day Hikes between Vancouver and Squamish
Tunnel Bluffs
Distance: 13km
Elevation gain/loss: 510m
Starts off steep, but once you get that out of the way it's a pretty hike through the forest, leading to a stunning viewpoint.
St Marks Summit
Distance: 12km
Elevation gain/loss: 600m
I've only done this hike in the winter (which was fantastic, but does go through an avalanche path, so if you attempt this during the winter make sure to have your AST knowledge refreshed and the appropriate gear). Another beautiful view along the Howe Sound Crest Trail.
Day Hikes in the Squamish Area
The Stawamus Chief [currently CLOSED as of 12/27/2025 due to rockfall]
Distance: between 6km and 11km depending if you hike Chief 1, 2, 3 or all 3
Elevation gain/loss: 500-700m
A Squamish favourite! I usually like to do Peak 2 as it's slightly higher than Peak 1 and a better view - but if you have time to do all 3, do it. Going counter clockwise will be quieter than clockwise.
Elfin Lakes
Distance: 22km
Elevation gain/loss: 850m
Great as a longer day hike, or camp there overnight if you want to take your time. There are some excellent hikes further than Elfin if you do camp there - highly recommend Diamond Head.
Sea to Summit Trail
Distance: 7km
Elevation gain/loss: 1,000m elevation gain, take the Sea to Sky Gondola down
The Sea to Summit Trail heads steeply up to the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola. It's mostly forested with a couple of great viewpoints along the way of Howe Sounds. The Climb is an alternate route and a local favourite, climbing 908m over just 4.2km.
Crooked Falls
Distance: 6.8km
Elevation: 511m
Crooked Falls surprised me with just how epic the waterfall is - it's huge! The sound of the insane amount of water being moved is spectacular.
Day Hikes between Squamish and Whistler
Panorama Ridge
Distance: 30km
Elevation gain/loss: 1650m
By far one of the most scenic hikes in the Sea to Sky, Panorama Ridge is an epic hike. Many opt to do it in at least one night and camp at either Taylor Meadows or Garibaldi Lake. Other hikes in the area include the Black Tusk and Mount Price.
Day Hikes in the Whistler Area
Cheakamus Lake
Distance: 8km
Elevation gain/loss: 150m
A short and mellow 4km hike to reach the lake means that this is the perfect stroll in the woods if you don't have a ton of time, or if you don't want to spend all day hiking.
Ascent Trail
Distance: 5.7km
Elevation gain/loss: 1,120m elevation, download via the Blackcomb Gondola
The great thing about the Ascent Trail is you just need to hike one way - up! The Ascent Trail is divided into Little Burn, Big Burn and Heart Burn, meaning you can just hike part of it if you don't want to do the full thing. Between Big Burn and Heart Burn you're able to jump on the Blackcomb Gondola down (ticket required), or keep hiking all the way to the top for amazing alpine views.
Overlord Trail and Decker Loop
Distance: 10km
Elevation gain/loss: 550m
By taking the Blackcomb Gondola up, you can cut off a significant chunk of elevation gain and just focus on a beautiful alpine hike with lakes and glacier views.
Rainbow Lake
Distance: 17km, 22km with Ninja Lakes Loop
Elevation gain/loss: 900m/1100m with Ninja Lakes Loop
For some reason it took me over a decade of living in the Sea to Sky to do this hike - and I regret not doing it way sooner. On the way up be sure to do a quick side trip to the Rainbow Falls. Once you're up in the alpine, I highly recommend also doing the Ninja Lakes Loop, especially if you're hiking on a hot day - there are some lovely swimming holes, which is great as you cannot swim in Rainbow Lake.
Wedgemount Lake
Distance: 11km
Elevation gain/loss: 1,200m
Another short, steep and stunning hike, Wedgemount Lake can be done as a day hike or overnight. The first time I did this hike was in 2017, and only went back again in 2025 - and was absolutely blown away by just how scenic this place is. I definitely won't wait that long next time!
Day Hikes in the Pemberton Area
Semaphore Lakes
Distance: 6km
Elevation gain/loss: 400m
One of my absolute favourites, especially during the Fall as the colours are just so pretty. It's a short and sometimes steep hike to get up to the lakes, but once you're up there you can wander around the different lakes and get a closer look at Train Glacier.
Joffre Lakes
Distance: 8km
Elevation gain/loss: 480m
Joffre Lakes is by far the most popular (and with good reason) day hike in the Sea to Sky. There are 3 stunning turquoise blue lakes to enjoy, with the Matier glacier towering in the background. Day passes are required all Spring and Summer and are vigorously checked. If you can get passes, I recommend going nice and early to beat the crowds and have a quieter trail compared to later in the day.
What makes the Sea to Sky special is there is a hike for everyone - shorter, easier hikes for those just looking to get out and enjoy nature, all the way to epic 30km + journeys that challenge as much as they inspire.
If you’re feeling inspired but unsure where to start, I’m always happy to help you choose a hike - or plan a bigger adventure - from the many incredible options this region has to offer.
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