Hiking the Sea to Summit Trail in Squamish
Contents
Sea to Summit Trail Hike Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8Km
Elevation Gain: 935m
Highest Elevation: 888m
Average Gradient: 11.70%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4 – 5 Hours
– Moderate: 3 – 4 Hours
– Fast: 2 – 3 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: Year-Round
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: Not a lot, one steep boulder section with no exposure.
Sea to Summit Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°40’32.0″N 123°09’25.0″W
Sea to Summit Trail Overview
The Sea to Summit trail is a hike that begins at the base of the Sea to Sky Gondola in the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, ending at the top of the gondola. This is typically a one way hike, with hikers able to purchase a download ticket for the gondola once they complete the hike. At the time of writing this cost $15.
The Sea to Summit trail provides amazing views over the Howe Sound at the top, but also offers lots of different and fun terrain to enjoy throughout the hike. This trail truly has a little bit of everything, from boulder scrambles, to stairs, to waterfalls, to incredible views, all ending with a beer/tea/coffee/burger while you relax at the summit lodge, with the most incredible backdrop over the Howe Sound. All of this is combined with the benefit of not having to hike back down thanks to the gondola. This truly puts the Grouse Grind to shame in terms of one way hikes.
Not only that, the adventure doesn’t have to end there. There’s loads of trails at the top of the gondola that are all free to use (despite being maintained by the Sea to Sky Gondola), as well as excellent access to the backcountry for those who want to really test themselves on something like Sky Pilot Mountain.
Many people were not happy with the construction of this gondola, as could be evidenced by the two acts of vandalism that have forced the gondola to close in recent periods. I for one am thankful for the gondolas construction and the accessibility it has provided to an area that would otherwise only be possible for experienced outdoor enthusiasts
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Is the Sea to Summit Trail worthwhile?
Absolutely, the Sea to Summit trail should be high on everyone’s hiking to-do list, particularly anybody new to hiking who wants to get a bit more adventurous than simple trails. This trail has a little bit of everything, it’s challenging in parts, easy in others, it has simple terrain and moderately complex terrain. The biggest benefit for me is the ability to chill out at the summit once you’ve finished, before taking a leisurely gondola ride down for a mere $15. I don’t often say moderately difficult trails that aren’t even going to a peak are great hikes, but this one is. This is one of the hikes that ignited my passion and I’ll typically do it at least once a year.
It’s also a great social hike to do with a group. I find the trail a lot of fun throughout, and being able to relax with your friends at the end, enjoying some food and drink above the Howe Sound, is really one of the nicest ways to end a hike.
How difficult is the Sea to Summit Trail?
At 11.70% average gradient the Sea to Summit trail is no walk in the park by any means. There are parts of this trail that are extremely steep, namely the beginning where the trail shares the same staircase with those hiking to the Chief, and other parts that are relatively flat. This is a good workout for all fitness levels but overall, considering it’s a one way trail and it’s just 8km long, I would consider the Sea to Summit trail as a moderately difficult hike, though I’m sure many disagree.
From a technical stance this is a simple hike with few issues. There is one steep boulder section that may require some use of hands, and a couple of simple chained sections, but other than that it’s pretty straightforward. None of these sections are exposed to any fall.
Sea to Summit Trail Route Information
The hike begins at the north end of the Sea to Sky Gondola parking lot. You’ll want to get here early in the summer as this gondola is very popular and the parking fills up fast. You may also park at the Stawamus Chief parking lot, or the Shannon Falls parking lot in an emergency. Parking at the Sea to Sky Gondola is apparently limited to 3 hours, but it’s not enforced to my knowledge and they know full well it takes hikers more than 3 hours to go up, chill at the top and then come down. I wouldn’t worry about the 3 hour limit, I’ve been several times and never had an issue.
From the trailhead there are two trails, left goes to the Sea to Summit trail and right goes to Shannon Falls, don’t make the mistake of going right like I did the first time. The trail quickly joins up with the same trail that is heading towards the Chief, so it might be busy if you haven’t left early enough as the Chief is very popular.
After around 500m the trail twists back on itself and you’ll soon be at the dreaded staircase. This is extremely steep and it’s probably the hardest part of the hike physically. Don’t be deterred though, it’s short and gets easier from here on out. In the space of around 500m you will climb about 200m, for an average gradient of 40%. While steep, it’s all on stairs or rocks and is technically simple, just grind it out as fast as possible.
At the top you’ll reach a fork in the trail where everyone has a rest stop after the slog up the stairs. Going left goes to the Chief and right goes towards Shannon Falls and the Sea to Summit trail. The crowds should thin out here as most people will go towards the Chief.
For the next 500m or so you have earned yourself a welcome reprieve, with a mostly flat trail wandering through the forest and crossing over Olesen Creek. It won’t last too long though, as soon you will hit another steep section traipsing up some old wooden steps. At the top of this section you’ll now be right beneath the gondola and will have a bit of a viewpoint as the carriages whizz past overhead.
The trail continues at a flat gradient for a little while before you come out at another steep, yet fun section. You’ll scamper up some boulders and soon have to climb over a large rock, which is pretty straightforward and won’t cause you any concerns I’m sure.
After this you’ll have another long, flat section for around 1 kilometer as you work your way towards Shannon Creek. You can get really close to Shannon Creek, in fact you can feasibly go in it, but I wouldn’t advise it as this creek leads to several drops and ultimately becomes Shannon Falls, so one wrong move could send you over the edge. Unfortunately three lives were lost in 2018 in Shannon Creek so this is no joke.
After the creek you’ll start climbing again and will soon use a chain to pull yourself up a rocky embankment. As you proceed through the forest the trail remains a consistent incline, but you’re past the hardest parts now and it’s more of a mellow plod. You’ll soon come out to a beautiful clearing with great views over the Howe Sound, again another popular rest spot on the hike and great photo opportunities.
Continuing on you’ll dip back into the forest for a while before coming out at a logging road. After following it for a while you’ll again pass under the gondola and now you’ll be just 1km from the top. Re-entering the forest it’s not far now, but the gradient remains consistently steep so don’t expect a respite. You’ll just grind it out for the last kilometer as there’s not a lot to see here and the finish line is close and oh so sweet.
Once you’re at the top you’ll see the Summit Lodge right in front of you. I suggest immediately heading through the lodge to the patio on the other side where you will have breathtaking views of the Howe Sound, as well as Sky Pilot behind you. Go and grab some food/drinks and pull up a chair, soaking in the views as you bask in your accomplishment, proudly judging everyone else who paid for the gondola ride up.
After you’re done you can either buy your download ticket from customer services and enjoy the ride down, or go and explore some of the many trails at the top. At the very least I would recommend crossing the suspension bridge and strolling around the Panorama Trail to the various viewpoints. This is all flat, short and sweet. Bigger options from the top could be a hike on Al Habrich’s Ridge or Sky Pilot Mountain, though the latter requires mountaineering experience as it’s a class 4 scramble with severe exposure.
When should I hike the Sea to Summit Trail?
Honestly I like the Sea to Summit trail in the shoulder season. It’s a low elevation hike and even in winter the most you will need is micro spikes. It makes for a great spring or fall option, I certainly wouldn’t dedicate a beautiful summer day to it but do try and make sure you have clear skies as the payoff is really the impressive view from the top.
Top Tip
This is a great social hike to do with friends/family, it’s a lot of fun along the way and the ability to enjoy food/drink at the top and take a gondola ride down makes this a social outing. As much as I love a solo hike, I’d save this one for a group trip for sure.
