Vancouver family tour Squamish with Porteau Cove and Britannia Mine Private

Sea to Sky Highway

There are few highways in the world with as much awe-inspiring scenery as the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Officially known as BC Highway 99, this legendary route from Vancouver to Whistler and beyond is a drive with incredible sights at just about every turn. It's also filled with fun stops, including outdoor destinations, cultural points of interest and historic sites.

Britannia Mine Museum

The Britannia Mine Museum, formerly British Columbia Museum of Mining, is located in Britannia Beach, which is about 55 km kilometres north of Vancouver on the Sea-to-Sky Highway on Howe Sound. The Museum site itself is an exhibit – from historical machinery to heritage buildings to the massive yellow dump truck that lives within the facility. You can take an underground tour of the mine on an old mine train. The 45 minute guided tour gives you an understanding of what life was like as a miner back in the early 1900s.

Duration: 2 hours

Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Porteau Cove Provincial Park is an oceanfront haven for scuba divers, kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, beachcombers and those just looking for a place to relax by the shore. It's a little bit of oceanfront paradise just minutes from Squamish. The 56-hectare park offers a ton of exploring through its driftwood beaches, tidal and intertidal marine life, sunken ships, artificial reefs, picnic areas and pebble beaches, plus 44 drive-in and 16 walk-in campsites to give you even more time and space to soak it all up

Duration: 1 hour

Sea to Sky Gondola

A 10 minute gondola ride will take you up to a truly magical place with some of the most spectacular views you will ever see and activities for all interests and ages. As you rise from the water’s edge on the valley floor, the view opens up before you: the bright blue water of Howe Sound, dotted with green islands and backed by the steep mountains of the Coast Range; the majestic Stawamus Chief; and a bird’s eye view of the town of Squamish with the rugged, snow-capped mountains to the north. You will arrive at the Summit Lodge where the experience continues. A popular spot for spectacular photos is the 100 metre Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stanley Park

Explore the 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest and enjoy scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall.

Duration: 20 minutes

Totem Poles

The totem poles in Stanley Park are one of the park's most iconic landmarks. There are nine totem poles in the park, each representing a different First Nations tribe. The totem poles were originally created in the 1920s as a way to showcase Indigenous art and culture.

Duration: 10 minutes

Prospect Point Lookout

Prospect Point is the highest point in Stanley Park and offers panoramic views of the park and the city. It's a popular spot for tourists to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

Duration: 15 minutes

Brockton Point Lighthouse

The Brockton Point Lighthouse is a popular spot for tourists to take photos. The lighthouse was built in 1914 and is still operational today. It's located at the eastern end of Stanley Park and offers stunning views of the city and the harbor

Duration: 10 minutes

Girl In A Wetsuit

The Girl in a Wetsuit Statue is a bronze statue located near Stanley Park Seawall. The statue depicts a woman in a wetsuit sitting on a rock and gazing out at the water. It's a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the scenic views.

Stanley Park Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is a beautiful garden within Stanley Park that features over 3,500 rose bushes. It's a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the colorful flowers.

Duration: 10 minutes

Vancouver Seawall

Vancouver has the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path. The 28 km Seaside Greenway is an uninterrupted pathway, including the Stanley Park Seawall, that extends from the Vancouver Convention Centre to Spanish Banks Park. Perfect for a walk, cycle, or jog, it is the most popular recreational spot in the city.

Duration: 15 minutes

Lions Gate Bridge

The Lions Gate Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge that connects Vancouver to North Vancouver at the entrance to the Port of Vancouver.

Whytecliff Park

Situated in the rugged coastline along the shores of Howe Sound in West Vancouver, the scenic mountains and passing boats offer spectacular views for visitors to Whytecliff Park to enjoy. Not only does Whytecliff Park have a series of hiking trails but you can also explore the beach and island area, have a family picnic in the park, or even scuba dive in what's known as a famous area for underwater diving.

Duration: 15 minutes

Horseshoe Bay

Located at the far west tip of West Vancouver on the North Shore, Horseshoe Bay is a pretty little village. The attraction marks the start of the beautiful Sea to Sky highway that links Metro Vancouver with Whistler.

Duration: 30 minutes

Shannon Falls Provincial Park

Shannon Falls Park is directly next to Highway 99. It is a popular day-use park offering picnicking, hiking, and access to the well-known trail in Stawamus Chief Park. The tumbling waters of Shannon Falls originate from Mount Habrich and Mount Sky Pilot. They rise 335m above Highway 99, making this the third highest falls in British Columbia (ranking behind 481m Della Falls in Strathcona Park and 396m Hunlen Falls in Tweedsmuir Park).

Duration: 15 minutes

Chinatown

One of Vancouver’s few distinct cultural historic neighbourhoods, Chinatown appeals to locals, and tourists, as well as a growing number of emerging chefs, artists, and small business entrepreneurs. Chinatown offers a wide array of stores, including home furnishings, health and wellness, fashion and attire, grocery, and so much more.

Steam Clock

A working steam clock, one of only a few in the world, located in Vancouver's Victorian Gastown. The clock is a key tourists destination in Vancouver. It’s also the near the start and a finish line of the Gastown Grand Prix, a single-day cycling race.

Duration: 10 minutes

Gastown

Gastown is one of Vancouver’s most vibrant and unique areas. As the first downtown core of the city, the neighbourhood has transitioned into a centre of innovation and truly memorable experiences, for locals and tourists alike, while maintaining a strong connection to its history.

Britannia Beach

In 1888, Dr. A.A. Forbes discovered copper in this small community located approximately 10 minutes south of Squamish. Known for its once-booming mine, the former mining town of Britannia Beach is now a charming village rich with art and history. It's the Sea to Sky’s Golden Village.

Duration: 15 minutes

Crystal Falls

Crystal falls is located in Lions Bay and Lions Bay is a beautiful village located on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, between Vancouver and Squamish. It's situated on the western shore of Howe Sound and surrounded by mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The village has a small population of just over 1,300 people and is known for its stunning ocean views, rocky beaches, and scenic hiking trails. Lions Bay offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and boating, as well as community events throughout the year, including the annual SeaFest celebration. It's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of British Columbia's coast.

Duration: 15 minutes