Squeamish on the Sea to Sky to Squamish

On Saturday, taking excellent advice from Craig and Sharlene, I drove a circuitous route down to Vancouver and back up to Squamish on the Sea to Ski Highway. 

Thompson River

Thompson River

Travelling from Kamloops we passed through Merritt, Spences Bridge, Lytton, Boston Bar, Spuzzum (yup, it's a place) Yale, Hope and Chilliwack then across Vancouver to the Second Narrows Bridge and on up through North and West Vancouver.

A stop at Skihist provincial park afforded beautiful views and some interesting (and illegible in photo below) history. 

View en route to Spences Bridge

Thompson Canyon History

This route was highly evocative, since the old Highway 1 was the main route to visit grandparents in Merritt. Winding roads, views of the Thompson then Fraser Canyons and generally great driving conditions marked the trip to Vancouver. 

Then, well, Vancouver. 

Even mid-afternoon on a Saturday, the highways were gridlocked. We didn't make any attempt to head into the city and just as well. It appeared that everyone and her dog wanted to get to Squamish and beyond that to Whistler. The trip from Langley to North Vancouver took about 1.5 hours, and traffic was mostly at a standstill. Thank you podcasts and audio books. Thank you AC. Thank you peaceful sleeping pooch. 

Sea to Sky Highway
Photo taken by talented photographer who wasn't me

Heading out of West Van, the stunningly beautiful Sea to Sky highway is much improved over my last visit to Whistler in the early nineties, and still daunting. Even driving the speed limit felt at times too fast on the twisty turny mountain road. I was acutely aware that I was, with my Ontario plates, the object of scorn, derision and frustration. Lily-livered Ontario Drivers...

The Chief - famous rock climbing destination

Squamish, home of the famous Chief, a rock climbing destination for decades, is built up, bustling and still beautiful. Proximity to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal made it a great place to stay.

Our last night before the Comox Valley! We reserved, out of abundant caution, an early sailing to Nanaimo and had our last night's sleep in a hotel - this time the pet-friendly Sandman. 


Squamish km: 4873. 
Tomorrow's Destination: Home!