British Columbia · self-drive guide
A short drive with full-scale scenery: Howe Sound at road level, granite walls around Squamish and the Coast Mountains gathering around Whistler.
Vancouver → Porteau Cove → Shannon Falls → Squamish → Brandywine Falls → Whistler
Route overview
Select a named checkpoint to see its photograph and notes. Zoom in for the road detail, or open the main stops in your preferred navigation app.
The line follows the mapped driving route between the checkpoints. Your navigation app may vary, so check conditions, ferry crossings and seasonal closures before driving.
Cross the Lions Gate Bridge, join Highway 99 and resist treating the first stretch as a transfer. Porteau Cove gives you a clean, sea-level pause with mountains closing in around the water.
Pull into the signed park for the short walk to Shannon Falls. It is an easy stop to pair with the Sea to Sky Gondola or a longer trail if you have turned the drive into a weekend.
Use Squamish for lunch, fuel and a view of the Stawamus Chief. This is the place to add a night if climbing, paddling or trail time matters more than reaching Whistler quickly.
Stop at Brandywine Falls when the park is open, then make the final climb to Whistler. Park once in the village and let the car rest while you use the pedestrian centre and Valley Trail.
Overnight stops
Before you set off
Distances and drive times are road-map estimates, not promises. Always confirm current road conditions, park access, ferry times and seasonal closures before setting off.