June 2023
In the afternoon, we leave Lillooet and follow highway 99 up in the mountains. The road is known as one of the most beautiful drives in the world! At times, pretty narrow and curvy, but the views are one of a kind. Deep down we see the emerald coloured Seton Lake Reservoir and the next moment it feels like driving through a gorge. Impressive mountain ranges are bordering the ‘Sea to Sky’ highway.
On various occasions, we stop the car to take pictures and admire the panorama.
Our destination for today is Squamish, a town which was developed during the construction of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway in 1910.
The indigenous Squamish people lived already for thousands of years in this area and are still living here.
Our hotel for the night is the Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Company. Very conveniently located on walking distance of downtown, and with views over the rock formations in the harbour.
The next morning, we are leaving on time, as there will be plenty of stops on our way to Vancouver. Although we both never have been to Whistler, we decide to skip this very touristic town. Instead, we will visit Horseshoe Bay and Cypress Park.
Some very informative indigenous kiosks are situated along the highway. They tell you interesting stories about the Squamish Nation.
Horseshoe Bay is a quaint seaside village, full of action, as it is the terminal for BC Ferries. From here, boats are leaving to Bowen Island, Nanaimo on Vancouver Island and to other destinations.
In town there are plenty of gift shops, small (take-out) restaurants and art galleries.
We didn’t regret our visit, as the vistas over the harbour, the mountains, and the islands are striking!
Our next pause is Cypress Park, on the other side of highway 99. An area with forests of fir, hemlock, and yellow cypress and an active wildlife! It is possible to drive the car all the way up the mountain, until you reach the Alpine ski facilities. From this point many loops are starting.
Even though it is nearly summer, some last patches of snow are visible!
Our hike is short, but enjoyable, and it gives us a fantastic view over the archipelago and Vancouver.
This is the last stop, before we reach Vancouver, where we will spend our last two days of this amazing trip!
We take the dog on different hikes to various impressive waterfalls. In some areas, like the Syphon Falls, the mosquitos are pretty annoying!
