Mini road trip: Seattle to Whistler
By Virgin Atlantic | 20 October 2025 | 5 minute read
This journey takes us over the border into Canada and onwards to Whistler along Highway 99 – better known as the Sea to Sky Highway. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll pass though coastal rainforest, pine-clad mountains and the deep blue waters of Howe Sound. There are incredible views at every turn and the landscape here offers some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in all of North America.
Bellingham
Leave Seattle behind and head north on Interstate 5 towards the laid-back town of Bellingham, just before the Canadian border. At Burlington, take the exit on to Route 11, where a stretch of road known as the Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway follows one of the prettiest patches of coastline in Washington.
Our first stop was once a rough-and-ready port town, but over the years its downtown core has transformed into an atmospheric central zone filled with coffee shops, microbreweries, indie boutiques and galleries. Also a jumping off point for ferries to the San Juan islands, Victoria, the Inside Passage and Alaska, the town’s waterfront area has been spruced up too. Formerly run down, it’s slowly become a go-to area for pedestrians, with a waterfront trail and new parks.
Squamish
If you want to split this journey over two days, Squamish would be a great option for an overnight stop. An old mill and logging town, Squamish is now more focused on the tourist dollar, as well as being home to many ex-Vancouverites who’ve moved up here to escape the high rents of the city.
The adventure sports and hiking scene is huge. The self-proclaimed Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada offers every kind of adrenaline activity imaginable, including rock climbing, canoeing, whitewater rafting, kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, scuba diving, sailing, dirt biking and cross-country skiing – phew. The less mobile and energetic don’t need to miss out either – try eagle viewing, flightseeing, snowmobiling, golfing or horseriding for starters. Accommodation options range from hotels and B&Bs to campsites, RV parks and log cabins along the riverside.
Garibaldi Provincial Park
The word ‘provincial’ might make it sound rather tame, but Garibaldi Provincial Park comprises almost 200,000 hectares and is one of the most dramatic – and accessible – wilderness areas in Canada. This is real backcountry stuff: a rugged skyline of steep volcanic mountains, wildflower alpine meadows, near-impenetrable cedar forests and a number of impressive turquoise lakes. Glacier-encircled Wedgemount Lake and 300 metre-deep Garibaldi Lake are two of the most popular, both of which can be reached via several moderate-to-challenging hiking trails.
Garibaldi Park covers a huge swathe of land between Squamish and Whistler. This is an area with a high concentration of black bears and you’ll need to be bear aware when hiking or travelling through. If you encounter a bear, this will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable moments of your trip, but do take some time to educate yourself so you’ll know what to do to stay safe.