Directions to Whistler

Whistler is about a four to five-hour drive from Seattle, with the trip to Vancouver taking about three hours, and the Vancouver Whistler leg about two hours, depending on road and traffic conditions.

The trip north from Seattle, along the Interstate 5 or I-5, to the U.S.-Canada Douglas Border crossing (Peace Arch) is about 176 kilometers or 100 miles. Border crossing times vary according to the day and time, with weekends seeing more line-ups.

Drivers have two traveling options before hitting the U.S.-Canada border, depending on whether they want a scenic trip through the City of Vancouver, or a quick one that avoids all the traffic hot spots.

quick route
During heavy peak traffic times travelers can take the alternate Truck Border crossing by using Exit 275, off of I-5, before getting to the main Douglas Border crossing.

Drivers can then follow the Pacific Highway (also known as 176th Street or Hwy 15) through Surrey, over the Cloverdale Bypass to Hwy 1 (the Trans Canada Highway).

Exit onto Hwy. 1, travelling west, and follow the highway out of Surrey, over the Port-Mann Bridge, through Port Coquitlam, Burnaby and East Vancouver.

Hwy. 1 then travels over the Ironworkers' Memorial Second Narrows Bridge, through North and West Vancouver toward Horseshoe Bay. Before Horseshoe Bay, Whistler-bound drivers will take the Squamish - Whistler exit (#0 or 1), onto Hwy. 99 North, also known as the Sea to Sky Highway.

scenic option through vancouver

Once in Canada, after going through the Douglas Border crossing, I-5 becomes Highway 99 which travels north into Vancouver. The trip will take you through the Massey Tunnel and over the Oak Street Bridge.

Once across the Oak Street Bridge, you will notice that cross streets will all be numbered in descending order from 73rd St. down.

When you reach the 41st Street intersection turn left and travel west until you see the next major intersection - Granville Street.

Turn right and head north on Granville, which will lead you over the Granville Street Bridge into downtown Vancouver.

While on the bridge, shift over to the far right lane and take the Seymour Street exit. Travel north on Seymour, until you hit Georgia Street, and turn left.

Georgia Street will take you out of downtown Vancouver, through Stanley Park and over the Lions Gate bridge

Whistler-bound travellers will circle around and exit via the Marine Drive West turnoff.

Once on Marine Drive, get in the right-hand lane, as you will be making the first right onto Taylor Way.

After travelling up the Taylor Way hill, turn left onto Highway 1 West, and follow the signs to Whistler via Highway 99.

directions - horseshoe bay to whistler
Once on Hwy 99 North, past Horseshoe Bay, the trip to Whistler is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on road conditions.

Take your time as you will pass by several lakes, towns and view points along the way. The communities you will pass through include: Britannia Beach, Squamish (considered the halfway point), and Brackendale.

winter driving
It is recommended that your car is equipped with proper snow/winter tires for the drive from Horseshoe Bay to Whistler. If you have all-season tires, please carry chains and know how to put them on.

highway regulations
Use of seatbelts in BC by drivers and passengers is mandatory. Use of headlights during daylight on all vehicles is highly recommended. The maximum speed limit on Highway 99 is 80 km per hour with many slower areas along the way.

metric equivalent
All highway signs are posted in metric. 30 mph = 50 kph, 50 mph = 80 kph
Gasoline is sold in litres: 1 US gallon = 3.78 litres
1 kilometre = 5/8 or .621 miles, 1 mile = 2/3 or 1.6 kilometres