From Vancouver we started on our way up the famed Sea to Sky Highway on our way to Whistler. This drive literally takes you from sea level to 1 km above sea level, the foot of Whistler/Blackcomb. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and I found myself watching the towering mountains rather than the road. The picture to the left is of Squamish BC, at the lowest point on the highway. Click on the image for the photo album.

    Before you get to Whistler, you first enter Garabaldi Provincial Park on the Sea to Sky Highway. The park has many back country hiking trails that can take several days to traverse, Lisa and I opted for a shorter hike to visit Brandywine Falls. The Falls are only a short way down the trail but you can continue for another hour or so to visit a suspension bridge over the Cheakamus river. Along the way you cross some railroad tracks and notice that people are actually living out here and their only access is by train. No roads, no nothing.

    Much behind schedule and a little tired, we finally made it to our hotel in Whistler. Whistler has to be the most contrived place on earth, putting Walt Disney World to shame. While there are lots of places to eat and drink, the price is outrageous. Only the Americans thought anything was reasonable. Still, a pretty place nestled below Mount Whistler and Mount Blackcomb.