Day 1: Vancouver to Whistler – A Scenic Start to Our Adventure

Setting Off from Vancouver

Today marked the beginning of our 10-day motorcycle road trip. My four friends and I set out from Vancouver, embarking on the famous Sea to Sky Highway towards Whistler. I was excited to put my reliable Honda CBR250R to the test – a bike known for its great fuel consumption getting between 25-30 km per litres.s

As we left Vancouver behind

the real magic of our trip began to unfold on the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). This world-renowned route lives up to its name, offering a thrilling ride that hugs the coastline before climbing into the mountains.

Leaving the city, we first passed through West Vancouver, the road winding along the shores of Howe Sound. The contrast of the deep blue waters against the lush green mountain sides was breathtaking. As we leaned into the curves, the fresh sea air mingled with the scent of pine, invigorating our senses.

Horseshoe Bay to Squamish

Our first major landmark was Horseshoe Bay, a picturesque ferry terminal surrounded by forested hills. From here, the highway began its ascent, and we could feel the change in our ears as we gained elevation.

The road became a ribbon of asphalt cutting through towering evergreens, with glimpses of the sound appearing between the trees. As I’m riding through these twisty roads with elevation it’s paramount to be paying 100% attention to the road in front of you especially during the bends and turns as you’re riding to avoid any hazards.

Passing the small community of Lions Bay, we encountered one of the highway’s most spectacular features: a series of waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. Shannon Falls, just south of Squamish, is particularly impressive. We took a moment to pull over and admire the 335-meter falls thundering down the rocky cliff face.

The Alpine Ascent

After our stop in Squamish, the landscape began to change. The coastal environment gave way to a more alpine feel as we climbed higher into the Coast Mountains. The road here is an engineering marvel, with smooth sweeping turns and long straightaways that allowed us to really enjoy the performance of our bikes.

We passed by the Tantalus Range viewpoint, offering a stunning vista of jagged, snow-capped peaks. Shortly after, we rode alongside the turquoise waters of Daisy Lake, created by the Daisy Lake Dam. The reflection of the surrounding mountains on the lake’s surface was like something out of a postcard.

Approaching Whistler

As we approached Whistler, we entered the Cheakamus River valley. The road here winds through a dramatic rocky canyon, with the river rushing below. The final stretch into Whistler Village took us through a corridor of tall trees, their canopy providing dappled shade on the road.

Throughout the entire 120-kilometer journey, every twist and turn of the Sea to Sky Highway offered a new vista, a fresh perspective on the incredible landscape of British Columbia.

The smooth pavement, well-banked curves, and stunning scenery made this stretch of road a motorcyclist’s dream. It wasn’t just transportation; it was a profound experience that connected us with the natural beauty of the region in a way that’s only possible on a motorcycle.

Riding my Honda CBR250R was smooth however keeping up with traffic can be quite difficult as some drivers are going beyond 130km/hr up elevation which my bike has a bit of trouble maintaining that speed uphill.

Squamish Stop and Sea to Sky Gondola

Our first stop was the charming town of Squamish, often called the outdoor recreation capital of Canada. Here, we took a break to ride the Sea to Sky Gondola. The 10-minute journey offered breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the coastal mountains. At the top, we explored the Summit Lodge, taking in the panoramic vistas from the viewing platform. It was tempting to linger, but the open road was calling.

Continuing north, we reached Whistler by early afternoon. After checking in at the cozy Deer Lodge, we couldn’t resist the allure of the Whistler Blackcomb gondola. The ride up didn’t disappoint – we were treated to stunning alpine scenery and even spotted a few black bears roaming the mountainside.

For lunch, we headed to the Whistler market, savoring local flavors and refueling for our afternoon adventure. Then came the highlight of the day: downhill mountain biking at Whistler Mountain Bike Park. With over 4,900 vertical feet of lift-serviced trails, it was an adrenaline-pumping experience that left us exhilarated and pleasantly exhausted.

As evening approached, we made another stop at the market, this time picking up groceries for a home-cooked meal at our lodge. Sharing stories of the day’s ride and adventures over dinner was the perfect way to cap off our first day on the road.

My takeaways from riding to Whistler

Ride ideally on days that are sunny with clear visibility as the road up Whistler is approximately 130 km from Vancouver which takes about 90 minutes if you’re riding a good and fast pace without much traffic. The Sea to Sky Highway has many bends so make sure you’re well rested before going up. I do suggest taking a small bathroom break if required as the road is long and can be a bit fatiguing on your body if you’re riding a sports bike like me.

Tomorrow, we continue our journey to Day 2, but for now, we’re relishing the memories of day one – from coastal highways to mountain peaks, it’s been an incredible start to our motorcycle road trip. Check here for Day 2.

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