The Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Squamish is an absolutely stunning drive. There are so many amazing stops for kids along the highway. We’ve done the route many times and have built a list of our favourite stops. The list includes great places for kids to stretch their legs, including beaches, playgrounds and short hikes. We’ve also included some stops that take more time, as sometimes a trip up the Sea to Sky makes a great day trip in and of itself! Here are what we consider to be the best stops for kids on the Sea to Sky Highway.
Ambleside Beach
This stop is just outside of Vancouver, so many travellers may not be ready for a stop yet at this point. BUT, when traveling with kids, you just never know when you might need a bathroom or a break to let some energy out. And Ambleside Beach has absolutely everything that a family might need for a comfortable stop off the highway.
Ambleside Park is just a few minutes drive off the highway. The park has bathrooms, a fantastic playground, and a sandy beach with beautiful views of Burrard Inlet, the Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park. There is also a paved walking path alongside the beach, which is great if you need a stroller-friendly route. The cherry on top is the Boat Shed Restaurant, which is located right beside the beach and playground and serves delicious food. You can even sit on the surrounding picnic tables and supervise your children on the playground while you eat.
For an even more detailed review of Ambleside Park, check out this post.
Lighthouse Park
Lighthouse Park is another amazing stop for kids along the Sea to Sky Highway. This stop is a bit further off the highway, as it takes approximately 15 minutes to drive down to the park. BUT, this is still a great stop to keep in mind as it is an truly beautiful, stroller and kid-friendly walk through old growth forests. At the end of the walk is a stunning viewpoint that looks out at the Point Atkinson Lighthouse and Burrard Inlet. There are also opportunities to scramble down some smaller pathways & access the rocky beach (these routes down to the beach are NOT stroller friendly). There are outhouses at the parking lot and along the route and as well as bathrooms down at the lighthouse grounds at the end of the main pathway.
For more details about Lighthouse Park, and other stroller-friendly walks and hikes on the North Shore, check out this post.
Horseshoe Bay Park
Horseshoe Bay is a fun family stop on the Sea to Sky Highway. The stop is just a couple of minutes off the highway. There is a small playground that looks out over the beautiful views of the mountains and bay. This is also a fun stop for kids since they can watch the ferries come and go from the ferry terminal, walk out on the docks or access the small rocky beach. This stop is also great because there are plenty of opportunities to pick up a coffee or eat some delicious fish and chips at one of the nearby restaurants.
Lions Bay Beach Park
Lions Bay Beach Park is just a couple of minutes from the highway and is a fantastic stop for families. There is an older playground and bathrooms that are easily accessible. There is also a sandy beach with incredible views of the mountains and Howe Sound. This stop is a little quieter than some of the other more popular spots along the highway, which we love.
Porteau Cove
The best part of stopping at Porteau Cove is the stunning view. But, we also love that there are bathrooms, a really cool dock to walk out on, and a rocky beach for kids to explore. Porteau Cove is just a few minutes from the highway and offers a chance for kids to stretch their legs while the grown ups enjoy the views and a chance to relax.
Shannon Falls Provincial Park
Shannon Falls is a great family friendly stop along the Sea to Sky Highway. The walk to the first viewpoint of Shannon Falls is a beautiful, easy and stroller-friendly route. There are flush toilets, a concession and a small information centre. There are also picnic areas within the park.
Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola is just off the highway but it will take much longer to enjoy this stop than most of the others on this list. If you’re looking for an impressive destination along the Sea to Sky where you can spend the day, this is a great choice. There is an incredible suspension bridge, several family-friendly trails and a kids’ play area at the top of the gondola. The views from the top of the gondola are unbelievable and not to be missed. There are also bathrooms and opportunities to buy snacks or lunch.
These are some of our favourite stops for kids along the Sea to Sky Highway. Know of other great stops for kids on the highway? We would love to hear from you.