The Sea to Sky Gondola has been somewhere that I have been interested in visiting for a while. My husband and I finally decided to make the trip there for some light hiking and sightseeing. It is fairly close being 1 hour drive from Downtown Vancouver and just off the highway between Shannon Falls and the Chief. The gondola ride to the top is only 10 minutes long and rises 885 m above sea level. While you ride the gondola, you get to see amazing views of Howe Sound, Shannon Falls and the Chief climbing area.
There are many different activities available from hiking, rock climbing, to joining an interpretive tour. If you’ve never done these activities before then be sure to look at the articles on Globo Surf to learn the basics and know what equipment you’ll need. Kids can also enjoy playing in a special kids area with a sand-box. One popular activity is crossing the suspension bridge which is about 100 m long.
Summit Lodge
At the top of the gondola is the 9,000 square foot Summit Lodge. It is a place where you can enjoy the panoramic views, get a bite to eat and do some souvenir shopping. The Summit Lodge design is Westcoast-inspired and has floor-to-ceiling windows and huge Douglas Fir beams.
There is a self-serve restaurant that serves mainly burgers and feature entrees. You order at the food preparation areas, collect the food on trays and pay at the cashier.
The burgers feature Two Rivers specialty meats and include hamburgers or veggies burgers. They come as basic with just a pickle or “deluxe” with other fixings. The burgers are all served with fries. The prices range from $11 – $15.
There are also other feature entrees ($11 – $15) and a kids menu ($5-$6).
There are many places where you can eat your food. You can dine inside at these large communal tables.
There is also a plaza behind the Summit Lodge with many picnic tables.
Or you can eat right on the deck with the beautiful scenic views. The atmosphere was very peaceful and relaxing as the deck was not very busy.
What We Tried
My husband had the jerk chicken lettuce wraps with mango pineapple salsa served with a yogurt lime sauce and yam fries ($14.95).
The salsa was the highlight of the entree being a nice tangy flavour. You made your own lettuce wrap with the chicken, sauce and yogurt sauce provided.
The deluxe veggie burger topped with cheese, tomato jam, arugula served with fries was slightly better than average fast food. The veggie patty was very soft and tender, and the tomato jam was on the sweeter side.
Overall Impression
I really enjoyed the panaromic views of Howe Sound from the top of the gondola. There are many activities available for outdoor enthusiasts as well as for families. The food at the Summit Lodge is priced higher compared to the quality and quantity, but that is expected from a tourist spot. The food did taste slightly better than average fast food. It was really nice to be able to dine on the deck and have such beautiful views beside us.
Website: http://www.seatoskygondola.com/facilities/food-beverage