Not So GranFondo - Horseshoe Bay to Whistler

The route from Vancouver to Whistler is a visual smorgasbord with panoramic views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains.  Each year road warriors from around the world flock to Vancouver to cycle the GranFondo.  We decided it was time for us to tackle the route and planned our version of the Not So GranFondo.

Majestic views along the Sea to Sky highway

When asked about our riding style, pace etc., we often joke that we are 'dawdlers". The dictionary defines dawdle as (1)  to spend time idly and (2) to move lackadaisically.  Rest assured there is nothing lackadaisical about the Sea to Sky highway.  The route began at sea level and the trip from Horseshoe Bay took us 102km in distance with - 2400m up, 1750m down and a total end elevation gain of 650m.  To say our legs were tired at the end of the day is an understatement!

The route is suitable for both the road warrior and fellow dawdler.  In fact, we were passed often by those young strapping cyclists, with legs of steel on their road bikes spinning their way to personal best times.  On the other hand we dawdled along and took delight in the views, waterfalls and picnic spots along the way.  The route is also unique as it features a Sea to Sky Cultural Journey aimed at providing a First Nations perspective and cultural awareness.  Interpretive kiosks line the route and are well worth the stop.

We must stress that the Sea to Sky highway is not for the faint of heart.  In the old days, prior to the road upgrades, cyclists would often call this route the Scream and Die highway.  Today the route is more bicycle friendly with nice wide shoulders for the majority of the trip.  Having said that, it is a very busy highway and if you are not comfortable riding in traffic it probably is not for you.  We must also  caution that many a driver mistakes the Sea to Sky for the Indy 500 and it feels quite frightening when these race car drivers pass close to you at speed.  I must confess I uttered a few choice words under my breath as high end cars screamed by me - way to close for comfort!

We began the day in Horseshoe Bay. We parked our vehicle in the long term ferry parking lot.  Horseshoe Bay, especially in the summer, is a bee hive of activity and we took great delight watching families with cars/vans/trailers/motor homes packed to the roof as they waited patiently, and in some cases not so patiently, for their sailings.

Horseshoe Bay, British Columbia

We were excited to see awesome bike route signage as we set off for the Sea to Sky highway.

We do LIKE this!

We were feeling quite confident as we enjoyed the ride out of Horseshoe Bay.  We went through Lions Bay and passed Porteau Cove - a great spot to stop for a picnic and watch the scuba divers in action!  We continued on to Britannia Beach and stopped to savour our morning coffee break at Galileo Coffee Company.  We enjoyed chatting with a fellow from Lions Bay who teased us about the climb ahead.  "You'll make it", he said with confidence.  Strange how those kind words seemed to fill me with doubt!

We set off again towards Shannon Falls.....FANTASTIC!  The falls are the third largest in British Columbia at 335 meters.  They are breathtaking....and we always enjoy stopping here, both to take in the falls, but to also chat with the tourists who flock to the park.  Today we had the pleasure of meeting two young men from Denmark.....they were almost speechless as they set off to scramble up the rocks at the base of the falls.

Trail up to Shannon Falls

We continued past the Stawamus Chief, an extremely popular hiking and climbing spot.  The Chief is a magnificent 700 meter high granite cliff and the view from the top is well worth the hike up. (we will leave the hike for another day!)  As we entered Squamish we decided to stop at the Squamish Adventure Centre to get the inside scoop on local bike trails.  The staff at the Adventure Centre were fantastic and shared with us the plans for the Sea to Sky trail.  When finished the trail will be 180km of non-motorized multi-use trail connecting Squamish to D-Arcy along the Sea to Sky corridor.  What a vision!  We jumped on the trail as we left Squamish on our way to Brackendale.....and then the real climbing began!

Bike friendly trail - Squamish - features bike wash station and tools

To break up the climb we stopped at Brohm Lake for a picnic lunch.  We happily munched and watched the paddle boarders and swimmers enjoy the mountain lake.    We left Brohm Lake refueled and refreshed and continued on our climb to Whistler Village.  We couldn't resist stopping at Brandywine Falls...another spectacular waterfall!  We had the great pleasure of meeting a family from Tasmania....they were drawn to our bikes and had all kinds of questions about cycle touring.  They were travelling across Canada and on their way to try out mountain biking in Whistler....go Tasi's!!!!

Brandywine Falls

We finished the climb to Whistler and connected to the Valley Trail at Function Junction.  It was a welcome relief to get off the highway on to dedicated bike path and meander our way to the village.  Whistler has something for every one and it is always a thrill to enter the village and be surrounded by active folks...hikers, bikers, rafters, paddlers, skiers....not to mention the shoppers, the sightseers and the "partiers!"

Whistler Village

We enjoyed two fabulous nights in Whistler....GLAMPING.  (that is our term for Glamourous camping.  Yes, we left the tent and sleeping bags at home and decided to stay in a hotel!)

Wizard Express Chair - Blackcomb Mountain

View from outside our hotel - Blackcomb

With or without snow....the training must go on!

The only thing better than the view on the way TO Whistler, is the view on the way BACK!!!  The entire return trip is on the ocean side of the road and we found ourselves stopping frequently to take pictures of the rivers, the mountains and the ocean.

Valley Trail passes by the golf course

Fantastic trip back along the river's edge

On the return trip you are afforded the most breathtaking views of the Tantalus Mountain Range - snow capped mountains, the valley, the forest and the river below.  We would include a picture...but, a photo simply does not do it justice.  You must visit and see it for yourself!

It's your turn......
Cheers
Jane and Rob

Giggle of the day:

We arrived in the village, legs spent, sun burnt, hungry and thirsty!  As we entered the village the first thing we saw was the Longhorn Pub...say no more!  We decided a round of Coronas and an order of Nachos was in order.

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words......

We parked our bikes and found a seat where we could view the base of the mountain bike trails.  After a couple of cold ones we decided it was time to find our hotel.  We had booked using the Travelocity Top Secret Hotel option.  This is a great tool for those who enjoy pleasant surprises.  You basically choose a location and a price range and roll the dice.  Travelocity books your hotel and you do not learn which hotel you are in, until after you pay! Great fun!  As we finished our beer we decided to figure out exactly where in the village our hotel was located.  Now remember, our legs were completely spent after the day of riding......so to our dismay we learned our hotel was half way up Blackcomb Mountain!  We trudged on up the mountain towards our hotel alternating between cursing and laughing at ourselves!

We are happy to say the climb was well worth it and we enjoyed two fantastic nights at the Coast Blackcomb Inn and Suites.

Entrance to the Coast Blackcomb Inn and Suites

Map and Route Tips:

There is a short stretch between Porteau Cove and Furry Creek where the shoulder becomes quite narrow....exercise caution!

Camping is readily available along the route and there are also lots of options to GLAMP!


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