Road Conditions

Vancouver to Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99)

The beautiful two-hour drive from Vancouver to Whistler is the start of your adventure, where you can see the waters of Howe Sound, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and canyons. This is a mountain highway, a route where rain, snow and even wildlife can affect driving conditions – here are some resources to help prepare for the drive.

Live Weather and Road Conditions

Always check DriveBC for current road conditions and follow @DriveBC on Twitter for the latest updates.

Event Parking

During summer, Whistler hosts a number of large events, some of which utilize the Day Lots as staging areas. When planning your trip, please consult the Resort Municipality of Whistler Special Event Parking notices for information on parking changes.

Winter Tires Required on the Sea to Sky Highway from October 1 to March 31

The Sea to Sky Highway is a mountain highway, where conditions can be unpredictable due to rapid changes in elevation and weather. A trip that starts in sunshine may also encounter slush, ice, heavy snowfall or compact snow. For safety in winter conditions, passenger vehicles are required to have winter tires installed to drive the Sea to Sky Highway between October and March.

The following information from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of British Columbia outlines the requirements for winter tires in the province. Please read and ensure your vehicle complies*:

Winter Tires and Chain Up Information for British Columbia
Winter Tire Specifications

*Winter tire requirements are set by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure for British Columbia and may change without notice - always check their website for the latest information.

Peak Travel Time Congestion

Consider these tips to avoid traffic and help reduce congestion on the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler during peak travel times. Peak times include Friday afternoons and evenings, weekends and holidays.

Travel during non-peak times by visiting Whistler midweek when the highway and resort are typically quieter
Extend your weekend – plan to arrive on Thursday night and leave on Monday morning to avoid weekend traffic
Consider taking a shuttle - it's also better for the environment!
If you’re only visiting Whistler for the day, plan on staying for dinner to avoid the rush of day skier traffic leaving the resort after the mountain closes

Driving in British Columbia

Highways in British Columbia are safe and modernized. Be aware that Canadian highway regulations may differ from where you are from. Please note:

Speed limits are in metric
Seat belts are mandatory
Use headlights even in daylight
Roads can be slippery even in the summer months
Infant car seats are required for children weighing up to 9 kilograms / 20 pounds

Winter Driving

During winter months, snow can be heavy on the highway. Be prepared for winter driving:

Check the road conditions before you leave
Renting a vehicle? Ask about all-wheel drive options for better handling in the snow
Learn more about road safety including recalls and car seat safety from Transport Canada
Learn more about winter driving and preparing your vehicle for winter at shiftintowinter.ca

Wildlife on the Road

Animal collisions pose a risk to wildlife, people and their property. Help reduce the number of deaths and injurious accidents by following these guidelines:

Drive defensively and concentrate on the road at all times. Watch the sides of the road for wildlife attempting to cross, especially where visibility is poor (at bends in the road, or where the forest comes close to the road).
Use extra caution at night; bears are dark animals and are very difficult to see in the dark, or even at dusk and dawn. Bears and other animals are often found foraging roadside during spring when newly sprouting clover (especially along newly constructed highways) provides good feeding.
Watch for signs that have been posted in high wildlife collision zones and slow down.
Never stop to view wildlife. This stresses wildlife and creates unsafe road conditions due to traffic congestion.
If you are involved in a collision, call the police if there are any human injuries or significant damage to your vehicle. Inspect your vehicle to see if it is safe to continue driving.
Call the local wildlife agency if there is a dead or injured animal to report. In BC, call the Conservation Officer Service at 1.877.952.7277.
Learn more about wildlife on the road with the Get Bear Smart Society