Private Sea to Sky tour from Vancouver: gondola, waterfall & mine

Ride a gondola to the summit, walk to a 335-metre waterfall, and pan for gold in a historic mine.

This private tour travels the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to three stops: Shannon Falls (British Columbia's third-tallest waterfall), the Sea to Sky Gondola with summit access and suspension bridge, and the Britannia Mine Museum, where you ride a mine train and pan for real gold. A professional guide provides live commentary throughout the six-hour day; hotel pickup is included, and a minimum of two people per booking is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sea to Sky Highway and Attractions

• Travel along Sea to Sky Highway
• Visit Shannon Falls viewing deck
• Walk to base of Shannon Falls
• Explore Britannia Mine Museum
• Ride mine train inside museum
• Pan for gold at museum
• Ride Sea to Sky Gondola to summit
• Enjoy views from gondola summit
• Walk interpretive trails and suspension bridge
• Return to Vancouver hotel

The Experience

The day starts with scenic stops along the Sea to Sky Highway as you leave Vancouver's city core. Your guide points out the landscape while the road climbs toward the mountains. Shannon Falls appears first—a short walk takes you to the viewing deck where the waterfall drops 335 metres. The mist reaches you as you stand at the base, and the uneven ground underfoot is part of why comfortable footwear matters for the day.

Next comes the Britannia Mine Museum, a National Historic Site that once supplied copper to the British Empire. You board a mine train that rumbles into the dark underground, then emerge to explore the exhibits in the historic mine buildings. The real draw for most visitors is the gold panning—you get to work the pan yourself in the museum's setup, not just watch a demonstration. It's the kind of thing that sounds small until you're actually doing it.

The final stop is the Sea to Sky Gondola. The ride up gives you views of Howe Sound and the coastal forest; on clear days the Squamish Chief climbing area is visible across the valley. At the summit, you have access to walking trails with cantilevered viewing platforms and the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge if you want to venture further. The ride down completes the loop. Hotel drop-off happens after, allowing 30 minutes for traffic on the return to Vancouver.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Vancouver.
• live guide commentary in English.
• entry to Shannon Falls.
• Sea to Sky Gondola ride to the summit with access to trails and the suspension bridge.
• Britannia Mine Museum entry with mine train ride and gold panning.
• bottled water.
• GST.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Vancity Tours INC

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you're traveling with young children or a small group who want one vehicle and driver handling all logistics, rather than coordinating separate stops across the day.

Top questions

How long does the whole tour take from pickup to drop-off?

The tour runs six hours total, which includes the 30-minute pickup window and the drive back to your Vancouver hotel at the end.

What is Shannon Falls and how much walking is involved there?

Shannon Falls is British Columbia's third-tallest waterfall at 335 metres. A short walk takes you to the viewing deck at the base, where the mist from the cascading water reaches you; the ground is uneven, so sturdy shoes help.

Can I actually pan for gold at the Britannia Mine Museum, or is it just a display?

You pan for real gold yourself at the museum—it is not a demonstration you watch. You also ride the mine train into the underground section and explore the historic mine buildings and modern exhibits.

What does the Sea to Sky Gondola ride include once I reach the top?

At the summit, you have access to interpretive walking trails with cantilevered viewing platforms, the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, and various hiking trails. The ride up and down is included; any additional activities beyond walking are optional.

Is hotel pickup included, and what if I'm arriving at the airport?

Hotel pickup is included in the tour price. Airport pickup and drop-off are available at an additional charge; you can add this option at checkout.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential because of uneven surfaces at Shannon Falls and the walking trails. The tour operates in all weather, so dress for the conditions. You can bring a maximum of one suitcase and one carry-on bag; oversized luggage like surfboards or bikes may have restrictions, so confirm with the operator beforehand if needed.