The Sea-to-Sky Mountain Music Series has brought a fresh reason to visit one of top attractions in the Vancouver area. (Michelle Hopkins photo for Vacay.ca)
There is something so invigorating and restorative about conquering a mountain peak. Perhaps it is the breathtaking beauty at the top, or the grandeur, or the scent of the trees that sweetens my nose. I feel such a high when I get nearer to the sky, whether it’s hiking or standing still at a viewpoint in tranquility, indulging in simply being a part of the scene.
I now have another reason to love being atop a mountain, and it is the Sea-to-Sky Gondola’s Mountain Music series in Squamish.
Music lovers know there’s nothing better than a live concert on a summer night. But being atop the Sea-to-Sky Gondola — located about 45 minutes by car north of downtown Vancouver — takes it to another level. Recently, I made my way to Squamish to hear the March Hare Band perform at the gondola’s summit.
Among the most popular road-trip destinations in the Greater Vancouver Area is the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, which includes a 10-minute ride to a summit overlooking Howe Sound in Squamish. (Michelle Hopkins photo for Vacay.ca)
Set among a stunning backdrop offering spectacular views of Howe Sound and the Coastal mountain range, the concert provided a night to remember. I got my groove on to some great tunes that transported me back in time — think Madonna’s “Holiday”, “Sharp-Dressed Man” by ZZ Top, and the Bee Gees’ “Staying Alive” – while the thrill of dancing under the open skies was an experience I’m not likely to forget.
I arrived early, as I wanted to get a hike in before the evening’s festivities. The Sea-to-Sky Gondola takes passengers on a 10-minute ride straight from from the base next to Highway 99 to the summit. At the top, I snapped shots of Shannon Falls and the Squamish Chief from an entirely new and thrilling perspective. There are several trails to choose from, most of them moderately easy to hike. Even so, I worked up an appetite on Sparky’s Spin, an intermediate downhill hike through the forest with views of two notable peaks, Sky Pilot and Goat Ridge, as well as peek-a-boo glimpses of Howe Sound. After years of hiking here, I was thrilled to finally catch sight of a black bear cub just before it roamed back deep into the forest.
Fergie’s Cafe in Squamish is one of the most beloved restaurants in British Columbia. (Michelle Hopkins photo for Vacay.ca)
With the hike complete, I took a seat on the summit’s patio for the evening’s dinner and concert. Like listening to live music, there’s nothing like dining with natural beauty around you. While chilling to those great melodies from the ’70s and ’80s, I enjoyed a glass of red wine (or two) and a BBQ. I went for one of Greece’s classic street-food favourites — a delectably, albeit messy, pita filled with perfectly seasoned chicken, tzatziki, cucumber, and feta cheese.
Before heading home in the morning, I stopped at Fergie’s Café for its famous brunch. There was a long line up when I arrived, but it moved quickly. Ask locals and they will tell you Fergie’s is the most popular, most talked about eatery in Squamish. For good reason. It’s is framed against a charming forested setting within the Sunwolf Riverside Resort.
Don’t fret about the line-ups. There are numerous seating places, including an elevated deck and outdoor patio that boasts vistas of Mount Alpha, communal tables, and picnic benches in the summer, while during colder months you can dine fireside in a sunlit indoor bar and dining trailer. Either way, you can’t go wrong. People come from near and far to experience the farm-to-fork cuisine. I went for the Beetroot & Egg Fattoush — a medley of flavours including golden turmeric hummus, charred beets, local greens, feta, roasted yams, smashed avocado, soft-poached egg, dukkha, kale, tahini dressing, crispy chickpeas, resting artfully on flatbread. A true standout.
After such a magical night, I’m looking forward to next year and another mountain music series concert that encourages me to explore Squamish from ground to sky.
MORE ABOUT THE SEA-TO-SKY GONDOLA
The Sea-to-Sky Summit, located on the territorial land of the Squamish First Nation, features enduring landscapes amid the Coastal mountain range. The attraction is open year-round and is easy to reach from Vancouver or Whistler. (Adrian Brijbassi file photo for Vacay.ca)
Location:40900 Tantalus Road, Squamish, British Columbia (see map below)
Stay: I stayed the night at the Executive Suites Hotel & Resort, which is a 40-minute drive from Vancouver. Tucked away in some of Squamish’s most beautiful parkland, the hotel room was a cozy two-bedroom suite with a fireplace, full kitchen, and large deck overlooking mountain and lake views. Room Rates: Studio, one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens are available and prices vary depending on the season. A Bed & Breakfast package for two people starts at $300 per night in September.
More Information: For details on the Sea-to-Sky Gondola’s summer events, Sunset Savings, Sea-to-Summit Trail, and more, visit seatoskygondola.com or contact the attraction directly at 1-855-732-8675 (toll free) or 604-892-2550.
