Sea to Sky
The Natural Wonders of the Sea to Sky highway
As part of Highway 99, the Sea to Sky highway winds its way from the ocean, through the Coast Mountains, past volcanoes, glaciers, dramatic valleys and coastal rainforests. Much of the spectacular landscape was created by massive energy and upheaval caused by the ongoing collision between the North American tectonic plate and the offshore oceanic plate.
Sea to Sky Geological Tour
Take along a guide as you travel the highway to discover the origins of the many natural features you will see. Explore the geology and landscape along British Columbia’s legendary Highway 99, the Sea to Sky Highway. Travel the highway with your own geologist-in-your-pocket to discover the watery origins of Vancouver, the cataclysmic source of the Coast Mountains and mineral riches at Britannia Beach.
Download the Sea to Sky Geological Tour [PDF, 6.8 Mb, viewer]
The Sea to Sky Story
Volcanoes
Some of the most explosive, young volcanoes in Canada exist along the Sea to Sky Highway.
Download the Sea to Sky Story: Volcanoes [PDF, 4.6 Mb, viewer]
Glaciers
Glaciers once dominated the land, today they inhabit high peaks, above the Sea to Sky highway.
Download the Sea to Sky Story: Glaciers [PDF, 8.6 Mb, viewer]
Making of Mountains
British Columbia’s mountains began forming 170 million years ago, and are still growing to this day. A collision of tectonic plates is the source of British Columbia’s coastal mountain range.
Download the Sea to Sky Story: Making of Mountains [PDF, 2.4 Mb, viewer]
Forests
British Columbia’s coastline has the wettest weather and the tallest trees in Canada. Learn more about the trees, some of them unique in Canada that you will see along the Sea to Sky.
Download the Sea to Sky Story: Forests [PDF, 3.2 Mb, viewer]
Mountain Pine Beetle
The unusual red rust colour of the Lodge pole pine trees along parts of the Sea to Sky highway is evidence of the mountain pine beetle infestation.
Download the Sea to Sky Story: Mountain Pine Beetle [PDF, 6.9 Mb, viewer]
Sea to Sky Audio Tour
Hear the story of the Sea to Sky including interviews with NRCan scientists as the landscape and the geology comes to life!
Sea to Sky audio tour [MP3, 10.9 Mb] (Click to view; right-click and 'Save as…' or 'Save target as…' to download.)
Sea to Sky Audio/Visual Tour
Hear the story and see these natural wonders.
Sea to Sky audio/visual tour [MOV, 59.3 Mb, player] (Click to view; right-click and 'Save as…' or 'Save target as…' to download.)
Print products are available from the Natural Resources Canada Bookstore 625 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5J3. Tel: 604-666-0271