The Best Seat in the House

So, this was my view, my “best seat in the house” yesterday at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola in gorgeous Squamish, British Columbia! At last, after three weeks in my new home province, I felt settled enough to head out on my traditional Saturday Vagabond Adventure and this is where my drive took me on a sunny, spectacular BC Saturday!

The Sea to Sky Gondola, just one year young this May, whisks you 800+ metres above sea level with jaw-dropping vistas of mountains and oceans and sky swirling together to literally take your breath away. On this Saturday, I was looking for a little bit of sunshine, some fresh ocean air, and a place to look out onto the world and appreciate the stunning beauty around me. The Sea to Sky Highway is one of my most favourite drives in Canada (rivalling my beloved Cowboy Trail in Alberta), and after taking this picturesque route, and the gondola to the top, I sought out this spot you see above, to sit quietly, and take in a view that is as ancient as the hills. Below you see Howe Sound, where the Squamish River meets the Pacific Ocean. The Coast Mountains rise up to surround and protect the pristine beauty of the natural world, and the sun heats the ancient rocks beneath your feet. This is a mystical, spiritual place that begs you to honour those who have lived here before you with reverent silence and thanksgiving.

I have to commend the folks at The Sea to Sky Gondola for providing visitors with a thoughtful, well-interpreted experience. Three viewing decks and several hiking trails reveal the rich history of the Squamish Nation who have lived off this land since before history was reported. Interpretive signs tell the stories of its people, the land, the ecology and the wildlife that have lived together for centuries reminding us that what we have is enough to sustain us. That the natural world, though wild, is also supporting us and should be respected and protected. It is not surprising to learn that school tours are encouraged, so that this message can be shared early and often! Please see their website for more information on all the fantastic things you can see and do in this magical place.

For me, I appreciated a quiet place for reflection, a safe, beautiful place for an invigourating, much-needed hike, and new information on an old land rich in life. I also LOVED going out of my comfort zone by walking across the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. What a spectacular view!! If you would like to see this view, and other snaps from my first Beautiful British Columbia Vagabond Adventure, please join me over at my photo website. Thanks, as always, for following along!!