The Sea to Sky Highway is an evocative name for good reason. From the glassy waters beneath Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge to the snowy peaks of Whistler and beyond, Highway 99 is the ideal route for adventurous types.

Begin in Vancouver, where hiring a bike to tour the lush expanse of Stanley Park is a special start to a unique journey. The 10km seawall loop is an easy meandering escape that switches its gaze from the city’s shimmering skyline to Vancouver Island’s hazy silhouette in the far distance, as low-flying seaplanes hum overhead. Take it all in from sandy beaches like English Bay or get even closer to nature by renting a kayak.

Highway 99 dates to the 1940s, but the St’at’imc First Nation people have lived in the area around Lillooet for thousands of years, so drop by the town and join Xwisten Experience Tours for an eye-opening Indigenous tour of their fishing grounds and replica pithouse (S7istken).

After Lillooet, the landscape opens up into Marble Canyon Park’s widescreen valleys, where its unusual limestone cliffs provide a unique backdrop for everything from padding crystalline lakes to camping under the stars.

Turn off Highway 99 and pass through vibrant Kamloops on the way to the sublime Wells Gray Park. This hidden wilderness playground is home to volcanic plateaus, deep canyons and dramatic waterfalls, including the 463ft-high Helmcken Falls.

This journey ends in grandiose fashion with a visit to the mighty Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

With the introduction of the Michelin Guide to Vancouver in 2022, the city attained a lofty new status in food circles with nine restaurants being awarded a coveted Michelin star, but this is a city with a long gastronomic tradition.

From the enticing ramen joints of Kitsilano to downtown’s fine dining, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into, but make sure to stop off at Granville Island Public Market while you’re at it. This vibrant indoor market is full of fresh fish, colourful produce and delicate pastries to taste.

To make the most of the delicious produce found along the Trans-Canada Highway, spend an evening in vibrant Kamloops sampling rieslings and chardonnays from the local Monte Creek Winery, before heading to nature-fuelled Salmon Arm. As calm as the name suggests, the city is home to Shuswap Lake, a bird sanctuary and hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails.

Then continue on to Mount Revelstoke National Park, in the Kootenay Rockies, where you’ll climb higher into the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. Meandering 26km uphill, this elevated road snakes through handsome forests of cedar and fir and up into the park’s renowned subalpine wildflower meadows.

As dramatic as its name suggests, the alpine vistas of Glacier National Park take this journey to a towering new level. Established in 1886, the park encompasses 1,349sq km of yawning forest and snow-capped peaks, and don’t miss the chance to stop at Rogers Pass, which is the second-highest point along the Trans-Canada Highway.

Finish this epic ride across BC on the western slopes of the Continental Divide of the Americas at Yoho National Park. The word Yoho is a Cree expression of amazement or awe, and there’s no finer journey’s end than watching Chancellor Peak soar ever skyward or witnessing the thundering cascade of the Takakkaw Falls with your own eyes.

The First Nations of the Northwest Coast lived and roamed the area now known as Vancouver for thousands of years before it grew into the metropolis of today, so start by taking in Indigenous artwork at The Museum of Anthropology (due to reopen in June 2024).

Located out on Vancouver’s windswept west coast at University of British Columbia, there’s a host of local Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh heritage to explore, as well as 9,000 objects from around the world housed inside the Multiversity Galleries.

The spectacular Okanagan Valley is home to 86% of the province’s vineyards. With the wine and lush scenery came expert chefs who’ve made use of the valley’s agricultural bounty to offer seasonal, sustainable menus. Head to Naramata Inn or Quails’ Gate Winery’s Old Vines restaurant to treat your taste buds to Okanagan’s incredible produce.

The Okanagan Valley's fertile lands are fruitful for producing more than just wines; take the time to visit Vernon's Cambium Cidery. A family orchard priding itself on organic production, the cidery also offers a newly launched restaurant and an impressive selection of branch-to-bottle artisan ciders.

The drive down the western slopes of the Okanagan Valley into Osoyoos is mesmerising. The desert-like shrub steppe begins to share space with pristine lakes and rows of flourishing vineyards. And speaking of wine, this region is home to almost 200 wineries, many of which tell fascinating stories. One of the most interesting is Nk’mip Cellars, which is North America’s first Indigenous-owned winery and also runs both tours and tastings.

Stay at the beautifully perched Spirit Ridge Resort to learn about the heritage of the Osoyoos Indian Band and to sample their wonderful wines. Venture onwards to the Kootenay Rockies to experience their raw and refreshing natural beauty. Cranbrook is a particularly idyllic base where you can enjoy whitewater rafting on the St. Mary River in the warmer months, admire the golden crisp of leaves in autumn or marvel at blankets of wildflowers in spring.

And here you'll have completed your epic journey along Rainforest to Rockies.