Vancouver to Whistler by private chauffeur

The road between Vancouver and Whistler is Highway 99, which the Government of British Columbia calls the Sea-to-Sky Highway; the corridor runs from Nelson Creek in West Vancouver north to Function Junction, just south of Whistler. A $600-million improvement project completed in 2009 widened and straightened it, improved sightlines and added passing lanes between West Vancouver and Whistler.

It is a mountain road with weather to match. Variable speed signs run along Highway 99 from Squamish to Function Junction as part of a project to improve safety and reduce weather-related crashes, which tells you most of what you need to know about planning a departure time around it.

This route is arranged by quote. Online booking needs one end of the trip in Ontario, and both ends here are in British Columbia, so ask through Request a quote or call +1 (888) 627-5313; the fare is fixed in Canadian dollars before anything is agreed.

Three airports feed the Vancouver end. Vancouver International is the one most people arrive at, about 10 km from the city centre. The downtown harbour seaplane terminal is about 2 km from it, on Canada Place. Abbotsford is about 60 km out, and a Whistler transfer from there is a considerably longer day than from the other two.

Vehicle choice matters more on this route than on most. Winter conditions on a mountain highway, ski equipment and a full car are all real constraints, and they are worth mentioning when you call rather than discovering at the door.

Typical drive time: about 2 h, traffic and weather permitting.