Getting to Pemberton

How to get to Pemberton

Pemberton, British Columbia, is just 2.5 hours north of Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99). Nestled at the foot of Mount Currie and surrounded by the stunning Coast Mountains, Pemberton is easily accessible year-round and a quick 30-minute trip from the world-renowned Whistler Resort Municipality.

Tip: Due to limited public transit options, having a vehicle is the easiest way to visit and adventure in Pemberton.

Flying to Pemberton

  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Located approximately 160 km (100 miles) from Pemberton, YVR is the closest major airport and offers direct flights worldwide. From the airport, follow Highway 99 North through West Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler using one of the driving options below.

  • Pemberton Regional Airport (CYPS)

Pemberton has a small regional airport that is accessible by private aircraft or jet/helicopter charters (limited winter operations). Local operator Blackcomb Helicopters offers helicopter charter services from Vancouver Airport or Downtown to Whistler/Pemberton. Pemberton Regional Airport is located 5km from Pemberton downtown - please note there are no local taxi services.

Driving to Pemberton

Pemberton is a 2.5-hour drive from Vancouver via the Sea-to-Sky Highway (BC-99 N), one of the most beautiful drives in Canada, or via the spectacular Duffey Lake Road from Lillooet if coming from Interior BC.

  • From Vancouver: Head north on Highway 99 through Squamish and Whistler. Continue past Whistler for 30 minutes to reach Pemberton.

  • From Kamloops: Take Highway 1 West to Lillooet, then follow BC-99 South over the Duffey Lake Road.

  • From Seattle: Drive north via the I-5 and cross the border at the Peace Arch or Pacific Highway. Follow signs to Highway 99 North via Vancouver.

Tip: Always check DriveBC for road conditions, especially during winter and shoulder seasons.

  • Car Rentals

Rent a vehicle from one of the major on-site providers at YVR and head north on the breathtaking Sea-to-Sky Highway.

  • Transit & Shuttles

If you're flying into Vancouver, many shuttle options like Whistler Shuttle and Skylynx offer daily service between YVR and Whistler Village. From there, it's a 30-minute Whistler taxi or bus to Pemberton. Please note that there is no taxi service once in Pemberton.

  • Public Bus

The Route 99: Pemberton Commuter connects Whistler Village and Pemberton Village. There are 10 services per day operating in the early morning and evening. This service does not stop between Whistler and Pemberton, and does not extend beyond Pemberton downtown.

  • Car Share

Services like Evo and Modo offer full-day car rentals from Vancouver, perfect for a scenic drive to Pemberton. Be sure to check their service area limits and parking rules before heading out, as many adventures around Pemberton require access to forest-service roads or areas out of cell-service range.