Reviving Passenger Rail on the Sea to Sky Corridor
For over 15 years, Brittia Thompson, a Whistler resident, has felt the impact of the Sea to Sky Highway's notorious traffic. Missed birthday parties due to crashes, working from home during snowstorms, and family visits canceled because of night driving fears are common. The highway's vulnerability, especially between Callaghan Valley and Whistler, turns a 20-minute drive into a 90-minute ordeal during ski season.
Inspired by empty train tracks at Britannia, Thompson launched a petition advocating for passenger rail from North Vancouver to Whistler. The petition quickly gained 1,000 signatures, sparking both enthusiasm and doubt. "I never thought it would get this much attention," she remarked.
Local governments in the Sea to Sky corridor are also pushing for rail revival. Lisa Muri, a North Vancouver councillor, successfully motioned to send a letter to the provincial government supporting passenger rail services. The idea gained momentum after CN Rail announced in July 2025 it would end its lease on the railway segment between Squamish and 100 Mile House, returning control to the province.
However, given the provincial government's cancellation of health-care facility contracts and decades-long debates over a third crossing between Vancouver and the North Shore, passenger rail to Whistler may seem like a distant dream.
What Is Being Proposed?
Muri envisions a car-free route from Vancouver to Whistler. Passengers could board a train at the SeaBus terminal and reach the mountain in about two hours—only 20 minutes longer than driving in shoulder season, but faster in winter when snow and traffic clog the road. Stations would be in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and along the route.
North of Whistler, communities like Lillooet and 100 Mile House seek to maintain freight service through a short-line operator model, potentially overseen by a regional railway authority. An American company has expressed interest, and First Nations partnerships are considered crucial.
Challenges and Opportunities
Reviving passenger rail faces significant hurdles, including funding, infrastructure upgrades, and coordination with freight operations. However, the return of rail control to the province and growing public support may turn this pipe dream into a reality. Thompson's petition continues to gather signatures, and local governments remain committed to exploring the possibility.
As discussions progress, the vision of a reliable, two-hour train ride from Vancouver to Whistler offers a promising alternative to the unpredictable Sea to Sky Highway.
