A Map That Reveals the Geography of the Sea to Sky
The Sea to Sky corridor of southwest British Columbia is defined by an extraordinary transition from coastal fjord to alpine and interior landscapes over a short distance. Extending from Howe Sound—Canada’s southernmost fjord—through Squamish and Whistler to the Pemberton Valley, the region is shaped by steep relief, glaciation, and pronounced elevation change.
This map was designed to express the geographic essence of the Sea to Sky as a continuous physical landscape, revealing how ocean, mountains, valleys, and climate are interconnected rather than presenting the area as a series of isolated destinations.
What This Map Shows
The map highlights the major landforms that define the Sea to Sky region, including fjords, mountain ranges, glaciers, river valleys, and prominent landmarks. Howe Sound anchors the southern extent of the map, while the Coast Mountains rise sharply inland toward Whistler and Pemberton.
As the corridor progresses northward, the map illustrates a transition through distinct biogeoclimatic zones, from wet coastal temperate rainforest dominated by Douglas fir and hemlock to the drier interior climate characterized by ponderosa pine and interior Douglas fir. This geographic progression is central to understanding the region’s ecological and visual character.
Cartographic Design and Approach
The map uses an information-first cartographic approach that prioritizes terrain, relief, and spatial hierarchy. Shaded relief forms the structural foundation, allowing mountains, valleys, and fjords to define the composition rather than political boundaries or decorative elements.
Colour and labeling are intentionally restrained to support readability and spatial understanding. Every design decision was made to help the reader interpret a complex landscape clearly, whether viewed up close or from a distance.
Geographic and Cultural Context
The Sea to Sky region lies within the traditional territories of the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations. Indigenous place names are woven into other geographic names to reflect the layered cultural and historical context of the landscape and to support a more complete understanding of place.
This integration of physical geography and cultural awareness reinforces the map’s role as both a geographic reference and a tool for deeper spatial literacy.
Print Quality and Physical Details
The map is printed on 260 gsm premium low-lustre photographic paper using a high-resolution commercial inkjet printer to deliver fine detail, smooth tonal transitions, and accurate colour. It is designed as a reference-quality wall map intended for long-term display.
Each map is shipped rolled in a protective tube. This is a stunning print meant to be framed and returned to over time.
Who This Map Is For
This map is well suited to anyone interested in the physical geography of the Sea to Sky corridor, including educators, planners, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a clear, authoritative view of the region’s landscape.
It also functions as a statement piece for homes, offices, and studios, combining geographic accuracy with a restrained, visually compelling design.
