Last Updated April 2, 2024
Sea2Sky Gravel Fondo (S2S) is an annual gravel cycling event that takes place in the breathtaking backdrop of the Sea2Sky Corridor and Greater Vancouver Region in Canada and is a must-attend for cyclists seeking a unique and challenging cycling experience. The routes feature gravel roads, singletrack trails, and steep climbs that showcase the natural beauty of British Columbia.
The event is impeccably organized by Tri 1 Events, a team with 19 years of event management prowess and over nine years dedicated to perfecting gravel fondos in Western Canada. Their expertise promises a seamless experience, from the starting line to the post-race celebrations. They also produce the Triple Crown Gravel Fondo Series which Sea2Sky Gravel Fondo (S2S) is a part of, and is rated by Strambecco as one of the Best Gravel Events in the Northwest in 2024 and one of the Best Cycling Events in all of Canada.
Event & Course Info
The Sea2Sky Gravel Fondo (S2S) event attracts participants worldwide with different cycling abilities. Cyclists can choose from three routes to suit different cycling levels, including the Piccolo/Beginner Fondo (Approx. 25km), Medio Fondo (Approx. 50km), and Full Fondo (Approx. 90km).
The 100K Full Fondo—This route spans approximately 92 km. With an elevation gain of over 1980M, riders should anticipate some hills and a few more challenging climbs, though nothing exceeds a 9% gradient.
The Medio Fondo is a step up from the Piccolo, yet accessible to many. Similar in terrain, this course also features mostly flat sections interspersed with a few small climbs, all on gravel roads. The elevation here inches closer to 900M.
The Piccolo/Beginner Fondo is a welcoming introduction for those new to gravel cycling. This route remains mostly flat with a few minor climbs. Covering gravel roads, riders can expect an elevation gain just shy of 500M.
Every journey begins and concludes at the Logger Sports Park in Squamish, BC. The event starts with the Full Fondo at 8:00 AM, the Medio Fondo at 8:15 AM, and the Beginner Fondo at 8:45 AM. Cyclists should note that the course closes by 2:30 PM. For those who thrive on competition, there are various participant categories: individual, teams of 2, and teams of 4. The team results are based on combined times, adding an exciting dimension to the race strategy.
Wondering about the best bike for the event? While any bike is technically suitable, bikes with fatter tires that run at lower pressures, such as gravel, cyclocross, and mountain bikes, are recommended.
Cyclists are treated to a post-race meal, cold beer, lively music, a souvenir T-shirt, and the chance to win a plethora of draw prizes. It’s not just about the race; it’s about the community and the shared passion for gravel cycling. Sea2Sky Gravel Fondo (S2S) isn’t just a race – it’s a celebration of the majestic landscapes of Canada’s west coast. Cyclists will be treated to panoramic mountain views, expansive rivers and creeks, and wide gravel Forest Service roads that beckon with the promise of adventure.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
While there is no official host hotel for the Sea2Sky Gravel Fondo (S2S), there are many options in Squamish, including Sunwolf Riverside Cabins, Sandman Hotel and Suites, Mountain Retreat, and Executive Suites. For those who prefer a more home-like experience, there are many vacation rental options to suit a variety of needs, from waterfront island cabins to contemporary homes.
Squamish, BC, boasts a vibrant culinary scene that reflects its coastal-meets-mountain locale, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, locally-sourced produce, and a growing number of craft breweries and eateries offering a fusion of international and Pacific Northwest flavors. This coastal town is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a mix of traditional Canadian dishes and innovative gastronomic experiences against the backdrop of stunning natural landscapes. Some local favorites to check out while you’re in town include Salted Vine, Saha Eatery, and Locavore.
Squamish is a small town located at the northern end of Howe Sound, about halfway between Vancouver and Whistler. Squamish is known as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada” due to its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The region is characterized by a mix of coastal rainforest and rugged mountains, including the iconic Stawamus Chief, a massive granite monolith that towers over the town. The region’s geography provides the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Squamish, with numerous trails to explore, including the Chief’s Trail, which takes you to the summit of the Stawamus Chief for breathtaking views of Howe Sound.
The town is often referred to as the climbing capital of Canada and home to some of the best rock climbing in North America, with over 2,000 climbing routes in the area. Some of the more renowned routes include The Grand Wall which is perhaps the most famous route on The Chief. It’s a multi-pitch climb that offers a mix of crack and face climbing. The Snake is a classic multi-pitch line on the Apron, this route offers fantastic, consistent climbing with a bit of every crack size, while the Squamish Buttress is often climbed in conjunction with the Apron routes, this line offers varied climbing with a memorable finish up the crest of the buttress.
Mountain biking is also very popular, with world-class trails like the Diamond Head and Alice Lake networks, which offer a variety of terrain for all skill levels. In the winter, Squamish is a gateway to some of the best skiing in North America, with Whistler Blackcomb just a short drive away.
Related Events
Tri 1 Events, a premier event production company in British Columbia, produces the event. Tri 1 produces the popular Triple Crown of Gravel Series, which includes Sea2Sky Gravel Fondo and Kettle Mettle Dirty Fondoand the Cowichan Crusher Gravel Grinder.
If you are looking for other best-in-class gravel events in Canada, check out Blue Mountains Gravel Fondo in Ontario, which is part of the UCI Gravel World Series, as well as the Hell of the Great White North, the Belgian Waffle Ride British Columbia (BWR BC) from Monuments of Cycling and is part of its Quadrupel Crown of Gravel Series.
For multi-disciplinary cyclists looking to fill out their calendar with premier events in Canada these road cycling events are worth looking into: RBC Gran Fondo Whistler and Gran Fondo Badlands from TransRockies and part its race Series. Both of these are considered to be some of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Northwest and Canada.
Also from the TransRockies team is a best in class trail running event, the TranSelkirks Run one of the Best Trail Running Events in the Northwest, as well as TransRockies Single Track 6 one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Northwest and both part of the TransRockies Race Series.
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