About us
Private touring, done properly.
Tantalus Tours runs private, door-to-door days across Vancouver, the North Shore and the Sea to Sky. Small groups, local knowledge, and a day planned around you.
Tantalus RangePhoto: keepitsurreal · CC BY-SA 2.0
What we do
The day a local would plan for you. We collect you at your door, drive, guide and bring everything the day needs.
Water, snacks, basic hiking gear and a full safety kit are in the car. You choose a tour or tell us what you're into, and we shape the route around the season, the weather and your group.
No coach, no crowd and no script. The right stops, good food, safe routes and enough time to enjoy them.
Sea to Sky HighwayPhoto: Tom Winckels · Unsplash License
Our standards
What you can count on.
01
Safety first
Routes are planned around the forecast, daylight and road conditions. Every trip carries a full first aid kit, emergency gear and a backup plan, and we'll always choose the safe call over the scenic one.
02
Reliable
Door-to-door pickup at the time we agree, a confirmed plan before the day, and a heads-up if weather or road closures mean a change.
03
Local knowledge
We live here. We know the viewpoints worth stopping for, where to eat, when the crowds arrive, and how to fit the best of a place into the time you have.
04
Private, and small
Never more than 4 guests and never a stranger in the group. The day runs at your pace, and the plan bends around what you enjoy.
05
Honest pricing
One clear price per group, admission tickets at cost, and nothing to pay until your plan is confirmed.
06
All-electric
Every tour runs in a quiet, comfortable Tesla. Smooth on the highway and silent at the viewpoints.
The name
Named for the range.
The Tantalus Range is the wall of glaciated peaks across the Squamish valley on the Sea to Sky Highway. The name is thought to come from Basil Darling, a climber who looked at these peaks for years from summits he could reach, then made the first ascent of Mount Tantalus in 1911 with two companions. Within sight, out of reach. There's a lookout on Highway 99 named for the range, and our Whistler day trip stops there.
Say it TAN-tuh-lus
Tantalus Range from Highway 99Photo: Thomas Quine · CC BY 2.0
The same view as a line. From the lookout, Alpha looks tallest because it is closest. Mount Tantalus, behind it, is the high point of the range.
Meet your guide
Hi, I'm Joe.
Founder and guide
I founded Tantalus Tours and I'm the person who'll pick you up. I live in Vancouver, I know the city and the Sea to Sky well, and showing friends, family and visitors around has always been my favourite thing to do here.
Tantalus Tours is that, done properly: the right stops, good food, safe routes and no rush. I drive, I guide, and I make sure you have everything you need, from snacks and water to a first aid kit and basic hiking gear.
Tell me what you're into and I'll plan a day you'll still be talking about when you get home.
Plan your dayReady when you are.
Tell us your dates and what you're into. We'll come back with a plan.