From the U.S.A.
1. Blaine U.S.A. to Sun Peaks – 7hrs
... via Vancouver & Lillooet
Distance is approximately 532kms on paved roads; driving time is approximately 7 hours.
Description:
One of the classics drives in British Columbia!
From Vancouver wind your way up the intensely scenic Sea to Sky highway to the world-class resort of Whistler Mountain, paying attention for highway speed toll collectors and traffic. The traffic thins on the way to Pemberton and sweeps through the towering Coast Mountains.
To quote Greg Anderson “Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing It.” best describes the section of road from Mount Currie to Lillooet. You will be continually amazed by the combination of spectacular scenery and endless challenging twisties. Try for an early start for this section of road.
The intensity level drops from Lillooet to Hat Creek. Enjoy the sweeping, well-engineered road past turquoise lakes at the foot of the limestone canyon of Marble Canyon Provincial Park. The traffic is light and the scenery impressive.
Relax, turn on the cruise control and enjoy the last leg past Kamloops Lake to Kamloops and Sun Peaks, you've earned it.
Tip: Spend the night at Whistler and get an early start - accommodation & dining.
2. Blaine U.S.A. to Sun Peaks – 4.5hrs
... via Coquihalla (Fast Route)
Distance is approximately 391kms on paved roads; driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.
Description:
The quickest route to Sun Peaks from Blaine USA. Take Hwy 1 to Hwy 5, the Coquihalla Connector.
The Coquihalla Highway passes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the province. This dramatic change of environment is always exhilarating, as you go from misty coastal cedars and tall firs to bright sunlight on the high rock faces in the space of half an hour.
Kw'ikw'iya:la (Coquihalla) in the Halq'emeylem language of the Stó:lō, is a place name meaning "stingy container." It refers specifically to a fishing rock near the mouth of what is now known as the Coquihalla River. This rock is a good platform for spearing salmon. According to Stó:lō oral history, the skw'exweq (water babies, underwater people) who inhabit a pool close by the rock, would swim out and pull the salmon off the spears, allowing only certain fisherman to catch the salmon.
Tip: Stop off at Rolly's Restaurant in Hope.
3. Osoyoos to Sun Peaks – 4.5hrs
... via 97c Connector
Distance is approximately 320kms on paved roads; driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.
Description:
The quickest route to Sun Peaks from Osoyoos and Oroville USA. Take Hwy 97 to Hwy 97C Connector and 5A to Kamloops.
Tips:
- Stop off and visit the Vineyards along Hwy 97 to Okanagan Falls. Make a small detour on Eastside Road and explore some great regional wineries along a fun drive.
- Need a break from the straight and narrow? This 30 km local secret, parallel route from Oliver to Kaleen delivers a great adrenalin boost. Twisty and light traffic.
- Wine Tours
4. Osoyoos to Sun Peaks – 5hrs
... via Kelowna
Distance is approximately 400kms on paved roads; driving time is approximately 5 hours.
Description:
The Beatles said it the best “The Long and Winding Road”
Osoyoos to Rock Creek via the Crowsnest Hwy 3, light traffic on one of the provinces best set of continuous S bend sweepers in a grand location.
One of BC's best-kept secrets is Highway #33 that runs north/south between Kelowna in the Okanagan and the tiny community of Rock Creek. “Fast and Light,” a great description of the road and traffic along this stretch of excellent pavement.
Kelowna to Spallumcheen, Westside road. Have you been practicing your wrist curls? You will need them on this devilish, snaking section of shoulder less road. Keep you eyes on the road, there is little room for error. There are wonderful views to Okanagan Lake, if you can pry your eyes away from picking the perfect apex as you dive into the next corner. Keep your radar detector on in the southern part of this sector.
Hwy 97 to Kamloops and Sun Peaks.
Tip: Stop off at the Prospector Hotel in Rock Creek, not much to look at but good food, character and a great patio.
Links:
5. Idaho to Sun Peaks – 10.5hrs
... via Kootenay Lake & the Monashees
Distance is approximately 600kms on paved roads; driving time is approximately 10.5 hours.
Description:
The two best sports car roads of Southeast BC, a classic pairing.
Cross the border at Porthill Idaho to Creston BC. If you are towing the Pcar, unleash it for a smorgasbord of corners and twisties. Super Natural BC at its best. No waiting in line at this buffet table, remote and private with just the right amount of services.
Creston to Kootney Bay on 3A. This distinguished “Great White North” road has it all and may be the best Porsche road in Southern BC.
Ferry from Kootney Bay to Balfou, #31 to Kaslo, 31A to New Denver, #6 to Nakusp, #6 to Fauquier. This lightly traveled route may not be as curvacious as the previous sector, but still a fine line.
Monashee Road Hwy 6 Needles to Vernon. Famous for it's tight curves and low traffic, a fitting companion to Hwy 3A.
Hwy 97 to Kamloops and Sun Peaks.
Links:
Updated: April 20, 2010