Scenic Drive from Revelstoke to Vancouver through Kootenay and Okanagan

Embarking on a road trip through Canada is more than just a drive; it's an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences. If you're planning a journey from Revelstoke to Vancouver, you're in for a treat. This route, rich in natural beauty and cultural stops, offers an array of highlights that will make your trip truly memorable.

With two options at your disposal—taking the monotonous Trans-Canada Highway or opting for a scenic detour through the enchanting Kootenay and Okanagan regions—we chose the latter without hesitation. With our tank full and excitement high, we set off to explore the hidden gems of British Columbia.

Here’s a detailed map of the route we took from Revelstoke to Vancouver, highlighting key points for stops along this remarkable journey.

Stage 1: Revelstoke to Penticton

This leg of the road trip features several must-visit stops that will enrich your experience. Here are the highlights:

1. Shelter Bay Ferry Terminal

After picking up some maps at the Revelstoke Information Center and driving about 50 km south, we encountered our first pivotal moment. To continue, we had to take a free ferry that departs every hour to cross the stunning Arrow Lake. Unfortunately, we faced a 45-minute wait, plus the half-hour ride, setting the tone for a long day ahead.

2. Soothing Hot Springs

Although we had to forego a relaxing dip in one of the nearby hot springs, there are two enticing options if you have the time: Halcyon Hot Springs and Nakusp Hot Springs. If you’re willing to arrive late at your destination, these spots are well worth the visit.

3. Ione Falls

Not as grand as the Takakkaw Falls, but these picturesque cascades just off the road provide a perfect five-minute pit stop. We took the opportunity to refresh ourselves—and yes, you can guess where we found the facilities!

4. Summit Lake Provincial Park

Another quick stop that is ideal for road trippers. The park boasts a beautiful lake view, and we crossed paths with some motorcyclists on a cross-Canada trip. They vanished into the horizon in the blink of an eye, leaving us to enjoy the serene scenery.

5. New Denver

This charming village stole our hearts. With its cozy wooden houses and meticulously maintained gardens, it felt like a slice of paradise. The park by the Socan Lake cemented our desire to retire here someday—if only we could choose where to grow old!

6. Castlegar and Highway 3

We made a brief stop in Castlegar to refuel (a tip: check out the GasBuddy app for gas prices). Continuing along Highway 3, we noticed the landscapes shifting to a drier, rockier terrain, signaling a new chapter in our adventure.

7. Christina Lake

Before descending into this quaint town, we stopped at a lookout point that offered stunning views over the lake and surrounding area. The park by the lake is a popular summer destination for locals, providing a beach-like atmosphere for swimming and relaxation.

8. Greenwood

If the Route 66 has its charm, Greenwood in Canada is no exception. This town feels like a Western film set, where motels resemble saloons and the main attraction is an old Fort. A nostalgic glimpse into the past awaits you here.

9. Osoyoos

As we descended the mountain road, Osoyoos unfolded before us, nestled at the base. A panoramic viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of fruit fields and vineyards. This is where the Wine Route begins, boasting over 100 wineries that produce some of the best wines in the region.

10. The Wine Route

Heading north, we meandered through a series of vineyards and organic fruit markets. Be sure to stop if any are open to sample some fresh produce—after a day of burgers and poutine, your taste buds will thank you! Our journey continued toward Penticton, but not before a delightful surprise: the Bhavsagar Sikh Temple in Oliver, revealing the vibrant Indian Sikh community that thrives here. Road trips are often full of surprises!

For our stay in Penticton, we opted for the HI Penticton, a charming hostel located in a quaint wooden house near the city's main street. The staff was incredibly welcoming, the place was spotless, and we enjoyed the tranquility of the little garden perfect for barbecues.

Stage 2: Penticton to Vancouver

We kicked off the final stage of our epic road trip from Penticton, a vibrant city that transforms into a quiet retreat by evening. Despite the eerie calm, there are still a few spots open to quench your thirst for cold beer.

To reach Vancouver, we faced a choice: the dull Highway 5 or the more picturesque Highway 3. The decision was easy, and we opted for the scenic route that meandered through the familiar orchards and vineyards, which soon morphed into rugged, wild landscapes. Here, farms transitioned into horse ranches, fields turned rocky, and lakes carved into valleys by the powerful Similkameen River.

Don’t forget to pack your Revolut card or N26 card to avoid foreign transaction fees and make the most of your spending!

1. The Road from Penticton to Hope

The drive remains stunning, albeit with fewer noteworthy stops. We cherished the chance to soak in the scenery more leisurely than on previous legs, where every minute was accounted for. Our favorite morning ritual involved a delightful stop at Tim Hortons to grab breakfast by Yellow Lake.

During our journey, we spotted an unusual church perched on a hill, but a "private property" sign quickly dashed our hopes of an exploration. We also passed through Hedley, a town that seemed straight out of a Western movie, complete with a Trading Post selling quirky souvenirs. And yes, we even spotted a gigantic cardboard bear waving at us from the hillside!

We reached the viewpoint known as “Victims of the Hope Slide,” where we learned about the tragic landslide in 1965 that claimed four lives. The sight of the still-unstable rocks on the mountain slope is a poignant reminder of nature's power.

2. Othello Tunnels

The highlight of our day was undoubtedly the Othello Tunnels. These four tunnels, carved into the rock for the Pacific Railway, might not seem extraordinary at first glance. However, they span the dramatic Coquihalla Canyon, featuring open sections where you can peer down into the gorge below. It’s like stepping into a piece of cinematic history, as a famous scene from Rambo: First Blood was filmed here!

The tunnels vary in length, with the first being the longest. Walking through them is an experience for the senses; the dim light, the sound of gravel crunching underfoot, and the chill in the air heighten your awareness as you navigate the darkness.

This site is just 10 km from Hope. If you’ve taken a more northern route or have time for extra stops, the Fraser Canyon to the north is worth exploring. It was our initial choice for the return journey, but we opted for the stunning southern route instead. Don’t miss the Hell’s Gate Airtram, a tram crossing the Fraser River (tickets are around $28).

From Hope to Vancouver is a straightforward drive of about 150 km. We didn’t bother hunting for attractions along the way, although we had considered the Bridal Veil Falls and a refreshing dip in Harrison Hot Springs. As the road widened and traffic increased, our excitement to return the rental car safely grew.

This road trip through the Rocky Mountains was a memorable adventure, one we'll cherish for years to come, and it's a journey we wouldn’t hesitate to embark on again. After all, there’s always a reason to revisit beautiful places!

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