Bypassing the Coquihalla - A Scenic Road Trip to Big White Ski Resort
With the devastating flooding in British Columbia’s southern interior and the closing of the main artery to non-essential travel between the coast and Big White Ski Resort, getting to Canada’s Favourite Family Resort by car has become a bit trickier.
UPDATED JANUARY 18, 2022 - COQUIHALLA HWY WILL OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2022
But! If you’re up for a B-E-A-U-tiful drive that will take you along rivers, through forests and mountain ranges and valleys – and one that will make you “ooh” and “ahh” from departure to arrival – we’ve mapped it out for you!
First things first, if you’re coming from Vancouver or anywhere along the south western coast of British Columbia, you’ll need your passport – as this route takes you down through the States and up through stunning Osoyoos in southern BC.
Secondly, proof of vaccination. Please familiarize yourself with the latest information regarding travel between the US and Canadian border, testing, and proof of vaccination requirements. For Canadians, all of that information can be found here. If you are American, you can find out if you can travel to Canada, here. Please review Big White's COVID-19 Safety Plan before visiting the resort.
(PS: If you’re not a road-tripper, there are multiple nonstop Alaska Airlines flights a day between Seattle and Kelowna, and they’re only about an hour and 10 minutes long. Big White is less than an hour away from the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) meaning you’ll be on the slopes in no time at all. Our team at Central Reservations can also book you onto one of our Airport Shuttles which meet all flights arriving and takes you right to the front door of our on mountain accommodation. As the largest ski-in, ski-out resort village in Canada – there’s no need for a vehicle once you’re on the mountain.)
Staying Safe:
In BC, passenger vehicles are required to be equipped with winter tires between October 1 and March 31. Ensure you have snow rated winter tires, mountain snowflake tires, or chains before making the journey. We would also recommend checking your taillights and headlights, and filling your vehicle up with gas prior to heading out. Dress warmly, or at least pack winter jackets, pants, boots and gloves in your trunk in case of emergencies. And, finally, charge up your cell phone – there’s nothing worse than being stranded without a way to reach help!
Don’t forget to fill up or charge your vehicle before heading up to Big White! There are no EV charging stations or gas stations on the mountain.
The Route:
From Vancouver (8 hours, 56 minutes)
- Head south out of Vancouver on BC 99 S to the US border
- Continue onto I-5 S for 130km
- Take exit onto US-2 E for ~200km
- Head north on US-97 N for ~200km
- Follow signs to Osoyoos
- Head east on BC-3 E (Crowsnest Hwy) for 50km
- Slight left onto BC-33 N (Kelowna-Rock Creek Hwy) for 100km
- Turn right onto Big White Rd for 23km
- Find full direction in map below
From Seattle (6 hours, 57 minutes)
- Head east out of Seattle on 1-90E for 82mi
- Take exit 85 for WA-970 N and stay on 970 for 10mi
- Head north on US-97 N for 35mi
- Merge onto US-2 E/US-97 N for 15mi
- Head north on US-97 N for 124mi
- Follow signs to Osoyoos
- Head east on BC-3 E (Crowsnest Hwy) for 31mi
- Slight left onto BC-33 N (Kelowna-Rock Creek Hwy) for 62mi
- Turn right onto Big White Rd for 14mi
- Find full direction in map below
MAP: The Route & Points of Interest
Places of Interest:
Check out parks, museums, cultural centres and more during your road trip!
Whatcom Falls Park
Where: Bellingham, WA
What: Enjoy hiking trails in this 241-acre city park, and stunning waterfalls that are still raging during the winter months.
Imagine Children’s Museum
Where: Everett, WA
What: A playground and learning centre for kids and adults alike! With interactive exhibits and activities, the museum encourages children and their families to role play, experiment, splash, think, wander and create together in a place where they can feel physically and emotionally safe.
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Where: Washington State
What: Take a break at one of the most visited forests in the country, located on the western slopes of the Cascade mountain range. You’ll find glacier-covered peaks, spectacular mountain meadows and old-growth forests – as well as hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails!
Apple Capital Loop Trail
Where: Wenatchee, WA
What: The five-mile trail system along the Wenatchee riverfront is a great place to hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski.
Rocky Reach Discovery Center
Where: Wenatchee, WA
What: A discovery centre about the Rocky Reach Dam with exhibits organized around themes including the “Living River,” “The People’s Power,” “Hydro Health” and “Fish Tales.”
Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
Where: Osoyoos, BC
What: The spectacular Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (pronounced in-ka-meep) is a state-of-the-art interpretive centre is an architectural marvel sensitively constructed into a hillside.
If you’re really wanting to make a trip out of it, be sure to check out Route97.net for scenic loops in Washington and BC!
MAP: Visitor Information Centres (courtesy Route 97)