Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) in late May

Harvey51 wrote:
We drove the Coq in March, 2011, southbound. It was a little tough, covered with wet snow, MH slipping a little, quite a distance with no exits. We were sure glad to see an RV park at the south end, turned off and stayed the night very comfortably. In the morning we discovered a nice park close by on a backroad to Hope. This park was the entrance to an old, abandoned set of railroad tunnels. I wanted to see them but there was just too much wet snow for the walk. We took a different route on the way back and I still haven't seen them.

Those are the Othello Tunnels and they are well worth seeing. They are truly an engineering marvel from a long time ago.

Snow on the Coquihalla in late May is possible but the chances are very slim. If in doubt check weather forecast before departing but I wouldn't worry about it and I've driven the road hundreds of times over the years.

We drove the Coq in March, 2011, southbound. It was a little tough, covered with wet snow, MH slipping a little, quite a distance with no exits. We were sure glad to see an RV park at the south end, turned off and stayed the night very comfortably. In the morning we discovered a nice park close by on a backroad to Hope. This park was the entrance to an old, abandoned set of railroad tunnels. I wanted to see them but there was just too much wet snow for the walk. We took a different route on the way back and I still haven't seen them.

You will probably be good but the Coq is the highest pass from the interior and the southern half has fairly high annual precipitation. It a very good highway and actually has the highest speed limit in the Province, 120 KPH or 75 MPH.

Just watch the weather and if it is bad on the Coq you can always take HWY 1 down the Thompson and Fraser Canyon. Longer but more interesting IMO.

BC Highway Cams

May 28th 2014.

http://globalnews.ca/news/1359497/snow-covered-coquihalla-slows-travellers/


Gary Haupt

How often does it snow on the Coq without similar conditions on Rogers and Kickinghorse? The Coq may be closer to the Pacific Ocean moisture, but the others are closer to the Alberta cold.

It can snow on the Coq pretty much anytime in the 12 months of the year. I wouldn't suggest carrying chains...but pay attention to the Drive BC weather and if there is a snow warning, take the suggested route down the The Canyon. It's a much nicer drive and only maybe an hour longer.

Gary Haupt

You mention "Highway thru Hell". You obviously watch the TV program.

I hate to disappoint you, but most of the footage is NOT shot on the Coq.
The TransCanada runs is a two lane highway that runs through the pass and Hwy 5 (Coq) is a four lane big wide highway.

Usually the highway is clear by the end of March with snow off the side.
May is bare and a great road.

If you want scenery, follow Hwy 1 (Transcanada) from Hope through to Kamloops.
You will follow the river, pass Hells Gate, and probably see white water rafting.
It is an extra hour with an RV but well worth it.

I have seen it snowing there that time of year, but it's really rare.
Expect dry pavement with lots of grades (up & down)

We go up every May. March is the last month for winter tire/ chain requirements, other than the hills, you should be fine.

Leave the chains at home. This past May long weekend, temperature was 17C (about 64F) at the summit when we stopped there. Year before it was about 20C (about 70F.)