Driving Highyway 99 Lilloet to Whistler

I just hope that the OP isn't dissuaded from the drive. All the information presented is correct, but it is kinda off-putting. The hill is just that...a hill. Driven accordingly, like many challenging driving conditions, it is quite safe.

Gary Haupt

Thanks sue.t and almcc!

I have memories of that route, we did it a number of years ago. I don't think the hills have changed since, I'll give you a couple of comments and suggestions.

I ended up smoking the trailer and truck brakes, caused by starting at the top of the grades at too high a speed, combined with a manual transmission diesel pick up (no engine braking as now exists with tow/haul modes on today's automatics).

I would suggest following a transport truck down the hills, if possible, these guys know how to do it. That, combined with cadence braking (hard braking followed by time off the brakes to allow cooling)should result in a stress free experience.

As a final comment, I found some of the locals (not hauling anything) to be driving fairly aggressively as they know the roads, ignore their tendency to push you, go at a pace that is comfortable and safe.

Take a look at images from our trip with our F250 towing a 25' fifth wheel http://yukonsights.ca/20090917_LLH-Pemberton.html

The truck brakes overheated on this piece near the end of the downhill travels



This is the profile from the GPS track - distance in miles on the bottom

You're all putting me in the right frame of mind! I questioned passing lanes to let others by, I'm not an aggressive driver. I'm a senior taking my 16 year old grandson to bike at Whistler. I'm the cook and bottle washer,may bike the campground!

It IS a fabulous drive. Great scenery and east to west is best of all. Take your time..stop and take pictures...

Now then...as you begin to drop in elevation..lets call it the 50 out of 60 mark? There is warning sign about the upcoming grade. Take it seriously. Take your rig out of highway gear get it down in 2nd or 3rd. If you have any traffic behind? let'm go on by so you don't feel pressured. Just sit back and enjoy the drive.


Gary Haupt

The park that Dr. Blake is referring to is Nairn Falls Provincial Park. It is located 2 kms south of Pembrton on Highway 99. This park is set on the banks of the Green River. I have spent many camping nights there.

We did it, lots of people do. It was the middle of August, hot and lots of traffic. Careful with the brakes and the speed you build on the decent coming into switchbacks; they come quick and can get away from you if your trying to slowdown in the corner. The side of the road had lots of trucks/trailers cooling down at any flat spots; you could smell brakes in the air.
The trip was awesome though. We stayed in Pemberton at the provincial park, the kids splashed at the side of the river that runs through it. Great times!!! Hiking was outstanding as well!
PS - This is surely not the road for a severely overloaded truck.

rogersnl wrote:
Well done BC explorer! That's the reassurance I was looking for! I thought it was shorter than 60 miles but that's not too bad. Many passing lanes?

To clarify. It is 60 miles from Lillooet to Pemberton then another 30 to Whistler then about 70 miles to Vancouver.

For true passing lanes, there are very few on the Duffey Lake Road but there are many sections where you can safely pass. There is not a lot of traffic so sit back and enjoy the drive and views.

From Pemberton to Whistler, it is a modern 2 lane highway but the speed limit is low so keep that in mind as the RCMP like to hand out tickets...

Whistler to Vancouver, plenty of passing lanes, especially on the hills.

Well done BC explorer! That's the reassurance I was looking for! I thought it was shorter than 60 miles but that's not too bad. Many passing lanes?