Osoyoos to Kamloops ; best route please ?
Osoyoos to Kamloops ; best route please ? is it through Princeton ? Is it through Vernon ? Or should I go to Kelowna and take the route over to Nicola ?
Forum Discussion
This probably will be moved to the Canada/Alaska section.
But as with most 'best route' questions, 'best' is largely subjective, and depends on your own priorities - distance, time, driving ease, scenery etc.
US97 south of Osoyoos is lightly settled, mostly ranches. BC97 pass through a denser orchard and vacation homes area. And parts are 4 lane or even divided.
BC97 all the way is the flattest route, but has heavy traffic, especially in the Kelowna to Vernon area. There is a new floating bridge at Kelowna (floating like in Seattle).
The BC97c (Okanagan Connector) turn off to BC5 is full freeway, and probably saves time. But it does have a substantial climb. Merritt is on a plateau. I'd choose this for speed.
My preference is the Princeton route. In a smaller vehicle it is relaxing and scenic. There's a bit of a pass crossing from Osoyoos to Keremeos. The last time I bypassed it by taking the Nighthawk border crossing - which is as small and remote as they come. The rest of the way to Princeton is a pretty river drive. Flat with some curves, but not difficult.
5A north of Princeton is pretty, but somewhat curvy. Easy driving but not particularly fast. It's fast and divided once it meets 97c.
Last time I crossed the area I took old 5A from Kamloops to Merritt. It's not as fast and straight as divided 5, but I was surprised that some trucks were still taking it.
But as with most 'best route' questions, 'best' is largely subjective, and depends on your own priorities - distance, time, driving ease, scenery etc.
US97 south of Osoyoos is lightly settled, mostly ranches. BC97 pass through a denser orchard and vacation homes area. And parts are 4 lane or even divided.
BC97 all the way is the flattest route, but has heavy traffic, especially in the Kelowna to Vernon area. There is a new floating bridge at Kelowna (floating like in Seattle).
The BC97c (Okanagan Connector) turn off to BC5 is full freeway, and probably saves time. But it does have a substantial climb. Merritt is on a plateau. I'd choose this for speed.
My preference is the Princeton route. In a smaller vehicle it is relaxing and scenic. There's a bit of a pass crossing from Osoyoos to Keremeos. The last time I bypassed it by taking the Nighthawk border crossing - which is as small and remote as they come. The rest of the way to Princeton is a pretty river drive. Flat with some curves, but not difficult.
5A north of Princeton is pretty, but somewhat curvy. Easy driving but not particularly fast. It's fast and divided once it meets 97c.
Last time I crossed the area I took old 5A from Kamloops to Merritt. It's not as fast and straight as divided 5, but I was surprised that some trucks were still taking it.
