Route advice needed - Going to Osoyoos from Vancouver

paulj wrote:
What do people prefer when traveling from northern Vancouver Island to Hope (and beyond)? Coming from Seattle I usually take the Duke Pt ferry when heading upisland. But what's the least hassle route from Tsawwassen to Hwy 1? BC10?

Or is it better to go to Horseshoe Bay and catch Hwy 1 right away? I did that many years ago after sailing a small boat off the NW coast. We moteled it in Nanaimo, took the ferry across, and drove to Hope, Osoyoos, and south, getting as far as Grand Coulee Dam that night. But traffic is heavier these days, and there is a new toll bridge over the Frasier.

The last time I used Horseshoe Bay I came from the north (Whistler) and took the ferry to the Sunshine Coast.

There is no real low hassle way to get from Tswassen to Hwy 1 but the new South Fraser perimeter road is due to be completed in December. It is being built to make access to Hwy 1 from Tswassen and Delta Port much easier.

ryguy76 wrote:
Well, I thought I'd give an update.

Very considerate fo you. Most people just kind of fade away..it's nice you took the time.

Hopefully, too, you will become a regular contributor here.


Gary Haupt

Well, I thought I'd give an update. We arrived in Osoyoos via the crowsnest hwy. Easy-peasy... I thought it was a pretty easy drive, but tow mode was nice to have for the downhills into Princeton and Osoyoos.

As for the last post,we would have preferred taking departure bay from nanaimo, not duke pt. it's a bit shorter and direct. We had to meander a bit from tswassen to get to the #1, but we could only get a reservation on that route. There are no other options from northern van. isle.

What do people prefer when traveling from northern Vancouver Island to Hope (and beyond)? Coming from Seattle I usually take the Duke Pt ferry when heading upisland. But what's the least hassle route from Tsawwassen to Hwy 1? BC10?

Or is it better to go to Horseshoe Bay and catch Hwy 1 right away? I did that many years ago after sailing a small boat off the NW coast. We moteled it in Nanaimo, took the ferry across, and drove to Hope, Osoyoos, and south, getting as far as Grand Coulee Dam that night. But traffic is heavier these days, and there is a new toll bridge over the Frasier.

The last time I used Horseshoe Bay I came from the north (Whistler) and took the ferry to the Sunshine Coast.

The U.S.A. route requires passports, of course.

Crowsnest is as scenic as the North Cascades Hwy (it too crosses the Cascades) - but it is best if you take time to hike at a few spots along the way. And if your tow vehicle can handle it, drive up Blackwall Peak. And hike around Lightning Lakes (better yet camp there).

Princeton is almost as touristy as Winthrop. The river drive east of there (past Hedly) is as pleasant as anything on the US side.

Another definite OK for Hwy #3 and a suggestion to consider the American Route as the Return!

Cheaper Fuel and You can do some Shopping then skip over to Anacortes for the Ferry across to Sidney!

3 definately the quickest but the North Cascades should absolutely be on everyones list of drives at least once.

Well, it looks like a resounding yes towards the Hope-Princeton route. I will take all your advice and travel that way.

Thank you for taking the time to respond. It's eased my mind.

Ryan.

I'd vote for #3 too...however....don't you just love 'howevers'?. There is a wonderfully scenic route that you may dismiss..but..I'd urge you to consider and that is the North Cascades, highway #20, thru northern Washington to Winthrop and then on to Osoyoos. The views are incredible. Winthrop rocks and hey...you can go do some shopping at the Prime Outlet Mall in Mt Vernon/Burlington. Just a thought.


Gary Haupt