LindaAnn, lower mainland BC is one of if not the most beautiful spots on the continent. You can spend the night or longer in Hope, nice little town, but not really "out of the way." The Coq is not scary in the summer unless your rig is under powered or your brakes are bad, lol. And it's very scenic, just not a peaceful drive, it's a (the only) freeway. 3 is a nicer route East/West.
Whatever you head, it will be a wonderful trip!
Winter time, if we're headed to Penticton or Kelowna for hockey, we typically avoid the Coq coming from WA due to road conditions and the propensity for accidents if the roads turn to _____. Otherwise, it's the quickest route across.