Highway 1 - Fraser Canyon

[moe_f]

Will be heading to Vancouver from Ontario this coming August with a 30 foot 5th wheel in tow. Seeking advice on route from the Kamloops to Hope portion of the trip. Since we will be returning the same way I intend to do this portion by going southbound on either Highway 1 or 5 and on the return trip use which ever one I missed on the way south. Is the Fraser River route best enjoyed going southbound or northbound?

One of the key considerations I want to put in my route choice is safety. There are some scenic pulloffs along the way, which I enjoy stopping at, but I'm concerned about; having to pull back unto the highway and having to negotiate traffic possibly in both directions, the amount of traffic that could be on the highway in the summer time, and maybe the short distance to a curve in the road which might obstruct my vision.

If you have traveled this road and have input I'd be grateful if you could share your thoughts.

thanks

[ejfranz]

Take hwy 1 from Kamloops to Hope then Hwy 3 to Princeton, then Osoyoos and then continue on Hwy 3 into the Kootenay area and back to Revelstoke. Lots of lakes, a few hot springs and great little towns along the way.

[Seamutt]

I also recommend traveling south on hwy 1 through the Fraser Canyon. There is a provincial campground called Skihist and near it is a river rafting outfit called Kumsheen. Take a rafting trip on the Thompson and Fraser rivers, great fun. Farther south is Hells Gate with an easy turn off to the right. Take the Gondola down into the canyon. Interesting facilities down there. All of these can be looked up on line.

Heading back take hwy 3 from Hope to Princeton, Keremeos, Osoyoos then north up hwy 97 to Kamloops and back onto hwy 1. Busy area in the summer. You can also stay on hwy 3 and work your way to Alberta but there is a steep climb out of Osoyoos and Salmo.

If you return be hwy 3 out of Hope stop at the Hope slide, awesome. Also at Manning Park if you have a truck or dingy you can drive up to the Alpine. This can also be done at Revelstoke east of Kamloops.

Research the parkway between Jasper and Banff. One of the top rated drives in the world. It is good for any RV.

[JeepBus]

On your way through Lytton be sure to stop and check out the ferry. Park your truck on the Lytton side and walk across. It's a great experience and it will give you an up close look at the power of the River.

http://tranbc.ca/2013/07/25/11-little-known-lytton-ferry-factoids/

[moe_f]

Thanks to all for your input on the Fraser Canyon your advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks also to those who suggested a return via Highway 3. Five years ago we also tripped west and went as far as Sicamous on the TCH then we headed south through the Okanagan Valley to Osoyoos and back via highway 3 to Waterton. You are correct highway 3 is a beautiful drive.

cheers and have a great day.

[fanrgs]

I also agree because Hwy 3 will take you through the Okanagan Valley, one of our new "must-return-to" destinations in Canada. Beautiful lakes, vineyards covering the hills, and great food and wine!

[paulj]

At the Hope end the highway is on the west side of the river. The crossing is about half way to Lytton. The north end (Cache Ck to Spences Bridge (8)) is also on the west side.

The southern end of the canyon is deeper and more wooded. The north drier and more open, with long views. Views along the North Thompson (north of Lytton) are probably the best. I don't think it matters much which direction you are going.

[Tothill]

On your way through Cache Creek when the TCH (Trans Canada Highway) turns South (left), turn North (right) for a block or so and stop at Herbies Drive In.

The burgers are good, the chicken great, the quencher a nice refreshing drink and save room for a real cream soft serve for dessert.

I agree with Flyboy take Highway 3 on the way home. It is a slower route, but you will see lots of beautiful scenery and interesting towns.

Or go north on the way back through the Cariboo.

[Flyboy320]

My suggestion...Take Hwy 1 down the canyon then when you head east...take # 3 out of Hope all the way across southern BC and into AB.

[garyhaupt]

I travel the routes frequently and am always pulling off to take a picture or just look at stuff. I would suggest going south...down...thru the Fraser Canyon, #1. There are lots and lots of pull-offs, all on the river side. That's your right, going south. Once you get past Lyton the rivers on your left but pulling-off is still no sweat. This isn't the high volume road it used to be. Trucks and so on, but the volume isn't there.

The Coquihalla (The Coke), #5...meh...there isn't a lot to see no matter which way you are going, and when there are, you'll find pull-offs.


Gary Haupt