Maintaining Safety – Winter on the Coquihalla

Coquihalla Summit

Set in the rain shadow of the Coastal Mountains, the Coquihalla is an awe-inspiring drive any time of year, but it can also be a demanding one, especially in winter.

The highway climbs about 1,200 metres before reaching the summit, and it’s subjected to many different microclimates along the way. What starts out as dry, powdery snow can quickly turn wet and slushy as you head south towards the coast.

And it’s not just the different types of snow that are a problem, either – it’s how much that falls. Here’s a little fun fact: the Coquihalla has some of the highest annual snowpacks in the province. Despite its altitude, the weather is generally warmer than other mountain passes, which can lead to more melting/freezing cycles and more problems with ice.

Keeping up with the winter weather along this route is a challenge, and our maintenance contractors use a variety of equipment and techniques to keep the road open for traffic. In addition to the regular sanding/salting, our contractors will use loaders and excavators to push and pile the snow away from the road. Also, the barriers we installed to increase safety for motorists can make plowing more difficult, so snow blowers are used here more often than anywhere else in the province.

We have three maintenance contractors that work 24 hours a day, seven days a week trying to keep the highway open. In case you’ve ever wondered, here’s who they are and the areas they cover (and here’s a full list of our maintenance contractors):

Maintenance Contractor:

Location:
Emil Anderson Maintenance Between Hope and Portia Bridge
Yellowhead Road & Bridge (Nicola) Ltd. Between Portia Bridge and Merritt and between Merritt and Walloper, near Lac La Jeune
Argo Road Maintenance (Thompson) Between Walloper and Kamloops

We’re always looking to make our roads as safe as possible, so we set high standards for our maintenance contractors to meet, and we work closely with them to make sure they deliver. Even with these measures in place, weather can be unpredictable. Sudden storms can see snow and ice build up quickly on the road, even after a plow has just passed, so it’s important to make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the trip and drive safely. That said, sometimes it just isn’t possible to keep the highway in drivable condition. Our first priority is to keep people safe, so if the road is too dangerous, we`ll close it down until we can get things under control. Of course if the route closes, there are others you can take to get to your destination, like Highway 1.

Regardless of what’s going on, if there’s something you need to know about this route, we’re working to keep you informed. Whether through safe winter driving tips, advisory signs or using Twitter, DriveBC or our webcams we’re getting the word out there to alert drivers about current conditions.

If you plan on driving the Coquihalla, or anywhere else, this winter, please make sure to plan ahead and check the current conditions. You’ll be helping yourself and doing other drivers a favour, too.

 

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Page 1 of 149 comments on “Maintaining Safety – Winter on the Coquihalla”

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  2. Hi there,
    I will be driving a Uhaul from Vancouver Island to 100 mile house Mid december. I am comfortable winter driving, and I am comfortable driving a vehicle the size of the UHaul. Putting the 2 together on the fraser canyon is making me a little bit nervous. Wondering if I should take the extra kms’ to take the coq. through Kamloops instead, or if the Canyon will be the safer route?

    • Hi there, Kristen.

      Thanks for connecting with us here. We can’t say what the weather conditions will look like this far in advance, but encourage you to check both routes via DriveBC.ca prior to your travel (and during your trip when you can safely check) to see what the current conditions are. The canyon typically sees less snow and less traffic than the Coquihalla, but the Coquihalla can be quicker. Either way, we recommend giving yourself plenty of time to travel, so you do not have to rush. Both routes are regularly maintained. You should make sure you have winter tires on your vehicle and chains onboard to make sure you can get a grip if you need to (especially with the trailer addition). Here is a link to more information on towing trailers and winter driving: Hope this information is helpful. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/recreational-vehicles

  3. Hello! I will be moving to Edmonton probably in November from Vancouver. Sadly we will be driving there in a 10” moving truck and SUV. How are the conditions usually? And which route would be best in your opinion?
    Thanks!

    • Hello Ash – thanks for connecting with us here. At that time of year, you should expect winter weather and plan accordingly. BC Highway 5 (and then Highway 1 to the Alberta border) might be your best bet.

      We suggest asking your moving truck company to ensure your vehicle has winter rated (mountain snowflake) tires and chains – just in case. Hope this information is helpful.

  4. Hi there, I just drove the Coquihalla on May 8 and 9, 2022 from Vancouver to Calgary and it was very snowy on the way to Calgary and super foggy on the way a week later. It was not fun! Cars were doing 30 km/hr at the most dangerous stretch.

    I’m doing the trip again in June from Vancouver going east. I am reluctant to put my summer tires on. They are true summer performance tires so if there is any chance of any snow, I will die! Should I leave the winter tires on? Thanks for all of this support.

    • Hi there Derek,

      Given that this spring has been unusually cold, we encourage you to skip your summer tires until all risk of poor weather is past. Safe travels!

  5. Hello. We are planning to drive from Vancouver to Red Deer in mid May.

    What is the typical weather like then during the journey?

    Is it sensible to drive it if one isn’t a confident driver?

    Thank you.

  6. Hello,

    We are planning on going to Kamloops this Easter weekend. I was reading some of the posts and one stated that winter tires are required until March 31st while another stated April 30th. Would you please confirm which is the correct date?

    Also, which is the safest way to travel? A friend mentioned Canyon?

    Thanks!

  7. Hello,

    I am planning a trip from the Lower Mainland to Kelowna via Coquihalla hwy 5 on April 28th. Does it historically snow that time of year, and do I need winter tires at that time of year?

    Thank you,

    Jay

  8. I will be driving from Regina to Vancouver. Hwy 5 was scary for me in the summer. I went through the usa to get to Regina, but do not want to cross the boarder. What is the safest way to travel?
    I heard that Hwy 3 is the way to go? Also i will be checking snow storms as well
    Thank you

    • Hello Lisa,

      We understand that some mountain passes, like the Coquihalla, can feel intimidating to drivers. Our highway maintenance crews are out doing their job 24/7 to make sure travel on all BC Highways is safe. That being said, BC Highway 3 is a great (but slower/more winding) route into the Lower Mainland. In either scenario, we suggest you give yourself plenty of travel time, make sure you keep your gas tank full and be prepared to stop unexpectedly with food, water and warm clothes. Oh – and making sure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires for snow. Safe travels.

    • Hi there Jose – thanks for your question. When you say bus trip – do you mean you will taking a bus? Our staff and contractors work around the clock to keep the Coquihalla safe for travellers. During the winter, when weather can change conditions on the road quickly, drivers are encouraged to take their time and slow down. A bus driver with their class 2 (Bus Driver license) will know how to drive to these conditions. If you have concerns about the conditions, we encourage you to check DriveBC.ca for up to the moment events and road conditions. We hope that this is helpful.

  10. I’m okay with mud and snow tires to drive the Coquihalla this weekend – during the day on Oct 1st, 2021 and during the day coming back home on Oct 3rd. Renting an SUV with mud and snow tires.

    • Hi Amanda,

      Thanks for connecting with us here. Winter weather can happen at any time, especially on high mountain passes like the Coquihalla. The best advice we can give you is to be prepared for any conditions, give yourself plenty of time to travel and to check DriveBC.ca before you leave, so that you can know what lies ahead of you. If you do encounter conditions that aren’t suitable for motorbikes, BC Highway 1, through the Fraser Canyon is another, low level (read: less snow) option to consider. We hope that this is helpful.

    • Good afternoon Sara,

      Thanks for your message. Our top bits of advice are for you to give yourself plenty of time to travel, know which route you are taking, check DriveBC.ca before you go and along your trip wherever possible, so that you can be aware of any road conditions you might encounter. Carry essentials in your car (food, chargers, clothes) in case you are stopped unexpectedly. Hope that this is helpful – have a good trip.

  15. How often are road maintenance crews required to clear snow, sand/salt the highway? Particularly at the summit? Driving through before Christmas, and looking at the highway from the drive.bc cameras over the last few weeks, there seem to be very little snow being cleared during the snow storms, also there are huge patches of road up there that have not only had very little snow clearing, but also no salt or sanding being done.

    • Hi Yvonne. The Coquihalla experienced record snowfall in the days leading to Christmas, receiving a total of 122 cm of snow between Dec 19 and Dec 21. This was an extreme storm for any contractor to manage, and Yellowhead Road and Bridge had a significant amount of equipment and resources working to manage the storm.

      Here’s a video that describes protocol on the Coquihalla during winter storms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfPY2Ubmi2I&feature=emb_title

      The new maintenance contract requires contractors to adhere to improved measures that require a more proactive approach to winter maintenance. These changes include:

      – Returning Class A highways (i.e. Coquihalla) to bare pavement within 24 hours of a winter weather event ending (previously 48 hours) at temperatures of warmer than minus nine degrees, when de-icing chemical use is effective.
      – Increasing patrol frequency to 90 minutes on a Class A highways (i.e. Coquihalla) during a snow storm (previously four hours).
      – When a weather event is forecasted to occur, increasing the patrol frequency to four hours in anticipation of the weather event coming (previously 24 hours).
      – Requiring the use of remote weather information systems to forecast when a weather event will occur and to spread anti-icing chemicals prior to the weather event.

      Hope this information helps. If you ever see a problem on the Coquihalla, I encourage you to report it to Yellowhead Road and Bridge Nicola: 1 888 899-9854

  16. I am driving from Vancouver to Kamloops this weekend (October 19-21). Weather forecast is mid to high teens (celcius) and I do not have snow tires. Will I be fined even though the snow tires will most likely not be required for the drive?

    • Hi Loretta,

      A winter tire must be labelled with either of the following:

      The letters “M” and “S”, the minimum legal requirement (mud + snow/all season tires)
      The 3-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol (ome manufacturers label with both the mountain snowflake and the M+S symbol)

      Mountain snowflake tires offer better traction on snow and ice. We recommend drivers install mountain/snowflake tires for cold weather driving and, for extreme conditions, carry chains. A legal winter tire (on a standard passenger vehicle or a four-wheel/all-wheel vehicle) MUST also have at least 3.5 mm of tread depth. If you have either of these tires on your vehicle, you should be fine travelling the route – although we encourage you to check DriveBC before you go, in case the weather turns quickly (which can happen quickly in high mountain passes). Summer tires are not recommended for driving between October 1 and March 31 and chains on summer tires are not an acceptable substitute for legal winter tires on signed B.C. highways. Here is a link to more info on winter driving requirements in BC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving

      Summer tires are not recommended for driving between October 1 and March 31 and chains on summer tires are not an acceptable substitute for legal winter tires on signed B.C. highways.

    • Hi Tyler,

      We can’t say with any certainty what the roads will be like in May, however you should expect snow at higher elevations across BC. Winter rated tires or tires labelled M+S qualify as winter tires (with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm). Check http://www.drivebc.ca before you go, give yourself plenty of time, drive carefully and be prepared with warm clothes, food and water and gas, should you need to stop for any reason. Thanks for connecting with us here. Safe and happy trails!

  18. Hi there!

    I am driving up to Vernon and Kelowna tomorroow
    Which highway is the safest right now? Coquihalla has snow on it. It’s my first time driving to that area and I heard it’s elevated.

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for connecting with us here. We hope your trip went well. Yes, there will be snow in the mountains and at high elevations across BC until well into May in some places. Best to check http://www.DriveBC.ca to get a sense of road conditions before you go, so that you can plan a route that works best for you. Typically Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon sees less snow, however it is longer than the Coquihalla. Highway 3 is another alternate route to the interior, but it can also get snow at high elevations. Always be prepared for poor weather, give yourself plenty of time and drive carefully. Safe travels!

    • Hello, thanks for connecting with us here.

      Yes, you will need winter tires to travel the Coquihalla (winter tire legislation is in effect from October 1 – March 31). You could take Highway 1 (Fraser Canyon) to Kamloops, which is a lower elevation, but winter tires are also required for this route.

      What is a Legal Winter Tire in B.C.?

      A legal winter tire (on a standard passenger vehicle or a four-wheel/all-wheel vehicle) MUST have at least 3.5 mm of tread depth.

      A winter tire must be labelled with either of the following:

      The letters “M” and “S”, the minimum legal requirement (mud + snow/all season tires)
      The 3-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol (some manufacturers label with both the mountain snowflake and the M+S symbol)

      Mountain snowflake tires offer better traction on snow and ice. We recommend drivers install mountain/snowflake tires for cold weather driving and, for extreme conditions, carry chains.

      Summer tires are not recommended for driving between October 1 and March 31 and chains on summer tires are not an acceptable substitute for legal winter tires on signed B.C. highways.

      Here’s a link to more information on driving in winter through BC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving

  20. I am planning to drive to kelowna from regina in last week of April 2017. My only concern is how the roads gone be after calgary. Do I need to wait few more weeks to drive or not? any help will be greatly appreciated.

  21. As I mentioned above, I am planning to drive from Vancouver to Vernon in mid-March. I do have “M&S” logo on my tires. Is there any route (Vancouver to Vernon) that I cannot take because it requires snow tires? Thank you.

  22. What month will the Coquihalla usually be clear of snow? Is April usually good? I am trying to plan a trip from Vancouver to Sparkling Hill in Vernon, but am worried about the road conditions. Thanks.

    • Hi Eva. Winter tire regulations are in effect until March 31, but the Coquihalla can still experience snow in April. We really suggest checking DriveBC.ca for the latest road conditions/weather before heading out.

  23. Thank you for the quick reply. If the weather is nice (no snow) and I choose to, is it legal for me to drive on the Coquihalla Highway to Vernon in mid-March without snow or M+S tires? Would I get pulled over for not having snow or M+S tires? If so, is there any other routes that do not require snow/M+S tires? Thanks in advance.

  24. I am planning to drive from Vancouver to Vernon in mid-March. I have all seasons tires. Is it mandatory to have snow tires if I drive on the Coquihalla Highway? If so, is there another route I can take to avoid the Coquihalla Highway? Thanks.

    • Hi J. Check your sidewall for the M+S logo (Mud and Snow). These tires, with at least 3.5mm tread depth, are acceptable on the Coquihalla Highway (which is the most direct route to Vernon from Vancouver). Highway 1 and Highway 3 are options, but they also require M+S tires.

  26. Hi, I am hoping to drive from winnipeg Manitoba to Langley BC the first week of March. I have never driven down the mountain and I am a new driver. I do have snow tires and I can get chains. Is the mountain in very bad condition in March?

  28. Hello, I am needing to move back to Vancouver from Calgary on Dec 23rd. I have a front wheel drive sedan with all season tire and has at least 3.5mm of tread left. Would it be safe to drive back through Coquihalla or is there another route I can take? Thanks in advance

    • Hi Tony,

      DriveBC, our traveller information system, is always your best bet for up to the minute condition and closure information. You can also check out the webcams of road condition info and access weather forecast for the Coquihalla there. It’s a great tool!

    • Hi Brandon,

      Our maintenance contractors monitor road conditions closely in their areas to ensure that they are cleared and sanded or salted as required. We recommend that you check DriveBC for BC HighwayCam images along the Coquihalla. Each of our webcams also have a weather icon which you can click for more information about weather along the route. If you have any questions or concerns about maintenance work along any portion of BC highway, please contact the maintenance contractor directly. Here is a link to the list of our contractors across the province: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/maps/serviceareacontacts.htm#map

  35. hii
    i was wondering i have new winter tires at front and new al season tires at toyota camry solara 2002. Would there be any problem if i travel with these tires . pls confirm
    thgnxx

  38. Currently on Coquahalla. No maintenance whatsoever on section just north of Merritt.
    Lots of accidents and cars in the ditch. VSA Maintenance overwhelmed obviously.
    Suggest someone look into this company.

  39. Hello! Me and my fiancé are planning to drive from Calgary to Vancouver this December 18. Do you think it’s a good idea? What road should we take and what preparations should we make?

    • Hi Mary,

      Sounds like a fine idea. A couple of tips before you head out the door.

      1. Plan your route. Our traveller information system – DriveBC has a “Plan your Route” feature which allows you to enter your start and end point and alert you to any road condition information you need to know before you go. Also, be sure to watch our BC HighwayCams along your route to get a good idea of current conditions. The quickest route between Calgary and Vancouver is along the Trans Canada Highway and BC Highway 5. Here is a blog we put together about travelling high mountain passes like the Coquihalla: http://tranbc.ca/2014/10/15/7-things-you-need-to-know-before-driving-the-coquihalla-and-high-mountain-passes/#sthash.iY5Y76WP.dpbs

      2. Make sure you have proper winter tires, a full tank of gas and an emergency kit (including a bit of food and warm clothes). We do everything we can to make sure BC highways move safely and smoothly but you should always travel prepared for delays, just in case.

      3. Don’t rush. Speed limits in BC are set for ideal driving conditions and winter driving conditions are not ideal.
      4. Enjoy your trip! You will be travelling through a winter wonderland – have fun.

      Hope that this helps. Let us know if you have any other questions. You can also follow us on Twitter @TranBC and @DriveBC or on Facebook. Happy trails!

  40. Hey folks my driving to Vancouver from prince george on 28/2016 and coming back on 31 jan /2016. i have ford edge suv with all season tire. any recommendations please ???

  41. Hi,
    Im driving a 1 ton cargo van with all season tires from Vancouver to Toronto on December 1st. I will also be towing my Honda Civic with a u-haul tow dolly. I will also buy chains. Is this possible? Do i have to be worried about anything else?

    • Hello Hamid,

      The good folks at the CVSE responded directly to you but we wanted to share the response in case anyone else reading this has the same question.

      Thank you for your inquiry regarding your Vancouver to Toronto journey. It sounds as if you have everything covered by all season tires and chains. I would like to direct you to our website http://www.drivebc.ca and click on winter tires and chains. There is a lot of information that will address your concerns and you can even check the conditions of the highway you will be travelling.

  42. What are the driving directions to Vancouver from Kelowna without taking the Coquihalla? I’m curious to know if there is an alternative route to taking the mountain pass to avoid snow in high elevations. Thank you.

  43. Traveling up Coquihalla and the Yellowhead South from Surrey to Clearwater in late November for a hockey tournament. Rookie Coq driver; all my driving has been in the Fraser Valley – all 27 years of it. Will be using a 2004 Chevy Impala. Are we allowed to drive at a pace that is comfortable – probably will not exceed 80km/hr. Are passenger vehicles allowed to use truck lanes if traveling slower than posted and use middle lane to overtake leaving left lane to the more “experienced” Coquihalla veterans and “insane speed-demons”?

    • Hi Haruo,

      First off – don’t panic. 🙂 If you give yourself extra travel time, travel at a speed that is comfortable to you and remember to check DriveBC before you go, your trip over the Coquihalla will be great.

      Because the Coquihalla is a high mountain pass, make sure you have the appropriate tires on your car, a full tank of gas and perhaps some snacks just in case. Here’s a blog we put together last year for folks heading out of the Lower Mainland up Coquihalla. http://tranbc.ca/2014/10/15/7-things-you-need-to-know-before-driving-the-coquihalla-and-high-mountain-passes/#sthash.SnO1dKR6.dpbs

      Passenger vehicles are free to travel in the right hand lane, in fact, if you plan on travelling a bit more slowly, we encourage it – in order to allow faster moving vehicles to pass you on the left. Thanks for connecting with us here. If you have any other questions, just let us know.

      http://www.drivebc.ca/

  44. Hi, I will be travelling on the Coq mid October. Are conditions still okay for all season tires or should I put on winters? Going to Vancouver from jasper Alberta. Thanks

    • Hi Jordan,
      Check DriveBC and our Highwaycams closer to your travel time to get the most up to date travel condition information. As for tires, we recommend the 3 Peak or Snowflake winter tire when traveling winter conditions, which is more likely in high mountain passes.

  45. I have to travel to Vancouver Island from Kelowna in the first week of October. I am very concerned about the information I read about winter tires not being safe in warm weather conditions. As it stands, the weather is going to be quite warm both through the pass and in Kelowna and the Island. So, though I may be a bit better off while crossing the Coquihalla for a few hours, I am considerably more at risk in the warmer weather conditions of the lower mainland. If you have to weigh overall safety, is it fair to force drivers to have winters on for the pass and then have to drive on them in still warm weather conditions in the buckle between fall and winter?

    • Hi Beej,
      Thanks for connecting with us. Winter tires maintain good traction in winter conditions because they are composed of a rubber compound that stays soft in cold temperatures. Prolonged use of winter tires in warm weather (at warm summer temperatures) can cause the softer rubber of winter tires to wear down more quickly but there is no danger in driving your winter tires to Vancouver Island during the first week of October. The weather in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island is not considerably different at this time of year. Hope that this helps ease your concerns. Please let us know if you have any other questions and we would be glad to help.

  46. We are thinking of traveling from prince george to kelowna in early november.. What are typical coq conditions during this time. I will be 28 weeks pregnant so im extremely anxious about road conditions.. Thanks in advance!

    • Hi Amanda,

      Typically the Coquihalla sees less snow in November than it does in December or January (avg. 157 cms for Nov. vs. avg. 200+ for Dec./Jan.) Winter tires are required on BC Highway 5 from October 1 – March 31. Tires are labelled with the mountain / snowflake or M+S (Mud and Snow) symbols legally acceptable on provincial highways that require winter tires or chains on board. Winter tires, to qualify as legal, must have a tread at least 3.5 mm deep. You can find more information about winter driving in BC at this website: http://shiftintowinter.ca/
      Please also check our traveller information website DriveBC for up to the minute road condition information and webcam visuals on Highway 5, so that you can know what conditions lie ahead on your journey. Our best advice is to give yourself lots of time, so you are not in a rush and to check DriveBC. Hope that this helps – safe travels!

  47. Is there a website where there is a record of weather by day on the Coquahalla Hwy? I am interested in knowing the date of the last snowfall for May 2015.

    • Hi Leonard,
      Where abouts on Highway 97C are you refering? We have a couple of maintenance contractors that do work along that corridor, depending on the area. As weather warms in parts of the province, contractors are out there now doing spring maintenance.

  49. I’m planning on going from kelowna to vancouver just before the May long weekend. I drive a small standard car and I just took my winter tires off since Kelowna hasn’t had any snow since January. Do you think I should put them back on just for the time I’ll be going? Or will the driving conditions be okay for me to drive without them?

    • Hi there Sandy,

      The Coquihalla and other BC mountain passes received snow just yesterday so we do recommend keeping your winter tires on for the trip. Remember to check DriveBC as well so you can know what the road conditions look like before you go. http://www.drivebc.ca/

  52. Hi there,
    Do the drive from Vancouver to Edmonton every year. Typically it is between end of june-early september that we always do this drive but never in April. I see that ‘winter season on the coqu” is until april 30th, which makes me really nervous because I am not exactly too sure what to expect. I will be checking the weather conditions on the sites reccomended here before we go. We have a brand new cross over SUV and guess I am just wondering.. Is it really that unsafe to travel? Or is it just harder and may require slower, safer driving than usual? Do many people do this drive in April or are we being nuts? If its absolutely not reccomended to travel im April then we won’t go. Thanks!

    • Hi Suzanne,

      In April and even in May winter weather can still rear its head at higher elevations across the province and that includes the Coquihalla, but please don’t let that stop you from travelling. Our maintenance contractors and ministry staff work around the clock to keep BC highway 5 and all provincial highways safe for travel. Checking DriveBC before you go and as you travel, will keep you informed of changing conditions. Our advice to you is to make sure your vehicle has a minimum 3.5 mm tread on M + S tires, remember to slow down, take your time and enjoy the drive. Thanks for connecting with us here!

  53. Hello,
    I am hoping to travel from Kelowna to Chilliwack in early April. I drive a Ford Ranger that is horrible in snow though; should I be worried about bad weather conditions in early April and try to play a different type of transportation? I tried to read the Historical “Weather Station Data” on the Ministry of BC website, but I didn’t understand it.
    Thank you!

    • Hello Georgia,

      Thanks for connecting with us here. Even though our “official” winter tire season is between Oct 1 and March 31, mother nature tends to run by her own rules, especially on high mountain passes which you will undoubtedly be using to get to the Lower Mainland. If you have to take your Ranger, we encourage you to keep make sure it has M+S tires with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm and “Plan your Route” on DriveBC and check weather forecasts on your route before you leave and along your route if you take breaks.

  54. We are thinking of travelling from Kelowna to Vancouver early February. What are the ‘average’ February conditions we need to consider before we finalize our plans. Is there a recommended ‘safer’ time in the day to be driving on the coquihalla?

  55. Me and my husband will be coming home for the holidays from Edmonton to Vancouver. We will be bringing our 2014 Subaru Impreza AWD. What’s the road like during December? Is it safe to travel passing Coquihalla?

  56. Hi there,

    My family is considering travelling to Kelowna from Vancouver on December 21st, and back to Vancouver on Christmas day. I can’t seem to find any sort of record for past weather conditions on the Coquihalla around that time. From everything I’ve heard however – it might be unrealistic to safely do that trip at that time of year considering the icy conditions on that road. Any help?

    Travis

  57. Hello,
    I will be renting a Uhaul in March from Vancouver to Edmonton.
    What are the roads like on average in early March, and which routes would you suggest I take?
    Sincerest thanks!

    • Hello Amanda,

      Road conditions in March can be varied. You should expect snow, slush and ice and ensure you have good winter tires on your vehicle (and be prepared to wait in your vehicle should delays occur). You have a couple of routes to choose from, Highway 1 or Highway 5 from Hope, then heading north east on Highway 16 after that. Typically Highway 1 (Fraser Canyon) sees less snow during the winter months, but BC Highway 5 is also maintained to a high standard. Regardless of which route you choose, remember to check DriveBC before you go, so that you are aware of any driving conditions in advance. Give yourself time and drive carefully. Happy travels!
      DriveBC has a Plan Your Route option which you might find useful (http://www.drivebc.ca/directions.html).

  58. I am driving from Vancouver to Edmonton for Christmas, but I only have all-season tires. Is it ok if I just buy some chains? The cost to put winter or “all-weather” tires on is 800 and I will only only need them for a couple weeks! I cant afford that! Flying is not an option because airlines will not allow animals over christmas, and I cant leave my large dog.

    • Hi Janelle,
      If your all season tires have the M+S logo and a minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm, they are legal for use on BC highways. We understand that winter tires are not always an affordable option but recommend mountain and snowflake logo tires as the best option. Having chains in your vehicle and knowing how to install them is a good choice also, and a more affordable back up plan. Please remember to check DriveBC before you leave so that you are aware of current road conditions and events. The website also has a very handy Plan Your Route tool: http://www.drivebc.ca/directions.html . Hope that this helps!

  59. My husband and I are planning on driving from Edmonton to Victoria this coming February in a 2004 Mazda 3 hatchback (2-wheel drive) with winter tires. What would be the safest route(s) to take? We are worried about the driving conditions on the Coquihalla. Would it be safer to wait until March… or worse because the conditions could be icier due to melting/freezing?

    Thanks for your help!

  60. This winter, I will be commuting between Merritt and Kamloops via the Coquihalla in a small car. Because of this, I plan on buying myself a new set of winter tires: does this section of the Coq see more compact snow, ice, or slush? I want to buy the most appropriate tires for that section of road.

  61. November and on: Is it safe to slow to 90 km or lower staying on the right lane with hazard lights on going down the 6 % grade area of the Coquihalla? That is when driving south to Vancouver from Merritt.

    • Hi James,

      Thanks for connecting with us here. There are a number of 6% grades on the Coquihalla but the one I think you are referring to is the Snowshed Hill which is 8% grade and up to 6% crossfall. These areas (Coquihalla only) all have ‘truck lanes’. That’s the third lane on the freeway, both downhill and uphill. Trucks routinely travel well below speed limit in those areas and are encouraged to use their hazard lights when doing so. 40kph traffic in right lane being passed by 80kph traffic in middle lane both with lights flashing is not uncommon. The issue is when we have light traffic travelling 120kph in the ‘truck lane’ and they come upon a situation described above which we call closing speed accidents. This condition is year round but magnifies itself during poor road conditions. We hope that this helps.

  63. Having trouble finding Past Winter Road conditions for travelling between
    September 23rd to October 124h between Langley BC to Edmonton Alberta to Regina Saskatchewan, Calgary Alberta and back to Langley, B.C. Looking for the earliest time snow begins to fall in each of these areas and how bad can the conditions get within these three week period?.?

    • Hello Odette,

      Typically the month of September is very nice for travelling in BC, with October 1st to April 30st being the dates we call winter driving season on mountain passes and across the province. That being said, old man winter can strike early if he is in the mood, so please always remember to check DriveBC before you go. http://www.drivebc.ca/#welcome

  65. Driving to S.Surrey Aug.-Sept. pulling a 17ft. Boler with a 2013 Edge 3.6. Would the high altitude of Coquihalla be a problem. If sao what would be the better route?

    • Hi Wally,

      The high altitude shouldn’t be a problem at all. Late August to early September are often the nicest times to travel BC Highways. Winter driving on our mountain passes does not formally begin until October 1st. Here is a link to our traveller information system DriveBC – http://www.drivebc.ca/. This website even has a Plan Your Route option, which will help you know before you go.

    • Hi Karen,

      Late August and into early September would be a beautiful time to ride the Coquihalla. Snow typically does not affect the pass until end of September early October. Have fun!

  68. I was wondering when is it required to have snow tires on for trips from Vancouver to the Okanogan /kelowna region via the coquihalla highway ? When does it start snowing ?

  69. I’m planning on driving from Vancouver to Kelowna this Friday, April 25th. I hear there has been some snow … I have snow tires on my car. Will this be enough? Are the conditions bad?

    Thanks in advance for any suggestions / info.

  70. When does it start to snow/get icy and slushy on the coquahalla? I want to drive from edmonton to vancouver on the first week of October this year and I don’t know if I can use my all season tires or if I should use my dedicated winter tires.

  71. I am trying to find the total yearly cost of maintenance and snow removal of the coquihalla hwy.
    must be a closely guarded secret as with most govt prgrahms using tax payers money.

    • Hi again Russell,
      Unfortunately we couldn’t find the cost of maintenance for the Coquihalla specifically broken out for you. This is because snow removal is just one part of the overall maintenance duties which our maintenance contractors are required to perform. For this and other “routine” work they are paid and annual lump sum for which they receive twelve equal payments over the year. The annual provincial average for maintenance is $4,200 per lane kilometre. Hope this helps!

  72. I am planning a trip from Victoria to Manitoba and I will be traveling in mid April. I have a sm car and I would like to know what kind of weather I can expect on the Coquihalla ( I have not driven that road yet and really want to experience it)
    Thank you for your time.

    • Hi Nicole,

      You have a couple of highway travel options between Kelowna and Vancouver:
      1. Highway 97/97C from Kelowna to Merritt and then Highway 5 from there to Vancouver.
      2. Highway 97 South to Highway 3 and then Highway 3 East to Vancouver.
      Our maintenance contractors work very hard to keep roads safe and clear all year long, but because weather conditions can change suddenly during January – we strongly encourage you to check DriveBC before you go to get a good idea of which route is your best option (least amount of snow, inclement weather, etc.). Hope that this helps! Happy and safe travels.

    • Hi Terry,

      You should definitely expect winter conditions on the Coquihalla in March. In fact, drivers are required to use winter tires or carry chains and be prepared to use them on mountain passes (like the Coquihalla) until April 30th. Safe travels!