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Wildfire Prevention
Impacted Highways and Closure Information
Updated as of: July 21, 2017, 1:00 pm
TRAVEL UPDATES:
- Highway 99 is now open between Highway 97 and Lillooet.
- Highway 97 is now open from Cache Creek to the Highway 24 junction (just south of 100 Mile House).
For the most up to date and detailed closure descriptions, check DriveBC.ca
We are currently experiencing wildfires affecting travel. The current situation and impact to travel due to the wildfires is volatile. We will work to update this map as frequently and as often as possible during these conditions.
Click on map for detailed view as a PDF (1 MB).
PLEASE NOTE:
- Visit EmergencyInfoBC for emergency alerts and evacuation orders.
- View BC HighwayCams to see current highway conditions.
- Travelers are encouraged to follow and engage with @DriveBC on Twitter.
- Within municipalities, check your local authorities and news agencies.
- Commercial Transportation Notices
For the most up to date and detailed closure descriptions, check DriveBC.ca
Closed
- Highway 97 from junction of Highway 24 to Williams Lake is closed northbound and open southbound for evacuation egress only. Locals living between 100 Mile House and Williams Lake and not on evacuation order also have limited movement along the corridor (between check points).
- Highway 97 from Williams Lake to McLeese Lake.
- Highway 5A between Princeton and Allison Lake.
Directional Closure
- Highway 20 20 from Chilcotin Bridge to Alexis Creek west of Williams Lake (eastbound OPEN for evacuees, westbound closed except for emergency responders)
- Highway 24 at Horse Lake Road (30km from 100 Mile House) to all traffic destined for 100 Mile House but open for traffic headed to Highway 97S (Clinton).
Partial Closure (Local Traffic/Supplies Only)
- None.
Your comments are welcome in the Leave a Reply section below at any time. Subject to unforeseen circumstances such as power outages and system failures, the TranBC site is expected to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, given the need to manage provincial resources, your comments may not be reviewed or responded to immediately. Moderating and posting of comments will generally occur during regular business hours Monday through Friday.
Safe travels all.
Im planning to drive from surrey to burns lake. Is the highway open?
Hi Angela,
Highway 97 north of Kamloops to Prince George is currently closed due to wildfire. If you take Highway 5/16 (Yellowhead) out of Kamloops north to Prince George you can access Burns Lake. Please check DriveBC.ca for up to the minute information.
hi we are driving sunday to vancouver, we usually go from .edmonton, to jasper, to blue river to kamloops, then over the hump to hope then to vancouver are all these roads still safe to drive on
Hi Dan,
At this time, these routes are all open for travel. Given the erratic nature of wildfire though, we encourage you to continue to check DriveBC.ca as situations could change quickly.
Hi my guest from switzerland, with a vancouver rental car s stuck in bella coola, end if hy 20. Hs plane fr hime leaves tues july 25. Any advice how he can get to van on time. Thanks, Carol
Hi Carol,
Folks are allowed to travel eastbound on Highway 20 through Williams Lake and southbound as evacuees on Highway 97 until they reach Highway 24, where they will be asked to travel to Highway 5 and out of danger. The map above is updated at least once, if not twice daily and it is a great visual for those looking to see which routes are impacted. Your guests could also contact the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre at 1-866-759-4977 for more information about leaving Bella Coola.
We’re looking to travel from Edmonton, AB to Horsefly, BC. Is this an option still?
Hi Duane,
At this time, due to evacuation orders in the immediate area, only local traffic is being allowed in and out of Horsefly.
Hello. We are heading south to Oregon can we take 97 clear to sumas or should we go through kamloops? Thank you
Hi Karen,
At this time Highway 97 is closed south of Quesnel which makes Highway 16/5 into Kamloops your best option. Please continue to check DriveBC.ca for updates as you travel.
We are Suppose to be leaving from Calgary to Radium through the Kootenays on Monday, Just checking if we’ll be okay to drive straight through?
Hi Kyla,
Because wildfire activity can change quickly, we can’t say with any certainty what the situation will be like as far ahead as Monday. At this time the route between Calgary to Radium and into the Kootenay’s is open but we encourage you to visit the map on DriveBC.ca for up to the minute visuals and info on road closures before you leave.
I would like to travel to Quesnel Lake today from Quesnel to mcleese Lake over the Beaver Valley Road into likely is that still possible
Hi Christine,
Unfortunately due to wildfires and evacuation orders in place in this area, you won’t be able make this trip at this time. For more information please check DriveBC.ca or contact the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre at 1-866-759-4977.
We live in Northern California and were hoping to depart late next week, crossing the border on 7/29 or 30. We thought we might go up through Lillooet and head through Gang Ranch on the backroads in order to detour around Williams Lake; but we have been told that fires are threatening the Gang Ranch area as well. Our destination would be Bella Coola by 7/31 – any chance of getting through on Hwy 20 Westbound?
We have survived many wildfires down here and are no strangers to the damages they cause; we will stay home if conditions on our route are too dangerous and unnavigable.
Hi Anni,
At this time only local traffic is being allowed westbound on Highway 20 in marshalled groups due to a volatile wildfires in the area. The situation might be very different at your time of departure but we can’t say either way for sure. Please continue to check here or on DriveBC.ca for updates. Thank you.
Hi. I have a dump truck sitting at spruce hills across the road from 108 mile mall. I need to get it out of there so i can get back to work. I live in Winfield bc amd was working up there when we were evacuated and didn’t have enough people with a air brake license. I believe spruce hills are open for business but i was told by rcmp I can’t go get it. This is my livelihood i NEED THAT TRUCK
Hi Bruce,
Please connect directly with the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre at 1-866-759-4977. They should be able to confirm local information for you or get you in contact with someone who can.
Hi
We are on vacation in Canada from England and plan to travel from Osoyoos to Hope tomorrow. Is Highway 3 open through Princeton?
Yes it is Peter. There is a wildfire affecting Highway 5A north of Princeton but it is not impacting travel on Highway 3. Have a good trip and please check our traveller information site DriveBC.ca for up to the minute road condition information and closures.
Hi I have property at 111 mile on the east side of highway 97 can I get there past the road blocks or do I have to go the back way?
Hi Dave,
Please contact the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre at 1-866-759-4977 for more information on local access during evacuation.
Going from Edmonton to Vancouver via Calgary tomorrow. Are there any closures that I should be aware of?
Hi Ak,
At this time there are no closures between the Alberta border and Vancouver due to wildfire. Given the dynamic nature of wildfire however, the situation could change quickly so we suggest you check DriveBC.ca before you go and on your route if possible. Take care.
I am travelling from Calgary to Vancouver on July 20. Just want to make sure there is no closure or delay for the trip.
Hi Jack,
Not sure if your travel date was a typo but we are sending this response just in case you haven’t already left. Travel to Vancouver from Calgary is not impacted by the wildfires although you should expect some delays due to volume. DriveBC.ca is your best source of travel information. Safe travels.
When can we expect Hwy 97 south of quesnel to be reopen so we can get to the Hwy 24 turnoff
Hello,
Given the dynamic and constantly changing nature of these fires, we are unable to predict when this road will be open. You can access Highway 24 by travelling north to Prince George and back south along Highway 16/5. Hope that this helps. Please continue to check DriveBC.ca for updates.
Hi we’re going to the penticton lakeside resort on Monday morning, is the roads going there open?
Hi Scott,
At this time Highway 97 into Penticton is open. Please check DriveBC.ca for up to the minute information on your route before you leave. Wildfire activity is dynamic and can change quickly.
Hello,
We are in an RV, we will be starting our trek home, 1st via the Cassier hiway on July 24 or so.
Is the only way out of BC via Prince George is Hiway 16 at this time? Also will there be problems getting diesal, groceries etc because of the hiway closures?
Thank you
Hi Sally,
It’s hard to say in advance what the situation will be like, we encourage you to check DriveBC.ca closer to your departure date. At this time Highway 97 is closed south of Quesnel, making Highway 16/5 (Yellowhead) your best route. We have not heard about difficulty getting gas and supplies, however traffic is heavy on this route, so give yourself plenty of time to travel.
Hi
I’m planning a fishing/swimming trip to pavilion lake tomorrow from Kamloops, wondering if it’s ok to go through cache creek and turn toward lilloet on to get there?
Hi Colin,
Sounds like a nice little trip you have planned there and we are happy to say that highway 1 and 99 between Kamloops and Lillooet is now open! Safe travels.
What would be the best route (time and fire consideration) from Hope to PG. Can I take the Coq to Kamloops then the Blue River hiway to Tete Jaune Cache then over to PG, or is there a faster route?
Hi Theresa,
At this time that is the best route to take to get to PG as there are still closures in effect along 97. Check DriveBC.ca for updates whenever you can and safe travels!
Hello, just checking for updates. We’re looking to drive to Horsefly Lake tomorrow from Alberta. Is this possible and safe to do so? Is access only for local residents or is it considered open for tourism?
Hi Duane,
At this time, because of the wildfire situation in the area, only local people are allowed to travel in and out of Horsefly. It is very close to an active evacuation area and emergency officials are working with locals to help them come and go. Sounds like it might be a nice time to try a new vacation destination – safe travels.
hi from Calgary going kelowna is the road open?
Hi Shan,
Highway 1 and 97 south to Kelowna are currently open. Please check DriveBC.ca for up to the minute closure or delay information. Safe travels.
Hi my family is planning a trip to Penticton tomorrow from Terrace, what is the best route for them to take? They wanted to take highway 97
Hi Crystal,
Highway 97 is still closed in some places due to wildfire, so you will need to take Highway 16/5 south to Kamloops and then 97 south to Penticton. Check DriveBC.ca for updates whenever you can as the situation can change rapidly. Safe travels.
I am needing to drive from Vancouver to bella coola nexthat week
Wondering if you have any idea when highway 20 will be open to westbound traffic
Hi Amy,
Given the volatile nature of these fires, we can’t predict what the situation will be next week. There are processes in place allowing people to travel westbound on Highway 20 at this time. Please email Phil.Folz@gov.bc.ca the following information and he will advise you from there on the situation for getting to Bella Coola:
Your full name and address
Location of where you are currently
Name of all adults travelling with vehicle
Name of all children travelling with vehicle and their dates of birth
Driver’s licence # for whoever will be driving
Make and model of your vehicle – eg. 2011 Ford Ranger
Vehicle licence plate
Hi there. Is it safe to drive with small kids from vancouver to edmonton? or is it too smoky / hazy along the way?
Hi Chaine,
The air quality index has improved considerably over the last couple of days but there may still be some hazy spots across the province. You can check the BC HighwayCams on DriveBC.ca to get a better idea of the current visibility along your route here: http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pub/html/www/index-SouthernInterior.html
Hello
Is there an time frame of the opening, cache creek to Clinton Hwy 97 north
Thank you
Tracy
Hi Tracy,
We are happy to say that this section of Highway 97 is now OPEN. Other closures are still in effect on Highway 97 north of Clinton, so if you were hoping to go further north from that point – please check the map above which is updated at least daily or DriveBC.ca for information. Safe travels.
Hello,
We will be travelling from Whistler to Jasper on Sunday. As it stands, is it possible to drop to highway 12 at Lillouet from highway 99?
Judging from the map, there is a yellow area just before the junction, so was unsure if there are complications getting onto the 12.
Hi Dan,
We are happy to say that the Highway 99 closure west of Kamloops is now OPEN (see updated map above), which means you won’t have to drive down to 8/12 in order to carry through to Kamloops and the Alberta border. Please check Drive.BC.ca for updates as the situation could change quickly given the volatile nature of wildfire. Safe travels.
how is Vancouver to Penticton Hwy 1 looking? Any closures?
Hi Celine,
Highway 5 to Kamloops, Highway 1 east of Kamloops and Highway 97 south to Penticton are all currently open. However, due to the volatile nature of wildfires across the province right now, this status could change and so, we encourage you to check DriveBC.ca regularly for updates. Safe travels.
Hey just wondering, I have to drive from Vancouver to valemount. For my trip will it be clear of wildfires? I need to take the highway up towards kamloops then highway 5 towards valemount. I’d like to know if there’s any road closures up that way.
Hi Mike,
There aren’t any closures along these routes currently due to wildfires however, given the dynamic nature of wildfires, this could change quickly. We encourage you to check DriveBC.ca before you go and along your route when possible to stay up to date.
Hello,
We are from Belgium and we would have to drive from Bella Coola on Monday to Clearwater. Is that feasible? All our accomodation has been booked.
Thanks for helping us out
Hi there Lieven,
At this time westbound traffic out of Bella Coola and Highway 20 is in place for evacuation. An evacuation order is still in place for Williams Lake, with the egress route being Highway 97 southbound to Highway 24 eastbound to Highway 5 at Little Fort. If you follow this route, you will be able to connect with Highway 5 and make it to Clearwater. Please expect delays due to heavy traffic and check our traveller information system DriveBC.ca for updates, webcams and maps. Safe travels.
According to the news and drive BC the hwy 97 north and south is now open through Cache Creek and Clinton. Just verifying that is correct as my mom wants to come home from the coast.
Hi there,
This is correct. Highway 97 south of Clinton is open, as is Highway 99 between Cache Creek and Lillooet. Safe travels.
Hi we have planned this travel about 6 months ago to travel this weekend from St.Albert,ab to Kelowna for a night and then heading to Squamish paradise valley campground for another 2 nights and then spending another days to Burnaby bc and then Visits to Vancouver
We are traveling with my toddler I was wondering which route is the safest to travel is it from st.albert to Jasper or Route the other way which is heading to Calgary/ Banff and also are all those routes from St. Albert, ab to Bc is safe and making sure that we’re not going to encounter any wildfire along the road. Or no closures?
Thank you
Hi Erica,
At this time, your route between Jasper to Kelowna on the Yellowhead Highway, west of Kamloops on Highway 1 and 99 and south to Metro Vancouver are not impacted by wildfire. Please check DriveBC.ca before you leave and along your route wherever possible to stay informed of any changing road conditions. Safe travels.
Hi
We are from the uk so not really sure which roads are ok to travel on. Tomorrow we need to travel from Jasper to Sun Peaks. Will that be a problem?
The following day we then intend to drive from a Sun Peaks to Whistler. There seems to be some issues reading your posts here. Please advice thanks Terry
Hi there Terry,
At this time Highway 16/5 south to Kamloops and the road to Sun Peaks are open as is Highway 1 and 99 east of Kamloops toward Whistler. Due to the dynamic nature of the wildfires across the province, this information could change very quickly and we encourage you to continue to check our traveller information site DriveBC.ca for updates. Safe travels.
Traveling to pentiction through valemount, Clearwater, Merritt way is there road closures or delay from fires on that route. Leaving tomorrow but getting nervous now
Hi Karri,
Highway 5 north toward Valemount and south toward Merritt are both open to traffic (although you should expect heavy volume due to detours in other areas). We encourage you to check DriveBC.ca frequently to stay up to date with the situation along your route.
Hi, planning on driving to Vancouver from Banff Sunday morning. Are there any closures I should know about? Please and thanks.
Hello Anthony,
At this time there are no active closure on Highway 16/5 south to Kamloops or Highway 5 south to the Lower Mainland. Given the dynamic nature of wildfires, this could change at anytime. Please check DriveBC.ca for up to the moment information. Safe travels.
Hello, Thank you for this page. Do you have any information on how long the drive from Tete Jaune Cache to Kamloops is taking this week?
Hi there,
DriveBC is reporting heavy volume but we don’t have any information on how long that is taking on average. You might want to check google maps before you go for an estimated time? Hope that this helps!
Can you please tell me if Hwy 1 is closed by Banff due to the wild fire? It is getting awfully close to Banff from the reports I have read and I have family travelling from Alberta to the Okanagan.
Hello,
A new wildfire was reported in the Banff area on July 20 but at this time it is not impacting travel along Highway 1. Please check DriveBC.ca for updates.
Good afternoon, we are in Clearwater at the moment and have planned to travel to Whistler coming Saturday. What is the best route to travel (by motorhome). Thanks for your advice. Gr. Gera van Eijk
Hi Gera,
We are happy to let you know that BC Highway 1 west of Kamloops and Highway 99 from Lillooet are now open. Please check our traveller information system for up to the minute traveller information. Safe travels!
Is the revelstoke are okay to drive to from Vancouver island? Is it smokey?
Hi Joy,
There are no closures on Hwy 1 from Vancouver Island to Revelstoke.
To check out visibility along the route, I suggest you look at our webcams for the Lower Mainland: http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pub/html/www/index-LowerMainland.html and Southern Interior: http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pub/html/www/index-SouthernInterior.html. Environment Canada has a air quality website which you can view: http://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/provincial_summary/bc_e.html
Please also check DriveBC.ca before you leave, as information can change quickly. If there are no incidents, road conditions or planned events (construction) for the routes, there is nothing expected to affect your travel.
Hi,
We are planning to drive from Vancouver to Whistler and then towards Clearwater.
I understand the road to Clearwater is closed between Whistler and Clearwarer, could you advise for an alternative route?
How are conditions between Clearwater and Jasper? Is the road smokey?
Many thanks to all firefighters
Pascale
Hi Pascale,
Highway 99 between Whistler and Kamloops is now open and Highway 5 north of Kamloops to Clearwater is also open. The visibility north of Kamloops may still be hazy because of the wildfires. You can get a good look at the current visibility conditions on our BC HighwayCams here: http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pub/html/www/index-SouthernInterior.html
Please remember to check DriveBC.ca before you go and along your route whenever possible as the situation could change quickly. Safe travels.
Hi there,
My parents are travelling from Wetaskiwin thru Highway 13, Highway 116 thru to Jasper then on to Prince George. Should I keep them longer in here in Alberta or is the road clear?
Hi Darlene,
Your parents should be fine driving Hwy 16 all the way to Prince George. There are no road closures in the area at this time. I suggest that you (or they) check DriveBC.ca before they go, just to be sure. There may be a little more traffic on that route due to the closures elsewhere. I have also charted their trip on the Plan Your Route function of DriveBC. (It shows up best on a tablet, laptop or desktop): http://www.drivebc.ca/directions.html?a=Wetaskiwin,%20AB,%20Canada&b=Prince%20George,%20BC,%20Canada&sr=1
Hi,
I’m planning to drive from Whistler to Revelstoke tomorrow. Will I be able to drive east along highway 1 please?
Thanks!
Hi Alex,
At this time, Hwy 99 from Lillooet to Kamloops is closed due to wildfire, however Hwy 1 is clear. For the latest information, please check DriveBC.ca before you leave or while stopped along the way. As things stand now, you have two travel options:
1) Travel north on Hwy 99 to Lillooet; head southeast on Hwy 12; then take Hwy 1 (the Trans-Canada) north to Kamloops and onto Revelstoke.
OR
2 Travel south on Hwy 99 through Vancouver and the Fraser Valley to Hwy 1 and Hope, then take Hwy 5 (the Coquihalla) to Kamloops, and travel east along Highway 1 to Revelstoke.
Hi
We are leaving tomorrow from Edmonton to Vancouver. Just wondering if highway 5 is clear to drive through? Delays in travel?
Thanks
Hi Michelle,
Highway 16/5 (Yellowhead) is clear at this time but it is experiencing heavier traffic due to detours elsewhere. Please check DriveBC.ca for updates before you go and along your route if possible. Safe travels!
Hi there ! We’re travelling from Surrey to Vernon on Saturday. Any routes we should watch out for ?
Hi there IK,
At this time Highway 3 and 97 to Vernon are clear. Please check DriveBC.ca before you go as the situation could change. Safe travels!
Hi
We are visiting from switzerland and therefore not really familiar with your routes and possibilities. At the moment we’re staying in jasper and we are meant to travel to eagle creek (kayanara ranch). Is there any closure on this route or anything we have to take into consideration? If so, what’s the best route? After a stay of two days we’ll travel on to whistler. Is there anything going on on this route? If so, whats’ the best way to get to whistler? Thanks a lot.
Hi Caroline,
You won’t be able to travel on Highway 97 to reach Eagle Creek and we can’t see a clear back route to access or exit. We encourage you to contact the Cariboo District Emergency Operations Centre (1-866-759-4977) to get more detailed information on accessing Eagle Creek at this time due to wildfires in the area. If you are able to access Eagle Creek from the Alberta side, you would have to drive back out the way you came in which would add extra time to your trip. Forest fires are prohibiting travel on Highway 99 west of Kamloops and so you will have to travel out of Kamloops south on BC Highway 5 and go west toward Whistler via Highway 8 and 12 to meet up with Highway 99. DriveBC.ca our traveller information website has an excellent map feature that will help you plan your route. It is also the source of the most up to date information on road closures. Hope that this helps. Safe travels.
Hi
Can you drive from Williams Lake westbound to Nimpo Lake if you live there?
Hi Lenard,
Please contact the Cariboo Emergency Operations Centre directly about this. They will have the best information for local residents needing to move through evacuation zones.
Here’s their number: 1-866-759-4977
Safe travels.
Hi,
Planning to travel from Vancouver to Deka Lake on the weekend. What is the best rout e to take. What are the air conditions?
How do I to Clinton coming from Vancouver
Hi Diana,
Only essential travel by local people is being permitted within these closed areas of Hwy 97. Please contact the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre at 1-866-759-4977 if you think you fit within this category.
Hello I need to know if I can get to big bar lake from Kamloops. Go up through Barrier take hwy 24 to hwy 97. Do I go back the same way I came? Is that possible
Hi Diana,
Forest fires are having an extreme impact on the area around Hwy 97 and Clinton, where you are considering going. Any non-essential travel through the area is discouraged.
DriveBC reports that currently, Hwy 24 is open at Horse Lake Road for westbound traffic destined for Clinton. Hwy 97 is closed in both directions from Williams Lake to the junction of Hwy 24. Leaving the area, the evacuation order is still in place for Williams Lake, with the egress route being Highway 97 southbound to Highway 24 eastbound to Highway 5 at Little Fort.
Should you need to travel to Big Bar Lake for an essential reason, I suggest you contact the Cariboo District Regional Operations to ensure you will be able to to come and go from the area: 1-866-759-4977
Are the roads clear from Banff to Kelowna? Planning to travel Saturday morning .
Hi Shirley,
At this time Highway 1 from Banff to the southbound turn off of 97 down to Kelowna is clear. Given the volatile nature of wildfires, this could change at any time. Please continue to check DriveBC.ca for updated information.
White rock to penticton on the 3 ok?
Hi Kelly – yes Highway 3 between Hope and Osoyoos and Highway 97 north from Osoyoos to Penticton are clear at this time. Please check DriveBC.ca for updates as the situation could change.
Hi There,
I am planning on going from Vancouver to Edmonton tomorrow morning, are there any closures or detours which I should be aware of? Thank You.
Hi Naheed,
There are no closures impacting your planned route at this time. Please check DriveBC.ca before you go tomorrow and along your route if possible for updates. Safe travels.
Hi we are planning a trip from terrace to Vancouver is there alternate route we can take?
Hi Melissa,
You will need to drive Hwy 16 to Tete Jaune Cache, then head southwest on Hwy 5 to Kamloops. This gets you around the many closures on Hwy 97 between Quesnel and Cache Creek.
What is the best route to take to get to Edmonton, Alberta from Whistler, BC, leaving early tomorrow July 21? (Is it better to go North from Whistler, or to go south through Vancouver?). Thanks!
Hello Monica,
At this time Highway 99 from Lillooet to Kamloops is closed due to wildfire. You could travel south on Highway 12 from 99 and then onto Highway 8 east toward Merritt and then back up to Kamloops and out east along Highway 1 to the Alberta border. Or you could return down the Sea to Sky, through Vancouver and the Fraser Valley to Hope, up the Coquihalla to Kamloops and out east along Highway 1 to the border. Both routes would take approximately the same amount of time at the moment. Hope that this helps.
I am wanting to get to Quesnel from 140 mile house can u tell me the shortest route?
Hi Colleen,
The information I have from the Cariboo Regional District is that they want people living south of 150 Mile, to travel south on Hwy 97 (not north). See: http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/listit2alerts/fraser-river-polley-lake-moffat-creek-150-mile-evacuation-order/83
I suggest you contact the Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre’s public information line to confirm this: 1-866-759-4977 They are open until 8 pm tonight.
Will north bound traffic from little fort be able to drive to quesnel tomorrow friday the 21st or will i have to go the pain staking drive from salmon arm clearwater valemont pringe george anf to quesnel. Its a terrible drive!
Hi Natasha,
We can’t predict the status of Highway 97 to Quesnel tomorrow, but the highway is currently closed and the evacuation orders for 100 Mile House and Williams Lake are still in place. Sorry to say there’s a good chance you will have to take the long way around. Check back with http://www.drivebc.ca tomorrow for any updated information.
Hi, we want to drive from lytton to pemberton via 12 and 99. is it possible to drive through lilloet?
Thank you
Hi Jack – yes, that route is currently clear.
Awesome thanks for the quick response
I was just wondering if it was ok to travel threw bc to white swan lake we are wanting to head there tomorrow and I just need to know if its safe enough to travel there right now
Hi Felicity – Could you tell us where you will be coming from? Thanks.
Hi,
Is the new fire near Salmon Arm on highway 1 an issue when traveling from Vancouver Island to Calgary? Do we need to be concerned about delays or closures? Leaving tomorrow morning…
Thanks so much!
Can you travel south on hwy 97 prince george to kamploops?
Can you travel south on hwy 97 prince george to kamploops?
Dear Anonymous,
As indicated on the map, Hwy 97 is closed through much of that area. You will need to take Hwy 16 to Tete Jaune Cache, then head southwest on Hwy 5.
Wondering if the 97 from cache creek to the 99 junction is open to gain access to lillooet from the north?
Hi Jesse,
As you can see from the map above, that section of Highway 99 and 97 is closed due to wildfires. Coming from the north, you can access Lillooet by Highway 5, Highway 1 and Highway 12.
I am wanting to travel from Prince Rupert bc to Prince George bc.. then from there to Vancouver bc
Hi Tawnya,
You will need to drive Hwy 16 to near the Alberta border, then take Hwy 5 south at Tete Jaune Cache, which will take you to Kamloops. That route avoids the wildfire closures on Hwy 97. Please check DriveBC.ca for the latest, as things can change rapidly in wildfire situations.
Hello, We are planning a drive down to Nanaimo today and I’m seeing slightly conflicting information right now. The Drive BC plan your route option is stating we can go south through Quesnel and 100 mile house but I’m certain there are still wildfires burning in the area. Our alternative route at this time is to head east to grande prairie and then south through Jasper-Vermont and towards Kamloops on highway 5. I’m assuming the safest path of travel will be our secondary route correct?
Sorry forgot to mention we reside in Fort St.John
Hi Chris,
Your best route is Hwy 5 from Tete Jaune Cache, heading south/southwest, to Kamloops. That route avoids the closures on Hwy 97 between Quesnel and Cache Creek. Please check DriveBC.ca from roadside along the way, to stay current with any closures. The situation can change quickly with wildfires.
hello, just trying to get up to Eagle creek for this weekend. Do you think we may need to postpone the trip or keep our fingers crossed?
Hi Dan.
Hwy 97 is closed around that area. Due to the many active wildfires, there is a state of emergency, and we are restricting travel to local people and evacuees only. The situation can change rapidly, so please check DriveBC.ca for the latest.
We are driving from Vancouver Island to Calgary tomorrow July 21st and I noticed that a new fire broke out yesterday near Salmon Arm beside Hwy 1…will the roads be delayed or closed due to that fire, will we have an issue taking that route to Calgary (Hope, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, to Golden, Revelstoke,etc)?
Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Rane,
In a wildfire emergency, things can change quickly. At the moment there are no closures on Hwy 1, and your route to Calgary is clear. Please check DriveBC.ca before you leave home to confirm that that there are no closures. If you don’t see anything listed for the route you want to take, that means that are no closures, incidents, construction or road conditions that will affect your travel. You can also use the DriveBC.ca map view to look over your whole route.
We also have a wildfire closures map and website, which is revised at least once a day, at 1 pm: https://www.tranbc.ca/current-travel-advisories/
Hello, we are planning on travelling to salmon arm from Prince George this weekend. What is the best route to take at this time? Do you know what the road conditions are like on that route as far as traffic, and is fuel available ? I’ve heard mixed things about going valemount way. Thanks.
Hi Meagan,
The best route to take at this time is Highway 16/5 out of Prince George south toward Kamloops and then east on Highway 1 toward Salmon Arm. Traffic is heavier along this route given the detours in effect elsewhere due to wildfire, so give yourself extra time and remember to check Drive.BC.ca for any updates.
We are currently in Bella Coola and have to get to Vancouver. Is it possible to Drive out on Highway 20 and then travel on south on highway 97? We are wondering what the status open for evacuees actually means….
Hi Sabine,
Yes, Highway 20 is open eastbound to Williams Lake for evacuation. An evacuation order is still in place for Williams Lake, however, there is an egress route for evacuees in place on Highway 97 southbound to Highway 24 eastbound to Highway 5 at Little Fort. Hope that this helps. Given the dynamic nature of the fires, we encourage you to check DriveBC.ca before you go and whenever possible along your route. Safe travels.
Hi I’m traveling from lloydminster,Ab to penticton on Friday just wondering with construction, traffic, and fire which is the best route to take? Hiway 1via calgary or hiway 16 and 5 through jasper? Thanks
Hi Curtis,
Both Highway 1 and Highway 16/5 are open at this time. Please check DriveBC before you go tomorrow to make sure the situation hasn’t changed. The map feature on DriveBC is a great tool to help you see visually which routes are clear for travel and which ones are impacted by forest fires. http://www.drivebc.ca/#mapView&ll=54.8833%2C-122.6667&z=5 Safe travels.
Planning to head from Chilliwack to Green Lake. Will it be possible to get there?
Hi Donna,
You will need to take BC Highway 5 north of Kamloops and then Highway 24 to the Horse Lake Road turn off to access Green Lake at this time. Because the wildfire situation is volatile and could change quickly, we recommend you continue to check DriveBC.ca for any changes before you leave.
Hi I would like to get to Clinton can we still travel up 99 then cross over to Kelly lake then travel on Kelly lake road?
Hi Glen,
We don’t have a tonne of information on side road access and availability at this time and I don’t see Kelly Lake Road clearly connecting with Highway 99. Do you mean the Pavillion-Clinton Road?
Going from 100 mile to Edson Alberta roads are open?
Hi Dave,
Yes, you can leave the 100 Mile House area via the egress route, which is Highway 97 southbound to Highway 24 eastbound and Highway 5.
Hi Dave,
Highway 24 from 100 Mile House to the Alberta border are clear, but you should expect heavier traffic due to the wildfire detours. Please check DriveBC.ca for updates.
Hi – from U.K so don’t really know the roads! We are travelling today from Kamloops to Whistler but think some of route suggested may be closed due to fires. Is this the case and could you suggest an alternative? Thanks so much
Hi Simone,
Highway 97 is closed 1 km north of Cache Creek, so you can’t access Highway 99 south that way. Instead, you have to travel south on Highway 1 from Cache Creek to Highway 12 to reach Highway 99 at Lillooet, before continuing south to Whistler. Hope this helps.
What is the best route to take for crossing the border from Seattle and continuing on to Whitehorse today? My plan was to get to Prince George and take the Cassier highway up, but I want to make sure how I was planning to get there is the best way to go considering the fires.
Just making sure me question didn’t get lost. I am leaving soon and haven’t heard back while others who submitted questions after me have received a response.
Hi Denise,
Just saw this new comment shortly after we responded earlier this morning. I’ve copied the response here to make sure you see it:
That’s a big trip! Sections of Highway 97 between Cache Creek to north of Williams Lake are currently closed due to wildfires. You will have to detour around using Highway 5 from Kamloops to Highway 16 to reach Prince George and beyond. If you’re driving a commercial vehicle, please take note of extraordinary load restrictions on Highway 5 between Kamloops and Highway 5/16 junction. Check http://www.drivebc.ca for the most current updates during your journey.
Hi Denise,
That’s a big trip! Sections of Highway 97 between Cache Creek to north of Williams Lake are currently closed due to wildfires. You will have to detour around using Highway 5 from Kamloops to Highway 16 to reach Prince George and beyond. If you’re driving a commercial vehicle, please take note of extraordinary load restrictions on Highway 5 between Kamloops and Highway 5/16 junction. Check http://www.drivebc.ca for the most current updates during your journey.
Denise, we are planning that trip also. Are you driving a car, RV or ?. When will you be leaving Seattle area?
We will be driving an RV if we should decide to go…. we keep watching the road closures and trying to decide to go or not.