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BC Highway Itinerary: Hope to Kamloops via #5 Coquihalla Highway

What to See & Do along the Coquihalla Highway?

This route was originally a toll-highway, built to get Canadians to Vancouver’s Expo 86, and divert heavy truck traffic from the at-capacity Trans-Canada route through the Fraser Canyon. East of Hope, detour to the Hope Slide (6 km east on Highway 3). The Coquihalla has some amazing rest stops, valley views, river crossings, and even an avalanche snow shed. At the north end the highway drops rapidly drop into Kamloops.

British Columbia Itinerary - Coquihalla #5 - Hope to Kamloops

The broad Valley of the Thompson River at Kamloops

Here is the itinerary for the 204 km along the #5 Coquihalla Highway between Hope, BC and Kamloops, BC:

Coquihalla River and Coquihalla Pass

View of tight curves in Coquihalla mountains

Being a divided highway its generally faster than the #1 Trans Canada Route between Kamloops and Hope. But with the high elevation of Coquihalla Pass, sometimes snowier in winter.

Travellers can save 75 minutes driving time between Kamloops and Hope. The road is fast, twinned (ie Interstate/Autobahn standards) and passes through spectacular rugged mountain scenery. Travelling northbound from Hope, Highway 5 follows the Coquihalla River until near the toll booth, then follows the Coldwater River to Merritt.

The Coquihalla Highway climbs to the summit of 1240 metre high (4068 ft) Coquihalla Pass and then crosses the top of the Thompson Plateau. Avalanche chutes scar the mountainsides and are a visible reminder of the steep terrain that surrounds the highway. Avalanche guns mounted on platforms beside the highway battle the elements to keep the highway open in winter, just like at Rogers Pass and at Revelstoke, to the east.

View of Nicola Lake, to east of highway, in North CoquihallaThe forests here are home to Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine, and sub-alpine fir at higher elevations, with Douglas fir and ponderosa pine at lower elevations and on benchlands. The forests and the high plateau grasslands support moose, mule deer, bears, and grouse, with some elk and mountain goats in the south. There are lots of hiking trails for travelers to get out an enjoy the surrounding nature.

NOTE: This section of the Coquahilla has been fully rehabilitated and all damaged bridges rebuilt as of November 2023. This section of the Coquihalla was badly damaged during torrential flooding in November of 2021. This lower section of the Coquihalla was closed for several months while bridge reconstruction was begun. Much reconstruction of the bridges has taken (and continues to be taking) place, making better allowances for  any future rains and flooding. 

Coquihalla - Surrey-Sussex Lakes, Northeast Of Merritt -sliver
Coquihalla - Surrey-Sussex Lakes, Northeast Of Merritt -sliver

The High Plateau above Merritt

Merritt is a hub where three highways converge the 5, 5A, and 8. Using 5A, you can access highway 97C (the Kelowna Connector) to and from the Okanagan, at Peachland, just southwest of Kelowna.

As you continue driving north of Merritt, the highway climbs into the Thompson Plateau., and you pass some pretty lakes along the way beside  the highway (Surrey Lake, Walloper Lake , and Lac Le Jeune,  from S to N).

Approaching Kamloops

As you approach Kamloops, there is a steep drop, and you pass a massive open pit mine at the side of the highway. You continue dropping elevation  into Kamloops, first passing the Aberdeen Heights area of Kamloops (with shopping mall and visitor center) and dropping even further to the Downtown and Valleyview  areas along the South Thompson River.

Elevation Chart: Coquihalla Hope to Kamloops

Trans Canada Highway History

Search Listings along this Itinerary

Visit Fraser Valley, BC

Fraser Valley

Visit Shuswap-Okanagan

Okanagan-Shuswap

Trans Canada Highway Itinerary Map


Use mouse to drag/move map. Click on “+” or “” to zoom in or out. “Satellite” combines map & photo.
Note:

 

KM 
Highway Point & Features
Elev.
(metres)
0 Exit #374 Junction Yellowhead Highway (5) (Kamloops 402

Shuswap Nation Tribal Council


Tkemlups of the Secwepemc band of the Shuswap First Nation


Access to downtown Kamloops, on exit further, Valleyview Rd (east) and Battle St/Columbia St (west into downtown)

4 Peterson Creek, Glenfair Peterson Creek Park (Kamloops)  448.1

webcam facing north

6 Exit #370 Summit Dr underpass, Exit WB only (Kamloops)  549.2
8 Exit #369 Columbia Way (N) Exit EB only (Kamloops)  590.4
multiple gas stations north of highway, on Columbia St


Access to downtown, via Columbia Street, about 3 km from highway


Kamloops photos


south access to Royal Inland Hospital (Interior Health District) about 2.7 km NE of highway

9 Exit #368 Junction Princeton Kamloops Hwy (5A) (S), Hillside Way (N) (Kamloops)  630.9

Kamloops Visitor Centre, just north of highway


Aberdeen Mall, Kamloops 8 screen multiplex cinemas


Dream Lodge, just south of highway


Four Points Sheraton Hotel, just south of highway


Comfort Inn & Suites, just south of highway


Best Western Kamloops, just south of Highway


Aberdeen Inn, just south of highway


Travelodge Mountainview, just south of highway


Esso, Petro-Canada gas stations, south of highway


Maverick Motor Inn, just north of highway


Aberdeen Mall, north side of highway

10 Exit #367 Pacific Way, exit to Kenna Cartwright Park (N) (Kamloops)  669.3

Greyhound-Kamloops Terminal, just north of highway


Grandview Motel, 1.3 km north of highway


Argus Motor Inn, 1.2 km north of highway


Alpine Motor Inn, south of highway


Pantry & Shell gas stations to south of highway


Access to Kenna Cartwright Park, natural area in the City of Kamloops

12 Exit #366 Copperhead Dr (S) Hillside Rd (N) (Kamloops)  699.8

Access to Kenna Cartwright Park, natural area in the City of Kamloops


Petro-Canada Station, south side (EB) of highway

13 Bridge over Coquihalla River (Hope)  211.5

Coquihalla River photos

16 Exit #362 Junction Highway 1 WB 744

Trans Canada Highway Access west to Cache Creek, Lytton and Hope

19 Sugarloaf Rd underpass 769.9
23 Exit #355 Sugarloaf Rd, tails to Sugarloaf Mountain E of hwy 840.3
28 Desmond Lake to W of highway 1402.1
30 Chuwheis Mountain Rd (W) Lac Le Jeune Rd (E) underpass (no access), Stake Lake to E of hwy, W to Lac Le Jeune PP, camping 1350.3

Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park, camping, day use, water sports, scenic views


McConnell Lake Provincial Park day use, with water sports and hiking

35 Exit #336 Meadow Creek Rd W to Surrey & Sussex Lakes, E to Walloper Lake PP, camping 1321.6

Walloper Lake Provincial Park, day use with water sports

44 Surrey-Sussex Lakes to E of hwy 1415.2
64 Helmer Rd underpass 1361.8
64 Exit # 315 Helmer Rd & U-turn view of Helmer Lake to W of hwy 1390.5

webcam looking north

80 Exit #290 Junction Highway 5A (Voght St) Merritt, E to Merritt Airfield (1 kn), Nicola Lake (9 km), Zoht Indian Reserve 4 (10 km), Monk Lake PP (20 km) (Merritt 613.3

Zoht Indian Reserve 4, member of the Lower Nicola Band

90 Exit #286 Junction Highway 5A & 97C (Nicola Ave), W to town of Merritt (2 km), all services, access to Joeyaska Indian Reserve 2 (1 km), Nicola Mameet Indian Reserve 1 (8 km) (Merritt)  681.5

Joeyaska Indian Reserve 2, member of the Lower Nicola Band

96 Exit #276 Comstock Rd access to Coldwater Indian Reserve 1 (10 km), and hiking trails 987.9

Coldwater Indian Reserve 1, part of Nicola Band, 10 km from highway

115 Exit #256 Coldwater Rd (N/W) access to Paul’s Basin Indian Reserve (15 km), Brookmere Rd (S/E) 838.8
115 Road overpass 880.6
118 Exit #250 Brodie Siding Rd (SE) & Fig Lake Rd (NW) observe sharp twist in rail track E of hwy 999.4

webcam facing north

121 Connecting Rd, access to Coldwater River PP, camping 1012.2
Coldwater River Provincial Park, with hiking and fishing
132 Crossing Coldwater River bridge, rapids N of hwy 988.8
133 Murray Lake Rd Exit WB/SB only 1005.8
134 Juliet Creek Exits, access to Juliet Station airfield 1062.5
138 Juliet Creek Rd overpass 1060.4
141 Exit to Nicola Provincial Forest 1080.5
142 Coldwater Lake, to West of hwy 1176.8
144 Exit #228 WB: Coquihalla Lakes Rest Area 1111.9
Nicolla Lakes Rest Area, with scenic views
145 Exit #228 EB: Coquihalla Lakes Rest Area 1120.7
146 Coquihalla [former] Toll Booth 1129.6

webcam facing south


webcam facing north


Coquihalla Highway Toll Plaza


Rest Area with bathrooms

150 Exit #221 Coquihalla Summit Rec Area 1171.3
153 Coquihalla Summit 1280.2

webcam facing south

169 Chain Up Area, Pull off 1218
171 Exit #202, Portia and U-turn 584.6

Kicking Horse Bridge

173 Exit #200 536.8
177 Exit #195 Caroline Mines Rd, turnaround 374
179 Exit #192 turnaround WB Exit, to Kettle Creek Railway trails at Boston Bar Creek 349.3

Kettle Creek Railway – the segment still operating is short stretch west of Summerland, in the southern Okanagan


Kettle Valley Railway railtrail, hiking and mountain biking

180 Exit #192 turnaround EB Exit, to Kettle Creek Railway trails at Boston Bar Creek 327.1
access to Kettle Creek Railway, recreational pathway and railway trestle bridge
181 Crossing Coquihalla River 318.2
183 Bridge over Deneau Creek 320
185 10 Mile Creek crossing 277.4
190 Peers Creek Rd underpass 214.6
190 Exit #183 Othello Rd exit, W to Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park and Othello Tunnels 217
Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, picnic area, hiking trails, about 2 km southwest of highway


access to Kawkawa Lake Resort, about 7 km E of highway

196 Exit #177, junction with #5 Coquihalla Southbound interchange with Highway 3, Crowsnest Highway 263.3
Complex intersection. South-westbound traffic wishing to visit Hope Slide exist west and then loop-around to head eastbound on the #3


Complex intersection. South-westbound traffic wishing to visit Hope Slide exist west (toward Hope) and then loop-around to head eastbound on the #3

197 EB Exit #177, Highway #3 junction with Coquihalla Highway 274.3
Crowsnest Highway #3, east to Princeton, Osoyoos and Penticton


Nicolum River Provincial Park, fishing, hiking, biking, about 5 km E


Hope Slide 1965 natural disaster, 10.7 km E, (access best westbound, tricky eastbound)

201 Exit #173 Old Yale Rd (Hope)  128.3
East Access to Hope, all services
204 Junction Highway 1 and Highway 3 (Hope)  72.2
204 Exit #170 WB, to Old Yale Rd, and Trans-Canada 1 North (Hope)  144.5

Access to town of Hope


Community of Hope, BC


Panoramic VR image along Fraser River from Centennial Park (park in town, on east side of highway)


Hope photos

KM 
Highway Point & Features
Elev.
(metres)

 

KM 
Highway Point & Features
Elev.
(metres)
0 Junction Highway 1 and Highway 3 (Hope)  72.2
0 Exit #170 WB, to Old Yale Rd, and Trans-Canada 1 North (Hope)  144.5

Access to town of Hope


Community of Hope, BC


Panoramic VR image along Fraser River from Centennial Park (park in town, on east side of highway)


Hope photos

3 Exit #173 Old Yale Rd (Hope)  128.3
East Access to Hope, all services
7 EB Exit #177, Highway #3 junction with Coquihalla Highway 274.3
Crowsnest Highway #3, east to Princeton, Osoyoos and Penticton


Nicolum River Provincial Park, fishing, hiking, biking, about 5 km E


Hope Slide 1965 natural disaster, 10.7 km E, (access best westbound, tricky eastbound)

8 Exit #177, junction with #5 Coquihalla Southbound interchange with Highway 3, Crowsnest Highway 263.3
Complex intersection. South-westbound traffic wishing to visit Hope Slide exist west and then loop-around to head eastbound on the #3


Complex intersection. South-westbound traffic wishing to visit Hope Slide exist west (toward Hope) and then loop-around to head eastbound on the #3

14 Peers Creek Rd underpass 214.6
14 Exit #183 Othello Rd exit, W to Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park and Othello Tunnels 217
Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, picnic area, hiking trails, about 2 km southwest of highway


access to Kawkawa Lake Resort, about 7 km E of highway

19 10 Mile Creek crossing 277.4
21 Bridge over Deneau Creek 320
23 Crossing Coquihalla River 318.2
24 Exit #192 turnaround EB Exit, to Kettle Creek Railway trails at Boston Bar Creek 327.1
access to Kettle Creek Railway, recreational pathway and railway trestle bridge
25 Exit #192 turnaround WB Exit, to Kettle Creek Railway trails at Boston Bar Creek 349.3

Kettle Creek Railway – the segment still operating is short stretch west of Summerland, in the southern Okanagan


Kettle Valley Railway railtrail, hiking and mountain biking

27 Exit #195 Caroline Mines Rd, turnaround 374
31 Exit #200 536.8
33 Exit #202, Portia and U-turn 584.6

Kicking Horse Bridge

35 Chain Up Area, Pull off 1218
51 Coquihalla Summit 1280.2

webcam facing south

54 Exit #221 Coquihalla Summit Rec Area 1171.3
58 Coquihalla [former] Toll Booth 1129.6

webcam facing south


webcam facing north


Coquihalla Highway Toll Plaza


Rest Area with bathrooms

59 Exit #228 EB: Coquihalla Lakes Rest Area 1120.7
60 Exit #228 WB: Coquihalla Lakes Rest Area 1111.9
Nicolla Lakes Rest Area, with scenic views
62 Coldwater Lake, to West of hwy 1176.8
63 Exit to Nicola Provincial Forest 1080.5
66 Juliet Creek Rd overpass 1060.4
70 Juliet Creek Exits, access to Juliet Station airfield 1062.5
71 Murray Lake Rd Exit WB/SB only 1005.8
72 Crossing Coldwater River bridge, rapids N of hwy 988.8
83 Connecting Rd, access to Coldwater River PP, camping 1012.2
Coldwater River Provincial Park, with hiking and fishing
86 Exit #250 Brodie Siding Rd (SE) & Fig Lake Rd (NW) observe sharp twist in rail track E of hwy 999.4

webcam facing north

89 Exit #256 Coldwater Rd (N/W) access to Paul’s Basin Indian Reserve (15 km), Brookmere Rd (S/E) 838.8
89 Road overpass 880.6
108 Exit #276 Comstock Rd access to Coldwater Indian Reserve 1 (10 km), and hiking trails 987.9

Coldwater Indian Reserve 1, part of Nicola Band, 10 km from highway

114 Exit #286 Junction Highway 5A & 97C (Nicola Ave), W to town of Merritt (2 km), all services, access to Joeyaska Indian Reserve 2 (1 km), Nicola Mameet Indian Reserve 1 (8 km) (Merritt)  681.5

Joeyaska Indian Reserve 2, member of the Lower Nicola Band

124 Exit #290 Junction Highway 5A (Voght St) Merritt, E to Merritt Airfield (1 kn), Nicola Lake (9 km), Zoht Indian Reserve 4 (10 km), Monk Lake PP (20 km) (Merritt)  613.3

Zoht Indian Reserve 4, member of the Lower Nicola Band

140 Helmer Rd underpass 1361.8
140 Exit # 315 Helmer Rd & U-turn view of Helmer Lake to W of hwy 1390.5

webcam looking north

160 Surrey-Sussex Lakes to E of hwy 1415.2
169 Exit #336 Meadow Creek Rd W to Surrey & Sussex Lakes, E to Walloper Lake PP, camping 1321.6

Walloper Lake Provincial Park, day use with water sports

174 Chuwheis Mountain Rd (W) Lac Le Jeune Rd (E) underpass (no access), Stake Lake to E of hwy, W to Lac Le Jeune PP, camping 1350.3

Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park, camping, day use, water sports, scenic views


McConnell Lake Provincial Park day use, with water sports and hiking

176 Desmond Lake to W of highway 1402.1
181 Exit #355 Sugarloaf Rd, tails to Sugarloaf Mountain E of hwy 840.3
185 Sugarloaf Rd underpass 769.9
188 Exit #362 Junction Highway 1 WB 744

Trans Canada Highway Access west to Cache Creek, Lytton and Hope

191 Bridge over Coquihalla River (Hope)  211.5

Coquihalla River photos

192 Exit #366 Copperhead Dr (S) Hillside Rd (N) (Kamloops)  699.8

Access to Kenna Cartwright Park, natural area in the City of Kamloops


Petro-Canada Station, south side (EB) of highway

194 Exit #367 Pacific Way, exit to Kenna Cartwright Park (N) (Kamloops 669.3

Greyhound-Kamloops Terminal, just north of highway


Grandview Motel, 1.3 km north of highway


Argus Motor Inn, 1.2 km north of highway


Alpine Motor Inn, south of highway


Pantry & Shell gas stations to south of highway


Access to Kenna Cartwright Park, natural area in the City of Kamloops

195 Exit #368 Junction Princeton Kamloops Hwy (5A) (S), Hillside Way (N) (Kamloops)  630.9

Kamloops Visitor Centre, just north of highway


Aberdeen Mall, Kamloops 8 screen multiplex cinemas


Dream Lodge, just south of highway


Four Points Sheraton Hotel, just south of highway


Comfort Inn & Suites, just south of highway


Best Western Kamloops, just south of Highway


Aberdeen Inn, just south of highway


Travelodge Mountainview, just south of highway


Esso, Petro-Canada gas stations, south of highway


Maverick Motor Inn, just north of highway


Aberdeen Mall, north side of highway

196 Exit #369 Columbia Way (N) Exit EB only (Kamloops 590.4
multiple gas stations north of highway, on Columbia St


Access to downtown, via Columbia Street, about 3 km from highway


Kamloops photos


south access to Royal Inland Hospital (Interior Health District) about 2.7 km NE of highway

198 Exit #370 Summit Dr underpass, Exit WB only (Kamloops)  549.2
200 Peterson Creek, Glenfair Peterson Creek Park (Kamloops)  448.1

webcam facing north

204 Exit #374 Junction Yellowhead Highway (5) (Kamloops)  402

Shuswap Nation Tribal Council


Tkemlups of the Secwepemc band of theShuwap First Nation


Access to downtown Kamloops, on exit further, Valleyview Rd (east) and Battle St/Columbia St (west into downtown)

KM 
Highway Point & Features
Elev.
(metres)