The section (246 km roughly 3 hours) between Hope and Osoyoos has two main sections: the rugged mountains of Manning Provincial Park between Hope and Princeton, and the lush farmlands of the Similkameen Valley from Princeton to Keremeos and into the desert micro-climate at Osoyoos.
This segment of the Crowsnest Route, just east of Hope, passes the site of the Hope Slide (shown right) before passing by Skagit Valley Provincial Park to the south and Cascade Recreation Area to the north before meandering through the scenic Manning Provincial Park, passing by the ski hill. The highway climbs over Allison Pass in Manning Provincial Park, which rises to 1342 m (4403 ft) and then over Sunday Summit, just east of Manning Provincial Park which rises to 1282m (4206 ft).
Map of Crowsnest route near Princeton, indicating sections where truckers need to have higher alertness to conditions.
Highway 3 Hope to Princeton Map – BC Transportation and Infrastruture
Then the highway drops into the wide and deep Similkameen River valley, heading northeast to Princeton. Princeton is a market center for the area between the Coquihalla and the southern Okanagan. Princeton lies where the Tulameen River from the north joins the Similkameen River, which them begins its flow to the southeast. There are some impressive mountain peaks to the north of the highway, including the one that is home to Apex Mountain ski resort. The mountains hold the winter snows whose meltwaters irrigate the lush farmlands in the Similkameen valley.
At Keremeos is a junction northeast to Okanagan Falls and Penticton, and to central and north Okanagan. Around Keremeos are a number of roadside farmers stalls. Between Keremeos and Osoyoos are a half dozen wineries (and in the Oliver-Osoyoos area are another twenty!) As the highway starts its drop to Osoyoos, you have stunning vistas to the east, and then you pass Spotted Lake on the southwest side of the highway 9 km west of the highway junction (its on private property, so no trespassing). Just west of the junction with Highway 97 is a well-located and architecturally fascinating Osoyoos Tourism Office.
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