Coquihalla Summit in BC is a chillout in high mountains
Canada, north-america
115 km
1,249 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising through British Columbia? You HAVE to check out the Coquihalla Summit! This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,249m (4,097ft), offering some serious views in the Canadian Cascades. Named after the Coquihalla River, this iconic stretch of road, known as British Columbia Highway 5 (or the Coquihalla Highway), stretches for 115km (71 miles) between Hope and Merritt.
Built back in 1941, the road is fully paved, but be warned – the ascent can be seriously steep, especially heading north from Hope! While the highway is generally in good shape, keep an eye out for frost heaves and uneven pavement in spots. Good news: it’s a divided highway, so slower traffic isn't a huge deal. Even though it's a modern road, some truckers avoid it because of the extra fuel needed for those intense inclines.
This pass is usually open year-round, but winter can throw some curveballs. Think sudden snowstorms, blowing snow, and fog – making driving tricky. Temps can plummet to -30°C! You’ll see avalanche chutes, a stark reminder of the wild terrain. Winter tires or chains are a MUST from October to April. Pro tip: pack extra fuel, winter gear, a candle, and even a sleeping bag, just in case. And, of course, make sure your ride is in tip-top shape! In the summer, keep an eye on your engine temp because of the constant uphill climb. Trust me, the scenery is worth it!
Where is it?
Coquihalla Summit in BC is a chillout in high mountains is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 52.6688, -108.4308
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 115 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,249 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 52.6688, -108.4308
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