Surrey Lake Summit is the highest point on Coquihalla Highway

Surrey Lake Summit is the highest point on Coquihalla Highway

Canada, north-america

Length

193 km

Elevation

1,444 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through British Columbia on the Coquihalla Highway (that's Highway 5, for the map nerds), winding your way from Kamloops to Hope, passing through Merritt. This is no boring drive, though! You're headed for Surrey Lake Summit, perched at a cool 1,444 meters (4,738 feet).

The whole 193 km (119 miles) of road is paved, so no need for a heavy-duty off-roader. Surrey Lake Summit is usually open year-round, beckoning you with its stunning scenery. However, Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva, especially in winter. Expect potential closures or restrictions when the snow starts flying! Trust me, those winter storms can be brutal, even for seasoned drivers. We're talking sudden snow squalls, blowing snow, and visibility-killing fog. So, from October to April, make sure you've got winter tires or chains – it's the law, and frankly, it's just smart. This pass, named after the serene Surrey Lake, will test you with its wintry conditions, but reward you with views you won't soon forget.

Where is it?

Surrey Lake Summit is the highest point on Coquihalla Highway is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 55.0848, -104.4625

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Road Details

Country
Canada
Continent
north-america
Length
193 km
Max Elevation
1,444 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
55.0848, -104.4625

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