Driving to Kelowna? Here’s the Most Scenic Way from Your City
Planning a road trip to Kelowna and not sure which route to take? You’re not alone. With so many highways crisscrossing BC and Alberta, it’s tough to know which one’s the most reliable, scenic, or actually enjoyable — especially if you’re not into driving for hours without a single good stop.
I’ve done the drive to Kelowna more times than I can count — from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton — in every season and mood. Sometimes I’m chasing lake days, sometimes it’s cherries and lavender, and sometimes I just want a route that avoids the worst of the traffic.
This guide breaks down the best ways to start driving to Kelowna from major Canadian cities, with real tips based on experience. You’ll get route options, seasonal advice, rest stops, and those little extras that make the journey feel like part of the adventure.
Fast Route (But Not My Favourite): Highway 1 + 97C
If you just want to get there fast, this is your route. It’s efficient, not scenic. You’ll be on the Coquihalla (Hwy 5), then cutting across on 97C, known as the Connector.
- Driving time: Around 4 hours with minimal stops
- Roads: Four-lane highways, high speeds, and serious elevation gain
- Stops worth making:
- Hope: A local favourite — grab a drink at Blue Moose Coffee House, not a chain
- Merritt: Good for a bathroom break and a walk, but skip the fast food
- West Kelowna: You’ll start seeing wineries like Off the Grid and Mission Hill before hitting downtown
Winter driving tip:
- You must have snow-rated tires (look for the mountain + snowflake symbol) from October 1 to April 30.
- This route can be closed without notice in storms — check DriveBC before you head out.
Scenic Route (Highly Recommend): Highway 3 + 97 via Osoyoos
If you’ve got the time, this drive is a beauty. It winds through the Similkameen Valley, past orchards, rivers, and tiny towns that feel like time forgot them.
- Driving time: Around 5.5 to 6 hours, depending on how often you stop
- The drive: Slower speeds, less stress, way more character
Favourite places to pull over:
- Hope: Walk the Othello Tunnels, then grab something from a local bakery or indie coffee shop
- Manning Park: Bring snacks for a quiet picnic by the lake or stretch your legs on an easy trail
- Keremeos: Rows of fruit stands with whatever’s in season — cherries, peaches, squash, corn
- Osoyoos: Desert landscapes, lavender farms, and the warmest lake in Canada
- Oliver + Summerland: Locally run wineries like Covert Farms or River Stone — smaller, less flashy, and totally worth it
- Peachland: Stop for a leg stretch and coffee at Bliss Bakery on the lakefront
Seasonal Road Tips
Summer (June–August)
- Wildfires can affect visibility, air quality, and road access, especially on Hwy 3
- Always check BC Wildfire Service and DriveBC before you go
- Bring a good reusable water bottle — it gets hot inland
Winter (October–April)
- Snow tires are required, not “all seasons”
- Hwy 3 is slower but generally safer than the Coquihalla in storms
- Watch for icy patches around Manning Park and the Connector summit
Good to Know
- Skip the drive-thrus — support small towns and independent, Canadian-owned spots along the way
- Public washrooms are easiest to find at gas stations in Hope, Merritt, and Osoyoos — bring your own TP or wipes just in case
- If you’ve got time, take a detour to Myra Canyon Trestles just outside Kelowna — stunning views and quiet walking trails
2. Driving from Calgary to Kelowna
Quick glance
- Distance: 600–700 km
- Driving time: 7.5 to 10 hours
- Best time to go: Late spring through early autumn
- Main choices: Scenic mountain route via Banff, or quieter southern route through Fernie and Cranbrook
Classic Mountain Route via Hwy 1 + Hwy 97
Route: Calgary > Banff > Golden > Revelstoke > Sicamous > Kelowna
This is the iconic one — straight through the Rockies, loaded with big-mountain views and national park stop-offs.
- Driving time: 7.5–9 hours, depending on traffic and stops
- Drive vibe: Stunning views, winding mountain roads, more tourists in summer
Recommended stops:
- Banff: If you’re passing through early, walk along Vermilion Lakes before the crowds roll in
- Golden: Skip the chain cafés and grab a latte at Bluebird Café or brunch at Big Bend Café
- Revelstoke: A slow travel gem — charming downtown, lakeside views, and vegan-friendly eats at La Baguette
- Sicamous: Grab a snack or check out the Eagle River Nature Park for a quiet walking break
Summer tip:
- Forest fires are a real threat — check BC Wildfire Service and expect smoky air during peak fire season
- This route can be slow if there’s construction or heavy RV traffic — patience required
Winter driving:
- Snow tires are mandatory — and honestly, you’ll want winter-rated gear for this whole stretch
- The Rogers Pass section between Golden and Revelstoke can be risky in bad weather
- Always check avalanche conditions and road reports via DriveBC
Alternative Scenic Route via Hwy 3 (Crowsnest Pass)
Route: Calgary > Crowsnest Pass > Fernie > Cranbrook > Creston > Osoyoos > Kelowna
A longer drive, but worth it if you want quieter roads, more local towns, and a less-trafficked path.
- Driving time: 9–10 hours with stops
- Drive vibe: Less elevation, fewer tourists, more local character
Where to stop:
- Fernie: Grab coffee at Beanpod (they roast their own), walk the Elk River Trail
- Cranbrook: Quick leg stretch or stop for lunch
- Creston: Home to orchards, artisan markets, and roadside stands
- Osoyoos: A perfect pause before the final stretch to Kelowna — warm lake, lavender fields, and small-town energy
Why take this route?
- You skip the worst of the mountain traffic
- Loads of fruit and veggie stands in the Okanagan in late summer
- Ideal for a two-day drive with a night in Fernie or Cranbrook
Tips to Make the Trip Better
- Avoid Friday afternoons, leaving Calgary — traffic backs up all the way to Canmore
- Keep snacks local — look for Alberta-made or BC-made products at small town markets
- Carry a roadside safety kit, especially in winter
- Fill up before you hit long rural stretches — some gas stations close early
3. Driving from Edmonton to Kelowna
Quick glance
- Distance: 850–1,000 km
- Driving time: 9 to 11 hours
- Best time to go: Summer and early autumn
- Route vibe: Remote stretches, mountain passes, and big nature moments
Scenic Route via Jasper + Icefields Parkway + Hwy 97
Route: Edmonton > Jasper > Icefields Parkway > Lake Louise > Hwy 97 > Kelowna
This is the one if you want mountain magic — glaciers, turquoise lakes, and actual wildlife sightings (yes, even bears sometimes).
- Driving time: 10–11 hours
- Best for: Photographers, nature lovers, people who don’t mind stopping a lot
Where to stop:
- Jasper: Fill your thermos at SnowDome Coffee Bar, then walk along the Athabasca River
- Icefields Parkway: Pull over often — Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Glacier, and endless roadside views
- Lake Louise: Tourist-heavy, but worth a peek at the lake to stretch your legs
- Vernon: Chill by Kalamalka Lake if you want to stretch the trip before Kelowna
Safety heads-up:
- Wildlife is common — drive slower at dawn/dusk
- No cell signal in many parts of the Icefields Parkway
- Fuel up in Jasper — gas stations are rare and expensive after that
Winter warning:
- This route is not ideal in bad weather — snow tires are a must, and even then, closures are common
- In winter, consider detouring through Hwy 16 > Hwy 5 > Hwy 97 — less scenic but safer and more predictable
Faster Route via Hwy 16 + Hwy 5 (Kamloops)
Route: Edmonton > Edson > Valemount > Kamloops > Kelowna
This one skips Jasper but still gets you mountain views, small-town stops, and a smoother ride if you’re in a hurry.
- Driving time: 9–10 hours
- Road type: More direct, easier to navigate in winter, and well-maintained
Stops worth making:
- Valemount: Rest break and a chance to stock up on locally made snacks
- Clearwater: Gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park — home to Helmcken Falls and zero crowds
- Kamloops: A Bigger city with indie coffee shops and groceries before the final stretch
Seasonal Conditions to Watch
Summer
- Wildfire smoke can settle into valleys — check air quality and road alerts before you leave
- Long, rural stretches mean planning ahead for fuel and food
Winter
- Snow tires are required from October through April
- Hwy 5 is your safest bet, but still watch for ice near high-elevation passes
- Bring extra supplies: blankets, water, food — breakdowns here aren’t like in the city
- Download offline maps — you’ll lose signal for hours
- Keep Canadian-made road snacks on hand — trail mix and energy bars from local shops
- Don’t rely on fast food stops — many towns have great locally owned cafés and diners if you look just off the highway
- Vernon is worth a slow detour: Kalamalka Lake, local markets, and a much quieter vibe than Kelowna
4. Driving from Regina to Kelowna
Quick glance
- Distance: ~1,300 km
- Driving time: 13 to 15 hours
- Ideal pace: 2 days with an overnight in Calgary, Golden, or Fernie
- Route vibe: Prairie calm, mountain energy, lots of open road
Main Route via Hwy 1 through Calgary + Banff
Route: Regina > Moose Jaw > Calgary > Banff > Golden > Revelstoke > Kelowna
This is the most straightforward option — and the best if you want time in the Rockies.
- Driving time: ~14 hours total (not counting stops or overnight)
- Road type: Mostly a four-lane highway with easy navigation
- Ideal overnight: Golden if you’re doing it in two days
Where to stop:
- Moose Jaw: Cute, old-school downtown — perfect for a coffee break at Harvest Eatery
- Calgary: Big city fuel-up. Grab vegan eats at The Coup or swing through a natural grocer to stock up
- Banff: Scenic pit stop for Vermilion Lakes or lunch with a view
- Golden or Revelstoke: Overnight here breaks the trip nicely. In Revelstoke, hit The Modern Bakeshop for vegan options and a mountain-town vibe
Alternative Southern Route via Hwy 3
Route: Regina > Lethbridge > Fernie > Cranbrook > Creston > Osoyoos > Kelowna
Slower but more peaceful, with fewer trucks and lots of local energy.
- Driving time: Closer to 15–16 hours
- Why take it: Less elevation gain, less tourist traffic, and good food stops in small towns
Stop suggestions:
- Lethbridge: Picnic by Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
- Fernie: Walk the river trail, grab a drink from Rooftop Coffee Roasters
- Creston: One of the best-kept secrets — artisan markets, local cheese, and orchards
- Osoyoos: Worth it for a swim if you’re melting in August heat
What to Watch For
Summer
- Wildfires in the Okanagan or Kootenays may reroute you — always check before you go
- Air quality can get rough fast — bring an N95 if you’re sensitive to smoke
Winter
- Snow tires are mandatory — and absolutely non-negotiable over mountain passes
- Banff to Revelstoke is gorgeous but avalanche-prone — check DriveBC and the Avalanche Canada forecast if you’re travelling through Rogers Pass
Tips for This Long Drive
- Don’t try to do it all in one go unless you really have to — your shoulders, back, and nervous system will thank you
- Support local: Prairie towns need your road trip dollars more than roadside franchises
- Download playlists, offline maps, and podcasts in advance
- Bring layers — you’ll hit several climate zones in a single day, even in summer
| Route | Distance (km) | Drive Time | Best Season | Route Vibe | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver to Kelowna | 390–450 | 4–6 hrs | May–Oct | Scenic, produce stands, wineries | Snow tires in winter, fire risk in summer |
| Calgary to Kelowna | 600–700 | 7.5–10 hrs | Late Spring–Early Fall | Mountain passes, national parks | Avalanche zones, fire risk in summer |
| Edmonton to Kelowna | 850–1,000 | 9–11 hrs | Summer, Early Fall | Remote, glacier views, wildlife | No signal in mountains, snow tires critical |
| Regina to Kelowna | ~1,300 | 13–15 hrs | Summer, Early Fall | Prairie calm to alpine lakes | Snow tires a must, wildfire detours possible |
Once You Arrive in Kelowna
So you made it. Now what? Whether you’re here for lakeside lounging, market hopping, or just want to breathe some dry Okanagan air, here’s what to know once your tires hit the pavement in town.
Is Kelowna Worth Visiting?
If you’re wondering whether it’s all hype, the short answer is: yes. But it depends on how you like to travel. If you value good food, local culture, lake views, and a slightly slower pace, Kelowna’s got your number.
I break it down in more detail in this post on whether Kelowna is worth visiting — especially helpful if you’re still planning how long to stay or what part of town to book in.
Parking in Kelowna
- Downtown: Paid parking during business hours, free after 6 p.m. and on Sundays
- Beach areas: Lots fill quickly in summer — arrive before 10 a.m. if you want a spot
- Avoid tickets: Some street parking has residential-only signs that are easy to miss
What to Do Indoors (Especially if It’s Smoky or Raining)
- Art fix? Visit the Kelowna Art Gallery or explore the local creative scene at The RCA
- Wine tastings indoors at wineries like Summerhill or Tantalus
- Coffee + book moment? Try Pulp Fiction Coffee House — half used bookshop, half espresso bar
- Spa or float therapy options abound if you’re going for full reset mode
Things to Do at Night (Without the Party Scene)
Kelowna can be surprisingly chill in the evenings — perfect for your readers.
- Sunset walks along Waterfront Park or Gyro Beach
- Outdoor movies or events in City Park during the summer
- Live music at BNA Brewing (they do more than beer) or smaller venues downtown
- Late-night dessert at Parlour Ice Cream (they rotate vegan flavours)
🗺️ Driving Directions and Maps to Drive to Kelowna
Vancouver to Kelowna
🗺️ Need directions?
Calgary to Kelowna
🗺️ Map it out:
Edmonton to Kelowna
🗺️ Want to follow this route?
Regina to Kelowna
🗺️ Pull it up on your map:
Need a quick fuel cost estimation?
Get the FREE Budget Road Trip Fuel Cost Calculator
- Your handy tool for crunching fuel costs in km or miles, and in CAD or USD.
- It takes the stress out of budgeting for your adventure, so you know what to expect at the pump.
- Give it a whirl and hit the road with confidence!
Bonus: Kelowna Travel Essentials for Your Trip
Planning a road trip’s one thing — landing soft when you arrive is another. Here’s a quick set of go-to essentials you can reuse on future road trips or add to any destination post:
3 Great Places to Stay in Kelowna
All options are central, locally loved, and avoid the mega-resort vibe.
- Hotel Zed Kelowna – Funky, colourful, and right near the lake. Free bike rentals and a retro feel.
- Eldorado at Manteo – A lakefront classic with beautiful views and walkable access to beaches and trails.
- A Touch of English B&B – Peaceful setting, homey comfort, and a hot breakfast made with love.
Need a Local SIM? Try Airalo
No roaming, no drama. Airalo eSIMs are great if you’re travelling from abroad and want to stay connected as you cross through small towns and into the Okanagan. Buy online, activate on arrival, and you’re set.
Don’t Skip Travel Insurance
Even for a road trip within Canada, travel insurance can be a trip-saver. Think: vehicle mishaps, hotel cancellations, or medical emergencies on a mountain hike. Always better to have it and not need it.
Renting a Car?
If you’re flying into Kelowna or another city first, renting a car is essential for seeing the Okanagan. Look for hybrid or fuel-efficient options — many local rental companies now offer eco-friendly choices.
Want a Bird’s-Eye View?
Aviator offers some incredible flight tours from Kelowna:
- Okanagan Lake Scenic Flight – 30-minute panoramic flight over vineyards, beaches, and the full lake basin.
- Kelowna + Myra Canyon Flight – See the iconic trestles from above and get the lay of the land in under an hour.
🌲 ➡️ Join our community at BC Travel: Scenic Outdoor & Cultural Attractions to keep the conversation going, ask questions, and share your love for exploring British Columbia’s top outdoor and cultural experiences!🌲
Before You Hit the Road…
Whether you’re cruising in from the coast or rolling in from the Rockies, the drive to Kelowna doesn’t have to be something you rush through. It can be part of the experience — the fruit stands, the roadside lakes, the weird little towns that don’t show up on travel guides.
You get to choose how this trip unfolds.
Bookmark this guide, save your route, and trust yourself to take the scenic detour if it calls to you. Just bring snacks, a good playlist, and tires that won’t get you stranded at the top of the Coquihalla.
Once you’ve arrived? Here’s what to do next in Kelowna — especially if you’re into slow mornings, local food, and skipping the touristy stuff.
For more inspiration on road trips in British Columbia, check out The Ultimate Guide to Driving to Vancouver. This guide is packed with tips to make your journey just as enjoyable as the destination itself.
More Articles About Travel Tips
- Travel Tips for Daylight Savings: How the Time Change Can Enhance Slow Travel
- How to Budget For a Road Trip: Practical Tips
- How to Spend More Time Travelling
- How to Keep Your Devices Secure During Trips
- Why is Trip Planning Important? A Guide to Effective Trip Planning
- 6 Reasons Why You Should Travel Locally
- Will Chocolate Melt in Checked Luggage? Here’s What You Need to Know
- Can I Bring Candy in My Carry-On?
Plan Your Canadian Adventure
A few trusted resources I use and recommend:
- Booking.com (Hotels + Stays) – Find places to stay across Canada
Compare hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals using a handy map tool. - Discover Cars (Rental Vehicles) – Search Canadian car rentals
Easily compare prices from major rental companies for your road trip. - Busbud (Intercity Buses) – Book Canadian bus routes
Affordable bus travel between cities and small towns across Canada. - Viator (Tours & Activities) – Browse tours across Canada
From guided walks to scenic day trips, find local experiences worth booking. - Airalo (eSIM Cards) – Get a Canadian travel eSIM
Stay connected while you explore without needing a physical SIM card. - Safety Wing (Travel Insurance) – Explore travel insurance options
If you're visiting Canada from abroad, travel insurance is worth looking into. This platform helps you compare plans. (Not financial advice.) - Altitude Sports (Outdoor Gear) – Shop for weather-ready clothing
Reliable gear from a trusted Canadian company—great for all-season travel.
