Epic Road Trip from Vancouver to Kelowna + Scenic Stops

Thinking about taking a road trip from Vancouver to Kelowna?

You’re in for one of British Columbia’s most scenic and rewarding drives – from rainforest to wine country in under five hours.

But is it better to rush it in one go, or stretch it out over a few unforgettable days? And what are the can’t-miss stops along the way?

Let’s break down a proper road trip to Kelowna.

Why Take a Road Trip from Vancouver to Kelowna

Let’s be honest — flying might be quicker, but it doesn’t come with mountain views, hot springs, roadside pies, or spontaneous lake dips.

This route’s got all the right stuff: winding alpine highways, desert valleys, and lakes that stretch for miles.

I’ve done this trip a few times, and every single time, I find something new.

Here’s why I think driving wins:

✅ You can stop for waterfalls, hot springs, or fruit stands any time you want
✅ Fraser Valley views, Coquihalla summits, and Okanagan beaches all in one go
✅ Good for families, friends, couples, or just you and a podcast
✅ Way more fun (and usually cheaper) than cramming into a short-haul flight

Even if you’ve done it once, the road changes with the seasons. It’s a trip that never gets old.

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How Much Time Do You Need for a Road Trip from Vancouver to Kelowna?

If you’re just trying to get from point A to B, you can make the trip in about 4 hours.

But if you want to soak in a hot spring, walk through an old railway tunnel, and still have time for a lakeside wine tasting, I’d give it at least 2 to 4 days.

In all, spacing the road trip out means freedom. You’re not rushing past places that actually deserve your time.

And trust me, the best stories usually come from the spontaneous stops, not the planned ones.

Key Vancouver to Kelowna Route Overview

This route’s efficient, scenic, and just adventurous enough.

Here’s the breakdown.

🛣️ Distance: Approx. 390 km / 242 miles
🚗 Drive Time: 3.75 to 4.5 hours
🌞 Best Time to Go: May to October for sunshine, open attractions, and dry roads
📅 Ideal Trip Length: 2–4 days
🗺️ Main Route: Hwy 1 east → Hwy 5 (Coquihalla) north → Hwy 97C east into Kelowna

The direct line is quick, but it still packs in big mountain scenery.

And the side routes? They’re the icing on the cake.

Road Trip Map: Vancouver to Kelowna

The map’s built for flexibility.

You’ve got the bones of the main route, but there will be plenty of chances to veer slightly and find something sweet.

In fact, right now I’ll give you a head start on things to do on the way to Kelowna from Vancouver.

Suggested Vancouver to Kelowna Road Trip Stops

Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs is a bit of a detour off Hwy 1, but I always consider it worth the extra half hour.

You get a lakefront town with real hot spring pools, mountain views, and a breezy boardwalk. It’s a solid place to stretch your legs and maybe even stay the night.

Bridal Veil Falls

Right off Highway 1 near Chilliwack, this is a classic quick stop that punches above its weight. It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in BC, tumbling 60 metres down a smooth rock face like a white veil — hence the name.

The short 15-minute forest walk to reach it is easy and shaded, making it a perfect break from driving. In spring or early summer, the falls roar with snowmelt.

Hope

This mountain-framed town has a personality all its own. The streets are dotted with dozens of intricate chainsaw carvings — bears, eagles, salmon — each one a small masterpiece.

It’s a bit quirky and a lot welcoming. Grab pie at Home Restaurant (the banana cream is famous) and stretch your legs with a walk around the downtown art displays.

On a warm day, Kawkawa Lake is just a few minutes away and makes for a peaceful, no-fuss picnic spot.

Othello Tunnels

5 minutes outside Hope, this old railway path through granite tunnels and over roaring rivers is a highlight. It’s part of the old Kettle Valley Railway line and has that rare mix of drama and accessibility.

The tunnels themselves are carved straight through cliff faces, and as you walk through them, you’re surrounded by steep canyon walls and rushing water below.

It’s cool and dark inside, and the air smells like stone and pine — a total shift from the highway outside.

Merritt

Good midpoint for lunch or a motel. Kekuli Café is the local secret — get a bannock taco and thank me later.

The town itself leans cowboy, with murals and street art celebrating its country music roots.

You’ll find wide streets, old-timey storefronts, and a surprisingly calm vibe that makes you want to linger longer than you planned..

Peachland

A tiny lakeside town with big views, and for me an obligatory stop on any road trip to Kelowna from Vancouver.

If you’ve got time, this is where you sit on a dock with ice cream and pretend you live there. There’s a long lakeside promenade, a handful of boutique shops, and even a zipline park up in the hills for thrill-seekers.

On sunny afternoons, the town feels like a secret resort — laid back, friendly, and full of small-town charm.

Top Attractions in Kelowna

Myra Canyon Trestles

If you’ve got even half a day in Kelowna, this is the spot I always recommend.

The wooden trestle bridges curve along a cliffside rail trail with views over canyons and pine forest. You can bike it or walk it — it’s flat, scenic, and peaceful.

Families love it, photographers get trigger-happy, and solo hikers get that satisfying sense of wide-open space.

Okanagan Lake Beaches

You haven’t really arrived until your feet are in the sand. Kelowna’s got a string of beaches like Gyro, Boyce-Gyro, and Tugboat Bay — all within a short drive or walk from downtown.

These are great for kids, paddleboarding, or just lazing on a towel with snacks.

I usually swing by early or late to avoid the crowds and get better light.

Mission Hill Winery

Even if you’re not a wine snob, this place is worth a visit.

The architecture is sleek, the views are sweeping, and the wine is genuinely good. Take a tour, sip a white on the patio, and pretend you’ve got a vineyard of your own.

Couples love it, but I’ve also had great solo afternoons just soaking it all in.

Knox Mountain Park

Right on the edge of downtown, this is where I go to stretch my legs after the drive.

You can hike or drive to the top — both give you big panoramic views of the city and lake.

Great for sunrises, sunsets, or just clearing your head with a view that reminds you why you came.

Downtown Kelowna Waterfront

This one’s easy to miss if you just pass through. The waterfront area is full of walking paths, art, gardens, and little patios for a snack or a drink.

It’s family-friendly and has that laid-back Okanagan vibe that makes you want to linger. I always end my day here — walking the boardwalk with an ice cream in hand.

Whatever your vibe — nature, food, wine, or slow-paced wandering — Kelowna’s got something that’ll hit the mark.

Where to Stay Between Vancouver and Kelowna

Here’s where I’d crash, depending on how many nights you’re breaking up the trip. These are solid, clean, and sometimes a little surprising.

Harrison Hot Springs
🏨 Budget: Harrison Lake Hotel
🏨 Mid-range: The Lodge on Harrison Lake
🏨 Unique: Harrison Hot Springs Resort — the spa pools alone are worth the stay.

Merritt
🏨 Budget: Ranchland Inn
🏨 Mid-range: Comfort Inn & Suites Merritt
🏨 Unique: Nicola Ranch Guesthouse — rustic charm meets wide-open skies

Peachland (Optional 3rd Night)
🏨 Budget: Beach Ave Castle
🏨 Mid-range: Todd’s RV & Cabins
🏨 Unique: The Cottage B&B

Kelowna Arrival
🏨 Central: Hotel Zed Kelowna
🏨 Quiet: Hillcrest Farm Market B&B
🏨 Boutique: The Royal Kelowna

Book ahead in summer. Everything fills fast, especially near the lake.

Campsites Between Vancouver and Kelowna

Camping’s the way to go if you’ve got gear and want to fall asleep to birdsong instead of traffic. Here’s where I’d pitch a tent or pull up the van.

• 🏕️ Coquihalla Campground – Hope: Quiet, by the river, walkable to town.
• 🏕️ Monck Provincial Park – near Merritt: Right on Nicola Lake. Clean, peaceful, and starry skies.
• 🏕️ Bear Creek Provincial Park – West Kelowna: Lakeside, shady, with a beach.

Most provincial parks need reservations in peak season. I always book online and keep the confirmation screenshot just in case.

Best Food Stops Between Vancouver and Kelowna

Good road food makes the whole drive better.

I’ve made a habit of pulling over when I see hand-painted signs that say “Pie Today.”

🍔 Vancouver: Strong coffee and a pastry from Revolver, or full brunch at Jam Café.
🍔 Harrison Hot Springs: Fresh baked goods and a patio lunch at Muddy Waters Café.
🍔 Hope: As I said before, get the anana cream pie at Home Restaurant. It’s the real deal.
🍔 Merritt: Bannock sandwiches and frybread from Kekuli Café. Cheap and filling.
🍔 Peachland: Ice cream at Bliss Bakery. Or lakeside eats at Blind Angler Grill.
🍔 Kelowna: Rooftop tacos at El Taquero or sit-down wine and views at Eldorado.

If you’re not hungry when you pass these — stop anyway. Future you will thank you.

Things to Know Before Your Road Trip to Kelowna

A few notes I always remind friends before they set off. Nothing fancy, just the stuff that saves time or headaches.

Fill up the tank before Hope — there’s a long stretch with no gas
Download offline maps — cell service disappears fast
Layers — you’ll go from sea level to mountain pass to desert in one day
Summer = reservations. Don’t wing it.
Bring a bit of cash for fruit stands or small shops

A little prep goes a long way — especially when you’re halfway up a pass with no bars and no fuel.

Vancouver to Kelowna Road Trip Essentials

These are the things I keep in the front seat or close by. Learned most of them the hard way.

Full tank and topped-up washer fluid
Phone charger, backup battery
Snacks, water, gum
Sunglasses, light jacket, sunscreen
Flashlight, jumper cables, wet wipes
Downloaded playlist or podcast

There’s nothing worse than hitting a beautiful overlook… and your phone’s dead.

Tips for a Smooth Drive

Driving this route’s easy — until it isn’t. Here’s how I keep it smooth.

Leave early to beat traffic and get better light
Switch drivers if you can — the Coquihalla needs focus
Stop every 2–3 hours, even just to stretch
Take the weird detour if it catches your eye
Keep your camera handy — the views hit fast and often

The best moments always come from the little unexpected stops.

Final Thoughts: Is the Road Trip from Vancouver to Kelowna Worth It?

Without a doubt, the road trip to Kelowna from Vancouver is worth it.

There’s something about watching the landscape shift — from city towers to coastal forest to high alpine to vineyard. You don’t get that on a plane.

By the time you roll into Kelowna, lake breeze in your face and dust on the bumper, you’ll already be thinking about the drive back.

FAQ – Road Trip from Vancouver to Kelowna

How long is the drive from Vancouver to Kelowna?
About 4 to 4.5 hours without stops.

Is the Vancouver to Kelowna route beginner-friendly for drivers?
Yes. Roads are well maintained, and signage is clear.

Can I do a road trip from Vancouver to Kelowna in one day?
You can — but spreading it out over 2–3 days makes it way more fun.

Is a road trip to Kelowna possible in winter?
Yes, but you’ll need winter tires. Check road conditions on DriveBC.

Are there EV chargers along the route?
Yes — Hope, Merritt, and West Kelowna all have charging stations.