Coquihalla Highway is an extreme freeway located in southern British Columbia, Canada. It’s part of the Highway 5 and around 200km long. It’s one of the worst roads in all of North America in winters. There were 32 fatal crashes between 2004 and 2013 (according to ICBC). In spring, summer or fall, it's a breeze, but in winter there are at least 400-500 accidents and plenty of fatalities.
This asphalted road is the main highway link between Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley and Vancouver B.C. Make sure you get your vehicle and yourself well-prepared before driving this road. It is very steep at both ends and although it is a modern highway, most truckers avoid traveling on it due to the extra gasoline expense that the steep inclines create. The road climbs up the Coquihalla Pass, a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.249m (4,097ft) above the sea level. It can often be treacherous, with ice and snow accumulating even in the summer, so exercise caution as you make your way. Signs along the Coquihalla Highway frequently warn drivers to be aware of sudden changes in weather.
It was a toll road until 2008. Trucks have been known to avoid the route due to the long, steep climb up to the summit and the long, steep descent, but most motorists don't have any hesitation about driving the route in spring-summer-fall conditions. Winter driving is indeed dangerous, but that is more a reflection of the high elevation and mountainous terrain rather than the road itself. To quote Highway from Hell's Jamie Davis, “I can’t criticize the Coquihalla. The main factor is you’re driving over a mountain. It’s not a flat road, it’s a mountainous highway... It requires skill to drive.” At high elevations it can sometimes get to be -30 deg. C in cold winter weather. The highway is pretty good, some sections have frost heaves and uneven pavement but it's 2 lanes each way so slower traffic like trucks are not an issue.
The road is typically open all year round, with the occasional closure in winters due to dangerous weather conditions. Winter surprises are a real fear, sudden snow storms, blowing snow and fog, often make winter driving hazardous and slow. At high elevations it can sometimes get to be -30 deg. C in cold winter weather. Avalanche chutes scar the mountainsides and are a visible reminder of the steep terrain that surrounds the highway. Winter tires or chains are required on most routes in British Columbia from October 1 to April 30. Smart drivers have lots of gas, carry winter clothing, a candle (for warmth) and sleeping bag in the car ' just in case' (chances are that you will never need those extras). Careful preparation for your trip will ensure that if, and when, things do go wrong, you are prepared for the situation. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape with summer coolant and good brakes and tires. In summer, because of the steady uphill grade of the highway, motorists must monitor their vehicles for overheating.
The drive, part of the British Columbia Highway 5, is 185.6 km (115.3 mi) long. The Coquihalla Highway - Phase 1, Hope to Merritt - was completed in time for Expo 86 in 1986. Careful preparation for your trip will ensure that if, and when, things do go wrong, you are prepared for the situation. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape with summer coolant and good brakes and tires.
