Vancouver to Kelowna Road Trip: The Best 10 Stops

If you’re looking for road trip destinations from Vancouver, Kelowna is easily one of the best. Not only does the drive take around 4 hours, but a Vancouver to Kelowna road trip is so much better when you slow down and enjoy the views. There are plenty of viewpoints, small towns and easy detours that turn this trip into one of the most scenic drives in British Columbia.

Vancouver is also an excellent starting point for exploring British Columbia, whether you’re heading to Tofino, driving the Sea to Sky Highway or going to the Okanagan.

Although you can drive from Vancouver to Kelowna without stopping, you would miss out on some great spots along the way. In this guide, I’ve put together the best 10 stops to make the most of your Vancouver to Kelowna road trip.

Snapshot: Vancouver to Kelowna Road Trip

10 Stops on the Vancouver to Kelowna Road Trip

A road trip from Vancouver to Kelowna is the ideal length (390 km one way) for a long weekend getaway or a weekend trip from Vancouver. I’ve done this trip a couple of times in both spring and summer, both to visit Kelowna and the wineries as well as part of a Canadian Rockies road trip.

If you start in Vancouver, you’ll first drive along the Trans-Canada Highway 1 before connecting to Highway 5 and eventually Highway 97C, which leads you straight into Kelowna.

Along the way, you’ll drive past the Fraser Valley farmland, Coquihalla Highway mountain scenery, Merritt’s hills before entering Kelowna and catching the first views of the Okanagan lake.

Kelowna is also a perfect stop on a longer Western Coast itinerary from Vancouver to Banff and the Canadian Rockies.

Road Trip Tips for a Drive to Kelowna

• The fastest route on a Vancouver to Kelowna road trip is the Coquihalla Highway. But this drive is well known for changing weather conditions, especially in winter. So make sure you check the road conditions before you go.
• If you drive between November and March be sure to have winter tires. In fact, winter tires are mandatory between October 1 and March 31.
• There are no gas stations between Hope and Merritt, so make sure you have enough gas for this stretch.
• If you plan some hikes along the way, consider stopping overnight in Merritt. This way, you can enjoy the drive a bit more and get to see more attractions along the way.
• Make sure you have an emergency pack with all the essentials in case of road accidents or bad weather. This includes water, snacks, warm blanket or clothes.
• Instead of taking Coquihalla Highway, you can head south on Highway 3 to Manning Provincial Park and stop for a hike at Frosty mountain or drive further to the Okanagan Valley. This drive is a bit longer but with some extra time, it’s a perfect alternative.

10 Best Stops on the Vancouver to Kelowna Road Trip

Although you can drive from Vancouver to Kelowna without stopping, I’d highly recommend checking out a few of these spots if you have the time.

1. Vancouver

• Distance from Kelowna: 390 km, 4 hours drive

If you’re starting your road trip in Vancouver and it’s your first time in town, make sure you spend some time exploring the city. While three days is the ideal amount of time to visit Vancouver, you can still see many of the city’s main highlights in just one day.

2. Golden Ears Provincial Park

• Distance from Vancouver: 62 km, 1 hour drive
• Distance from Kelowna: 365 km, 4 hours drive

Golden Ears Provincial Park is one of the most popular parks near Vancouver and a very popular spot in summer for camping and hiking. You can decide on whether to relax by Alouette Lake or tackle one of the more challenging hikes in the area, such as Golden Ears.

If you decide to hike Golden Ears on a backcountry trip, keep in mind that you’ll need a full day as the hike is quite long and steep.

Also if you’re visiting Golden Ears between May 16 and September 1, 2025, you’re required to have a day-use vehicle pass, which can be booked in advance online.

3. Fort Langley

• Distance from Vancouver: 50 km, 1 hour drive
• Distance from Kelowna: 348 km, 3.5 hours drive

Fort Langley is a very cute small town, which you can also visit as a day trip from Vancouver. The town is very relaxed and is the perfect place to grab a coffee, stop for a meal or explore some of the local vintage shops.

4. Cultus Lake

• Distance from Vancouver: 103 km, 1.5 hours drive
• Distance from Kelowna: 300 km, 3 hours drive

Cultus lake is just off the main highway and near the US border. It’s a very popular destination in summer and you can relax by the beach or do one of the short hikes, such as the Teapot Hill Trail. In fact, this hike is also perfect when traveling with kids.

5. Hike in Chilliwack Area

• Distance from Vancouver: 104 km, 1.5 hours drive
• Distance from Kelowna: 290 km, 2 hr 45 min drive

Chilliwack goes often under the radar but it has some of the most scenic hikes in British Columbia. I’ve personally done several hikes in the area, from Flora Peak to Mount MacFarlane and Cheam Peak and I’ve always been speechless at the views from the summits.

6. Bridal Veil Falls

• Distance from Vancouver: 120 km, 1.5 hours drive
• Distance from Kelowna: 273 km, 2 hr 40 min drive

One of my favorite times of the year to visit Bridal Veil Falls is in spring. Not only does the waterfall carry more water down the stream due to the snow melt but it’s also the perfect opportunity to combine this with a visit to Harrison Tulip Festival.

While you’re here, make sure you stop at Cedar & Moss Coffee for a drink or snack for the road.

7. Othello Tunnels

• Distance from Vancouver: 160 km, 2 hours drive
• Distance from Kelowna: 244 km, 2.5 hours drive

Just at the entrance to the Coquihalla Highway, you’ll come across Othello Tunnels. These old railway tunnels are opened seasonally but are such a unique stop to your Vancouver to Kelowna road trip. The walk through the railway tunnels is not long but it offers some glimpses in British Columbia’s history.

Make sure you check for any temporary closures before you head to the Othello Tunnels.

8. Merritt

• Distance from Vancouver: 272 km, 2 hr 50 min drive
• Distance from Kelowna: 127 km, 1 hr 20 min drive

Merritt is a good mid-way stop on a Vancouver to Kelowna road trip. It’s a great chance to check out some of the murals in Merritt, have lunch or simply stretch your legs.

9. West Kelowna

• Distance from Vancouver: 384 km, 3 hr 50 min drive
• Distance from Kelowna: 8 km, 10 min drive

While you enter Kelowna, you’ll first drive through West Kelowna offering some great views of Okanagan lake. You can either decide to stay in this area on your Kelowna visit or drive further to Downtown Kelowna.

In any case, while you’re in West Kelowna, make sure you check out Mission Hill Winery for some fine dining and wine pairing. This was one of the highlights on my Kelowna trip.

10. Downtown Kelowna

• Distance from Vancouver: 390 km, 4 hours drive

The last stop on this Vancouver to Kelowna road trip is the Downtown area. This is the most popular place for accommodation in Kelowna and the heart of the city. From here you can walk to the main attractions along the water, or to the restaurants and shops nearby.

Is a Road Trip to Kelowna Worth It?

Absolutely! Not only will you drive through scenic alpine passes and valleys but you’ll also get to experience different climates. On a Vancouver to Kelowna road trip, you can stop to see some waterfalls, provincial parks and incredible viewpoints.

Then, you get to end the road trip in one of the most well-known regions in Canada for wine production. In fact, in the Okanagan Valley you get to combine a road trip with excellent wine tasting and lake views.

This road trip is ideal for a slower getaway and a more relaxed trip. But if you prefer an active road trip, check out the Nanaimo to Tofino route on Vancouver Island.

Suggested Itineraries on a Vancouver to Kelowna Road Trip

1. The Short Itinerary between Vancouver and Kelowna

If you’re short on time, you can always skip most of the stops and head straight to Kelowna. But if you want to stretch your legs, a few quick stops include Fort Langley, Bridal Veil Falls and the Othello Tunnels. Even without extra exploring, you can comfortably spend about 30 to 45 minutes at each of these locations.

2. The Scenic Itinerary to Kelowna

For a scenic road trip to Kelowna take the full day to visit the stops along the way. Alternatively, take the longer drive through Manning Provincial Park and to Osoyoos in the Okanagan. From there you can make your way north to Penticton and Kelowna.

3. Two-Day Trip to Kelowna

Consider spending a night in Hope or Merritt if you want to explore some of the local hiking trails around Golden Ears or Chilliwack. This way you don’t have to rush and can spend more time exploring the surrounding mountains.

Things to Do in Kelowna

Kelowna is the kind of place where you can sip wine as the sun sets behind the hills along Okanagan Lake, while still enjoying an active holiday filled with hiking, cycling, or kayaking. Unlike my usual trips that demand constant movement, such as hiking the Huayhuash trek or Cerro Toco, road tripping the U.S. West Coast, or biking through Valle de la Luna, Kelowna is perfect for slowing down, relaxing and simply taking it easy.

Some of the main activities in Kelowna are the following.

• Relax at the beach and go for a swim in Okanagan Lake.
• Go on a hike to Knox Mountain Park for stunning views over Kelowna and the lake.
• Rent a paddleboard or kayak on Okanagan Lake.
• Enjoy a multi-course dinner paired with the perfect wine glass at one of the wineries.
• If you’re visiting Kelowna on a Saturday, check the Farmer’s and Crafters’ Market.
• Cycle the Kettle Valley Rail Trail to Penticton. It’s ideal for all levels.
• Visit Kangaroo Creek Farm for a family-friendly activity.
• Try flyboarding or parasailing on Okanagan Lake for an adrenaline-packed afternoon.

Do You Want to Extend Your Kelowna Road Trip?

If you’re looking to extend your road trip from Vancouver to Kelowna, I highly recommend driving to Banff and the Canadian Rockies.

Explore Vernon and Revelstoke along the way, stop for a hike in Yoho National Park, visit Banff Downtown and spend between 3 days and 5 days in the Canadian Rockies! These are some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world!

💡Not sure how much time to spend in the area? Check out this post on how to spend 1, 2, 3 or 5 days in the Canadian Rockies!