Driving from Vancouver to Vernon in the winter
#16
Re: Driving from Vancouver to Vernon in the winter
I flew into Vancouver and drove to Kamloops (on the coq) in a budget rental car with no snow tyres (I didn't know they even existed at the time) and it was a white knuckle ride from Hope all the way to Kamloops.
Never again on all seasons, I strongly suggest you book a car with the winter snowflake on the sidewall of the tyres.
Never again on all seasons, I strongly suggest you book a car with the winter snowflake on the sidewall of the tyres.
#17
Re: Driving from Vancouver to Vernon in the winter
....only if you drive too fast - seen many a car in the trees
We have done this route many times to ski at Manning Park and not had any issues. Watch out if using the Coq, nutters in trucks driving too fast and throwing up rocks which crack your wind screen. Rather use Highway 3 if in no rush. Check weather before you go.
We have done this route many times to ski at Manning Park and not had any issues. Watch out if using the Coq, nutters in trucks driving too fast and throwing up rocks which crack your wind screen. Rather use Highway 3 if in no rush. Check weather before you go.
#18
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 750
Re: Driving from Vancouver to Vernon in the winter
TBH if the OP has never driven in snow before and the wife is already nervous I would seriously consider the bus or flying . Not knowing how to react to situations will create a hazard to themselves and other drivers .
I'm a trucker and during the silly season(winter) can spot the nervous drivers a mile away , no fault of their own , but driving in such a tense way isn't a recipe for success . Relax , drive with finger tips and let the vehicle move around within reason , clutching the wheel with white knuckles whilst constantly correcting the steering with sudden moves does not work .
I'm a trucker and during the silly season(winter) can spot the nervous drivers a mile away , no fault of their own , but driving in such a tense way isn't a recipe for success . Relax , drive with finger tips and let the vehicle move around within reason , clutching the wheel with white knuckles whilst constantly correcting the steering with sudden moves does not work .
#19
Re: Driving from Vancouver to Vernon in the winter
Going on the bus is nice, and it isn't like it's an overly long trip.
#20
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Okanagan region
Posts: 625
Re: Driving from Vancouver to Vernon in the winter
Use highway 3 - Manning Park, Princeton, Keremeos, Penticton. This is by far the best choice of the 2 options in the winter. It is also more scenic. Yes, there is a possibility of snow but it is not as dangerous as the Coquihalla. I have travelled both routes many times in winter and this is your safest choice. It's a beautiful drive BTW!
#21
Re: Driving from Vancouver to Vernon in the winter
The OP would be better off staying in Vancouver for Christmas. Get a room at a nice hotel for a couple of days and piss it up a bit. It'll be a lot cheaper and a lot more fun than crashing your car on a cold bleak mountain road.
The 19 Best Luxury Hotels in Vancouver, BC - Five Star Alliance
The 19 Best Luxury Hotels in Vancouver, BC - Five Star Alliance