Travelling Southern BC’s Highway 3

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Story by Jan Lee

Planning to head to Vancouver Island for the winter season? Half the enjoyment of a winter stay-over on the Island is getting there. Stunning sunsets and less-crowded highways are common during BC’s fall season, especially along this popular route. 

There are two main routes to Vancouver Island from the Alberta-BC border. For those who prefer minimal stopovers, Trans-Canada Highway 1 is the quickest route to either Horseshoe Bay or the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Both terminals are within a days’ drive from Alberta via the Trans-Can.   

For those who want to experience BC’s fall scenery though, BC Highway 3 (BC-3) is the way to go. The two- or three-lane highway intersects with numerous byways and circle routes. It also cuts through the Okanagan and Similkameen wine regions. Historic markers and museums dot the route, offering plenty of opportunities for picnic lunches and interesting tours.

Check Before You Go

All of the parks listed here have confirmed that they are planning to be open for the fall season. Nonetheless, be sure to consult with BC Health regulations before leaving to ensure that COVID-19 travel and occupancy restrictions have been lifted.  

‘Beautiful BC’ is Mountain Territory

When heading to your winter destination, a good rule of thumb is to hit the road early to allow plenty of time to enjoy the drive and not worry about adverse conditions such as rain or snow. The weather from late August to October 15 is usually fairly dry on BC-3. Still, all vehicles travelling in mountain areas (including on the Trans-Can and BC-3) must be equipped with winter-rated tires and/or chains after October 1. 

Allison Pass, between Princeton and Hope, is well-travelled by RVers. It’s also known for its winter weather conditions and is travelled best in the fall. Keep in mind that many RV parks begin to close at the end of September and early October. Some, as noted below, will remain open into October depending on weather and occupancy.

Vancouver Island via BC-3

Highway BC-3 also called the Crowsnest Highway, starts west just outside of Hazell, AB, about 110 km (68 mi) west of Fort MacLeod. The highway criss-crosses the Elk River and skirts alongside mining towns to the resort town of Fernie. From Fernie, it’s a two-hour, scenic drive beside meandering brooks and mountainscapes to the city of Creston, a favourite among RVers. 

Many of the town’s RV parks stay open during the winter. So, finding a site in the September shoulder season is often not a problem. Here are a few to consider when in the area:

Pair-A-Dice RV Park: This has been our go-to RV park whenever we’re in town and has new 30-amp sites, some of which are pull-throughs. It’s also dog-friendly. www.pairadicepark.com 

Scotties RV Park: A popular park that is well-maintained with shaded areas and a neighbourhood setting, Scotties is an easy drive to restaurants, wineries and breweries (As is Pair-A-Dice RV Park). www.scottiesrv.com 

Heading west on BC-3, Kootenay Pass is BC-3’s highest elevation of 1,775 m (5,823 ft). Spectacular views and the random glimpse of moose, deer, bear and other wildlife is common. At the town of Salmo, the Dragonfly Cafe offers a comfortable stop with a wide range of lunches and desserts. (https://dragonfly-cafe.ca)

Just past Salmo, there’s a choice of routes. Those who prefer gentler climbs will want to stay on BC-3, which takes you over Bombi Pass 1,214 m (3,983 ft) just outside the city of Castlegar. Follow the signs as the road winds through forested areas to Christina Lake and Grand Forks. 

For history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts who are comfortable driving a well-paved mountain pass, the alternate route BC-3B to the city of Trail, BC, offers breathtaking views of the Columbia River and the surrounding mountains. BC-3B juts off of BC-3 approximately 11 km (7 mi) west of Salmo and winds through spacious ranchlands and forests. Descending toward Trail, it’s almost impossible to imagine the grit it took for early miners and railway workers to cut a path through this rugged terrain. Today, the route is a well-paved and maintained four-lane highway.

Trail’s city-run RV park is small (16 30-amp sites) with shade and paved lots.  Local attractions include the 305 m (1000 ft) Columbia River Skywalk suspension bridge, local wineries, museums and true to its name, numerous historic and scenic trails. https://www.trail.ca/en/play/City_of_Trail_RV_Park.asp 

The town of Rossland is connected to Trail by a steep 9 km (6 mi) climb. Its small Lions-run Golden City Campground has full-service, 15-amp sites (and one 30-amp) and is expanding. Both parks are open until October. https://www.rosslandlionscampground.com The Rossland Museum offers an intriguing stop before continuing on BC-3B west toward Christina Lake.     

Christina Lake, which is 2.5 hours from Creston and 56 minutes from Rossland, is known for its exquisitely warm water and sandy beaches. The little resort town is surrounded by parks, trails and other attractions. Cascade Cove RV Park and Campground, on the Kettle River, offers a mix of 40 30- and 50-amp sites. https://www.cascadecove.ca. Skands Court, on the lake, has 84 fully serviced, grassy 30-amp sites. The park is open until September 30. http://skandscourt.com 

A trip through BC’s farm and ranchlands isn’t complete without a stop in Keremeos and Clawson, which is often referred to as the ‘fruit stand capital of Canada.’ The historic Grist Mill is an interesting attraction and is open until mid-October. It offers 13 15- and 30-amp, pull-in sites as well as a restaurant and heritage garden. https://www.oldgristmill.ca. The Eagle RV Park Campground with 13 30-amp sites is also popular.  

Several scenic RV sites hug the Tulameen River’s edge outside of the town of Princeton, the last town before Allison Pass. Provincial campgrounds at Manning Park offer scenic settings without hookups, about an hour east of Hope. Another RV attraction, Hope, is pretty much the last “rustic” stop before the Vancouver Metro area. Your highway of choice, upon leaving Hope, will be the busy westbound Trans-Canada Highway 1.

Getting to the Ferry

Both Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals have RV parks nearby. But the best recipe for a stress-free RV trip through BC’s largest metropolitan area is to plan your route ahead of time. If you’re heading to Horseshoe Bay, staying on the Trans-Can will deliver you to the terminal. Tsawwassen Terminal is located on Highway 17, which intersects the Trans-Can in Surrey and is fairly direct. Sailing from either terminal will offer you a bird’s eye view of some of BC’s best coastal scenery along the way.