We will be driving Aug 21/22 from the Washington/CA border to Kelowna. What is the fastest route and how how long would it take us to Kelowna. Is there another route to take back and how long a drive to the border. Any suggestions on restaurants and siteseeing in the area. We will only be staying 2 nights.

I am without a good map and am hoping someone will come to the rescue with better advice... in the meantime,if there is a route up through Osoyoos, that might be your best bet. <BR> <BR>You don't say from where exactly you're coming. If you were driving up the coast you could also either go through Hope and Manning Park, or take the Coquihalla toll highway and the Peachland connector. Many truck drivers dislike the Coquihalla because of its steep grades but it's a faster route. Of those two routes I can't decide which would be best. I like them both.

We will be coming from San Jose, California. Wouldn't we cross near Blaine, WA? I think if we cut across to Spokane and cross at Osoyoos would be much longer. We have to return to the States and be in Blaine by Aug 26th for a week.

I am wondering if the Sumas/Huntingdon crossing would cut down on your driving time. I have never taken it, but I believe it would take you close to Abbotsford, BC. Then you could continue east and take the Coquihalla. I believe the toll is $10. There is a map at <BR>http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/bchighways/coquihalla/coq.htm <BR>You would take the "amber" road, then the "red" one. What we used to call the Peachland Connector I see is now called the Okanagan Connector.

The coquihalla is definately your best bet both ways if your in a hurry. The Okanogan is western Canada's summer playground. and consequently packed with RV's during the summer months. The highway from Osoyoos north to Kelowna is also mostly 80km/hr (about 50mph) for the whole stretch. Also the RCMP love to set speed traps on this stretch, and it's pretty much no passing, anyways. If you have more time, though, It can be an enjoyable drive. As for as restaurants go, Kelowna isn't that great. Ruby,s, on the main highway through town and in a shopping center, does a nice chinese smorg. I can't remember it's exact location, but it's not far from the highway up to big white ski area. <BR>If your taking Interstate 5, cut off at Bellingham, and go straight north to Aldergrove B.C. From there to Kelowna with pretty light traffic should tak about six hours. If you arrive in the morning, the floating bridge across the lake, into Kelowna, will have 2 lanes open going into town. In the afternoon the center lane switches to west bound and you will have only one lane into town and long line-ups to cross the bridge. Hope this helps.

Thanks so much. I missed seeing the crossing at Abbotsford.

The drive from Abbotsford to Kelowna should only take 3.5 hours.The Coquihalla is a great hwy. Kelowna has many good restaurants, Ruby's is not one of them. For a great view and good food try either Coyote's or Earl's On Top. There are also many wineries in the valley that offer tours and also have restaurants in the vineyards. For more information check out www.welcometokelowna.com There is also a wine train that takes you from Kelowna to Armstrong. Part of it goes along Kalamalka Lake known as the "lake of many colours". There are also boat tours and seaplane tours available from downtown Kelowna. Also check out the waterfront promenade in front of The Grand Hotel. Have fun.

I like your email address there, Ron, and that reminds me that Marge might consider a detour into Hope to see the Othello Quintette tunnels. It's not far out of town and not a long walk in from the parking lot. <BR> <BR>http://www.hopechamber.bc.ca/tunnels.htm