Is this crazy? H'way 3 from Hope to Cranbrook?
 

We were considering driving from Vancouver to Cranbrook, mostly via Hway 3(for a dude ranch), and were wondering what that road was like. It's not that we're in such hurry but 450 miles of twisting mountain road could be very, very tiring. <BR>Thanks for any advice.

It's easy! <BR>You should start early it's a haul I've done it twice and people here do it regularly. <BR>The only really winding part is just past Manning Park, the road is in excellent shape for the most part and fairly straight. Up'n up 'n up though and down fast in a few places (!) <BR>Do yourself and your car a favour when attempting summits-if you have air conditioning turn it off! <BR>It places a tremendous strain on some models of cars it seems the rads are so small in some models they just blow!!!! <BR>This I've seen and it ain't any fun miles from anywhere although people in BC are always quick to help. <BR>Don't stop at the first few 'Fruit Stands' in Keremeos they are Tourist Traps of the rankest variety, buyer beware. <BR>

Carl described it perfectly. I haven't taken the Hwy all the way to Cranbrook, but it's a favourite drive of mine to the Okanagan Valley. While Manning Park is the most mountainous, there are plenty of places to stop and take breaks to enjoy the view and the scenery (parks, campgrounds, look-out areas). After the Okanagan, there will be many other places to rest - including many fruitstands. I forget if Hwy 3 passes by this place, but try to stop off at "Bears Fruit Stand", which is a little bit past Keremeos. It seems to be the place where my family loads up on fruit/vegetables, though there are many other fruitstands on the way to Cranbrook. <BR> <BR>Enjoy yourselves! It should be a great drive!

Error in my previous post - I meant to write, "after Manning Park" (NOT after the Okanagan).

Highway 3 is enjoyable, but for a break, instead of taking the Salmo-Creston pass, go up to Nelson and then Balfour to take the free ferry to kootenay landing. It's a beautifuk drive and might be a way to make the return trip less mononous.