Direct answer
Drive the Trans-Canada (Hwy 1) toward Hope then north on the Coquihalla (Hwy 5) or continue via Hwy 1 and 97C — must-see stops include Bridal Veil Falls, Hope, Coquihalla Summit/Great Bear Snowshed, Othello Tunnels, Merritt, Quilchena, Myra Canyon, and West Kelowna wineries.
Supporting details and route options
1) Sea-to-Sky / Fraser Valley (start or detour)
- Bridal Veil Falls (near Chilliwack): short hike to a powerful waterfall and viewing platform.
- Cultus Lake (summer swimming/parks) and Chilliwack Lake (scenic photos).
2) Hope and the Fraser Canyon
- Hope: antique murals, local cafes, and access to the Othello Tunnels nearby (Mallorytown/Coquihalla River provincial trails).
- Othello Tunnels (near Hope/Coquihalla): spectacular former railway tunnels and bridges in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park — allow 45–90 minutes.
3) Coquihalla Hwy highlights (Hwy 5) — faster mountain route
- Bridal Falls (again if coming via Hwy 1) and the Falls Creek rest areas.
- Great Bear Snowshed viewpoint (near the summit): short stop for alpine views and photo ops.
- Lac le Jeune (near Merritt): pretty lake and picnic area.
- Merritt: historic downtown, cowboy culture, and local restaurants.
4) Interior approach via Hwy 5A / Hwy 97C (scenic, wine-country route)
- Quilchena: heritage church and scenic lakeside stop between Merritt and Kamloops.
- Kamloops (if you detour slightly): riverside viewpoints, downtown, and food options.
5) Myra Canyon (Kelowna area)
- Myra Canyon Trestles (Kettle Valley Railway): iconic 18 trestles and 2 tunnels, excellent hiking/cycling — allow 2–3 hours for a walk or 1–2 hours biking.
6) Okanagan arrival — Kelowna & surroundings
- West Kelowna and Glenmore: quick viewpoints over Okanagan Lake.
- Wineries (Kelowna + West Kelowna + South Okanagan nearby): mission, Quails' Gate, Mission Hill, and smaller boutique vineyards — tastings typically 1–2 hours each.
- Waterfront Park & Knox Mountain (Kelowna): lakefront stroll and short hike with panoramic views.
Practical tips
- Driving time: ~4–5 hours direct via Coquihalla (Hwy 5); scenic routes add time—plan for a full day with stops or split into two days.
- Weather & conditions: check DriveBC for highway conditions, closures, and winter chain requirements on Coquihalla.
- Fuel & services: fuel up in Abbotsford/Chilliwack and Merritt; services are limited on long stretches.
- Safety: pack water, snacks, warm layers, and phone charger; mobile signal can be patchy in canyon areas.
- Timing: start early to avoid traffic leaving Vancouver and to have daylight for trail stops; vineyards often require reservations for tastings.
Suggested full-day itinerary (compact)
- Depart Vancouver early → Bridal Veil Falls (30–45 min) → Hope + Othello Tunnels (1–2 hrs) → Merritt lunch (45–60 min) → Myra Canyon (1.5–3 hrs) → Arrive Kelowna evening (winery or waterfront).
Enjoy the trip! Adjust stops to your interests (hiking, wineries, photography, or quick scenic breaks).