Famous route

Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3)

The Crowsnest Highway runs across southern British Columbia near the US border, crosses several passes and ends at Crowsnest Pass on the Alberta line.

Region: British Columbia
Length: 521 mi (BC section)
Start / end: Hope – Crowsnest Pass
Top elevation: 5,820 ft (Kootenay Pass)
Best season: Summer to early fall

What should you know before visiting Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3)?

No toll roads expected for a car. Mountain passes: Going-to-the-Sun Road (Logan Pass) (2,026 m, usually open July–September). Size limits for motorhomes: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier NP (MT) (length 20 ft 12 in (6.4 m), height 10 ft 0 in (3.1 m)).

Kootenay Pass, at about 5,820 ft (1,775 m), is the highest point. It stays open year-round but is often closed in bad weather for avalanche control or clearing.
Winter tire and chain signs apply from October 1 to April 30, the province says, and on some highways outside mountain passes and heavy-snow areas only until March 31. Check DriveBC for current conditions.
The road is mostly two-lane and shared with truck traffic. Only about 4 mi (7 km) beyond Hope is freeway, then it is two lanes through Manning Provincial Park.

The drive

Highway 3 branches off the Trans-Canada at Hope. It climbs through Manning Provincial Park over Allison Pass (4,403 ft) and Sunday Summit (4,206 ft) to Princeton, then follows the Similkameen valley via Keremeos to Osoyoos. Next comes Anarchist Summit (4,055 ft) on the way to Greenwood, then Grand Forks, Christina Lake, Castlegar and Salmo, over Kootenay Pass to Creston, then Cranbrook, Fernie and Sparwood up to Crowsnest Pass.

Planning

The road runs close to the US border for long stretches and follows the historic Dewdney Trail for about 80 percent of its length. Including Alberta, the Crowsnest Highway continues to Medicine Hat for a total of 721 mi (1,161 km). At Kootenay Pass, a Gazex system handles avalanche control. Before winter trips, check DriveBC for closures and tire rules.

Camping

At recreation sites run under Recreation Sites and Trails BC, the province limits a stay to 14 consecutive days, and some operators charge fees. Campfires must follow current fire prohibitions. No verified information was found on wild camping outside such sites, on motorhome length limits or on reservations, so ask the campground or operator beforehand.

FAQs

How long is the Crowsnest Highway?

The British Columbia section from Hope to Crowsnest Pass is about 521 mi (840 km), depending on the source between 838 and 841 km. With the Alberta part to Medicine Hat the total is 721 mi (1,161 km).

Is Kootenay Pass open in winter?

Yes, it is one of the highest passes in Canada open year-round. In bad weather it is often closed for avalanche control and clearing. Check DriveBC before driving.

Which passes lie along the way?

Heading east: Allison Pass (4,403 ft), Sunday Summit (4,206 ft), Anarchist Summit (4,055 ft), Kootenay Pass (about 5,820 ft) and finally Crowsnest Pass on the Alberta line.