We have just returned from Northwest Territories to British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. The drive from the high-altitude Coquihalla Highway (also known as Highway 97C) into the valley is impressive and steep.
The summit of the Coquihalla Connector highway is 1800m (5900 ft) and you then drive down to the valley which is at an elevation of 344 m (1100 ft).
This is a significant drop of 1456 m (4800 ft). Some people aren’t comfortable with driving this highway for that reason, especially in winter. It is a long way down, and you do want to make sure your brakes are working!
The sign in the distance shows that we are about to come down from our lofty perch to join the highway along the lake.
Greetings from the beautiful Okanagan.
In the Net! - Pictures and Stories of Life 
I’m saying the obvious: You live in very beautiful regions.
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So very true, Neil. When I retire in a few months, our days of travelling to the north will likely end, but we have been privileged to experience its beauty.
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The Coquihalla Connector is a crazy road Lynette, but what a time saver getting out of the Okanagan. Glad you are home safe. Allan
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Thanks so much, Allan. The “Coq” is a fabulous time saver, and we have never experienced any issues with driving it, but we also take precautions and will stay in Kamloops if it looks iffy.
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I suppose, like any shortcut, it has its surprises and challenges, but it’s a time saver if everything goes smoothly.
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We have never had an issue with driving the Coquihalla, but we are also respectful of where it is and we won’t travel it after dark in the winter or if it seems like the weather might go down. It’s such a great shortcut, though!
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Everything is so open and blue. It’s refreshing to see.
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Thank you, Ally. During our recent drive the weather was so gorgeous.
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I imagine you have good brakes and a sturdy car!
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We do. Our long-distance vehicle is a truck that is well-equipped for weather and that is also maintained well, including the brakes!
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I’m not sure I’d want to do this drive in the winter or at night! The scenery looks spectacular though!
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We have done it in the winter during daylight hours and clear weather. If we’re at all doubtful, we wait. This is, of course, the “Highway to Hell” of tv fame. You need to exercise some caution with it but I think the tv show maybe does some exaggeration, too.
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