The Scenic Drive: Revelstoke to Kelowna

The Route

The drive from Revelstoke to Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is approximately 200 km and takes about 2.5 hours under normal conditions. The route follows Highway 1 east to Sicamous, then Highway 97A south through the North Okanagan.

Spring & Summer: The Best Time for This Drive

This route truly shines from April through September. The Shuswap and North Okanagan come alive with lush green valleys, blooming orchards, and sparkling lakes. Spring is ideal for quieter roads and stunning wildflower displays, while summer brings farm stands and lake activities.

Spring Highlights (April – June)

**Wildflower season** — Roadside meadows burst with colour, especially through the Eagle River valley

**Fewer crowds** — Beat the summer rush and enjoy quieter stops along the way

**Fruit blossoms** — The North Okanagan orchards are in full bloom from late April through May

**Comfortable temperatures** — Perfect driving weather without the summer heat

Summer Highlights (July – September)

**Shuswap Lake activities** — Stop in Sicamous for a lakeside lunch or quick swim

**Farm-fresh produce** — Roadside fruit stands are abundant through the Okanagan

**Long daylight hours** — Enjoy a leisurely drive with plenty of light for photos

Recommended Stops

Enchanted Forest (30 min from Revelstoke)

A unique roadside attraction featuring over 350 fairy tale figurines set in an old-growth forest. Open seasonally from May to September — a must-visit for families in spring and summer.

Three Valley Gap (45 min from Revelstoke)

A heritage ghost town with restored buildings, a hotel, and scenic lake views. Worth a quick stop even if just for photos. The lakeside setting is especially beautiful in spring and summer.

Sicamous (1 hour from Revelstoke)

Known as the "Houseboat Capital of Canada," this lakeside town is a great spot for a coffee break. In summer, the houseboats on Shuswap Lake are quite the sight. In spring, the quieter pace makes it a relaxing stop.

Armstrong (1.5 hours from Revelstoke)

A charming farming community with local cheese shops and bakeries. The Armstrong Cheese shop is worth a stop year-round, and the farmers market runs in summer.

Tips for the Drive

**Start early** if catching a flight — leave buffer time for unexpected delays

**Fill up in Revelstoke** — gas prices are generally lower than in the Okanagan

**Summer traffic** — the route can be busy on summer weekends; add extra time

**Spring construction** — highway improvement projects often begin in April; check DriveBC

**Winter conditions** — if driving late fall or winter, the highway is well-maintained but can be snowy; check DriveBC

At Kelowna Airport

The airport is located about 15 km north of downtown Kelowna. Our vehicle drop-off location is in the long-term parking area. Detailed instructions are provided with your booking.

Allow at least 2.5-3 hours from Revelstoke to the airport to account for traffic, fuel stops, and check-in time.