I would like to try a new addition to my route in BC.
Hwy 1 from Hope to Spences Bridge then Hwy 8 to Merritt and 5A to Princeton.
A few questions, I assume that Hwy will not be too busy in June now that the Coquihalla is in use. Has anyone stayed at Sikhist P.P.? is it noisy (railroad and highway seem to be close).
Is Hwy 8 paved, anything interesting to see down here?
I have travelled 5A already so I know that it is good with Kentucky-Alleyne p.p ( a little unusual but good campground) just south of Merritt.
Have traveled those roads myself many times. The Trans Canada Hwy #1 is a very good highway, narrow in spots but with plenty of passing lanes, you travel within the Fraser Valley which is quite narrow and a lot of turns and many small hills from Hope to Spences Bridge. Around Spences Bridge make sure you watch for the Mountain Sheep that are very close to the road. Skihist camp site is up off the highway on the right side if going east, surrounded by trees and bush, quite quiet and a beautiful well laid out camp ground, but as you said close to both of the trans Canada rail lines. I love it as I am a rail fan............. that's why I always take the Valley route.
Just before you go down into Spences Bridge you traverse a small mesa right beside the CP rail line, you can get real good breakfasts in a small road side cafe, called the Rose ??? I think. We always stop for something to eat or drink and watch the trains go by within 100 ft of the table.
Hwy #8 Spences Bridge to Merritt, is paved, but remember it is not a main Hwy. but a secondary road. Wandering through ranch land and over mountain terrain, again I think it is a beautiful and quite scenic drive. A lot like the Monte Creek road from Hwy #1 East of Kamloops through Westwold & Falkland to Vernon if you have been over that.
Hwy #5A the last time I went over it was in April 07, they were doing a lot of work four laning and repaving from the top of the hill out south of Merritt beside the lake to the junction of the connector.
Hope this info helps, as you may be able to tell, I am prejudiced towards this province. Don't let anyone tell you that BC doesn't stand for BEST COAST ......
Hi Trevor,
We've stayed at Skihist PP several times and have not found it to be at all noisy. Despite the closeness to the railway and highway, the park is built on a steep mountainside so that the campsites are far above the noise. I only remember hearing a train whistle far in the distance. Some of the campsites have breathtaking views over the Fraser River to the steep cliffs on the other side. It's a well-kept campground in a pine forest. You'll like it!
Carole & Mike
2000 Ford F350 SC PSD "Newman"
1994 Snowbird 8'10" "Rosietoo"
Shannie & Bobbi the kitties who stay home to guard the house
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