I was one of the first to do the Rainforest to Rockies road trip last year and I enjoyed it so much, I did it again this year.

It was an easy decision as I adore driving (I’ve driven over one million kilometres in my life) and the allure of British Columbia will always live within me.

There are hundreds of stops and attractions along the famous Crowsnest Highway, also known as Highway 3. As the crow flies, it starts in Hope and crosses into Alberta and wraps up in Medicine Hat, all while cover 1,161 glorious kilometres of stellar, scenic driving.
I’ll have to go back yearly to update the list but for now, this is a smart starting point.
Plus, you can discover spots on your own and let me know how grand they are.

The route I’m sharing and hopefully inspiring you to do starts in Hope. Well, I actually started in Vancouver along the Trans-Canada Highway, good ol’ Highway 1, to get to Hope.
This’ll cover approximately one third of it, focussing on the eastern portion.

Here are 10 superb stops I made while flying, err, driving on the Crowsnest Highway.
Pardon the pun; didn’t mean to ruffle any feathers.

Cascade Lookout

Start your journey on Crowsnest Highway by getting high…up in the mountains. Specifically, at Cascade Lookout across from the popular Manning Park Resort. Panoramic views of the marvellous mountains, the twists and turns of Blackwall Road and the peacefulness of being in the middle of it all makes this a must-stop on your adventure.

Cawston

Known as Canada’s Organic Farming Capital, there are produce stands aplenty here, all offering fresh goods for you to enjoy.

There’s almost 100 certified organic farms, which account for approximately 40% of all the farms here, the ideal weather conditions and rich soils blend to make an excellent atmosphere for growing. Add in the nearly 20 wineries, cideries and one craft distillery, and you’ll be supporting local and enjoying exquisite farm fresh food for the rest of this road trip.

Spotted Lake

As you head eastbound and approach Osoyoos, approximately nine kilometres beforehand is the wondrous Spotted Lake on your right side. It’s exactly what you’re picturing; a lake full of “spotted” patterns.
While small in size, it’s plentiful in various minerals, some of which include calcium, sodium sulphates and magnesium sulphate. When the temperature rises in summer, a vast amount of the lake water evaporates and as a result, there are concentrations of minerals forming the famous “spots” on what remains of the lake.

As evaporation evolves in summer, these mesmerizing spots change colour and size, from yellow to green to blue. Why? It hinges on the makeup of minerals in each “spot.”

The Bear, The Fish, The Root and The Berry

Overlooking Osoyoos Lake and on the traditional land of the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation is Spirit Ridge Resort, home of their signature restaurant named The Bear, The Fish, The Root and The Berry. What’s the big deal about it?
It’s named after a Chaptik story about the Four Food Chiefs that represent the key elements of indigenous cuisine: Black Bear, Chinook Salmon, Bitterroot, and Saskatoon Berry.”

They serve modern vineyard cuisine inspired by Indigenous roots and it’s delicious and while not scientifically proven, sitting on their patio overlooking the lake makes the food taste just a bit better. Ok, fine, it doesn’t but adding a side of scenic views is always a good idea.

Anarchist Mountain Lookout

If you can time it to catch the sunset here, absolutely do it.
Ideally, you’ll wrap up dinner at Spirit Ridge about an hour before golden hour, take the 15 minute drive along Crowsnest Highway, hang a left at the Sasquatch statue, head north and reach the pull off area and gaze, gaze, gaze.

Arosa Ranch

Recharge and rejuvenate after a long day of driving from Vancouver, Arosa Ranch is your best bet. A mere 15 minutes from the aforementioned lookout, you’re warmly welcomed with a charming room, living area and acres and acres of serenity.

Kettle River Museum

The Midland area of Boundary Country is home to the Kettle River Museum.
It’s mile 0 for the famous Kettle River Rail Trail, there’s an old CP Railway caboose, interactive displays inside, an old section houses and you’ll learn about what life was like in this special part of Canada.

Greenwood

Incorporated in 1897, Greenwood is the smallest city in Canada.
There’s a rich mining history here and as you stroll the streets, you’ll see it through charm, old buildings and a relaxed vibe.

Stop by the Greenwood museum for a detailed account of the area, take the five minute walk behind the museum to the old Greenwood Courthouse, which impressively served as the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Check out the cells I the basement as well…slightly creepy but very cool.

Cross the street and admire and reflect at the Nikkei Legacy Park, which is dedicated to to over 1,200 Japanese Canadians who were sent to internment camps here.
There’s a gorgeous 15th century inspired Japanese Rock Garden and this open-concept is a place to learn and remember their history.
The park officially opened on July 20th, 2025.

Wooden Spoon Bistro

30 minutes from Greenwood is the quaint Wooden Spoon Bistro in Grand Forks. Complete with a wonderful patio, they serve up fresh made sandwiches, wraps, burgers, breakfast and more, all while using locally sourced food. Plus, their coffee selections are great!

Cascade Falls

Walk off your lunch by exploring Christina Lake Provincial Park and admire Christina Lake.
You’re close to Cascade Falls in the Cascade Gorge, so absolutely put that on your list.

I sure do appreciate a clever pun and in the Christina Lake Welcome Centre, there’s a hilarious one. It’s a coffee shop named Pony Espresso…get it?!
The coffee is fresh and local, sourced from Oso Negro in Nelson, the treats are mouthwatering and it’s worth the stop.

10 Superb Stops on British Columbia’s Crowsnest Highway 3