Tacoma, WA → Kelowna, BC
228 mi · 4h 33m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Fog expected
Get an email if snow, ice or storms hit this route before you leave.
Free. One email to confirm, then only when conditions change. Unsubscribe in one click.
Tacoma
51°
Snohomish County
46°
Okanogan County
40°
Kelowna
42°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 228 mi · 4h 34m
Weather
☁️ Overcast
46°F, wind 11 mph
Incidents
1
1 critical
Rest Stops
7
Restrooms, Truck svc, water
Cameras
8 live
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Love's Travel Stop 🚻
- ● SeaTac Rest Area 🚻 🪑
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Hazards Ahead
1 road closure may affect your route · 6 construction zones on route
6 Construction Zones on Route
On SR 522 eastbound at 61st Ave NE (MP 7) the right lane is closed due to roadwork.
BC-7: Rock slope stabilization at Dyke Road (Kent). From 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM PCT, Monday to Saturday. Single lane alternating traffic. Expect delay of 20 minutes.
BC-7: Utility work from 18m Southeast of Junction with Highway 9 (Kent) to Hot Springs Rd (Kent). From 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM PCT, weekdays. Single lane alternating traffic.
BC-3 eastbound: Bridge maintenance in Hope to First Avalanche Gate. Right lane closed. Centre lane closed. Expect delays.
BC-97C: Utility work in Merritt to Loon Lake Rd. From 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM MST, every day. Lane closures in both directions.
Coldwater Road: Paving operations at Intersection of Coldwater Road and Highway 8. From 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM PCT, Friday. Truck restriction. Right lane closed.
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via SR-7 → I-5 North → SR-539 North → SR-544 East → SR-9
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
I-5 at 130.67: 56th St NB VMS
WA ·
I-5 at MP 130.7: 56th St
WA ·
I-5 at MP 131.2: S 48th St
WA ·
I-5 at MP 131.8: S 38th St looking South
WA ·
I-5 at MP 133: Yakima Ave
WA ·
I-5 at MP 163.4: S. Forest St
WA ·
I-5 at MP 196: 12th St NE
WA ·
I-5 at MP 246.2: Lake Samish Park and Ride
WA · NB
SR 539 at MP 5.9: Ten Mile Rd
WA ·
Aspen Grove (looking north)
BC · NB
Elkhart (looking east)
BC · EB
Brenda Mine (looking east)
BC · EB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
36 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 36
Sponsor
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Heavy rain expected near Okanogan County - consider afternoon departure
- 🌫️Nov 8: Dense fog warning for morning departures - visibility below 1/4 mile
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Tacoma, WA to Kelowna, BC covers 228 miles in roughly 4h 33m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 36 rest areas, 1 reported incident and 1 active weather alert along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
54° / 51°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
58° / 49°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
57° / 51°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
51° / 43°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
46° / 40°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
48° / 37°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
45° / 40°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌦️ Slight rain showers at origin, 🌦️ Slight rain showers at destination
Sunday
Good to Go🌦️ Moderate rain showers at origin, 🌦️ Slight rain showers at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
🚗 Live traffic included
See if current slowdowns affect your drive time
Free • No sign-up required
Current Conditions
Tacoma, WA
51°F
Wind: 11 mph
Kelowna, BC
42°F
Wind: 3 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Tacoma, WA to Kelowna, BC
The 228-mile drive from Tacoma, Washington to Kelowna, British Columbia takes approximately 4h 33m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route crosses state lines from Washington into British Columbia, connecting Tacoma and Kelowna. A drive of 228 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
- Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
- Dense fog, especially during early morning hours
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Mountain passes along this corridor can be treacherous from October through May, with chain requirements, road closures, and whiteout conditions at higher elevations. Summer brings its own challenges — afternoon thunderstorms are common above 7,000 feet, and construction season narrows lanes on key highways. Always check pass conditions before departing, and carry emergency supplies during the colder months.
Best Time to Drive Tacoma to Kelowna
For medium-distance drives like this 228-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 228-mile drive from Tacoma to Kelowna takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Tacoma to Kelowna?
The drive is approximately 228 miles and takes about 4h 33m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Thursday, Nov 19 looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from Tacoma to Kelowna today?
Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Use caution and allow extra time. Reduce speed and increase following distance as conditions warrant.
Are there rest areas on the Tacoma to Kelowna route?
Yes, there are 36 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-5 North, SR-539 North, BC 97C East. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There is currently 1 active incident along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
Related Driving Guides
10 Essential Winter Driving Tips for Long Road Trips
Planning a winter road trip? Here are the essential safety tips to help you navigate snow, ice, and cold weather conditions.
🧊Black Ice: The Invisible Killer on Winter Roads
Black ice forms when rain or melting snow refreezes on cold road surfaces. Here's how to spot the conditions that create it.
🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
Road Trip Guides Through This Area
Explore More Routes
More routes from Tacoma
More routes to Kelowna
Similar-distance drives
More routes starting in WA
Don't Drive Blind Into Weather
Route Outlook shows you conditions at every point along your route—at the exact time you'll be there.
Open Planner