Tacoma, WA → Kelowna, BC
228 mi · 4h 33m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Heavy rain near 48.1°
Tacoma
58°
48.1°
44°
49.0°
42°
Kelowna
57°
Wind gusts up to 16 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 228 mi · 4h 34m
Weather
🌧️ Heavy rain
44°F, wind 5 mph
Rest Stops
7
Truck svc, Restrooms, water
Cameras
4 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Love's Travel Stop
- ● SeaTac Rest Area 🚻 🪑
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Normal Traffic
8 construction zones along route — no other incidents
8 Construction Zones on Route
Expect overnight SR 7 on-ramp to EB SR 512 closures from Monday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Oct. 3:<br/>-8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Wednesday nights.<br/>-8:30 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday.<br/>-7:30 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday.<br/>Read more on the <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr-512-congestion-management-sr-7">project webpage</a>.
The express lanes are northbound-only 24 hours a day through the end of 2026 due to lane reductions for construction on the northbound I-5 Ship Canal Bridge.
The express lanes will operate northbound-only 24 hours a day until the end of the year, to support Revive I-5 northbound construction.
The SR 536 Skagit River Bridge is closed to eastbound traffic to repaint the bridge. Eastbound vehicles should detour using eastbound SR 20 and southbound I-5.<br/><br/>The bridge remains open to westbound traffic. Pedestrians bicycles and emergency vehicles may use the bridge in both directions.<br/><br/>More information on <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr-536-skagit-river-bridge-painting">project webpage</a>
CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION
+ 2 more zones along the route — see map for full list
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.
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Selected Route
Via SR-7 → I-5 North → SR-539 North → SR-544 East → SR-9
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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SR 9 at MP 97.5: Front St
WA ·
I-5 at MP 130.7: 56th St
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
Vedder Canal Bridge - E
Fraser Valley, BC · EB
Herrling Island - E
Fraser Valley, BC · EB
Portia - N
Coquihalla, BC · NB
Larson Hill - N
Coquihalla, BC · NB
Aspen Grove - N
BC · NB
Elkhart - E
BC · EB
Brenda Mine - E
BC · EB
Rest Stops Along Your Route
36 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 36
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Sep 27: Heavy rain expected near 49.0° - consider afternoon departure
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 and 36 rest areas 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
Sep 29
64° / 58°
No precip
Tomorrow
Sep 30
62° / 49°
No precip
Thu
Oct 1
66° / 49°
No precip
Fri
Oct 2
65° / 50°
No precip
Sat
Oct 3
68° / 53°
No precip
Sun
Oct 4
68° / 54°
No precip
Mon
Oct 5
71° / 53°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌤️ Mainly clear at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Tacoma, WA
58°F
Wind: 16 mph
Kelowna, BC
57°F
Wind: 6 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, Sunday, Oct 4 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Tacoma to Kelowna today?
Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Consider delaying your trip if possible. If you must travel, reduce speed significantly and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
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 SR-9, Other. 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?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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