Hi, my husband and I will be going to Sandpoint next week and travelling up to Fernie BC, we will go up on hwy 95 and then across on hwy 3. I was wondering if anyone else has taken that trip and what the roads are like, I know they are high and probably snowy, are they well used etc. we are planning to travel late afternoon early evening, any idea on how long that trip takes etc. Thank you!
Driving from Sanpoint to Fernie BC
Hi. We regularly travel this section of road, as my hubby hauls logs in Moyie Springs, Idaho and Usk, WA. The road is in very good shape. There is one section close the the US border that is a little narrow - not much for shoulders - but the surface of the road is in very good condition.
The highest section of road you will encounter would be well north of Bonners Ferry, near the US/Cdn border. The road climbs quite a bit in a short distance and then levels off just south of the border. The old road used to get pretty slippery in the winter, but since they have rebuilt that piece of road it is a lot better now. Hubby has not had a problem with that road (north of BF) since they rebuilt it.
The section of road just south of the US/Cdn border was under construction the last time we were through there, but that will be on hold now that it%26#39;s winter.
Once you get to Cranbrook, BC the #3 hwy will be fairly level - no cliffs or steep banks to worry about. The road is well-maintained and you should not have any concerns that I can think of, unless the weather is bad.
Just keep your eyes open for elk and bighorn sheep. There are a lot of elk (and even a few moose) between the US border and Fernie. They are generally not a problem until after dark. But the bighorn sheep are usually out on the highway during the daytime. You want to watch for them between Elko and Fernie.
This is a really beautiful drive, I%26#39;m sure you will enjoy it. It takes about 3 hours to drive from Sandpoint to Fernie, not counting your wait time at the border.
Enjoy your trip!
Driving from Sanpoint to Fernie BC
Thank you so much for your response, I will definately look out for the wildlife. We are originally from England and have yet to see a moose - what a treat that would be. Pleased to hear that it is a good drive, Thanks again :)
To add to the excellent info from Camping _Girl, high elevation is a relative term, US95 in Idaho doesn%26#39;t get any higher in elevation than 2,700 feet, as Camping Girl mentioned there are a couple of small hills. The weather looks to be improving into next week(temps into the 40-50 degree range), right now we are having a major snow storm here in Coeur d%26#39; Alene but the temps are at or above freezing so major roads are not too bad. US95 is the major north -south road in Idaho and has considerable traffic also into Canada so its well maintained and snow plowed. As long as you don%26#39;t leave Sandpoint very early in the morning any overnight snow should be off the road during the day. Its a beautiful drive so have a good trip.
Thank you to you both, we are pretty used to driving in the mountains around here as we ski all the time, but its always reassuring to know that unknown roads to us are well travelled.
This is the first time I have used this forum and it has been a really easy and informative help.
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