Pennask Summit in British Columbia: A Comprehensive Guide to Driving the Okanagan Connector

Pennask Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.733m (5,685ft) above the sea level, located in British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province.

Can you drive through Pennask Summit?

For those eager to drive through this mountainous road, the route is entirely paved and is officially designated as Highway 97C, more commonly known as the Okanagan Connector. Drawing its name from the neighboring Pennask Creek, this pass is the highest point of the road. With its inception in 1991, following the freeway's culmination, the steep gradients of this route extend for miles, with a particular emphasis when approaching from the westbound direction.

Is Pennask Summit open?

For the majority of the year, Pennask Summit is accessible to travelers. However, winter months can occasionally lead to brief closures. In the hierarchy of elevated routes in British Columbia, this pass ranks as the second highest, surpassed only by the renowned Kootenay Pass.

How long is Pennask Summit?

The pass is 81.4 km (50.57 miles) long crossing the forested uplands of the Thompson Plateau. It runs west-east from Aspen Grove to Peachland, in the Okanagan Valley on the west side of Okanagan Lake. Those in pursuit of scenic drives will undoubtedly appreciate this route's picturesque vistas.