Highway closure, heavy ferry traffic hinders B.C. holiday travellers

VANCOUVER — Holiday travellers in British Columbia may have a difficult time getting to their destinations with highway closures and heavy ferry traffic hampering their journeys.

DriveBC says the Coquihalla Highway is closed in both directions between Hope and Merritt due to vehicle incidents.

Highway camera footage overnight shows the route blanketed in snow and DriveBC says assessments for reopening are in progress.

Highway 3 has been closed in both directions since the atmospheric rivers washed away sections of the road earlier this month, although the Transportation Ministry has said it hopes that the route will be reopened between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

BC Ferries says its experiencing heavy traffic volume on its major routes, warning people without reservations to expect multiple sailing waits.

The heavy volume comes a day after dozens of sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island were cancelled due to high winds.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2025.

The Canadian Press