Tourism Businesses Offering Travel Solutions Around the Hwy 97 Slide

 

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is commending Thompson Okanagan businesses and those that service the region for offering  solutions for residents and visitors in response to the ongoing Highway 97 road closure between Peachland and Summerland due to the August 28th landslide. These services are being offered  to avoid travel disruptions and provide options for travellers to easily be able to come enjoy autumn in a region that desperately needs tourism support after the recent climate crises.  

Air Travel: 

  • Air Canada is waiving fees for those travellers with existing bookings impacted by the landslide to change their arrival destination to Penticton or Kelowna by calling the customer support centre. 

  • WestJet is offering flexible changes and cancellation for those with trips at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) for travel between Sept. 7 through 10. For more details visit WestJet.com.

Water Shuttle 

  • Luxury Lake Tours is offering a weekday Rock Slide Shuttle Service between Peachland and Summerland with one way and return options. Departing Peachland at 6:30am and 4pm; and Summerland at 7:15am and 4:45pm.  

Shuttle Service: 

  • Hoodoo Adventures offers a daily shuttle service between Penticton to Kelowna via the Myra Canyon Trestles for those that need to return to their destination. Departing Penticton at 7am; and departing Kelowna between 10:30am-12:30pm *depending on bookings. 

“During this trying time, we appreciate all the support of partners and businesses in the region as we deal with the slide on Highway 97 north of Summerland,” shares Michael J. Ballingall, TOTA Board Chair. “The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association has been working closely with our airline partners and want to recognize the tremendous support to keep residents and visitors travelling through the entire region.”

The Thompson Okanagan from the peak of Mount Robson down to the semi-arid desert in Osoyoos is open and ready to welcome visitors. Fall is one of the best times to explore the region - the leaves are changing colour, the air is crisp, and the sky is clear with the sun shining bright. Offering the perfect conditions for wine touring, culinary journeys, paired with hiking, biking, fishing in between. Kelowna International Airport (YLW), Penticton Airport (YYF), and the Kamloops Airport (YKA), service the region and offer rental cars, or shuttle service.

Visitors can get trip inspiration at thompsonokanagan.com 

TOTA would like to thank the Ministry of Transportation for their ongoing efforts to stabilize the slide site and build a 150-metre wall to prevent further rock fall. They have indicated that this solution may allow single lane traffic by September 16th. To accommodate the road closure while these upgrades are made, there are four options for motorists to get to their destinations: 

  • Two forest service roads between Penticton and Kelowna have been 

    improved to accommodate the influx of motorists. These routes add an 

    additional 60 to 90 minutes to the normal Central Okanagan to South 

    Okanagan commute.

    *Drivers who choose to travel these options should 

    ensure their vehicles are properly equipped for conditions.

  • Two alternate highway detours are available through Princeton via Highways 3, 5A and 97C to the West, and through Highway 33 to the East, also resulting in multi-hour commutes.

TOTA would like to acknowledge the many partners who have come together to ensure the safety and seamlessness of travel through the Okanagan.

If you or a business you know is offering an alternative mode of transportation around the road closure, please share by filling out the Good News Form

 
 
Thompson OkanaganThompson Okanagan Tourism AssociationRoad Closure, 2023, South Okanagan