Duffy Lake Road
Duffy Lake Road
4.5
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4.5
115 reviews
Excellent
73
Very good
36
Average
5
Poor
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0
Dennis S
Powell River4 contributions
Sept 2014 • Family
The BC forest Service maintains 4 free camp sites on the road. Rogers Creek with 14 sites, Gott Creek with 4 sites, Cottonwood with 14 site and Cinnamon with 11 sites. All are on Cayoosh Creek. From Lillooet it is 22 km to Cinnamon and 34 km to Rogers Creek. Coming from Pemberton we were on top of Rogers Creek before we saw the sign so we missed it totally. We stayed the night at the next one (Gott) and checked out the other two the next day. You couldn't ask for much more if your a fan of Forestry camp sites like we are. The following web page will get you more info.
http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/
Also, at the end of the road at Seaton Lake there is a free site run by BC Hydro at Lillooet. I was going to add pics to this until I saw the web site above, it has enough.
Absolutly beautiful drive, great road but steep at either end and getting very busy, camp ground were almost empty though (mid Sept.).
http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/
Also, at the end of the road at Seaton Lake there is a free site run by BC Hydro at Lillooet. I was going to add pics to this until I saw the web site above, it has enough.
Absolutly beautiful drive, great road but steep at either end and getting very busy, camp ground were almost empty though (mid Sept.).
Written 22 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bhs_wpg
Winnipeg50 contributions
I love this high road that takes you up and over the mountains from the western rainforest to the dry interior of BC as you descend into Lillooet. From there you can go on east to Cache Creek or, in the summer, hook back up to Bralorne and take the Hurley Pass back to Pemberton. This is a great road adventure. The road is gravel, but generally fine with a normal car if you watch your speed. Check conditions and give yourself enough time for a few stops for photos and picnics. Highlights include Duffy Lake, a couple of stops on the way down to Lillooet, Anderson Lake, Bralorne and the Hurly Pass.
Written 8 February 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kirbyuno
Richmond, Canada36 contributions
July 2017 • Family
A recent road trip with family (2 kids; ages 12 & 10). We left Vancouver to Whistler, Pemberton, Lillooet, Lytton and stopped in Hope.
I had never been past Pemberton, so this part of the drive was new to me. Duffy Lake Road from Pemberton to Lillooet is very scenic and wonderful country. Be forewarned that this road is very hilly and windy. Not good for anyone who gets carsick too easily. The average speed is approximately 60 Km/he due to the switchbacks and steep inclines. The drive gets easier from Lillooet to Lytton (Hwy 12). From Lytton to Hope is through the Fraser Canyon on Hwy 1 and again scenic and faster than the earlier part.
The drive up to Whistler is terrific, but I won't comment on that as many will be familiar with this road.
We stayed overnight in Hope and the next day went to Coquihalla Provincial Park to see the Othello Tunnels - see my separate review/photos of the Othello Tunnels (recommended).
I had never been past Pemberton, so this part of the drive was new to me. Duffy Lake Road from Pemberton to Lillooet is very scenic and wonderful country. Be forewarned that this road is very hilly and windy. Not good for anyone who gets carsick too easily. The average speed is approximately 60 Km/he due to the switchbacks and steep inclines. The drive gets easier from Lillooet to Lytton (Hwy 12). From Lytton to Hope is through the Fraser Canyon on Hwy 1 and again scenic and faster than the earlier part.
The drive up to Whistler is terrific, but I won't comment on that as many will be familiar with this road.
We stayed overnight in Hope and the next day went to Coquihalla Provincial Park to see the Othello Tunnels - see my separate review/photos of the Othello Tunnels (recommended).
Written 9 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mountainoutin
Irvine, California297 contributions
May 2014 • Business
The road is spectacular, crossing through the heart of the Coast Range. Allow 2 hours between Pemberton and Lillooet when road conditions are good. Portions are narrow and steep (many grades up to 13%) so use low gears and don't overdo the brakes. Highly recommended.
Written 10 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hulley
Vancouver, Canada65 contributions
Oct 2011
We drove from Vancouver to Whistler and stayed the night. Set off the next morning along the Duffy Lake Rd. AMAZING!! This is a hidden treasure. One of the most scenic drives I've taken. The road, at least most of it, has recently been repaved. Twisty, turny, up and down, winding through valleys, then up 13% grades to the top of mountain passes.you cross several temperate zones along the way ending up in Lillooet, surrounded by sage brush. From here you can drive the Marble Canyon to Lyton, or as we did because of time restraints, circle back through the Fraser Canyon to Vancouver. No need for 4 wheel drive, just be sure your vehicle is in good working order.We got a late start from Whistler, probably 11 AM and were back in Vancouver at 6 PM. Wouldn't recommend this drive in the winter unless you're prepared for difficult conditions, but as a fair weather day trip - incredible.
Written 4 November 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
copperdragon66
Pittsburgh, PA642 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
Where is Duffy Lake Road? It's route 99, if traveling from Whistler, it starts just after Pemberton. It's the main highway. When I traveled it in early May, I had the road entirely to myself on a Sunday afternoon. I only saw one other vehicle and it was a truck near Lilooet.
This is a scenic mountain drive filled with lovely views of a lake, a glacier and unspoiled wilderness. Most of the road was in good condition and paved although this is not a road to take if you don't have the time as it is quite windy and twisty in places. Also, on the day I visited, there was actually a dusting of snow on the road berms at the highest elevations. Take care and make sure your vehicle is prepared for the conditions.
This is a scenic mountain drive filled with lovely views of a lake, a glacier and unspoiled wilderness. Most of the road was in good condition and paved although this is not a road to take if you don't have the time as it is quite windy and twisty in places. Also, on the day I visited, there was actually a dusting of snow on the road berms at the highest elevations. Take care and make sure your vehicle is prepared for the conditions.
Written 1 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrBlackTattoos
Richmond, Canada17 contributions
July 2017
Every year in July I set out on my bike from Richmond B.C. and ride up to Lillooet and then decide where to go from there. The reason I always go to Lillooet is because of the ride on Duffy Lake Road. You start with the incredible climb that goes up to the Joffre lakes 20 kilometres after you're north of Pemberton, and then you have almost 100km of beautiful mountain vistas and scenic lakes to keep you occupied. If you love taking photos it's a fabulous trip, and worth all the stops you will make.
Also, the roads are quiet. There is traffic of course, but it's a much quieter, more secluded stretch of highway and it's peaceful. Again, because I ride it on my bike it's the stretch of road I look forward to most every year. I've met some great people, all tourists when they're stopped to take photos, or, even if I needed to ask for more water as there really isn't much in the way of amenities along the road. Make sure you have a full gas tank and food and drink.
If you get the chance, do drive this road. Stop at one of the lakes for a snack. Keep your camera ready, not only for the mountains but for the wildlife you might see galloping along, or across the road. And on that note, just be careful for the animals trying to cross in front of you.
Five stars, always.
Also, the roads are quiet. There is traffic of course, but it's a much quieter, more secluded stretch of highway and it's peaceful. Again, because I ride it on my bike it's the stretch of road I look forward to most every year. I've met some great people, all tourists when they're stopped to take photos, or, even if I needed to ask for more water as there really isn't much in the way of amenities along the road. Make sure you have a full gas tank and food and drink.
If you get the chance, do drive this road. Stop at one of the lakes for a snack. Keep your camera ready, not only for the mountains but for the wildlife you might see galloping along, or across the road. And on that note, just be careful for the animals trying to cross in front of you.
Five stars, always.
Written 29 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ydnar
Kamloops, Canada625 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
From Lillooet to Whistler on the Duffy Lake Road it's around 2 hours if there are no 'hiccups', but that will certainly depend on both the road conditions (i.e. rain, snow, icy), and the traffic as well. I can't stress enough that this isn't a road you want to drive if you are running late or in a big hurry. Inevitably you will end up behind someone who IS going slower, and this will add to your frustration once you realize a LOT of people simply don't care if they are slowing you - or ten of you - down. There are very few safe places to pass but this road itself is good, just take your time. For a mountain road there are very few of those scary 'cliff' type moments, the ones where you could go 1000 feet down the hill if you took a wrong turn. That said, there is some pretty spectacular scenery and you might also find yourself in the opposite lane if you are aren't paying strict attention.
In BC there are a lot more scenic roads, but if traveling to Whistler, the ending of this one is pretty spectacular. Also a neat short cut if you're in Whistler and traveling to the Interior. As an aside, I was quite happy I'd just had my brakes done prior to this trip. Particularly if you are driving west, you will absolutely need them in top shape regardless of how much you are able to gear down. Also, really watch out for cyclists!
In BC there are a lot more scenic roads, but if traveling to Whistler, the ending of this one is pretty spectacular. Also a neat short cut if you're in Whistler and traveling to the Interior. As an aside, I was quite happy I'd just had my brakes done prior to this trip. Particularly if you are driving west, you will absolutely need them in top shape regardless of how much you are able to gear down. Also, really watch out for cyclists!
Written 10 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brian f
Greensboro, NC315 contributions
July 2016
we drove out here thinking this was a lake road or scenic loop and it was really nothing but driving by a lake. not sure why it is listed and wish someone had said so.
Written 3 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alofoz
Brisbane, Australia112 contributions
May 2016
Take this road before the suburbs from Whistler/Pemberton encroach further - better than the alps or anything else you're going to see within 3 hours of a world city. Amazing drive - go all the way to Lilloet and overnight there at the 0 mile motel, ask them for a view of the river and the CP rail will wake you at 3 am. A gem - this trip.
Written 3 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Very little gravel. Just a couple of short stretches, bridges and culvert construction
Written 18 July 2017
Hi ALL past users of "Duffy Lake Road" Hwy 99!
We are hiring a 32" RV (with 3 bikes on the back as well!!) in late June this year and have planned a route using this road. I have read all your comments (about braking and switchbacks!) and i did run it past the RV hire company to see if it was a "NO GO road" but they did not comment.
I am experienced in driving large vehicles and have a PCV (Double Decker Passenger Bus Licence -UK) and drove 12 metre buses all over Brighton UK for 7 years, but these are different beasts and i have never driven one before!
In all of your opinions... is this road SAFE and practical to drive with an RV of the length? (I am very considerate driver and will be contiually pulling over to allow faster vehicles to pass).
I don't want to get half way along and get stuck! We have all day to get from Squamish to Lilliooet. Is that practical in this size RV?
Thank you in advance for all of your helpful advice.
Paul - Sussex, UK.
Written 10 February 2017
Hi there, we traveled the Duffy lake road from Whistler to Lillooet (then to Pavillion to Cache creek to Sun Peaks). We found all the sealed roads are very good.
There is NO restrictions and road is safe for RV's and I don't believe you will require permission from your hire company to travel this good road.
Be sure to stop at the waterfalls (Shannon, Brandywine, Nairn) from Squamish to Whistler, Joffre lakes after Pemberton, Duffey & Setton lakes-you will love the scenery.
Have a great trip. Alex (cagatravel)
Written 10 February 2017
Hi everyone - I'm wondering how this road compares to Road 40 between Bralorne, BC and Lillooet, BC? I found Road 40 scary when returning to Lillooet because of being on the outside edge of a very narrow road with a drop off. I've read that the Duffy is narrow, too narrow for 2 cars to pass - is this true for most of the road? Also, are there severe switchbacks?
Written 5 July 2016
Hi: Two lanes sealed all the way, with all switchbacks manageable. We were headed from Lillooet to Pemberton and there were some pretty quick SUV worker/commuters headed in the opposite direction at speed, but no problems, even navigable by the odd busload of tourists. They've done a fair amount of maintenance work on the road and its safe. There is a drop off, but it's two lanes - Enjoy.
Written 5 July 2016
hi we are travelling from wells gray pp to Squamish, stopping at whistler in a 30ft RV. Towards the end of September. We found we have a day/night spare. Would the Duffy lake road trip be suitable for our vehicle, or perhaps you could suggest another trip
Thank you
Written 13 August 2015
When we did the trip there were a few other RVs the size of yours. The road is windy but is in excellent condition. I couldn't see a problem. Hope you have fun, we did.
Written 15 August 2015
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