With Highway 3 still closed, visits to Manning Park Resort down 80%, manager says
Highway 3, the main route to Manning Park Resort, has been closed since 16 December due to severe weather. The shutdown, caused by an atmospheric river, has forced travellers onto lengthy detours and left the resort running on backup power. Now, officials expect a partial reopening of the highway between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
The closure of Highway 3 has disrupted travel plans for many heading to Manning Park Resort. Drivers now face a detour via the Coquihalla, Highway 5A, and Aspen Grove, adding over two hours to their journey. The Coquihalla itself has also seen repeated closures, shutting down on six of the last eight days.
The resort’s manager reports that occupancy has dropped by around 80 per cent, even though Christmas week is usually fully booked. Despite the challenges, guests staying at the resort are enjoying some of the best snow conditions in years. The manager remains hopeful that Highway 3 will reopen in time for New Year’s celebrations.
Power issues have added to the difficulties, with the resort relying on backup generators for nearly 10 days. BC Hydro has yet to restore full electricity supply, leaving staff and visitors adapting to the situation.
The Ministry of Highways plans to reopen Highway 3 on a temporary alignment before the new year. If successful, this will ease travel for visitors and help the resort recover from weeks of low occupancy. The resort’s team continues to manage operations under limited power while waiting for full services to resume.
