Drivers Guide to Highway Numbers

Exploring Canada’s network of highways, one will notice a unique phenomenon exclusive to British Columbia. Among all provinces, BC stands alone with its array of highways bearing the letters A, B, C, and D. We’re taking a close look at some of the more common letters in the BC Highway alphabet that you can find across the province’s roadways!

A is for…

The letter “A” is commonly affixed to highway numbers, as seen in instances like Highways 17A, 1A, and 3A. This addition occurs when new alignments are constructed, maintaining the original road’s functionality and use, yet designating it as a secondary route rather than the primary one. The new route retains the number without an appended letter, while the initial highway receives the inclusion of “A.”

Moreover, the presence of an “A” often signifies that it serves as an “alternate” route, potentially offering a more picturesque or leisurely driving experience.

C is for…

Known as the Okanagan Highway, Highway 97 spans from the BC/US border near Osoyoos to Kamloops, embodying the essence of the area. During discussions in the 1990s about integrating this segment with the new Coquihalla Highway, stakeholders, including municipalities and chambers of commerce, opted to retain the “97” designation, eschewing the introduction of a new numerical sequence.

Engaging with the communities revealed their desire to preserve the numerical continuity while enhancing branding by appending letters. This decision aimed to foster a cohesive regional identity and facilitate navigation for visitors. Consequently, the highway linking Highway 97 and Highway 5, spanning from Merritt to Ashcroft, was designated as Highway 97C. The letter “C” not only denotes its role as a connector but also aligns with its alternative moniker, the Okanagan Connector, and the colloquial reference as the Coquihalla Connector.

What about across Canada?

Canada employs a diverse range of methods when it comes to numbering and lettering highways.

In Alberta, the addition of an “X” signifies new alignments or spurs of existing highways, while Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Yukon, NWT, and Newfoundland and Labrador do not use any letters in their numbered highway names. New Brunswick, without appending letters, features numbered routes extending up to Highway 970, with British Columbia boasting its highest number, Highway 395.

Prince Edward Island opts for “A,” and Ontario incorporates “A” and “B” in some of its numbered routes. Quebec, on the other hand, once used letters “A” to “C” alongside numbered highways but transitioned to numeric designations in the 1970s.

In Nunavut, highway navigation takes a unique turn, as only eight highways, totaling about 850 kilometers, exist. These highways bear descriptive names like Coral Harbour Airport Road or Niaqunngusiariaq Road, connecting Iqaluit to the nearby community of Niaqunguut, five kilometers away. Interestingly, traveling between communities by motor vehicle often involves placing the vehicle on a barge or embarking on a potentially challenging journey using all-terrain vehicles or snow machines.

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British Columbia’s unique use of letters adds a distinctive flavor to its highways, showcasing a thoughtful approach to route designation. The journey across the BC Highway alphabet offers insights into the province’s commitment to maintaining original routes while embracing new alignments.