Redmond, OR → Edmonton, AB

Your journey from Redmond, Oregon to Edmonton, Alberta spans nearly 730 miles of remarkably diverse terrain, beginning in the high desert of central Oregon and culminating in Canada's thriving prairie capital. From Redmond, you'll head north on US Highway 97, a well-maintained two-lane highway that carries you through the Deschutes National Forest and up into higher elevations before merging with Interstate 84 as you approach the Columbia River Gorge. Once you reach the gorge, I-84 becomes your primary corridor eastward, offering dramatic views of basalt cliffs and the mighty Columbia River before the landscape gradually transitions from forested slopes to drier, more open terrain as you continue into eastern Oregon and Washington.

As you progress northeast through Washington on I-82 and I-90, you'll notice the terrain becoming increasingly arid and rolling, with the Cascade Range now behind you and the Blue Mountains visible in the distance. The drive through Spokane, Washington marks a significant shift in the landscape—from here, you're fully committed to the vast, open spaces of the inland Pacific Northwest and the northern Great Plains. North of Spokane, US Highway 395 takes you deeper into rural territory, passing through small agricultural towns and increasingly sparse vegetation as you approach the Canadian border.

Crossing into British Columbia and Alberta brings you into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, with US Highway 2 transforming into British Columbia Highway 97 and eventually connecting to Alberta Highway 35, which feeds directly into Edmonton. This final stretch offers some of the drive's most dramatic scenery, with mountain peaks appearing on the horizon and the landscape becoming noticeably greener and more forested as you approach the northern Canadian plains. The entire route is predominantly rural and highway-based, with elevation gains that are gradual rather than extreme, though the section through the Cascade Range and into BC does require attention to road conditions.

For the most pleasant driving experience, undertake this route during late spring through early fall, when mountain passes are clear and daylight extends well into the evening. Winter driving from November through March can be treacherous, particularly in the mountain sections of Oregon and British Columbia, where snow and ice frequently impact road conditions and travel times considerably.

The 729-mile drive from Redmond, Oregon to Edmonton, Alberta takes approximately 14h 34m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.

Common Weather Hazards on This Route

• Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
• Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
• Dense fog, especially during early morning hours

Seasonal Driving Considerations

Mountain passes along this corridor can be treacherous from October through May, with chain requirements, road closures, and whiteout conditions at higher elevations. Summer brings its own challenges — afternoon thunderstorms are common above 7,000 feet, and construction season narrows lanes on key highways. Always check pass conditions before departing, and carry emergency supplies during the colder months.

Best Time to Drive Redmond to Edmonton

For long drives like this 729-mile journey, planning is essential. Consider breaking the trip into segments if weather looks challenging. The best approach is to check conditions for multiple departure times using Route Outlook's optimizer, which considers weather at each point when you'll actually be there.

Driving Strategy

Covering 729 miles from Redmond to Edmonton is a full-day or multi-day drive that requires advance planning. Break the route into manageable segments, planning fuel and rest stops every 2-3 hours. Weather that looks fine at departure may deteriorate significantly at the midpoint. Consider booking overnight accommodation if the forecast shows deteriorating conditions in the latter half. Route Outlook's segment-level weather data helps you identify exactly where and when conditions will change.

Frequently Asked Questions