Hope, Cascades and Canyons: Freedom Without Boundaries

Hope, Cascades and Canyons: Freedom Without Boundaries

Located two hours from Vancouver at the eastern edge of the Fraser Valley, Hope is situated at the site of the community of Ts’qó:ls, an important transportation hub for the Stó:lō people. The community was given its current name when the Fort Hope trading post was established at the location by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1848.

Today, as the meeting point for two rivers and four highways, Hope is a great “base of operations” for a vacation adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike one of the many local trails, including the new Kw’okw’echíwel Stl’áleqem (Dragon’s Back) Trail, or head east for four seasons’ worth of outdoor activities at Manning Park Resort. In addition to skiing and snowshoeing, Manning Park Resort offers telescope rentals for year-round stargazing. Thacker Regional Park provides opportunities to view wildlife, such as salmon spawning in the fall or bird watching in the spring and summer months. To the north, whitewater rafting is available throughout the summer courtesy of REO Rafting Resort.

People interested in history and culture can visit one of Hope’s three art galleries, including the Hope Arts Gallery featuring local artists, the Muskwa Gallery, and the Heaven N Earth Native Art Gallery and Cultural Studio. Hope’s Art Walk showcases the dozens of chainsaw carvings around town from the biennial carving competition.

Hope is home to the Christ Church National Historic Site, the oldest church on the B.C. mainland still holding services at its original location. The Tashme Museum, which showcases the history of Japanese-Canadian internment during the Second World War, and the Hope Slide memorial site are just a few minutes away down Highway 3.

In the summer, follow the path of the Cariboo Wagon Road north through the historic Fraser Canyon to visit the Yale Historic Site to learn about the Fraser Canyon gold rush, as well as Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park and Tuckkwiowhum Heritage Village. Guided Hal’qeméylem place name tours running from Chilliwack to Yale through Hope can be booked through Stó:lō Tourism. As one of the original “Hollywood North” communities, Hope has many iconic views that you may recognize from the silver screen. First Blood (1982) is the most well-known, with a self-guided filming location tour available and many businesses with Rambo-themed offerings, such as Mountainview Brewing Co.’s First Blood Orange beer and the Silver Chalice Pub’s gigantic Rambo Burger, but Hope also features prominently in other films such as Sweet Virginia (2017) and Antlers (2021).

No vacation is complete without sampling local restaurants. From classic mom-and-pop spots to traditional chain restaurants, Hope has something to satisfy any craving. Sink your teeth into local favourites at Blue Moose cafe, or find home-cooked comforts at Pinewoods Dining Room and Home Restaurant. With so many great places to eat, these smalltown restaurants are worth roadtripping for.

From artisan shops to outdoor adventures, photo-worthy moments, and mouthwatering eats, the perfect vacation is waiting for you in the Hope, Cascades and Canyons region. For more information and to book your adventures, visit tourismhcc.ca