Hope Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Hope, British Columbia, with this comprehensive tour guide. Discover the best attractions, outdoor adventures, hiking trails, food and drink scene, and cultural customs for your next trip.


Introduction to Hope

Located in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Hope is a small town with a rich history and stunning natural surroundings. Known for its importance as a transportation hub for travelers heading north or south on the Trans-Canada Highway, Hope offers a glimpse of Western Canada’s diverse and picturesque landscapes. The picturesque town is surrounded by mountains, valleys, winding rivers and deep gorges, making it a popular destination for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

No matter what brings you to Hope, this comprehensive tour guide will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in this beautiful town.

List of Places to Visit in Hope

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Hope Museum: Discover the history and heritage of Hope through exhibits and artifacts of logging, farming and railway life.

  • Memorial Park: A peaceful and reflective park to spend time in and learn about Hope’s history through its statues and monuments.

  • Othello Tunnels: Explore a series of unique railroad tunnels and bridges built in 1914 along the Coquihalla River to allow for a safe passageway.

Natural Attractions of Hope: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Manning Provincial Park: A large park with scenic views, trails, wildlife, camping, and hiking opportunities.

  • Hope Mountain Trail: An exciting trail that offers stunning views of the Fraser and Coquihalla rivers flowing through the valley.

  • Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park: A beautiful park with a suspension bridge that offers sweeping views of the Coquihalla River and canyon.

  • Kawkawa Lake: Enjoy the wonderful lake with its impressive setting and abundant water-sports options.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hope

  • Mount Hope Lookout Trail: Offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding mountain ranges stretching forth in all directions.

  • Yak Peak Trail: A challenging hike to enjoy incredible views of the valley and the Cascade Mountains.

  • Kettle Valley Railway Trail: A great route for hikers and bikers to discover some of the most picturesque and charming railway sections in Hope.

Best Things to Do in Hope: Activities and Tours

  • River Rafting on the Fraser River

  • Fishing and Wildlife Viewing

  • ATV Harmonized Adventures

  • Adrenaline Zipline Adventure

  • Harrison Hot Springs

Week-Long Itinerary for Hope

Day Activities
1 Hope Museum, Othello Tunnels, and Memorial Park
2 Mount Hope Lookout Trail and Hope Mountain Trail
3 Kettle Valley Railway Trail and Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park
4 Fishing and Wildlife Viewing
5 Harrison Hot Springs Day Trip
6 River Rafting on the Fraser River
7 ATV Harmonized Adventures and Adrenaline Zipline Adventure

Food and Drink Scene of Hope

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pacific Halibut Fish and Chips

  • Roast Bison Burger

  • Salmon Chowder

  • Maple Bacon Donut

Local Beverages

  • Chilliwack Brewery Co. and Restaurant

  • Old Yale Brewing Co

  • Rivers Edge Restaurant

Where to Stay in Hope: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Park Motel

  • Heritage Inn

  • Skagit Motor Inn

  • Coquihalla Campground and Motel

What to Buy in Hope: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hope Brewing Co.

  • Artisanal Woolen Products from Sunshine Coast

  • Art and Pottery Items frrom Memorial Park

Local Culture and Customs of Hope

The town of Hope is a charming community with a rich cultural history that it can be proud of. It has welcomed visitors from all over the world and been part of many international films and television series that have been made in the area. The town also offers many artistic and cultural events throughout the year, including the annual Hope Brigade Days celebration held the first week of August.

Best Time to Visit Hope

The best time to visit Hope is during summer months when the weather is warm and dry. At that time one can experience the various outdoor activities and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hope

Do:

  • Explore the natural surroundings and the numerous hiking and biking trails found in and around Hope.

  • Attend cultural events and festivals held throughout the year.

  • Visit the Hope Museum and Memorial Park.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the fragile ecosystems as these are protected areas.

  • Ignore the dangers posed by wild animals in the area.

  • Trespass on private property or in places marked as “No entry”. This includes railway bridges and tunnels.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hope

As with any town or city, Hope has its share of crime and safety concerns. Visitors should take care of their belongings and avoid traveling alone at night. Locking the vehicle and keeping important items close is a solid plan for basic safety.

Health in Hope

Visitors should pack any essential medicines they will need during their stay in Hope. The town has a local hospital, small clinics, and pharmacies for urgent care facilities.

Getting to Hope: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hope

The closest airports to Hope include Abbotsford International Airport, Vancouver International Airport and Bellingham International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Hope

Greyhound bus services operate in the lower mainland connecting the city centres and towns.

Other Options

Renting a car is another convenient way to travel to Hope and get around the area. There are also a few local taxi services available for hire.

How to Get Around in Hope

The town of Hope is small, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike. However, renting a vehicle gives visitors the flexibility to explore the natural surroundings and reach other attractions outside the town.

Where to Go Next from Hope: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Fraser Canyon

  • Manning Provincial Park

  • Harrison Hot Springs

  • Bridal Falls

Conclusion

Hope is a hidden gem of British Columbia, offering visitors all the beauty and adventure that western Canada has to offer. Plan a trip today and discover what makes this town so special and unforgettable. Whether you love history, outdoor sports, culture ambience, or just the simple pleasures of being surrounded by nature Hope has something for everyone.

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