Top Things to Do in Hope, BC - Hope Attractions
Things to Do in Hope
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Hope.
Top Attractions in Hope
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
What travellers are saying
- BusdrvrDurham, Canada4 contributionsHope is small and has several wood carvings on it's streets. Home to the first Rambo movie. Although his carving was missing we enjoyed the "be Rambo" cut out by the information center. Just missed the bears by the river and had a fabulous lunch in the Blue Moose on across from the park. There is a church there that is very old and a corner house with all kinds of bird houses. Nothing over the top but we enjoyed a couple hours exploring.Written November 26, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lloyd S1 contributionAmazing place, extremely friendly people and so welcoming and helpful. Best town in the world and the visitor centre staff can’t do more to help you. You are in good hands with these guys!!! A must place to go if your in hope.Written October 3, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PookyCakeVictoria, Canada13,605 contributionsEstablished in 1986 and clocking in at a respectable 159 hectares, Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park is a truly magical place. On the one hand, you have the Othello Tunnels, which is what the park is most known for; on the other hand, you have the park’s epic geology, rushing water and beautiful flora. In a word, one could rightly argue that this park reflects British Columbia in microcosm.
When most of us think of Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, the Othello Tunnels immediately come to mind; and why shouldn’t they? They are, after all, the park’s most distinguishing feature. Originally built in 1914, as part of the historic Kettle Valley Railway, the 5 tunnels that make up Othello cut right through solid granite. As you walk through these dark, cavernous mouths, you cannot help but admire the creative engineering skill that went into these tunnels and what they meant for “connecting” British Columbia. At the same time, though, these tunnels also provide an opportunity to reflect on their darker history: Many a Chinese labourer lost their lives blasting into the solid granite.
The railway was decommissioned in 1961 due to the propensity of washouts and rockslides in the area. A couple of decades later, the Othello Tunnels became part of Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park and now represent one of the Province’s most popular attractions. Indeed, human history, trestles, canyons and rushing water come together in an epic, almost Shakespearean way.
Of course, Coquihalla Canyon is much more than just the Othello Tunnels. It also has epic natural scenery to share. While you can get some of this on the short 15-minute walk to the tunnels, I’d suggest the Hope-Nicola Valley Trail – a 5.6km loop – offers a greater opportunity to fully appreciate the park. Because it’s a loop, you can access the trail at 2 points: The main parking lot (trailhead is clearly visible) OR by walking through the Othello Tunnels and continuing on the trail from there. The hike will take you through lush forest, ferns and some pretty nice views. We only did a small segment of this trail because, at the time of our visit, BC was going through a record-breaking heatwave and it was nearly 40 degrees Celsius outside.
At day’s end, whether you choose to do the loop trail or stick to the tunnels, you’ll still be experiencing some of BC’s most epic landscapes. The tunnels are an engineering marvel; the canyon walls and the rushing water below hint at the power of nature; and the beautiful greenery at every turn reminds you of why this place is Super. Natural. British Columbia.Written October 23, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - neLuv2GoLincoln, NE33 contributionsI decided to review this, as I didn't see any recent reviews here. This isn't an inexpensive venture, but for us, being that close to the river and being able to just watch how the water changed and moved under the footbridge, was fascinating.
Not surprisingly, they have been affected by the pandemic, but we aren't sorry we went. The staff was friendly, and were carrying on even though a problem with the water supply had caused the restaurant to be closed.
My two cents is, go primarily for the experience of a gondola ride and seeing and hearing the river and history of it, rather than the displays or shops at the bottom.Written October 1, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PookyCakeVictoria, Canada13,605 contributionsOur summer road trip adventure eventually took us to Hope. The primary reason for our visit was to patronize the Othello Tunnels; however, we also wanted to make best use of time while in the vicinity. Thus, after a quick lunch at the Hope Pizza Place, we made our way towards the site of the Hope Slide, just off Highway 3. Arriving at the pullout, the scar from the slide is readily visible and, let me tell you, any picture fails to do it justice. The debris field – littered as it is with massive boulders – and what’s left of Johnson Peak speak to the level of sheer destruction and chaos that occurred here 56 years ago. Information boards on site tell the tale.
In brief, the slide occurred in the early morning of hours of 9 January 1965. Just after 7AM, half of Johnson Peak collapsed, sending an estimated 47 million cubic meters of rock, mud, trees and other debris tumbling over 1,800 meters to the valley below. The sheer volume and force of the debris completely displaced Outram Lake, which was located below the mountain. The slide also covered 3 kilometers of highway and, sadly, took 4 lives. For a detailed visual account of this natural disaster, I’d recommend seeing the Royal BC Museum’s “This Week in History” series.
Even though so much time has passed, the Hope Slide’s impact is still visible and felt today. As a result of the slide, the highway had to be completely re-routed and now skirts the existing debris field. Curiously, a small section of the “old” highway can still be driven near the slide area, but nature is starting to take over (the paved section, while still in decent shape, has gotten quite narrow in some areas).
When we visited, a couple of helicopters carrying water buckets flew by. BC’s fire season was well under way. Nature can indeed be tough, but maybe it’s her way of trying to keep us in line? We can be a challenging lot, after all.
If you’re passing through Hope, I do recommend visiting this site. It is awe-inspiring and a stark reminder of nature’s power. Think of it this way: The Hope Slide is recognized as the second largest landslide in Canadian history, only behind the 2010 Mount Meager slide. Crazy!Written October 23, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - 1959FarmerboyListowel, Canada139 contributionsOur drive through the Fraser Canyon was a most enjoyable experience.We stopped in Hope because it was raining and we were promised sunshine the next day,which was indeed so.Written April 6, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Catherine MMontreal, Canada369 contributionsLovely little hike, on the side of the transcanadian. There is no parking but you don't need to spend much time. Lovely short hikeWritten May 24, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- crossover604Richmond, Canada221 contributionsWe hiked to the First Brothers on 2017.08.20. The weather was perfect with clear blue skies. We parked at the lower lot and walked an extra 2 km (each way). I would suggest parking at the upper lot to save your legs (especially on the way back). The whole trip was 22km and I did it in 7 hours + breaks. The climb to the First Brother was challenging as I had already walked about 10 km before reaching its base. The reward at the summit was priceless (360 degrees panoramic view). I highly recommend this trail for anyone interested in hiking.Written August 29, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Craig HVancouver, Canada18 contributionsEasy access from off the highway. Starts off on an unplowed road, then climbs up to and then along a pipeline right-of-way. Eventually, you turn into the trees before heading up to the ridge.Written February 27, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ryanvanveenphotographyVernon, Canada465 contributionsVisited this lake for many years growing up and can’t say anything bad about it! I was gonna review the lake but I actually was hiking above it and taking in the views below of the lake! Thacker park has some phenomenal trails and one leads to a lookout above the lake! Worth checking out for sure!Written April 8, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cynthia F2 contributionsWe stayed here for a weekend break from Vancouver, it's a nice little campground off the beaten track. It's quite rustic, only pit toilets, but the sites were well kept and fairly private. The trail by the lake wasn't that great, it sort of narrowed down to nothing and was quite overgrown. The lake itself was freezing cold, too cold for swimming, we jumped in for about 30 seconds just to wash the day's grime away. We did a day hike nearby which was fantastic, called the Hope Lookout Trail. It was a bit steep but was well maintained and had great views out over Hope and the valley.Written August 31, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PookyCakeVictoria, Canada13,605 contributionsThe Japanese Friendship Garden is located in the larger Hope Memorial Park (see my review on this site). It was built in 1991 and dedicated to the 2,300 Japanese Canadians who were sent to the Tashame internment camp during the Second World War. In this respect, the garden isn’t in place for merely aesthetic reasons; it serves as a tangible reminder of “Hope” and “Friendship” and the need to maintain these things during even the toughest times. Thus, while the context for this small Friendship Garden is historical, we can still learn much from it if we have but the eyes to see and ears to listen. During the times of COVID we could all use a little bit of Zen, and this small garden of friendship offers us just that.
While it may not be as impressive as the Japanese Garden in Butchart, this small Friendship Garden runs thick with history, meaning and culture. If you’re ambling about the Memorial Park, take a few moments to stop by here, take a photo (maybe get photobombed!), admire the foliage and “refresh” before continuing about your day.Written January 12, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - John SAbbotsford, Canada24 contributionsLots of neat trails and things to check out. Watch out for bears and lots of fallen trees! Always friendly people out and about!Written October 15, 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cindy EHope, Canada16 contributionsThe artwork here is all done by locals, the talent is amazing, very peaceful place to wander around.Written March 5, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- johnny2bcBurnaby, Canada13,920 contributionsWe were back to Le Shed again during a recent end-of-September stay in Hope. Daughter and I dropped in during a downtown walkabout the first afternoon of our stay. And then came back with Mom the next day, so she could finally have the opportunity of meeting/chatting with the owner, and seeing her fine shop and offerings, and witnessing her wonderful artistic talents.
It was another opportunity for us to see and chat with ‘Cindy’ (owner/artist), about her current displays, recent restorations, new creations, and some of her future plans, thoughts, and all.
Several offerings catch our attention this time, but especially, a large, writing/art-working desk display, and several pieces of furniture she had restored since our last visit. We sure enjoyed seeing the very artistic, creative, and lovely makeovers she had completed with each (desk, side/lamp table, large cabinet, and bureau). Fine pieces, that will make lovely additions to anyone’s home, studio, or the like.
These works, and some others, gave us the opportunity to see a little of what she has been doing, and how she has been experimenting with the ‘FAT’ brand of paints, and other products, she carries and sells in her shop.
We so-enjoyed these visits to ’Le Shed’. With its lovely proprietor, and cool displays of “old things, vintage, and odds & ends” stuff — for us, a ‘must-do’ stop in downtown Hope.Written October 7, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hope
- The top attractions to visit in Hope are:
- Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park
- The Hope Slide
- Art Walk
- Fraser Canyon
- Hope, Cascades & Canyons Visitor Centre
- The best outdoor activities in Hope according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park
- Fraser Canyon
- Hope Friendship Garden
- Silver Lake Provincial Park
- Flood Falls
- The most popular things to do in Hope with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- The Hope Slide
- Art Walk
- Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park
- Hope, Cascades & Canyons Visitor Centre
- Hells Gate
Hope Attractions Information
| Attractions | 29 |
|---|---|
| Attraction Reviews | 672 |
| Attraction Photos | 803 |
| Local Time | Monday 11:09 p.m. |