The Best Things to Do in Hope, British Columbia – Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, Caves and More

If you’ve ever driven through southern British Columbia, chances are you’ve passed through Hope. We usually drive by at least half a dozen times every year on our way between the Okanagan Valley and Vancouver Island.

Until the last few years, I hadn’t given it much thought. Hope is a convenient place for food, gas, coffee – your last chance before the mountains when heading east or a final stop before hitting Vancouver bound traffic.

Spend a little time here, however, and you’ll realise that Hope is more than just a pit stop. The meeting place of mountains, highways, railways and rivers, it is abundant in natural beauty, history and outdoor adventure opportunities.

Hope is also an ideal base for experiencing the wider region. Explore the Fraser Canyon (Highway 1), the Coquihalla (Highway 5) or Manning Park (Highway 5). Of course, you can head west towards Vancouver as well.

This post shares all of our favourite things to do in Hope, BC. After finally giving this town the attention it deserves, I know I will feel a more Hope-ful every time we pass through (sorry).

In partnership with Destination BC. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Hope, British Columbia

At the easternmost edge of BC’s Lower Mainland region lies Hope, a small community of roughly 6700 people.

Set beside the Fraser River and surrounded by mountains, rainforest, and highways, Hope feels like a natural crossroads.

Dramatically different ecosystems can be found in every direction. The wide, fertile Fraser River Valley to the west, the rugged Fraser and Coquihalla canyons to the north, the Cascade Mountains to southeast.

Hope sits roughly midway between Vancouver and Kamloops and a little less than halfway between Vancouver and Kelowna.

Unsurprisingly, Hope is a frequent stop for those traveling between the Lower Mainland and BC’s Interior.

But Hope is worth much more than a coffee stop, especially if you like outdoor adventure.

The impressive local trail networks and the surrounding peaks make it an ideal base for hiking and biking. And do you see those views? Nature is really showing off here!

A quick history of Hope

The Stó:lō people have lived in this area for at least 10,000 years. Stó꞉lō is the Halqemeylem word for ‘river,’ highlighting their enduring connection to the Fraser River.

There was once a Stó:lō community and transportation hub called Ts’qo:ls on what it is now the District of Hope. The area is also the the traditional territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx First Nations.

Europeans began to arrive in the early 19th century. In 1846, the Hudson’s Bay Company charted a trade route connecting Fort Kamloops and Fort Langley via the Tulameen Plateau.

A new trading post was constructed at the western trailhead of the HBC Trail – Fort Hope. A townsite was established not long after, during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush of 1858.

The community grew again as the Cariboo Wagon Road was constructed in 1862 to 1864, from Fort Yale (just north of Hope) to the Barkerville gold fields in northern British Columbia.

Hope was connected to the rest of Canada in 1885 when the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was completed. In the 1910s, the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) and Canadian National Railway expanded the town’s rail connections.

Fast forward to the present day and Hope remains a transportation hub. The Cariboo Wagon Road is now Highway 1, the CPR is still used for freight and the KVR is a multi-use trail. Highway 3 was built in the 1940s and Highway 3, the Coquihalla, in the 1980s.

Hope is a popular filming location for television and film, most famously standing in as ‘Hope, Washington’ for the the town scenes in First Blood, the 1982 Rambo movie.

The best things to do in Hope, BC

Onto the main part of this post – all of the best things to do in Hope, British Columbia. We’ve tried and tested each of the following activities personally.

Go hiking – Hope Lookout Trail, Serpent’s Back

Thanks to the hard work and advocacy of the local community, Hope has an incredible network of hiking trails. The Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning, a registered charity, plays a significant and active role in the building and maintenance of local trails.

The Hope Lookout Trail (4km return with 500m elevation gain) is a short, steep hike through the lush rainforest up to an amazing viewpoint over the town. It’s real workout but certainly worth the effort. Allow three hours and prepare for the trail to be uphill all the way.

A similar, slightly longer hike is the Serpent’s Back (5.5km return with 435m). This trail also features a steep uphill climb, with plenty of steps and even a short rope section. There are huge granite boulders to see along the way and two different viewpoints at the top. Again, allow three hours.

For a easier hiking experience, check out Flood Falls or Othello Tunnels (more info below). Prefer to bike than hike? Hope has a large choice of mountain biking trails as well, with the relatively new handbuilt First Blood Trail being one of the premier options.

Discover Othello Tunnels

The Othello Tunnels are undoubtedly Hope’s most popular attraction and rightly so.

Constructed in the early 20th century as part of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR), these tunnels were designed to help navigate the steep grades of the Coquihalla Canyon.

The KVR is now a multi-use pathway, part of the Trans Canada Trail. The railway’s chief engineer, Andrew McCulloch, was a huge Shakespeare fan and many of the old stations in this area had names inspired by his favorite plays (Romeo, Portia, Juliet).

The packed gravel path through the rock blasted tunnels is wide and completely flat, which makes this attraction super accessible for people of all ages. It’s about 2.6km return to visit all four of the tunnels. The longest is 170m and is surprisingly dark in the middle!

Allow around an hour to walk through the tunnels, check out the views of the rushing Coquihalla River (look for salmon swimming upstream in the fall) and read the historical information.

Check out Flood Falls

I can never resist a waterfall, and Flood Falls is the perfect little adventure just off Highway 1. It’s only 500m from the parking area, with a slight uphill on the way there. Enjoy the beautiful lichen-covered along the way and look out for mushrooms.

The waterfall itself is almost 60m high, framed by steep, mossy cliffs. It’s most impressive in spring and early summer with the snowmelt. We were still impressed by this waterfall in early fall!

Another great place for an easy walk is Thacker Regional Park. A couple of short, flat paths follow Kawkawa Creek, where salmon spawn in the fall. There is a lovely beach with mountain views by the Coquihalla River.

Visit Sasquatch Caves

Did you know that Hope is home to a cave system? Located at the base of Hope Mountain, Sasquatch Caves is surprisingly extensive and also one of the many Rambo filming locations.

It’s a fun little spot to spend an hour, scrambling over rocks and discovering hidden passageways. Be sure to bring a headlamp (one per person) as it is truly very dark in there!

The main entrance to Sasquatch Caves can be found at the back of the Holiday Motel & RV Resort in Silver Creek. The resort owner permits access with a signed waiver, which are available in the main office. Park on the road and then walk in during the summer months. It’s completely free!

Please note that dogs are not allowed in the caves.

Taste local craft beers at Mountainview Brewing Co.

Hope is home to an excellent craft brewery – Mountainview Brewing Co. It’s one of those breweries that really reflects the local community, from the name of the beers to the taproom vibe.

The beers are even made with local mountain water with other ingredients sourced nearby as needed (spruce tips, for example). The Serpent’s Back, a Caribbean Stout, is an award winning favourite. I personally love the Beergarita, a refreshingly fruity lime sour.

Set in a converted machine shop, the taproom combines airy design with an authentic industrial feel. It’s family friendy with an arcade/pool area. Bar service is standard. The menu is pub-style, with burgers, wings, waffle fries and sandwiches. The salad/rice bowls provide a fresh and healthy choice.

Explore downtown Hope – carvings, murals, local stores

On a sunny day, downtown Hope is pretty lovely – the main drag (Wallace Street) has mountain views in every direction and is bordered by the large Memorial Park on one side.

There’s a good mix of independent businesses, restaurants and cafes, with a good amount of free parking.

The streets are dotted with wooden chainsaw carvings, most created during the competition that is held every two years. One of the most popular depicts Rambo, Hope’s unofficial figurehead.

There are murals too, with a large wolf artwork located next to LordCo. It was painted recently for Netflix drama Untamed, much of which was filmed in Hope.

Tour Rambo filming locations

If you didn’t already know that Hope was the primary filming location in the First Blood movie, you soon will! Rambo tourism is pretty big here, with various statues and interpretive signage scattered around town.

The local Visitor Centre has put together a self guided walking tour of Rambo filming locations. It includes Rambo Lane, which is found in the downtown area. The SetJetters app has a 8.5km walking/running route with iconic scene locations and landmarks.

There are plenty of local places selling Rambo themed items. Stratus Vapor Shop and Artisans Attic both sell themed merchandise, while the Silver Chalice Pub has a Rambo burger and Mountainview Brewing serves a First Blood orange wheat ale.

Visit Kawkawa Lake

While Hope is bordered by rivers on three sides, it also boasts a stunning nearby lake. Kawkawa Lake Park is the ideal spot for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing by the water. It is a really peaceful escape!

Jorgenson Peak (1831m) rises high above Kawkawa Lake’s northeastern shoreline. The main beach area has public toilets, a playground and marked swimming area. There isn’t a lot of dedicated parking so be prepared to find a spot on the street, avoiding driveways.

Go gold panning

Hope’s history is intrinsically connected with gold and it is still possible to search for this valuable mineral today. An area along the shore of the Fraser River is served for recreational gold panning – bring your own pan!

Hope Recreational Panning Reserve #329447 is located between the Fraser River bridge to the confluence of the Fraser and Coquihalla rivers. This government map shows the boundaries.

Alternatively, head to the Yale Historic Site just north of Hope – they have a gold panning station and supply the equipment. Gold panning is also available at Hell’s Gate Airtram.

Backpack the HBC Heritage Trail

As previously mentioned, Fort Hope was built as the western trailhead of the 1849 Hudson’s Bay Trail (also known as the HBC Trail). Official use of the HBC Trail lasted 12 years, before it was replaced by the Dewdney Trail.

With the support of hundreds of volunteers and partner organisations, the restored Hudson Bay Heritage Trail officially opened in 2016. The 74km long trail is suitable for both multi-day adventures and shorter day hikes.

JR and I hiked the HBC Heritage Trail a few years ago, shortly before flooding significantly damaged the route in 2021. Fortunately, it has been fully restored again. We hiked it over five days, camping at the wonderful free backcountry campgrounds along the way.

It’s a challenging trail, with about 2875m elevation gain and 3090m loss over the 74km distance. I loved the historical nature and the mix of coastal forest, mountains and dry interior landscape. The old growth forest sections were spectacular. It’s a quiet trail so the solitude is pretty special too.

Head to our HBC Heritage Trail guide for everything you need to know about this unique multi-day adventure.

Beyond Hope – other things to do nearby

As the meeting point of three highways, Hope is an ideal travel base – there are interesting places to discover in every direction! Each of the following spots is less than an hour from Hope and we can personally vouch for them all.

Highway 1

25 minutes north on Highway 1 is Yale, an old gold mining boomtown that was once the largest city north of San Francisco and west of Chicago. Yale Historic Site shares the story, along with interactive gold panning.

The historical Alexandra Bridge is located a bit further up the Fraser Canyon, at a spot where people have been crossing the powerful Fraser River for thousands of years. A short walk leads down to the bridge.

Heading east on Highway 1 (towards Vancouver), Bridal Veil Falls is always a worthwhile stop. This impressive 60m high waterfall cascades down steep rock and is accessible via a short loop trail.

Highway 5

The Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area on Highway 5 is host to many hiking trails, with Flatiron being one of my favourites. Most are steep and challenging, with incredible views as the reward.

Falls Lake is one of the more approachable options – a small lake surrounded by mountains, just 1km from the trailhead.

Highway 3

Manning Park on Highway 3 has endless options for adventure. Lightning Lake is the perfect spot for picnics, canoeing and easy hiking.

The road accessible Cascade Lookout is open from June to October. For full day hike, check out Frosty Mountain. In early October, the larches on the trail turn golden.

Hope trip planning

Now that we’ve covered the best things to do in Hope, time to plan where to stay and eat while you’re in town!

Where to stay in Hope

Reflecting its long history as a travel hub, Hope is host to plenty of chain hotels and motels. One of the latter, the Windsor Motel, has recently been completely renovated to beautiful new standards.

Located right downtown, the Windsor will soon be renamed Inn the Mountains, a perfectly apt new identity since many of the rooms have incredible views of the surrounding peaks.

The rooms are spacious, exceptionally clean and modern, with lots of attention to detail. Think USB ports by the side of the bed, a heated bathroom mirror, rainfall showerhead, blackout drapes, new mattresses and more. Our King room had a well equipped kitchenette as well.

Now that we know about the Windsor, I am genuinely looking forward to staying in Hope again!

Where to eat in Hope

With several new exciting restaurants opening in the last year or so, Hope’s dining scene is definitely on the up and up.

A great example is Nomad So.Cial Eatery, which just launched this past summer. Operated by a dynamic couple, including a chef with extensive international experience, it’s a bright, modern space serving creative dishes made from scratch with high quality local ingredients.

Brunch, for example, features Eggs Benedict with house cured ham, duck fat potatoes and griddle cakes (also known as crumpets, for any fellow Brits out there). It’s so good that Nomad is sure to become our go to lunch stop whenever we’re driving through Hope.

Another fairly new local restaurant is Hope Korean Kitchen. Conveniently located on the Old Hope Princeton Highway, Hope Korean Kitchen serves a mix of traditional, Japanese, and fusion dishes. We loved the Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake). Portions are pretty generous.

For sushi, we loved both Kibo and Kimchi. The former is Hope’s smallest restaurant, with just six indoor tables. Both spots have excellent combination lunch and dinner specials with 5 to 7 different items – great value with a little bit of everything.

For coffee, Blue Moose Coffee House is always a winner. They have a huge range of sweet treats, sandwiches and savoury snacks as well. For a cheap, filling breakfast, head to Sharon’s Deli & Lunch Bar a few doors away.

Other posts you may find helpful

Vancouver to the Okanagan Valley Road Trip Guide: Best Places to Stop

Frosty Mountain Larches, Manning Park: Complete Hiking Guide

BC’s Best Backpacking Trips: Our Favourites and 60+ More Suggestions

17+ of the Best Day Hikes in British Columbia

Ultimate 2 Week Western Canada Road Trip from Vancouver: Itinerary, Tips & Map