Whether relaxing with the kids or enjoying a picnic in the park, Hope Cascades and Canyons offers a wide variety of recreation and green spaces to explore and enjoy. With numerous local and provincial parks in the area, each offers unique experiences.
Memorial Park: Located in downtown Hope,see the town’s most iconic chainsaw carvings at this vibrant, multi-use park that includes a bandstand, picnic area, playground, sport courts and washrooms.
Japanese Friendship Garden: Built adjacent to Memorial Park in 1991, the garden is dedicated to the 2,600 Japanese-Canadians interned at Tashme (23km east of Hope in Sunshine Valley) during the Second World War.
Centennial Park: At the foot of Wallace Street on Water Avenue, soak in the beautiful views of the Fraser River. Directly across (but inaccessible to visitors) is Welqamex Island, where archaeological discoveries include a large Sto:lo Village with many pit houses. The island is also home to a blue heron nesting site.
Hope’s (off-leash) dog park: Give Rover a chance to run atHope’s only off-leash dog park, between the curling rink and Diamond No. 1 at the Sixth Avenue Sports Field. Benches and a water spigot are available. Please clean up after your pets.
Hope Skate Park: ‘boarders and BMXers can burn off some energy at this popular skatepark, behind the Hope Recreation Centre.
Kawkawa Lake day use area: The perfect place to spend the afternoon with family!One of the most popular summer spots in Hope, enjoy a roped-off swimming area, picnic area, playground, change rooms and washrooms.
Coquihalla River Community Park: Located on Kawkawa Lake Road, the Coquihalla River Community Park includes the Hope Bike Park – boasting pump tracks, dirt jumps and other features for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders, plus a disc golf course. Picnic tables and seating let you take a break or catch the action!
Thacker Regional Park: A park for many interests, enjoy bird and animal watching, biking, hiking trails and spawning salmon. For those looking for a longer walk or bike ride, continue past the Kettle Valley Railway marker to the Othello Tunnels. Find a small parking lot for the park at 20840 Union Bar Rd., off Kawkawa Lake Road by the Coquihalla River bridge.
So much more to discover near Hope
Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park: Centred on the original Cariboo Wagon Road bridge over the Fraser River, the park provides both a rest stop and picnic facilities. A natural stop-over and crossing of the Fraser River since the area was first populated, explore the historic bridge from a trail through the day-use area.
Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park: Located east of Chilliwack, this 32-acre scenic day-use area is backdropped by low-elevation valleys and lush mountains. Enjoy picnicking, hiking and viewing spectacular Bridal Veil Falls, tumbling 60 metres over a smooth rock face, creating a “veil-like” effect.
Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park: Featuring a lake, marsh and forest, this popular 107-hectare park offers walking, picnicking and bird watching and is home to a variety of wildlife. To date, 184 different bird species have been recorded in the park!
Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park: Highlighting the Kettle Valley Railway grade that passes through the canyon and five 1914-built tunnels, spectacular viewing opportunities await on the trail, through the Othello Tunnels and on the bridges. With 159 hectares, this popular park provides viewing, walking, fishing and picnicking opportunities, with the hiking trail linking to the historic Hope-Nicola Cattle Trail. Please note: The Othello Tunnels located within the park are closed during the winter due to unstable conditions, falling rocks and ice.
E.C. Manning Provincial Park: Located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, climate and geography have combined to make this 83,671-hectare park an all-season recreation area. Established in 1941, Manning Park has become one of B.C.’s most popular provincial parks thanks to the diversity of the park’s landscape, four-season development and easy access. Four summer drive-in campgrounds along the Highway 3 Corridor offer vehicle-accessible camping and day-use interpretive trails while backcountry/wilderness opportunities include longer hiking trails, horse use and backcountry camping. A variety of walking/hiking trails range from a 15-minute walk to a six-day hike. In many cases the views and floral displays are one-of-a-kind.
Ross lake Provincial Park: Popular with anglers, boaters and swimmers, this 307-hectare picnic area includes a beach, hiking trail and boat launch (electric motors only)
Silver Lake Provincial Park: Located in scenic Skagit Valley, this small, 77-hectare, largely undeveloped lakefront area is popular for fishing, picnicking and boating (10hp motor limit) against a spectacular mountain backdrop or pack up for a rustic camping experience.
The syÉx̱w chÓ:leqw Adventure Park: Built by the Aboriginal Youth Mountain Bike Program and First Journey Trails, this two-wheel adventure hub near Ruby Creek, halfway between Agassiz and Hope, offers well-designed trails and features, with something for all skill levels.
Nicolum River Provincial Park: With dense forest cover and a small, fast flowing river, this 24-hectare park just outside Hope provides fishing opportunities on Highway 3.
Skagit Valley Provincial Park: With close to 280,000 hectares, this park offers excellent outdoor recreation opportunities in a natural, wilderness-like setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking along 50 km of trails, river fishing, camping, and picnicking.
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Destination BC is developing a new campaign to promote hyper-local travel where residents are “tourists-in-their own hometown,” while practising the COVID-19 safety protocols as recommended by the B.C. Provincial Health Officer. Many B.C. parks are now open, and national parks were to open as of June 1.
(Check this website for current details on travel.)
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Dream now, travel later. To plan for future adventures here and throughout the West Coast, visit westcoasttraveller.com. You can also learn more at hopebc.ca