Hope

Where the Fraser Canyon begins — chainsaw carvings, mountain rivers, and the crossroads of BC.

Hope sits at the confluence of the Fraser and Coquihalla rivers, at the exact point where the Fraser Valley ends and the canyon begins. It is one of the most strategically located towns in BC — the junction of Highways 1, 3, and 5 makes it a true crossroads, and virtually every road trip through the BC Interior passes through Hope. The town is famous throughout BC for its extraordinary chainsaw carvings. Over 100 sculptures carved from tree stumps are scattered throughout the downtown core, created by local artists and depicting wildlife, First Nations figures, and scenes from BC history. It is one of the most distinctive public art collections in the province and a genuine reason to slow down and walk the streets. The Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park are one of the most dramatic short hikes in BC. A series of railway tunnels were blasted through solid granite in the early 1900s for the Kettle Valley Railway, and they have since been converted to a walking trail that winds through the canyon above the rushing Coquihalla River. The tunnels, bridges, and sheer rock walls create a setting that feels genuinely spectacular. The Fraser River at Hope is excellent for chinook salmon fishing, and the surrounding mountains provide hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in every direction. Kawkawa Lake, just minutes from downtown, offers swimming and camping in a beautiful mountain setting. Manning Provincial Park, just an hour east on Highway 3, offers alpine meadows, skiing at Manning Park Resort, and some of the finest wildflower displays in BC. Hope has a welcoming small-town character, good services for travellers, and a community that takes genuine pride in its natural setting and heritage.