 Silver Lake, Chris McBeath photo
Hope HospitalityAs the meeting point of highways traveling in every compass direction, it's all too easy to bypass this small, vibrant community but savvy travelers know to stay awhile. There are many accommodation choices in its compact core though the wider-than-usual streets - originally designed so a full team of wagons could make a 180 degree turn, gives it a spacious feel.
Even today, there's only one traffic light downtown and parking is easy. Hope's down-to-earth hospitality is another hallmark quality so be sure to stop by one of the long-time family-owned restaurants for their home-made fare and valley-fresh produce.
Accessible Wilderness, Wildlife & ParksSitting at the confluence of the Fraser and Coquihalla rivers, its hub of highways make Hope an ideal spot from which to explore some of the most beautiful, accessible and dramatic wilderness British Columbia has to offer. Within a half hour drive, there are awe-inspiring desert canyons, vast stands of coastal rainforest, rugged snow capped mountains, expansive alpine meadows and fast-rushing rivers.
Things to do near Hope Take a couple of hours to walk through the Othello Quintette Tunnels, a feat of engineering that cuts through the solid granite of Coquihalla gorge as part of the now abandoned Kettle Valley Railway. When the salmon are running, head for observation decks that overlook spawning channels where sheer numbers of salmon seem to turn the water red; in June, walk amidst a spectacular display of Pacific rhododendron and in summer, drive to the edge of meadows filled with subalpine flowers in full bloom.
Winter adventuresCome winter, there's cross country and alpine skiing at nearby Hemlock Valley and Manning Park, both family-oriented resorts with snow-tubing and tobogganing. And any time of year, the call of the hard-edged, cliff- curdling canyon is not to be missed. With its towering rock-faces and swirling waters, it defies the imagination as to how pioneers managed to navigate their way to the gold fields.
Hollywood Wild Its scenery, size and sense of community are the main reasons why Hope is chosen for so many Hollywood movies, including Shoot to Kill, The Stick Up, Hope Springs and Afghan Knights. Best known, though, is Rambo: First Blood which, although filmed here in 1981, has spawned such a cult following that die-hard Rambo fans still flock to Hope every year to see the film's sites.
The 25th Anniversary year attracted thousands of Rambo "pilgrims", many of whom are intent on returning for the 30th anniversary year.
Getting StartedDrop by the Visitor Centre, (919 Water Ave) to pick up a special Rambo Guide and Rambo paraphernalia as well as trail maps and information on the surrounding parks, lakes and attractions including nearby Harrison Hot Springs, Bridal Falls and Minter Gardens.
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