Hope Things To Do
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 Surrounded by so many diverse landscapes, Hope is an outdoor adventurer's paradise. Meander through the farmlands of the Fraser Valley, drive up the desert-like Fraser Canyon with its historic sites (part of the Ranchlands to Rivers Circle Tour), or explore the lush, rain forested parks. Activities include hiking, fishing, swimming in alpine lakes, white water rafting, skiing – even flightseeing, as well as festivals that celebrate Hope's rich heritage and First Nations art galleries such as Ruby Creek and Muskwa Gallery.
Land Activities Hiking  The mountains and rivers characterize Hope's diverse hiking experience. There are easy trails that meander past the town's iconic chainsaw carvings and beside Hope's excellent riverside golf course, special walks for Rambo fans (this is where First Blood was filmed), as well as strenuous climbs to mountain tops.
Gold Rush Trails Many are a part of the TransCanada rail system or the old Cariboo Gold Rush Trail. A favorite is the abandoned Othello-Quintette Tunnels in the Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. It's an easy gravel trail from the parking lot to the old Kettle Valley Railway bed, now transformed with trestle bridges over the river and through five tunnels cut through sheer granite.
Adventure Tours Cycling, mountain biking, back country buggy tours, and geo-caching are additional ways to explore Hope's amazing geography.
Flightseeing  The pastoral back roads in and around the Hope Airpark are relatively flat for easy bike riding, and stopping to watch the gliders ride the winds against Hope Mountain might tempt more adventurous souls to try an orientation flight or heli-tour.
Mountain Biking & ATVing Mountain bikers, motorcross and ATVers should head for the abandoned mine pit at the end of Nickel Mine Road where they can kick-up all manner of dirt along challenging downhill trails and jumps. BC Buggy's dune buggies are just as fun, either as self-drive adventures or as a guided tour in the back country.
Geocaching Geo-cachers take note. Hope is the start of Route One, The Pathway to Gold, in the geo-cache program: Chasing the Butterfly. There are some 150 treasures to be found between Hope and Barkerville. For more information and co-ordinates, pick up a booklet at the Visitor Centre.
Natural Sights, Parks & Wildlife Eagles, osprey and salmon are always a marvel to see in their natural habitat. During the salmon runs, hundreds of eagles cling to trees along the banks of Fraser River and it's not unusual to see a black bear searching the shores for food.
Blue Heron Sanctuary The parks, especially, are home to various flora and fauna, some rare or endangered, and there are approximately 200 species of birds to enjoy, starting with the Blue Heron sanctuary on Greenwood Island, right across from Hope.
Water Activities Fishing Fishing is abundant. The Fraser River runs with salmon which swim up the Coquihalla and Skagit rivers to spawning channels, while alpine lakes and fast moving creeks are full of rainbow trout. Anglers must be self sufficient in terms of tackle and transport and although Hope has no guiding services, staff at the local outfitting shop are always up to speed on current hot spots, fishing regulations and licenses.
Panning for Gems & Gold When water levels are low, rock hounders arrive in force, combing the gravel bars of the Fraser and Coquihalla rivers to see what the massive summer watersheds have revealed.
Nephrite, Rhodonite & Jade With more than 600 different rock types to be found, many of them semi-precious, hounders look for green and black nephrite, rhodonite, BC's famous jade and even garnets. Pick up a rock-guide from the Visitor Centre, purchase gear and get the low down on gold panning. Since many areas such as provincial parks and native reserves are restricted, a safe bet for hopeful prospectors is at the mouth of the Coquihalla River and 7th Avenue and Wardle.
Winter Activities With Manning Park and Hemlock Valley within a half hour drive, Hope is a good base for these two very different mountain resorts. Each has a variety of downhill and cross country skiing trails but with their family-oriented focus, they also offer ice skating, snowboarding, toboggan runs and tube parks. For more information on things to do around Hope, drop by the Visitor Centre (919 Water Ave).
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