Looking for an unforgettable family getaway that won’t break the bank? Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, Hope and its surrounding areas offer the perfect combination of affordability, adventure, and accessibility. Just a short drive from the Lower Mainland, easily reached from the BC Interior, and close to the US border, Hope is your gateway to exploring the breathtaking outdoors without straying far from home.
Families can enjoy everything from relaxing lakeside picnics and cozy campfires to thrilling hikes, cultural experiences, and scenic drives. With destinations like the Fraser Canyon, Manning Park and even more just beyond, there’s no shortage of options for weekend escapes or extended vacations – all packed with kid-friendly fun and memory-making moments.
Throughout the year, Hope also comes alive with family-friendly events and festivals—including seasonal markets, car shows, concerts in the park, a chainsaw carving competition, heritage celebrations, and an amusement fair—adding even more reasons to explore and connect as a family.
Whether you’re camping beneath the stars, discovering local art, or cooling off in crystal-clear lakes, the Hope, Cascades & Canyons region is your ultimate destination for affordable family adventures this spring and summer.
For the Family Looking to Make a Splash
When it’s time to cool off, the Hope region offers no shortage of lakes, creeks, and splash zones that are perfect for families. Kawkawa Lake is a popular local gem with a beach, dock, and picnic area—perfect for swimming, paddling, and relaxing in the sun. Need gear? Hope Kayak and Paddle Board Rentals offers affordable rentals and can even deliver directly to Kawkawa Lake for added convenience. Nearby Schkam Lake (Lake of the Woods) is a quick and scenic highway stop, ideal for a refreshing dip. While easy to access, it has limited space and can get busy during peak hours. For a mountain lake experience, explore Lightning Lake in Manning Park, where you can rent canoes, swim, or picnic beside calm, clear water. In Skagit Valley Provincial Park, Silver Lake offers a peaceful, uncrowded shoreline, while Ross Lake—a scenic reservoir—can be great for paddling and wading, though water levels fluctuate throughout the year. Families with little explorers will love Sucker’s Creek, where shaded, shallow waters are perfect for skipping stones, wading, and cooling off. For high-energy water fun, head to Bridal Falls Waterpark, with waterslides and splash zones designed for kids (and kids at heart) of all ages.
For the Nature-Loving Family
Surrounded by forested mountains and glacial rivers, Hope offers endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Try the Hope Lookout Trail for a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with sweeping views of the Fraser River and town below. For younger kids or those looking for a gentler pace, the Hope Rotary Nature Trail, Flood Falls, and Thacker Marsh offer scenic, easy-going paths ideal for nature walks and birdwatching. Spring and summer bring bursts of wildflowers, particularly along trails and lake edges – don’t forget your camera for a few family photos! Bring binoculars for birdwatching along the Coquihalla River or nearby wetlands, where eagles, herons, and red-winged blackbirds are common sightings.
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As day turns to night, the natural beauty of the region continues overhead. Manning Park offers some of the best stargazing in British Columbia, with incredibly low light pollution and a variety of prime viewing locations. Gaze up in wonder at the celestial show painted across the sky—twinkling stars, constellations, and even the occasional meteor streak—visible year-round. Popular stargazing spots include Windy Joe Field, Lightning Lake Day Use Area, the Sub-Alpine Meadows, Skyview RV Campground, and the Cascade Lookout, each offering a unique vantage point for enjoying the night sky. Forgot your telescope? No problem—you can rent one at the Manning Park Resort Lodge or even borrow one from the Fraser Valley Regional Library to enhance your stargazing experience.
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For the Adventurous and Active Family
Hope is the ultimate playground for families who love to stay active and explore the outdoors. From hiking and biking to dirt biking and skateboarding, there’s something for every energy level. Bring your bikes and head to Syéx̱w Chó:leqw Adventure Park and the Hope Bike Park, both offering a variety of trails and riding levels suitable for all ages. Syéx̱w Chó:leqw also features an epic playground—perfect for little ones more interested in slides and climbing walls than biking. For thrill-seekers, Popkum Motor Park is just a short drive away and offers motocross and dirt biking tracks for all skill levels. With lessons available and a focus on safety, it’s a fantastic place to introduce kids to motorsports in a controlled environment. Prefer four wheels instead of two? Check out HMI Skatepark—an indoor skatepark where kids and teens can practice tricks, ride scooters, or just burn off some energy. It’s a great rainy-day option that still lets them stay active. Looking for a challenge? Check here to browse some of the area’s more adventurous hiking trails—perfect for families with older kids or teens ready to take on elevation and epic views. And don’t miss one of the region’s most iconic experiences: the Othello Tunnels. This historic site offers a unique walk through old railway tunnels and dramatic canyon views. Try challenging the kids to hold their breath through each tunnel for a bit of added fun! (Note: The tunnels are currently closed for maintenance but are expected to reopen in Summer 2025—follow us on Instagram for the latest updates.)
For the Creative and Curious Family
If your family enjoys art, culture, and storytelling, Hope has a rich cultural landscape to explore. Start your visit with a self-guided Chainsaw Carving Tour — over 80 incredible wood sculptures are spread across town, and each tells a different story of Hope’s character, wildlife, and movie history. Stroll through the Hope Arts Gallery, where you’ll find rotating exhibits featuring local painters, sculptors, and photographers. Many pieces are available for sale, so you can take home a unique souvenir created by regional talent.
For those interested in Indigenous art and culture, make sure to visit Muskwa Gallery & Indian Crafts, a longstanding local gem offering authentic Indigenous artwork, beadwork, carvings, and handcrafted gifts. Nearby, Heaven N Earth Native Art showcases a wide range of traditional and contemporary Indigenous pieces—from original paintings to intricate jewelry. Just a short drive away, Ruby Creek Art Gallery is another must-see destination, featuring exceptional works by Stó:lō artists and other Coast Salish Indigenous creators. This gallery celebrates Indigenous traditions through its diverse collection of carvings, masks, sculptures, drums, paintings & prints, jewellery and giftware.
Don’t miss the Hope Japanese Friendship Garden, tucked beside Hope’s Memorial Park and many of the chainsaw carvings. This small yet deeply meaningful garden offers a tranquil space for reflection and cultural appreciation. It features manicured yew hedges, three large cherry trees, a serene pond with a stone waterfall, and thoughtfully arranged plantings of hostas, ferns, black pine, and Japanese maples. The garden stands as both a peaceful oasis and a lasting tribute to the resilience and contributions of Japanese Canadians in the region.
For the Family Who Loves Small-Town Charm
Spend a relaxing afternoon window shopping in downtown Hope, where you’ll find quirky shops, local artisans, and vintage treasures. Let the kids pick out some fudge or gelato at Artisans Attic, or browse the racks at a charming bookstore like Bakers Books. Need a break? Grab a smoothie or iced latte at Blue Moose Coffee House, where the baked goods are as cozy as the atmosphere, or swing by Hope Mountain Cafe, a local favourite known for its relaxed vibe, variety of food options, and dog-friendly patio—perfect for soaking up the mountain views.
For a refreshing family-friendly stop, head to Mountainview Brewing Co., where parents can enjoy a cold pint of locally brewed craft beer while kids sip on craft sodas. The laid-back patio is ideal for relaxing together, and there are often events to keep things lively.
Families with a green thumb should also pop into the Hope Garden Centre, a delightful spot full of seasonal plants, garden tools, and kid-friendly arcade games to keep them entertained while you shop for your garden! In nearby Rosedale, The Garden House is a larger greenhouse, offering yard goodies and home decor, complete with a sweet surprise—ice cream! It’s a perfect treat after exploring town or picking out a new houseplant.
For the Family That Loves Camping
Hope and the surrounding area offer some of B.C.’s best campgrounds, perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and weekend adventurers. Coquihalla Campground is a family favourite, offering full hookups, showers, Wi-Fi, and a riverside setting just minutes from downtown. For a quieter retreat, Silver Lake Provincial Park has 25 peaceful sites ideal for swimming, fishing, and stargazing in a forested setting.
Telte Yet and Emory Creek campgrounds both sit on the Fraser River, offering stunning views and essential amenities like showers, laundry, and electrical hookups.
Head into Manning Park for scenic alpine camping at Coldspring, Mule Deer, or the popular Lightning Lake Campground, all surrounded by trails, lakes, and incredible mountain views. For RV adventurers, Sunshine Valley RV Resort features indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and access to hiking and ATV trails.
Nature lovers will enjoy the rugged beauty of Skagit Valley Provincial Park, with both backcountry and drive-in sites. Don’t miss Ross Lake Campground—a family-friendly spot with lake access and a playground.
Other great nearby options include WildRose Campground, Camperland RV Resort near Bridal Falls, and Washtock Family Campground in the Fraser Canyon.
Not into camping? Cozy motels and rustic cabins around Hope make great alternatives for a restful night after a day of outdoor exploring.
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For the Family That Loves Summer Festivals and Events
Summer in Hope is packed with exciting events the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a longer vacation, these seasonal events are worth timing your visit around!
- June 21 & 22, 2025 – Hope Art Crawl
Explore local creativity during this self-guided tour of artists’ studios, homes, and galleries. Meet artists, view and purchase handmade works, and discover the vibrant arts scene in Hope. Suitable for all ages. Pick up a crawl map at the Hope Visitor Centre or participating businesses.
- August 14–17, 2025 – Hope World Class Chainsaw Carving Event
Watch world-renowned artists turn logs into jaw-dropping sculptures in this one-of-a-kind biennial event featuring live carving, music, and more.
- September 5–7, 2025 – Hope Brigade Days A jam-packed weekend of parades, concerts, midway rides, car shows, and demolition derbies—fun for all ages!
- All Summer – Vintage Car Shows
Classic cars, hot rods, and a relaxed community vibe make these events a hit with vehicle-loving families.
- July 1 from 9:00–3:00 PM – Hope Car Show & Shine
Car collectors and enthusiasts, start your engines and get “revved up” for a day full of freshly polished cars. The Hope & Valley Cruisers and Hope Motorsports are once again partnering up to host the annual Canada Day Car Show.
- Friday evenings in July & August from 6:30– 8:15 PM – Concerts in the Park
Enjoy free live music in Memorial Park—just bring a blanket and some snacks for a perfect summer evening.
Plan your affordable family adventure in and around Hope and enjoy a perfect blend of nature, culture, and fun. With accessible hikes, exciting water play, local art, and unforgettable views, your family will come away with memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re pitching a tent under the stars, exploring art downtown, or swimming in a glacial lake, Hope truly has something for everyone.
Looking to explore even further? Be sure to check out our Affordable Adventures in the Fraser Canyon blog. Packed with similar adventures and ideas, it highlights the unique beauty and attractions just beyond Hope in a region that deserves its own adventure.
Please note that some attractions and accommodations may have seasonal hours or limited availability, so be sure to check official websites for the most up-to-date information. Enjoy your unforgettable family trip to Hope, Cascades & Canyons! #ExploreHCC
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