Parks

OTHELLO TUNNELS

Nestled within the heart of Hope, Cascades & Canyons lies a marvel of nature and human ingenuity – Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. This magnificent park invites adventurers and history buffs alike to traverse the path less taken, through the awe-inspiring Othello Tunnels and along the historic Kettle Valley Railway grade. With its 300-foot-deep gorge carved by the mighty Coquihalla River, the park offers an 135 hectare landscape where raw natural beauty meets the pinnacle of engineering prowess. Whether you’re trekking, cycling, or fishing, the park’s serene beauty and rich history create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable day out. Pet-friendly and accessible from April 1 to October 31, Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park invites you to step into a storybook landscape that’s just a stone’s throw from Hope.

Please note that the park is undergoing staged openings for the remainder of the 2024 season. See BC PARKS for more information

#ExploreHCC – Echo your adventures through the canyons by sharing your breathtaking Coquihalla captures with us!

waterfall cascading down mountainside in forest

BRIDAL VEIL FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK

This scenic day-use park is best known for it’s spectacular waterfall, that tumbles 60 metres over a smooth rock face and creates a veil-like effect. A short hike (30 minutes return) will get you to an observation platform where you can enjoy viewing the falls. Picnic tables and pit toilets are on site.

MEMORIAL PARK

Memorial Park features Hope’s most iconic chainsaw carvings. This vibrant, multi-use park has a bandstand, picnic area, playground, basketball courts, street hockey courts, tennis courts and washrooms.

CENTENNIAL PARK

At the foot of Wallace Street on Water Avenue, take in the beautiful views of the Fraser River. Directly across from the park is Welqamex Island. Archaeological discoveries on the island include a large Stó:lō Village with many pit houses. The island is also home to a blue heron nesting site.

JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN

The Japanese Friendship Garden (adjacent to Memorial Park) was built in 1991 and is dedicated to the 2,600 Japanese – Canadians who were interned at Tashme (23 Kilometres east of Hope in Sunshine Valley) during the Second World War.

KAWAKAWA LAKE

One of the most popular summer spots in Hope, where you can enjoy a roped-off swimming area, picnic area, playground, change rooms and washrooms.

dog on a hill overlooking town of hope below

THACKER REGIONAL PARK

Featuring bird and animal watching, biking, hiking and spawning salmon. The hike around the channel is an easy 1 km walk suitable for people of all ages. For those looking for a longer walk or bike ride, you can carry on past the Kettle Valley Railway marker, exploring three more kilometres of original KVR rail bed.

COQUIHALLA RIVER COMMUNITY PARK

Located at 805 Kawkawa Lake Rd., the Coquihalla River Community Park includes the Hope Bike Park – which boasts pump tracks, dirt jumps and other features for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders, as well as a disc golf course.

female mountain biker on a course in forest. Carving of tree creature in foreground

SYÉXW CHÓLEQW ADVENTURE PARK

Owned and operated by Sq’ewá:lxw (Skawahlook) First Nation just off Highway 7, this park is designed as a family destination. It features a 90,000-square-foot playground, a beginner level pump track, a mountain bike skills trail and a mixed-use trail network for nature walks, bike rides or jogs.

Cheam wetlands park featuring a lake plentiful with water lilies.

CHEAM LAKE WETLANDS

Approximately two km of easy walking trails with viewing areas and benches are featured in this regional park. The marsh, lake and forest that are located in the 107 hectare park, are home to many insects and mammals, along with over 180 bird species, which makes it a very popular place for bird watchers. A floating boardwalk leads to a couple of viewing platforms, one being wheelchair accessible.

shore and lake surrounded by tall mountains

SILVER LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK

Nestled in the picturesque Skagit Valley, Silver Lake Park offers a charming, undeveloped lakeside retreat. Guests can relish fishing, picnicking, and boating (with a 10-horsepower motor limit) while taking in breathtaking mountain views. The park also provides a rustic camping experience for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

wildflowers in a meadow at sunrise in manning park

MANNING PROVINCIAL PARK

Manning Park, located in British Columbia, is a renowned destination for its stunning landscapes and diverse outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of rugged mountains, lush forests, and pristine lakes year-round. The park offers a range of activities for all seasons, including hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife watching in the warmer months. In winter, the Manning Park Resort provides excellent opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

The park is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with a variety of animals such as black bears, deer, moose, and numerous bird species. Its remote location and minimal light pollution make it an ideal spot for stargazing, offering clear night skies perfect for observing stars and meteor showers. Manning Park Resort offers comfortable accommodations and dining options, making it a great base for exploring the park. Easily accessible from Vancouver and other parts of southern British Columbia, Manning Park is a convenient and attractive destination year-round for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

SKAGIT VALLEY PROVINCIAL PARK

Skagit Valley Provincial Park is a treasured escape carved by the hands of retreating glaciers, offering unrivalled outdoor recreation set against the backdrop of untouched wilderness. Boasting over 50 kilometres of trails, Skagit Valley is a hiker’s dream and with the majestic Skagit River weaving through, serene fishing spots and picturesque camping are abundant. Visitors should be aware that this remote area is only accessed by gravel road and there are no commercial services such as gas, food, or lodging offered within the park.

NAHATLATCH VALLEY PROVINCIAL PARK

Waterfalls, pristine lakes, lush forests and a wild river are waiting for you in the heart of the Nahatlatch. One of the main attractions in the Nahatlatch Valley is its world-class whitewater. Rafters and kayakers come from all over the globe to paddle its near-continuous Class III-V rapids, which are among the most exciting and challenging in western Canada. There are 37 rapids in the 14 kilometres from Francis Lake to the Fraser River. The river is commercially rafted in the early summer.

Camping is available at Nahatlatch Provincial Park, along the upper Nahatlatch River.

There are three jade-green lakes in the Nahatlatch Valley that offer boating, fishing and relaxation.

Francis Lake (25 km)
Hannah Lake (26 km)
Nahatlatch Lake (29 km) – the largest

To reach the Nahatlatch Valley

Turn off Highway 1 at Boston Bar, cross the Cog Harrington Bridge into North Bend, and follow the winding road into the valley.

Be sure to check with the Hope, Cascades & Canyon’s Visitor Centre at 919 Water Ave. Hope, BC for up to date information on road conditions into the Nahatlatch Park.