From its humble beginnings as a First Nations settlement to its evolution into a vibrant and dynamic community, Hope invites travelers to experience its past, present, and beautiful mountain country. Whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Hope, Cascades & Canyons offers a rich tapestry of stories waiting to be discovered and explored.

Hope’s roots run deep, tracing back 8,000-10,000 years to the Sto:lo First Nations settlements that thrived in the Fraser Valley. The community of Ts’qo:ls, a bustling population and transportation hub, once flourished where Hope now resides. Despite the trials of time, echoes of Hope’s storied past resonate throughout the district, weaving a tapestry of Indigenous culture, Gold Rush exploits, and the transformative impact of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

European settlement in Hope dawned in 1808 with the arrival of explorer Simon Fraser and the establishment of the Fort Hope trading post by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1848. The Fraser Canyon Gold Rush of 1858 ignited a frenzy of activity, leading to the founding of the Fort Hope townsite and the integration of Hope into British Columbia.

The construction of the Cariboo Wagon Road between 1862 and 1864 provided safer routes through the Fraser Canyon for miners seeking their fortunes in gold. In 1885, the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, largely built by Chinese laborers, connected British Columbia to the rest of Canada, marking a monumental milestone in transportation history.

Today, Hope is a living testament to its heritage, with landmarks like Christ Church, the oldest on the B.C. mainland, still standing as proud symbols of the past. As visitors traverse the Trans-Canada Highway, they follow in the footsteps of pioneers and prospectors, passing by historic gold claims and culturally modified trees that bear witness to centuries of human history in the Fraser Canyon.

From the bustling streets of Hope to the rugged landscapes of Yale and Boston Bar, the Fraser Canyon invites travelers to embark on a journey through time. As they wind their way along the Cariboo Wagon Road, now Highway 1, they bear witness to the legacy of those who dared to dream and forge a path through the wilderness.

Hope’s rich and longstanding history dates back thousands of years, with roots deeply intertwined with the Sto:lo First Nations settlements. The vibrant community of Ts’qo:ls once thrived in the very spot where Hope stands today, serving as a major population center and vital transportation hub for trade between neighboring communities.