Nestled at the base of the Cascade Mountains, the pretty little town of Hope sits on a wide sweeping curve of the mighty Fraser River, guarding the entrance to the Fraser River Canyon. Everytime I drive to and from Hope, I am in sheer awe of the Majesty of these Mountains...and the Rush of the Fraser River..

When gold was discovered, Hope, like many of the settlements in this region, suddenly became a bustling waypoint for traders and prospectors, bringing pioneers from all over the globe. Now this small community with a population of less then 7,000 is a popular tourist spot, and a half way point between Vancouver and the Okanagan.  These days, the local joke here is no matter which way you're going, the rest of BC is beyond Hope.

  Need Need a break from driving? Park your car across the street and take a few minutes to relax and enjoy the view.....The scenic Centennial Park, along the Transcanada Highway #1, offers some of the best river and mountain view in town!

 There is also a cairn telling the story of Hope's origin, highlighting the history of the community and the area's First Nations. 

One of British Columbia's mightiest rivers, the Fraser cuts through a wide swatch of B.C. on its way to the Pacific Ocean.  It was named after the first white man to paddle the river to the sea, Simon Fraser.  When Fraser first started his canoe trip in 1808, he was under the impression he was coming down the Columbia River.  It wasn't until this wild river made its abrupt westward turn at Hope - that he realized he wasn't on the Columbia!

                                   2008 marks the 200th Anniversary of Simon Fraser's Journey!

The Fraser has been used by aboriginal people for thousands of years for both fishing and transportation .  Greenwood Island - right across from Centennial Parks - still is a First Nations Reserve, and a flourishing sanctuary for great herons!  Just one of the many things to check out in Hope! 

Check out my other posts about the Hope Area!

The Hope Slide - Canada's Largest Rock Slide, Hope, B.C.

The Friendship Garden - Tashme Japanese Internment Camp - Hope, B.C.

Chainsaw Carving Capital of the World - Hope

Kawkawa Lake - Hope's Hidden Gem - B.C.

Sunshine Valley - Hope, B.C. - A Little Bit of Sunshine !

Othello-Quintette Tunnels

 If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. -  please give Liz  Moras a call!  604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.     

                                                  Copyright © 2008 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved