HBC Brigade Trail Restoration
HBC Brigade Trail - 1849 (Hope to Otter Lake)
The Case for Restoring the HBC Brigade Trail
- The Brigade Trail has powerful historic significance to Hope and the Province.
- There is great enthusiasm among people and agencies to see the trail re-opened.
- The trail has previously been designated at a Heritage Trail and a draft management plan for restoration was completed in the 1990's.
- Considerable work has already been done to open the eastern side, as far as Jacobsen Lake.
- Approximately 30 kilometres require work on the western side, then the trail will be passable.
- The HBC Trail will greatly improve the recreation available to Hope & District residents. The trailhead at Peers Creek can be reached within a few minutes by automobile from Hope, or on foot from Hope via the Trans-Canada Trail.
- With strong marketing and promotion, the trail has potential to become a premier destination for multi-day hiking and horseback riding, similar in length to Stein Valley and the West Coast Trail.
Project Status
The HBC Brigade Trail Steering Committee was formed in 2008 with representatives from Hope Mountain Centre, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Fraser Valley Regional District Recreation Commission, Backcountry Horsemen of BC and private individuals.
Much interest was expressed in opening up the western section of the HBC Brigade Trail (Hope to Otter Lake). Members of the Backcountry Horsemen and hiking enthusiasts, largely responsible for opening the eastern section of this trail, partnered with us contributing backcountry trail restoration and maintenance expertise.
Letters of endorsement for the trail restoration project were issued by:
- District of Hope
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts - Fraser Valley Regional District Recreation Commission
- New Pathways to Gold Society
Funding for restoration has been provided by New Pathways to Gold Society (NPTGS) and the National Trails Coalition (NTC). Work on the trail and facilities is on schedule with the official western section trail opening on September 11, 2010, coinciding with Hope's Annual Brigade Days Celebration. Please contact Hope Mountain Centre for latest trail conditions and road access information.
The financial support from NPTGS and NTC is greatly appreciated and has made this project possible. Our government and non-profit partners, generous contractors, staff and hard-working volunteers have put in many hours to make this a tremendously successful effort. Additional grants will be sought to continue trail tread restoration and facility/interpretive signage development in later phases.
Trail Work Reconnaissance - October 16, 2009
Kelley Cook at trail near Sowaqua Creek road intersection and Kelly Pearce at felled hazard tree.
Kelly Pearce at original HBC trail blaze marker and Kelley Cook with brush and hazard tree removal crew.
New Sowaqua Trailhead Work - June 2010
Archaeologist oversees machine work and volunteer, Mike Millar, looks over newly installed culvert for outhouse.
Area cleared for Sowaqua Creek campsite and information kiosk.
Map detail of location of Sowaqua Creek Trailhead.
Peers Creek Trailhead Work - July 2010
Volunteers putting final touches on the Peers Creek Trailhead Facilities.
See our HBC Trail Gallery for more project and inaugural hike photos
HBC Trail Conditions
Work is continuing on trail tread suitable for equestrian users. The trail is not suitable for horse travel from Peers Creek to the east side of Manson Ridge. The best horseman access of the trail--heading east or west--is from Jacobsen Lake.
Bridges are not currently available for stream crossings. Cross streams only when water levels are low.
Please help us "be the eyes" on this historic trail and let us know if you find issues regarding tread conditions, down trees, washouts, land slides or vandalism. Thank you!
Contact Us
Please contact us if you would like additional information or are interested in volunteering in the restoration effort.
Program Partners
Sep 06, 2010