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Every once in a generation, an organization is fortunate enough to be shaped—quietly, steadfastly, and profoundly—by someone whose commitment extends far beyond the boundaries of any job description. At Hope Mountain Centre, that person has long been Kelly Pearce . With full hearts, we celebrate not only Kelly’s many years of extraordinary service to Hope Mountain Centre and to the broader community, but also the meaningful and well-deserved national recognition he has recently received: the Canada Volunteer Award for “Community Leadership” for British Columbia and the Yukon . This award celebrates individuals who strengthen communities through passion, commitment, and generosity. And for anyone who has worked with Kelly, explored the outdoors with him, or simply watched him quietly uplift others, this honour feels deeply fitting. Inspiring Tens of Thousands Through Nature Kelly’s journey as a community leader began long before Hope Mountain Centre took root. Through his early years as a park interpreter and naturalist , he inspired tens of thousands of people  to discover wonder in the natural world. His programs sparked curiosity, built stewardship, and invited people to see nature not just as a place, but as a relationship. No matter the season, Kelly has always found ways to bring people together outside. And for him, sharing nature isn’t just an activity—it’s an invitation into community. The Outdoors as a Gathering Place Anyone who knows Kelly knows how much joy he finds in moving across a frozen lake with a pair of skates. Every winter, he organizes wild skating outings , guiding groups onto glass-clear ice for unforgettable days of laughter, beauty, and shared adventure. Wild skating is one of his personal passions, and he loves introducing others to the magic of it. But the gatherings don’t stop there. Kelly regularly leads group hikes , snowshoe adventures , and spontaneous outings whenever the weather, seasons, and spirits align. These moments are pure Kelly—welcoming, energizing, and deeply connective. Whether people show up as strangers or friends, they leave feeling part of something bigger. A Builder of Community Traditions Kelly’s leadership isn’t confined to trails and lakes. He has always been one of the great community-builders of Hope. Every Halloween—his favourite holiday—he transforms the season into something magical. Kelly brings the community together for a group pumpkin-carving event  that delights kids of all ages (including the grown-up ones). With laughter, creativity, and glowing jack-o’-lanterns, he creates a space where families feel welcomed and where the simple joy of making something together becomes a cherished memory. A man of varied interests, always rooted in community, place and history, he was active in the Hope Film Club , contributing his energy, enthusiasm, and love for storytelling to help bring people together through films and shared conversations. No matter the occasion, Kelly shows up with kindness, humour, and a readiness to help. If someone needs a hand—setting up, taking down, hauling gear, guiding groups, or simply offering support—Kelly is the first to pitch in. Hope Mountain Centre’s “Mother Tree” Kelly was instrumental in the dreaming and creation of Hope Mountain Centre. Over the years, he has served as an educator, Program Director , and now Trails Director , helping the organization grow, adapt, and flourish. Among staff and volunteers, he is often called our “Mother Tree” —a steady, nurturing presence whose roots run deep, offering stability, guidance, and care to all who join the organization. His mentorship, compassion, and grounded leadership have shaped the culture of Hope Mountain Centre as much as any trail, program, or event. Community Recognition of a Life of Service Kelly’s nomination for the Canada Volunteer Award was lovingly put forward by his brother Rod, and was supported by many community leaders who have seen firsthand the extraordinary reach of Kelly’s service. Their letters echoed what we at Hope Mountain Centre know so well: Kelly doesn’t seek the spotlight—he creates spaces where others can shine. Receiving the Canada Volunteer Award for Community Leadership  is a national acknowledgement of everything Kelly has poured into this region for decades. It honours his service, but also the way he has shaped hearts, landscapes, and community spirit. Thank You, Kelly On behalf of everyone at Hope Mountain Centre—past and present—thank you. Thank you for your tireless work, your limitless generosity, and your profound love for this place and the people who call it home. Thank you for the trails you’ve built and restored, the outings you’ve led, the pumpkins you’ve carved with kids on crisp October nights, the films you’ve shared, and the countless moments of joy, support, and leadership you’ve given this community. Thank you for being our colleague, mentor, educator, adventurer, trail-builder, and friend. We are grateful beyond words—and so proud to see your contributions recognized on a national stage. Congratulations, Kelly. You embody the spirit of community leadership, and we are honoured to walk this path with you.

We’re excited to share that Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning  is now registered with Return-It  — making it easier than ever to support our charity while caring for the planet! You can now donate the refund from your empty beverage containers  directly to us through the Return-It Express program. Every can and bottle helps fund our outdoor education, recreation, and conservation programs that connect people of all ages to nature. You can choose to: Donate to our general fund , allowing us to direct your gift where it’s needed most, or Specify a program  you’d like to support. And remember — we automatically issue tax receipts for donations of $25 or more. Getting started is simple: Log in to your account through the Return-It App  (available on Google Play and the iOS App Store). Don’t have an account? Sign up for free here. Donate to Hope Mountain Centre using our link: https://app.return-it.ca/hopemountaincentreforoutdoorlearning Choose between auto-donations  or a one-time donation . Return your empty beverage containers to any Return-It Express  location — every container counts! Together, we can keep bottles out of landfills and keep outdoor education thriving in our community. 🌿

Dear supporters of HMCOL,   We are writing to share some important news regarding our organization. After careful consideration and numerous discussions, the Hope Mountain Black Bear Committee (HMBBC) will be separating from Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning (HMCOL).   After working together for 13 years, the decision to part ways was not made lightly. We are thankful for the significant contributions that HMBBC has made to our organization and to our community. Their work has been invaluable, and we have immense respect for their dedication and the positive impact they've had. During this time of transition one important change to note is that as of February 2025 we will no longer be accepting donations or grant funding on behalf of/for HMBBC work. Our support for their mission remains strong so we continue to encourage supporting their efforts directly. If you would like to financially support their ongoing work or volunteer with them, please contact HMBBC founder Lydia Koot per their Facebook post directly at lydia.koot@icloud.com, lkoot@gmail.com or 604-206-0415 . Note that only donations made to registered charities are tax receiptable.   We are grateful for the time we've spent working alongside HMBBC and for their many achievements including: ·         HMBBC had a significant amount of volunteer hours working with HMCOL, including 2,052 in 2024. ·         Their  volunteer-run committee educated the public on how to reduce human-bear conflicts through education, cooperation and community support. ·         Large reduction in the number of bears killed due to their presence in residential areas. ·         By canvassing in residential areas with bear sightings, they provided education on how to avoid attracting bears into the neighbourhood. ·         The gleaning program drastically reduced the number of bears shot in the Hope area. No bears have been shot in a fruit tree in the 13 years since starting this program. ·         Friends of the Skagit, while discontinued, was successfully operated by HMBBC for many years. ·         HMBBC researched best practices in other communities in the province for garbage bylaws and bins and presented to the District of Hope mayor and council. Through their efforts, bylaws have been put in place to allow fines for garbage and fruit accumulation that would attract bears. ·         Conducted rescues of orphaned cubs under strict guidelines and with permission of area conservation officers.    As we move forward, HMCOL remains committed to our mission to strengthen people’s connection with nature in many different ways. Thank you for your understanding and continued support during this time of change.   Warm regards,   The HMCOL Team

Environmental education, outdoor skills development courses, trail building & maintenance, and nature conservation projects are just a few of the many things Hope Mountain Centre is focused on. Connecting People and Nature Since 2005 DONATE NOW Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning is a registered Canadian charity (BN 818663940 RR0001) and BC Society (S0049715) working to strengthen people’s connection with nature to improve the health and wellbeing of humans and the natural world. Through recreational trail building and maintenance, outdoor skills development courses, educational guided mountain adventures, environmental education school programs, and a variety of wildlife conservation and research projects, we ignite people’s sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship. Educational Programs Public Programs & Events School Programs Indigenous Youth Outdoors Manning Pa rk Interpretation Programs Conservation Projects Grizzly Bear Monitoring Learn More Water Quality Monitoring Learn More Leave No Trace Learn More World Rivers Day Learn More Trails HBC (1849) Heritage Trail Serpent's Back Hope Mountain Thacker Mountain Below are some of the trails Hope Mountain Centre works on. See the Trails webpage for more information about what we do, how to get involved, and a map and links to trail reports of all trails in our region.

Hope Mountain Centre provides some fee-based programs and events open to the general public in addition to the many grant funded education, conservation and trail work we provide for free. Browse below to see upcoming programs including conservation and education-based outdoor skills development and guided adventure programs. Upcoming Programs and Events Wild About Winter: Outdoor Fun for Families Saturday, January 31, 2026 Trivia Night -Wild Sex Education Friday, February 13, 2026 Snowshoes & Science: a Winter Exploration of Ottomite Mountain Saturday, February 21, 2026 VIMFF Film Screening Friday, April 10, 2026 Backcountry Navigation and Orienteering Saturday, April 18, 2026 ANNUAL PROGRAMS VIMFF Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival is a much-looked-forward-to community event full of exciting outdoor films from around the world. Held in Hope at the Hope Cinema , guests can see the “Best of the Fest,” spanning mountain climbing, skiing, paddling, biking and many other mountain topics. BIRD BLITZES We are proud to host two Bird Blitzes each year: Skagit Valley Bird Blitz on the second weekend of May, and Manning Park Bird Blitz on the third weekend in June. Established in 1983, the Manning Park Bird Blitz is one of BC’s longest-running bird counts, building on a growing database that now spans over 40 years of sightings. WORLD RIVERS DAY GUIDED PADDLE Celebrated on the fourth Sunday of September, World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. It highlights the many values of our rivers, strives to increase public awareness, and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world. Hope Mountain Centre, with a parallel focus on environmental stewardship, found a natural partnership with World Rivers Day and has supported the communication work for decades assisting their global communications, and hosting our own annual guided paddle event along the mighty Fraser River. MOUNTAIN SPORTS GEAR SALE Annual event to raise funds to support the charity’s operations while simultaneously offering donated new and used outdoor recreation equipment and supplies at an affordable cost to help make mountain sports more accessible to more people. OUTDOOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT We are all about increasing knowledge about and access to the outdoors. Having the skills and experience to do so safely and responsibly is key, which is why we offer a variety of skills development courses each year in partnership with experts in each area including wilderness survival, backcountry navigation, traditional plant identification, mushroom identification, backcountry cooking, and Leave No Trace . Many skills are also learned in the guided adventures we host each year. GUIDED ADVENTURES Step outside with us! HMCOL hosts a variety of guided mountain adventures every year including hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, winter camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, birding, Stó:lō archaeology tours, outdoor photography, and more. See photos from recent programs here on our Flickr profile . Past Programs and Events Sat, Jan 17 Mindfulness in Motion: Winter Snowshoeing / Manning Park Details Jan 17, 2026, 1:40 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Manning Park, Manning Park, BC V1K 1P3, Canada Join us for a rejuvenating, slow-paced, mindfulness-focused snowshoe trip in Manning Park. Suitable for all levels including beginners, this under 4km round-trip loop has gentle, minimal elevation gain of 41 m, and will take our hearts and minds deep into the peaceful tranquility of a winter’s night +13 more Sat, Dec 06 Meat Draw Fundraiser / Hope Legion Details Dec 06, 2025, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Hope Legion, 344 Fort St, Hope, BC V0X 1L0, Canada Win some meat and support Hope Mountain Centre! Thu, Nov 13 Survive Outside / Mountainview Brewing Details Nov 13, 2025, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Mountainview Brewing, 390 Old Hope Princeton Way, Hope, BC V0X 1L4, Canada Join us at Mountainview Brewing to learn how to be prepared for your next outdoor adventure and what to do when things don’t go to plan. Entry by donation. All ages are welcome. +10 more Mon, Oct 06 Full Moon Night Hike: The Harvest Moon & Her Constellations / Thacker Mountain Loop Trail Details Oct 06, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Thacker Mountain Loop Trail, 21523 Thacker Mountain Rd, Hope, BC V0X 1L1, Canada Come and join us in Hope for an educational night hike under the full moon! While hiking the Thacker Mountain Loop trail you will learn about the lunar cycle, lunar and solar eclipses, star navigation and constellations, as well as “low-tech astronomy". +11 more Sun, Sep 28 World Rivers Day Guided Paddle 2025 / Hope Details Sep 28, 2025, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Hope, 586 Wardle St, Hope, BC V0X 1L0, Canada Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of World Rivers Day with us by paddling the Fraser River! +33 more Sat, Sep 13 Women's Introduction to Rock Climbing / Area 71 Crag, Hope BC Details Sep 13, 2025, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Area 71 Crag, Hope BC, Hope, BC, Canada Join Hope Mountain Centre and ACMG Certified Top Rope Instructor Glen and learn how to top rope rock climb outside in Hope! See All Wed, Aug 27 Volunteer Appreciation & Engagement Event / Coquihalla Elementary School Field Details Aug 27, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Coquihalla Elementary School Field, 455 6 Ave, Hope, BC V0X 1L0, Canada Are you a Hope Mountain Centre volunteer or want to learn more about volunteer opportunities with us? Join us for our annual Volunteer Appreciation & Engagement Event! Sun, Aug 24 Nlaka'pamux Family Camp in the Skagit DemEEwuh / Ross Lake Group Campground Details Aug 24, 2025, 12:00 p.m. – Aug 25, 2025, 11:00 a.m. Ross Lake Group Campground, Skagit Valley Provincial Park, BC V1K 1P3, Canada An overnight family camping experience at Ross Lake Reservoir in Skagit Valley Provincial Park. +1 more Fri, Jul 18 Women's Introduction to Backpacking / HBC Trail - Conglomerate Flats Details Jul 18, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – Jul 20, 2025, 4:00 p.m. HBC Trail - Conglomerate Flats, Jacobson Lake, Okanagan-Similkameen, BC V0X 1W0, Canada +3 more Fri, Jun 20 Manning Park Bird Blitz 2025 / Lone Duck 1 Campsite, Manning Park Details Jun 20, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – Jun 22, 2025, 11:00 a.m. Lone Duck 1 Campsite, Manning Park , Lone Duck 1 Manning Park +44 more Fri, May 09 Skagit Valley Bird Blitz 2025 / Hope Details May 09, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – May 11, 2025, 12:00 p.m. Hope, Silver Skagit Rd, Hope, BC V0X 1L2, Canada +21 more Fri, Apr 25 VIMFF "Best of the Fest" / Hope Cinema Details Apr 25, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Hope Cinema, 376 Wallace St, Hope, BC V0X 1L0, Canada Join Hope Mountain Centre for a screening of the “Best of the Fest” from Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival. This evening of exciting outdoor films from around the world at the Hope Cinema includes films spanning hiking, rock and ice climbing, skiing, paddling, mountain biking, and more. +125 more Sat, Mar 22 Finger Weaving: Weaving Through Time / The Art Machine Details Mar 22, 2025, 12:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. The Art Machine, 357 Fort St, Hope, BC V0X 1L0, Canada Join Hope Mountain Centre, guest instructors Eloi Homier and guest speaker Lisa Berry for a unique, skill-building workshop. Learn to finger weave, the foundation of one of Canada’s oldest multitools, the sash! +7 more Wed, Mar 19 March of Memories / Hope Details Mar 19, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Hope, 800 3 Ave, Hope, BC V0X 1L0, Canada Join us for a historical walk around Hope! Let’s discover her Origin Story. The first peoples of Ts’óq:ls called this place home, long before colonial explorers! +9 more Mon, Feb 24 Hope Mountain Centre - Annual General Meeting 2025 / Mountainview Brewery Details Feb 24, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Mountainview Brewery, 390 Old Hope Princeton Way, Hope, BC V0X 1L4, Canada Mon, Feb 17 Snow Much Fun! A snow-inspired Family Day event in Sunshine Valley / Hope Details Feb 17, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Hope, 14850 Alpine Blvd, Hope, BC V0X 1L5, Canada Join us in Sunshine Valley for a fun family-centric day out in the snow. We will set out on a short, easy walk in the snow so our youngest family members can experience one of winter's best outdoor activities – snowshoeing, snowmen and quinze building! +16 more Fri, Jan 31 Stargazing in the Skagit / Hope Details Jan 31, 2025, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Hope, 14850 Alpine Blvd, Hope, BC V0X 1L5, Canada Join Hope Mountain Centre & the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada to experience the magic of the “Dark Sky Highway.” +5 more Sat, Dec 14 The Cold Moon & Her Constellations: A Night Hike / Thacker Mountain Loop Trail Details Dec 14, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Thacker Mountain Loop Trail, 21523 Thacker Mountain Rd, Hope, BC V0X 1L1, Canada Come and join us in Hope for an educational night hike under the full moon! While hiking the Thacker Mountain Loop trail you will learn about the lunar cycle, lunar and solar eclipses, star navigation and constellations, as well as “low-tech astronomy". +10 more Thu, Nov 28 Discovery Night : The Ecology of Fire / Blue Moose Coffee House Details Nov 28, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Blue Moose Coffee House, 322 Wallace St, Hope, BC V0X 1L0, Canada Entry by donation. All ages are welcome. +3 more Sat, Oct 26 Mushroom Walk 2024 / Location is TBD Details Oct 26, 2024, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Location is TBD Join Hope Mountain Centre and mushroom specialist Carl Rönkä to learn about the rotten world of wild mushrooms! +13 more Load More

Hope Mountain Centre delivers educational programs across a range of areas including programs and events open to the general public, environmental education programs in the class and out in the field with schoolchildren, connecting Indigenous youth with their land, and naturalist programs and presentations at E.C. Manning Provincial Park. Educational Programs Hope Mountain Centre delivers educational programs across a range of areas including programs and events open to the general public, environmental education programs in the class and out in the field with schoolchildren, connecting Indigenous youth with their land, and naturalist programs and presentations at E.C. Manning Provincial Park. Public Programs & Events School Programs Indigenous Youth Outdoors Manning Park Interpretation Programs