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  • Wild About Winter: Outdoor Fun | Hope Mountain Centre

    Wild About Winter: Outdoor Fun for Families Register When: Saturday, January 31, 2026 Time: 10:00am-1:45pm Where: Sunshine Valley RV Resort, Great Room Cost: $20/adults $5/child-youth (Y outh under 18 must be accompanied by a guardia n) For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Join Hope Mountain Centre for a fun family event where we'll learn all about how animals survive & thrive through the coldest months of the year! Winter has arrived in the Upper Skagit Watershed, transforming the landscape with snow and colder temperatures. These seasonal changes reshape habitats for all kinds of wildlife. Gather your littles and join us in Sunshine Valley for a day of winter fun and discovery! We’ll play games inside and outside, explore an interactive touch table, take a break for lunch, and then head out on a snowshoe scavenger hunt to put our knowledge to the test. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Price Includes: Snowshoes (adult and kid sizes available) Hot Apple Cider Three educational activities. Professional guides trained in Avalanche Safety and Wilderness First Aid Physical Demand: The terrain for the scavenger hunt is suitable for all levels. We will be moving at a very slow pace, and there will be opportunities to rest and enjoy the surroundings. The terrain is very gentle, with minimal elevation over the less than 3 km total distance. If we are fortunate enough to have snow, participants are welcome to bring and use their own sleds to tow children. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless we determine that it will affect the safety of participants. Transportation: Participants must arrange their own transportation. Sunshine Valley RV Resort is approximately a 15-20 minute drive (20 km) from Hope. Note: BC law requires that vehicles have winter tires at this time of year for the stretch of highway used for this program . Map Itinerary: Saturday, January 31, 2026 10:00 AM - Meet at Sunshine Valley RV Resort, in the Great Room (14850 Alpine Blvd, Hope) Check in, sign waivers, introductions 10:30 AM - Interactive game to learn about how animals survive & thrive during winter 11:00 AM - Table talk: Explore a touch table to learn about animals' winter adaptations 11:30 AM - Lunch break 12:00 PM - Prepare to head outside for our scavenger hunt. Snowshoes will be provided if needed. 1:15 PM - Arrive back in the Great Room. Warm up with Hot Chocolate, Hot Apple Cider, and snacks. Summarize all the amazing things we learned about animals and their winter adaptations. 1:45 PM - Participants depart Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather conditions, etc. What to bring: While your guide will have a first aid kit, whenever you are hiking, it is best practice to always carry your own 10 Essentials. At minimum for this outing you will need the following items: Backpack to carry all your gear Snowshoes (feel free to bring your own but we also have them available for your use – free of charge) A bag lunch and high-energy snack food Water (at least 2 litres per person) Winter hiking boots (must be waterproof . No runners please.) LAYERS of warm and dry winter clothes , including non-cotton base layers, waterproof jacket/coat, snowpants or rainpants, gloves/mitts, toque, warm socks Meg Turner Program Director Meet Your Guides Program Director, Meg Turner, considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aiding certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you. Coming soon... Volunteer Leader Cancellation: Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know as we need registration information from everyone. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants. Hope Mountain Centre reserves the right to change the location of a program for the safety of our participants and staff. No refund is offered when location is changed. Additional information: Liability Waiver Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Informed Consent Form Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.

  • Women's Intro to Backpacking 2025 | Hope Mountain Centre

    Women's Introduction to Backpacking When: 3 sessions: Pack & Plan Zoom: Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 7 - 9pm Test Run Day Hike: Saturday, July 5, 2025, 9am - 1pm Backpacking: Fri July 18, 10am - Sun July 20, 2025, 4pm Where: Pack & Plan: Zoom (online) Test Run Day Hike: Hope, Thacker Mountain Loop Trail Backpacking: Jacobson Lake to Conglomerate Flats (HBC Heritage Trail) Cost: $429/person (Y outh under 18 must be accompanied by a guardia n) Register For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 This summer, let’s make the Hudson’s Bay Company (1849) Heritage Trail a part of your personal her story! Are you an experienced hiker looking to get into backpacking, but lack the confidence or skills to do so? Then this program is for you! Come and join us in this female* only introduction to backpacking. Our group size is purposely kept small for a safe and inclusive environment, with a maximum of 15 participants, plus a minimum of 3 trip leaders. This year’s trip will take us to one of the most popular sections of the HBC Trail: the Conglomerate Flats Campground + Palmer's Pond. We will learn the foundational skills of backpacking, all while exploring the historical women and their contributions to the trail and local area. Come hike through meadows, observe wildlife, and build your outdoor skills with a like-minded group. Learn about Adventure Smart’s 3Ts: Trip Planning, Training and The Essentials, how to select and use the right gear, options for backcountry food, Leave No Trace principles, and more! * We welcome cisgender females, transgender, agender, two-spirit, nonbinary, and genderqueer individuals. HMCOL is proud to be an inclusive, safe space. Itinerary: All 3 sessions are crucial to the group's success and enjoyment so all three are MANDATORY for all participants to attend. 1. Wednesday, June 11, 2025 7-9pm “Pack and Plan”: A Gear and trip planning online zoom meeting: We will get to know each other, discuss the plan for the backpacking trip, discuss the gear you have and suggest gear you may need to change or acquire. We will also talk about meal planning and other logistics. 2. Saturday, July 5, 2025 9am-1pm A half-day test run hike in Hope Before we head hours into the backcountry, we will practice together carrying our heavy overnight packs on the Thacker Mountain Loop trail in Hope. Please practice packing your gear as you would for our trip, test the weight distribution, make necessary adjustments and get a real feel of what to expect with your weighted overnight backpack before we enter the backcountry. Please ensure you wear the same footwear and backpack with ALL the gear you plan to use for the trip. 3. Friday, July 18, 2025 10:00AM Backpacking Trip Gather in Hope at the Rec Centre (1005 6 Ave, Hope) check-in, sign waivers. Participants must arrange their own transportation to Hope. If you're interested in carpooling please discuss and arrange during the Zoom or test run hike. 10:30AM – convoy together to the trailhead. Drive 50 kms on the Coquihalla Highway 5 and take exit #228 Coquihalla Lakes. The Jacobson Lake Campground where we will park is at the 45.8 Km marker on the Tulameen River Forest Service Road. See MAP 12:30PM Lunch and hike in A fter arriving at the Jacobsen Lake, we will have lunch, pack up, and hike in to our campsite at Conglomerate Flats and set up camp. Saturday, July 19, 2025 After breakfast, we’ll hike for the day up to the famous Palmer’s Pond. This ecologically sensitive area is home to vulnerable alpine meadow plants - an example of the importance of practicing the Leave No Trace principles we will be learning about. Sunday, July 20, 2025 After breakfast, we will take down camp and hike back to t he trailhead Be aware that times are approximate! Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather and road conditions, etc. What to bring: Whenever you are out in nature, you should always carry The Essentials Participants will need the following items below: CLOTHING : Sturdy waterproof hiking boots or hiking shoes . Must be broken in so they don’t give you blisters. If you plan on buying new footwear for this trip, it is HIGHLY recommended you purchase them and hike in them at least 8 times prior to this trip. Socks — Non-cotton socks. Bring at least 1 extra pair of back-up socks Long pants and shorts (or zip-off pants). No jeans nor cotton. Waterproof rain pants 2 tank tops or T-shirts (merino wool or polyester – NOT COTTON) 1 long sleeve shirt (merino wool or polyester – NOT COTTON) 1 mid layer (fleece, wool, or puffy jacket) Waterproof jacket 1 pair of gloves 1 toque Non-cotton undergarments FOOD: Water reservoir or bottle(s) with minimum 2 litres of water Energy snack food (ie power bars/balls, trailmix, dried fruit, cookies) 3 pre-made lunches to have on the trail 2 dinners to make in camp 2 breakfasts to make in camp Any drinks you wish to have (electrolytes highly recommended) EQUIPMENT: Sleeping bag — rated to -10 celsius minimum Sleeping pad/mat — thick and/or reflective is imperative to stay warm and comfortable (R value of 3 or more is necessary) Waterproof tent Stove, fuel, pots Device to purify drinking water (ie filter) Cup, plate, cutlery Bear s pray Headlamp and extra batteries and/or powerbank + cord Multitool First aid kit Sunglasses Sunscreen Chapstick Bug repellent/mosquito face net/t ick spray Toilet paper, bags to place used TP in to pack-out with you, and hand sanitizer Hiking poles (highly recommended) Day pack for day hiking (you can also just use your overnight pack if you prefer) Gear is available for rent at Mt. Waddington’s Outdoors in Chilliwack (604-846-1984) and Valhalla Pure in Abbotsford (604-850-5523) if you need it. Book ASAP if you need to rent gear. Price includes: First aid-certified trail guides Training regarding gear and backcountry camping technique Physical demand: THIS PROGRAM IS NOT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNER HIKERS! Nor should this be your first challenging hike of the year. Backpacking is MUCH more physically exerting than day hiking. While no backpacking/camping experience is necessary to participate in this program, all participants MUST HAVE experience hiking. All participants must be able to carry a large backpack containing all their own gear described in the trip checklist up 200 metres of elevation and 6km each day. Pack weight will likely be around 25-40 lbs (11-18Kg) including food and water. Please contact us to discuss your hiking experience and physical ability if you are unsure if this trip is suitable for you. Participants are required to provide all their own gear and food. Register Meet Your Guides Meg Turner Program Director Kristine Perez de Leon Executive Director Meg considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aid certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having recently completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you. Kristine’s number one passion in life is mountain adventure. She would spend every waking moment outdoors if she could. Hiking, backpacking, trail running, mountaineering, rock climbing, paddle boarding, backcountry skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking - if it’s an outdoor mountain sport, you can bet she’s done it and loves it. In the past few years, Kristine completed a 55km ultra trail marathon, a 9-day backpacking thru-hike, summited hundreds of BC’s most magnificent peaks, completing many of these adventures solo. Kristine has previously worked as a snowboard instructor in Whistler, as a primate and forest conservation manager in Nigeria, a PNW wildlife education director and hiking community platform founder in Vancouver, and as HMCOL’s Executive Director since 2021. She is certified with Remote First Aid and has her AST1. Kristine is thrilled to share her knowledge, experience, and passion for mountain exploration with program participants. "Backpacking fills up my bucket in such a positive way." says Kim. She has volunteered several summers over the years with Hope Mountain Center and consider it a privilege be out in nature, meet new people and create new memories. Kim and her husband have 3 young adult children and have really enjoyed raising them here in Hope BC. She works as an Elementary Education Assistant and enjoy serving in a variety of ways at Camp Squeah, Camp and Retreat Center. Volunteer Cancellation: Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know, as we need registration information from everyone. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants. Hope Mountain Centre reserves the right to change the location of a program for everyone's safety. As much notice as possible will be given. No refund will be provided if the location is changed. Additional information: Liability Waiver Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Informed Consent Form Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program. Register

  • Full Moon Night Hike 2025 | Hope Mountain Centre

    Full Moon Night Hike: The Harvest Moon & Her Constellations October 06, 2025 When: Monday, October 6, 2025 Time: 6pm-9:30pm Where: Thacker Mountain Loop Trail Cost: $59/person (Y outh under 18 must be accompanied by a guardia n) Register For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 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.” Summer has slipped away, and the Autumn Equinox has brought balance to day and night. Join Hope Mountain Centre and cosmic enthusiast and astrophotographer, Eloi Homier AKA “The Moon Guy Next Door” to learn all about the night sky and our closest celestial neighbor: the moon. While hiking this intermediate trail, we’ll make many stops where we’ll learn about night vision, the effects of light pollution, finding and recognizing the planets, and more! Enjoy a hot apple cider treat to keep warm during our stops to chat, while you take in the beautiful views over the town of Hope with the towering mountains in the background, lit by the night sky. Educational interpretive walk Hot apple cider & snack Remote First Aid Certified Staff Price Includes: Physical Demand: A moderate level of physical fitness is required. Thacker Mountain Loop is an intermediate level trail with a distance of 4.3 KM and 197m of cumulative elevation gain. Please note that this hike will take place in the dark under headlamp, and in potentially wet and slippery conditions. As the trail includes some steep slopes mixed with undulating terrain, this trip is not recommended for beginner hikers or those not very stable on their feet. Waterproof footwear with good grip is required. Children and youth who are experienced hikers are welcome to join but must be accompanied by a guardian during the hike. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless we determine that it will affect the safety of participants. Itinerary: Monday, October 6, 2025 6:00 PM: Gather in Hope at the Hope & District Recreation Centre parking lot (1005 – 6th Avenue in Hope), check-in, sign waivers, introduction 6:30 PM: Convoy to the trailhead - Map 6:45 PM: Begin hiking the Thacker Mountain Loop Trail 9:30PM: Return to parking lot Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary depending on speed of the group, weather conditions, etc. What to bring: Whenever you are hiking, you should always carry The Essentials At a minimum, participants will need the following for this outing: Required Gear Headlamp (with red light if possible!) A spare set of batteries or power bank and cord for your headlamp Two poles per person – optional, but greatly improves stability High-energy snack food Water (at least 1 litre per person) Waterproof footwear with good grip Warm clothes (no cotton as the first layer against your skin), including jacket, waterproof clothing, gloves/mitts, toque, warm socks Camera **If you have binoculars, please bring them** Backpack to carry all your gear Meet Your Guides Eloi Homier Guest Speaker Eloi Homier, based in Vancouver, BC, shares his love for the night sky through lunar photography, stories, and simple observing tips. Known as the "Moon Guy Next Door," he encourages everyone to slow down and marvel at the universe above. Eloi’s fascination with the cosmos began in childhood and grew into a lifelong passion for the moon, its changing beauty, and its cultural significance. Through his Moon Guy Next Door platform, he makes stargazing accessible, inspiring others to connect with the universe. Eloi’s mission is simple: help people find wonder and joy by looking up. Program Director, Meg Turner, considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aiding certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you. Meg Turner Program Director Cancellation: Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know as we need registration information from everyone. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants. Hope Mountain Centre reserves the right to change the location of a program for the safety of our participants and staff. No refund is offered when location is changed. Additional information: Liability Waiver Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Informed Consent Form Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.

  • March Of Memories | Hope Mountain Centre

    March of Memories When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Time: 1pm-3:30pm Where: Our walk will begin in front of Baker’s Books Cost: FREE for seniors/elders (55 and over) $20 for all other ages (Y outh under 18 must be accompanied by a guardia n) Sold Out For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Let’s discover her Origin Story. The first peoples of Ts’óq:ls called this place home, long before colonial explorers! Ts’óq:ls to Hope - the origin story of Hope, BC Join us for a senior/elder-focused historical walkabout! HMCOL’s Meg Turner and Kelly Pearce will talk about the people and places before Simon Fraser came down the river in 1808, and the journey to what would become Fort Hope. We will have multiple stops to discuss the town's history and rest as needed. Stops include the Fort Hope National Historical Site, the Christ Church National Historical Site, and the Fraser River. Our walk will begin at Baker’s Books storefront and continue at an easy pace around town. The length of our walk will be approximately 5 km, done at a slow pace with minimal elevation gain. Price Includes: Experienced guides certified in first aid Hot chocolate and a light snack Physical Demand: The walk will be under 5 km with minimal elevation gain, and the walk will be done at a slow pace with many stops to discuss our local history. The walk is a mix of pavement, gravel, dirt with some roots and rocks. Waterproof footwear with good grip is highly recommended. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless we determine that it will affect the safety of participants. Itinerary: Wednesday March 19, 2025 1:00 PM - Meet at the Baker’s Books storefront (800 3rd avenue, Hope, BC) for check-in and introductions. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program. 1 :15 PM - Walk begins 2:15 PM - Stop for hot chocolate & light snack. *Provided 3:30PM - Arrive back at Baker’s Books and depart Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather conditions, etc. What to bring: Participants will need the following for this outing: Water Daypack to carry items Comfortable walking shoes Warm clothes and rain gear in case of inclement weather ALSO RECOMMENDED Sunglasses, sun hat, sun block Notebook Camera Walking poles if desired Meet Your Guides Meg Turner Program Director Program Director, Meg Turner, considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aiding certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having recently completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you. Kelly Pearce is a former Program Director and a founding member of the Hope Mountain Centre. He has worked as an outdoor educator since 1993, and has a keen interest in the ecology and human history of the North Cascades. Kelly Pearce Trails Director Cancellation: Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know as we need registration information from everyone. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants. Hope Mountain Centre reserves the right to change the location of a program for the safety of our participants and staff. No refund is offered when location is changed. Additional information: Liability Waiver Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Informed Consent Form Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.

  • Trails | Hope Mountain Centre

    Trails bring people to wilderness, helping us to achieve one of our core objectives — connecting people with nature. We are passionate about building and improving our local trail network because trails provide so many benefits including improved physical and mental health, spiritual renewal, cultural and historical awareness, community pride, and economic diversification. Trails See the maps below for more information about the hiking, trail running, snowshoeing, and biking trails in our region. You can pick up one of our free, printed Trails of Hope maps at the Tourism Hope, Cascades and Canyons Visitor Centre at 919 Water Street in Hope, and many other locations around town, or click the image below to view it online . HMCOL Trail Work Trails bring people to wilderness, helping us to achieve one of our core objectives — connecting people with nature. We are passionate about building and improving our local trail network because trails provide so many benefits including improved physical and mental health, spiritual renewal, cultural and historical awareness, community pride, and economic diversification. Hope Mountain Centre works in collaboration with many partners including all levels of government, First Nations, NGOs, private donors, and many passionate volunteers to build and maintain trails throughout the Hope, Cascades and Canyons region. While our plans change year to year, the core group of trails that we work on each year includes the HBC 1846 Brigade Trail, Serpent's Back, Hope Lookout, Flood Falls, Hope Mountain, Wells Peak, Thacker Mountain, Tikwalus, Hope Bike Park, and Landstrom Ridge trails . See more information about all the trails in our region by clicking on the links in the map above. Want to Volunteer? If you would like to volunteer to help with trail building and maintenance, contact our Trails Director Kelly Pearce at kpearce@hop emountain.org or call (604) 869-0166. You can also subscribe to our email list and follow our social media accounts on Fa cebook and Insta gram where we announce upco ming volunteer days. Want to Get Paid to Work on Trails? Every spring, we hire trail crew members and trail crew leaders to work throughout the summer. Often these positions are funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program, requiring crew member positions to be filled by persons aged 15 to 30 years. Contact our Trails Director Kelly Pearce at kpearce@hopemountain.org or call (604) 869-0166 to express interest. You can also su bscribe to our email list, follow our social media accounts on Fa cebook and Insta gram , or check out our Jobs Page where we announce upco ming job opportunities.

  • Stargazing in the Skagit | Hope Mountain Centre

    Backcountry Navigation and Orienteering When: Saturday, April 13, 2024 Time: 9-4pm Where: Thacker Mountain Trail, Hope, BC Cost: $195/person (Children and youth under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian) Register For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at tmurphy@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Is the red in the shed? What does that mean? Did I just find True North, or Magnetic North? What’s the declination again? Is this thing on? Is the backcountry calling your name, but your navigation skills are holding you back? Look no further, in this introduction to backcountry navigation and orienteering, we will learn the basics of map reading and route planning, as well as how to use a compass, take a bearing, and find your way should you step off the trail and get lost. Join us in a guided environment, for a program that includes a blend of online and field learning sessions. The bulk of this course will be spent outdoors in beautiful Thacker Mountain Regional Park. Led by Anders Hopperstead and supported by Moon Pruvost, your trip leaders will show you the ropes so you can enjoy the outdoors while being fully prepared for your next adventure! Itinerary: Thursday, April 4, 2024 7-8 pm online ZOOM session In this 1-hour zoom session, trip leaders will introduce themselves and lay out the itinerary for the field day. We will learn to plan a route and add it to the GPS app of your choice. All skills that are curated to demonstrate the typical trip preparation all seasoned hikers should apply before heading into the backcountry. If you're unable to attend the Zoom, a recording of the meeting can be sent to you to watch before the in-person course on April 13. Saturday, April 13, 2024 09:00 am – Gather in Hope at the Rec Centre (1005 6 Ave, Hope ) check-in, sign waivers, Participants must arrange their own transportation. 09:30 am – Convoy to Thacker Mountain Trail see MAP 09:40 am – Arrive at Trail Head 09:50 am – 12:00pm – Course Content 12:00 pm – 12:30pm – Lunch break 12:30 pm – 2:30pm – Course Content 02:30 pm – 3:00pm – Return to trailhead for post-field session 04:00 pm – Course ends Be aware that times are approximate! Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather and road conditions, etc. Price includes: Pre-field 1-hour zoom session Course and materials Post-field session First aid and guide support Physical demand: Thacker Mountain is a 5km loop with about 150 m elevation. Most of the day will be spent on the trail, participants should be in good health and adequate physical fitness. What to bring: Whenever you are hiking, you should always carry The Essentials At a minimum, participants will need the following for this outing: A Compass Personal phone – with GPS app of choice Battery pack for cell phone or GPS Two poles per-person – optional, but greatly improves stability Lunch and high-energy snack food Water – at least 2 litre per-person Good footwear – hiking shoes or trail running shoes with good thread Appropriate clothing and rain gear Backpack to carry all your gear Meet Your Guides Anders Hopperstead Moon Pruvost Nate Brown Anders feels very fortunate to have parlayed his childhood passion for maps and exploration into a 27-year career as a digital cartographer and geographic information systems (GIS) specialist. He has hiked and mapped hundreds of miles of trails across North America. Anders has shared his love of topographic maps, compasses and GPS units through Hope Mountain Centre backcountry navigation courses since 2010.He lives with his wife, daughter (age 8) and son (age 5) in Mission B.C. Moon is Hope Mountain Centre’s Program Director. She is an experienced educator and backcountry mountain guide. Her passion for the natural world and grizzly bears led her to study Wildlife and Forestry Conservation. She is certified in Wilderness First Aid, Avalanche Skills Training, Leave No Trace Master Educator and has experience as a bush craft/survival instructor. Moon loves to share her knowledge and love of the outdoors with people of all ages! When she is not guiding, you can usually find her exploring the outdoors with her puppy, Kenai. Cancellation: Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know, as we need registration information from everyone. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants. Additional information: Liability Waiver Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Informed Consent Form Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.

  • Partners | Hope Mountain Centre

    Partners We hold all our partners in high regard and thank them greatly for their commitment to and alignment with our three focus areas of conservation, education, and recreation. Below you will find our most recent partners including donors, sponsors and collaborators. Donors Sponsors Thankful to collaborate with these wonderful groups

  • Grade 6 - Skagit Camp | Hope Mountain Centre

    This overnight adventure in the Skagit Valley gives many young people their very first camping experience. Skagit Valley Camp Grade 6 This overnight adventure in the Skagit Valley gives many young people their very first camping experience. During this one-night, two day camp, four curriculum units are taught outdoors, covering river riparian ecology, hydroelectricity, wildlife, and Skagit human history. Students also learn some principles of backcountry safety and low-impact camping. School District 78 Fraser-Cascade plays a leadership role on this trip, with Hope Mountain Centre playing a supporting role focused on curriculum delivery. A key funder of the Skagit Valley Camp is the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission (SEEC). SEEC is a Canada-U.S. body supporting science, recreation, and education in the Upper Skagit Watershed upstream of Ross Dam. Contact our Outdoor Educator Claire at cgrantham@hopemountain.org , or call/text 403-895-4121 for more information. Location : Skagit Valley Provincial Park Grade : 6 Curriculum Overview : Learning outcomes, pre-trip, field trip, post-trip: River Ecology Curriculum; Hydroelectricity Curriculum; Skagit Wildlife Curriculum; Skagit Human History Curriculum. CURRICULUM OVERVIEW Click through the images below for a glimpse into this exciting program. 1/26

  • Family Day Snowshoe | Hope Mountain Centre

    Family Day Snowshoe - "A Journey Through Time" When: Monday, February 19, 2024 Time: 9:00am-3:30pm Where: Cambie Creek, Manning Park Cost: $25/adult FREE/child (Children and youth under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian) Register For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at tmurphy@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Step into the past and discover the tenacity of winter life on the frontier through a fun and engaging interpretive scavenger hunt, for children of all ages! Embark on a journey through time as educators Rowan and Moon take you through Cambie Creek Loop, offering you a glimpse into the winter lives of settlers and first nations with an engaging scavenger hunt through beautiful old-growth forest. We’ll stop for lunch along the trail, with the chance to build snow forts while we sip hot chocolate! You bring lunch and snacks; we’ll bring the hot chocolate! We have several pairs of adult snowshoes to offer, as well as children’s snowshoes for kids aged 6 to 8. If your kids are younger, consider carrying them in a child carrier backpack or towing them on a sled. All ages are welcome! Itinerary: Monday, February 19, 2024 09:00AM – Gather in Hope at the Rec Centre (1005 6 Ave, Hope ) check-in, sign waivers *Participants must arrange their own transportation. 09:30AM – Leave Hope and convoy about 45 minutes on Highway 3 to Cambie Creek trailhead 10:30AM – Arrive at Cambie Creek Trail Head 10:45PM – Begin snowshoe trip 12:30PM – Lunch break 01:00PM – Snow fort construction, hot chocolate consumption! 02:00PM – Snowshoe back to the parking lot 02:30PM – Leave Cambie Creek trailhead 03:30PM – Arrive back in Hope *Be aware that times are approximate! Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather and road conditions, etc . Price includes: Fun interpretive guided tour Use of our snowsh oes (please let us know during registration if you and/or your child/ren require a pair) Trip leaders will provide first-aid support, emergency practices/communications, and hot chocolate Physical demand: We will snowshoe a total distance of 2.9 km round trip. The terrain is a gentle slope with 70 metres of cumulative elevation gain. In the Manning Park area average February temperatures range from -8C to 0C. Please check the weather forecast prior to the event and dress appropriately as it may be much colder or warmer. What to bring: Whenever you are hiking, you should always carry The Essentials At a minimum, participants will need the following for this outing: Backpack to carry all your gear Lunch and high-energy snack foods Water (at least 1 litre per person) Waterproof winter boots or hiking boots (no runners please) Warm winter clothes (no cotton as the first layer against your skin); including jacket, nylon snow pants, gloves, toque, warm socks Two poles per person for snowshoeing (optional, but greatly improves stability) Sunglasses, sunscreen, chap stick, camera We will have the following to lend you but feel free to bring your own: Foam pad to sit on in the snow Mug for hot chocolate! Small portable snow shovel Meet Your Guides Rowan Lalonde Rowan is driven to explore paths where she can contribute to positive impacts at the community level or spark curiosity for the world. She is an experienced thru trekker and canoe tripper, with an eager draw to whitewater adventure. Whether up a tree, covered in mud, or in the thick of river rapids she believes there is so much play and peace to be found on the land and in the wild spaces we share. Having recently moved to Hope, Rowan says feels so lucky to be able to spend her days sharing her learning and supporting youth in our community as they learn to be stewards of the natural world and grow to feel empowered in their climate futures. Moon Pruvost Moon is Hope Mountain Centre’s Program Director. She is an experienced educator and backcountry mountain guide. Her passion for the natural world and grizzly bears led her to study Wildlife and Forestry Conservation. She is certified in Wilderness First Aid, Avalanche Skills Training, Leave No Trace Master Educator and has experience as a bush craft/survival instructor. Moon loves to share her knowledge and love of the outdoors with people of all ages! When she is not guiding, you can usually find her exploring the outdoors with her puppy, Kenai. Nate Brown Nate Refunds/Cancellations: Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know, as we need registration information from everyone. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants. Additional information: Liability Waiver Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Informed Consent Form Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardia n in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.

  • Stargazing in the Skagit | Hope Mountain Centre

    The Cold Moon & Her Constellations: A Night Hike December 14, 2024 When: Saturday, December 14, 2024 Time: 6pm-10pm Where: Thacker Mountain Loop Trail Cost: $59/person (Y outh under 18 must be accompanied by a guardia n) Register For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 It is the time of the year to stow away our paddles and look ahead to the season of snow. Join us in honouring the Stó:lō seasons of the moon under the Xets’ō:westel moon on a night hike up Thacker Mountain in Hope where astrophotographer and cosmos aficionado Eloi Homier, aka “The Moon Guy Next Door,” will share his passion for the night sky and our closest celestial neighbour, the moon! 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.” Learn more about night vision, the effects of light pollution, finding and recognizing the planets, and more! Enjoy a beautiful view over the town of Hope with the towering snow-capped mountains in the background, lit by the night sky. We will stop at various viewpoints along the way where participants will enjoy a hot apple cider treat to keep warm. Educational interpretive walk Hot apple cider & a snack Use of snowshoes if needed 2025 Lunar Calendar Price Includes: Bonus gift for every participant! Each participant will receive their own signed copy of Mr. Homier’s 2025 “Moons over the Salish Sea” Calendar. As he describes it, “it's no run-of-the-mill calendar ... along with the usual moon phases, each month, you’ll find a list of noteworthy astronomical events, such as planetary meet-ups, meteor showers, and eclipses. If you've ever missed a meteor shower or an eclipse, only to see all the posts about it on social media the next day, I know your pain. As your friendly Moon Guy Next Door, my dream is to eliminate those moments of disappointment so you can experience the magic of the night sky in real-time. Get rid of your FOMO (fear of missing out) by having all the best celestial moments right on your Calendar Guide to the Night Sky. You'll also find a QR code on each page that you can scan to get more details about the astronomical highlights of the month and how to view them.” Physical Demand: A moderate level of physical fitness is required. Thacker Mountain Loop is an intermediate level trail with a distance of 4.3 KM and 197m of cumulative elevation gain. Please note that this hike will take place in the dark under headlamp, and in potentially/likely wet, slippery conditions that may include snow and/or ice. As the trail includes some steep slopes mixed with undulating terrain, this trip is not recommended for beginner hikers or those not very stable on their feet. Waterproof footwear with good grip is required. Children and youth who are experienced hikers are welcome to join but must be accompanied by a guardian during the hike. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless we determine that it will affect the safety of participants. Itinerary: Saturday, December 14, 2024 6:00 PM: Gather in Hope at the Hope & District Recreation Centre parking lot (1005 – 6th Avenue in Hope), check-in, sign waivers, introduction 6:30 PM: Convoy to the trailhead - Map 6:40 PM: Begin hiking the Thacker Mountain Loop Trail 10:00PM: Return to parking lot Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary depending on speed of the group, weather conditions, etc. What to bring: Whenever you are hiking, you should always carry The Essentials At a minimum, participants will need the following for this outing: Required Gear Headlamp (with red light if possible!) A spare set of batteries or power bank and cord for your headlamp Two poles per person – optional, but greatly improves stability High-energy snack food Water (at least 1 litre per person) 7 Ways to Keep Water From Freezing Waterproof footwear with good grip Warm winter clothes (no cotton as the first layer against your skin), including jacket, waterproof clothing, gloves/mitts, toque, warm socks Camera **If you have binoculars, please bring them** Backpack to carry all your gear Meet Your Guides Eloi Homier Guest Speaker Eloi Homier, based in Vancouver, BC, shares his love for the night sky through lunar photography, stories, and simple observing tips. Known as the "Moon Guy Next Door," he encourages everyone to slow down and marvel at the universe above. Eloi’s fascination with the cosmos began in childhood and grew into a lifelong passion for the moon, its changing beauty, and its cultural significance. Through his Moon Guy Next Door platform, he makes stargazing accessible, inspiring others to connect with the universe. Eloi’s mission is simple: help people find wonder and joy by looking up. Meg Turner Program Director Program Director, Meg Turner, considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aiding certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having recently completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you. Cancellation: Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know as we need registration information from everyone. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants. Hope Mountain Centre reserves the right to change the location of a program for the safety of our participants and staff. No refund is offered when location is changed. Additional information: Liability Waiver Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Informed Consent Form Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.

  • Flood Falls Trail | Hope Mountain Centre

    Flood Falls Trail Trail Stats Trailhead Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SK7hLtWSCoz9f8qn8 Round Trip Trail Distance in KM: 1 Elevation Gain in M: 70m Highest Point in M: 130m Dogs Allowed: Yes (on leash) 4 X 4 Needed: No Map & Elevation Profile Trail Access The trailhead and gravel parking area are accessed off of Flood Falls Rd, at the western end of Flood-Hope Rd, south of Hwy 1. Here is the google map for the parking lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nLDEVaCD3ZYKJ2SK8 Dogs on-leash are permitted on the trail, but please be responsible to ensure they are leashed and under control, picked up after, and do not wander off the trail to disturb wildlife or the surrounding habitat. There is no garbage can nor toilet on or near this trail. When hiking every trail please practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out anything you pack in. Trail Description One of Hope’s most popular trails, especially for dog walkers and travelers as it is a beautifully scenic, short trail with minimal elevation gain. You’ll be rewarded with an amazing view at the bottom of the waterfall after a scenic stroll through the forest. Keep an eye out to see if you can spot some masks hidden in the trees! Other Trails Nearby Trail Reports Feel free to leave a comment below with trail reports so other users can learn about current conditions. To ask us a question or to report an issue with the trail, please email our trails team kpearce@hopemountain.org or info@hopemountain.org as we do not monitor this comment section regularly. Alternatively, feel free to post in our "Friends of Hope & Area Trails " Facebook group to let our team know, as well as learn about all the latest work happening on the trails we manage. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

CONTACT US

Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning
PO Box 115
Hope, BC V0X 1L0
Canada
Phone: 604-869-1274
Email: info@hopemountain.org

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Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning (HMCOL) is a registered Canadian charity BN 818663940 RR0001 and BC society S0049715.

Hope Mountain Centre respectfully acknowledges that its work and activities take place on the traditional and unceded territories of the Stó:lō, Nlaka'pamux and Syilx/Okanagan Nations.

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Hope Mountain Centre is a proud member of the Safe Space Alliance. 

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