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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.

Hope Lookout trail is Hope's Grouse Grind Hope Lookout Trail Stats Trailhead Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6oeUzpyV7BF1KxU68 Round Trip Trail Distance in KM: 4.5 Elevation Gain in M: 470 Highest Point in M: 535 Dogs Allowed: Yes (on leash) 4 X 4 Needed: No Map & Elevation Profile Trail Access The trailhead and parking lot are accessed off of Old Hope-Princeton Highway by the trail kiosk (sign). Here is the google map for the parking lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6oeUzpyV7BF1KxU68 This is Hope’s “Grouse Grind”, offering hikers and trail runners a steep trail through lush forest, ending with a spectacular viewpoint perched on a rocky slope. You’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the rivers, mountains, and lakes surrounding Hope. Dogs on-leash are permitted on the trail, but please be responsible to ensure they are picked up after and do not wander off the trail to disturb wildlife or the surrounding habitat. The trail is located inside the town of Hope. There are picnic tables and a garbage can at the trailhead, and a pit toilet at the top of the trail. When hiking every trail please practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out anything you pack in. Trail Description Stay tuned for more info to be updated soon At the top of the trail, be sure to check out the interpretive signage, fill out the logbook, and grab a toy for any kid who completes this tough hike! Note there is cell phone reception on parts of this trail but it's always best to download any electronic maps you plan on using beforehand such as Gaia GPS or AllTrails . First Nations History Stay tuned for more info to be updated soon Hope Hustle Trail Race Each year on the Brigade Days weekend, the Hope BC Running Club hosts a trail race called the Hope Hustle up the Hope Lookout trail. Visit the Hope Hustle Facebook page and the running club's Facebook group and for more information. Trail Work Hope Mountain Centre's trail team continues to maintain the trail each year thanks to funding support from the District of Hope and others. See a full list of our partners here . 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.

Resources Below you will find a variety of resources related to Hope Mountain Centre's mission of connecting people and nature. LOCAL HIKING & SNOWSHOEING GROUPS The groups below hike in the Hope region. Fluffy Hikers Club (Hope-based) Weekender Hiking Group (Hope-based) Hope Outdoors Group Chilliwack Outdoors Club Chilliwack BC Hiking Club Fraser Valley Hiking Club Fraser Valley Women's Outdoor Club MA-KLAN Women's Outdoor Group Wanderung Outdoor Recreation Society Fraser Valley Hiking Moms LOCAL SNOWSHOEING RESOURCES Manning Park Snowshoeing Sasquatch Mountain Resort Snowshoeing Valhalla Pure Outfitters Abbotsford snow travel equipment rentals LOCAL BACKPACKING RESOURCES Valhalla Pure Outfitters Abbotsford gear rentals Hope Mountain Centre's Women's Intro to Backpacking (annually in July) LOCAL TRAIL RUNNING CLUBS Hope BC Running Club Chilliwack Trail Club Abbotsford Trail Running Club LOCAL CYCLING GROUPS Agassiz & Harrison Cycling LOCAL MOUNTAIN BIKING RESOURCES Hope Mountain Bike Trails Fraser Valley Mountain Biker's Association Hope's First Blood Mountain Bike Trail Mudbunnies Chilliwack Mountain Bikes Trails Kamloops Bikes & Trails LOCAL ROCK CLIMBING RESOURCES Fraser Valley Climbing Society Fraser Valley Climbing Guide LOCAL KAYAK, CANOE AND SUP RESOURCES Fraser Valley Kayakers, Canoes and SUPs Facebook group Manning Park Boat Rentals Main Beach Boat Rentals Cultus Lake Marina Mt Waddington's Packraft Rentals Valhalla Pure Outfitters Abbotsford SUP rentals LOCAL NORDIC SKIING RESOURCES Manning Park Nordic Centre China Ridge Trails LOCAL SKI AND SNOWBOARD RESORTS Manning Park Resort Sasquatch Mountain Resort LOCAL BACKCOUNTRY SKI TOURING & SPLITBOARDING RESOURCES LOCAL MOUNTAIN SCHOOLS & OUTDOOR SKILLS TRAINING Ascent Fraser Valley Guides & Mountain School Ridge Wilderness Remote/Wilderness First Aid Training LOCAL GUIDES AND OUTDOOR TOURISM OUTFITS Ascent Fraser Valley Guides & Mountain School Reo Rafting AVALANCHE SAFETY RESOURCES Avalanche Canada Valhalla Pure Outfitters Abbotsford avalanche equipment rentals PROVINCIAL & REGIONAL PARKS Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park Coquihalla River Provincial Park Nicolum River Provincial Park F.H. Barber Provincial Park Yale Garry Oak Ecological Reserve Skagit Valley Provincial Park Silver Lake Provincial Park E.C. Manning Provincial Park Emory Creek Provincial Park Syéxw Chó:leqw Adventure Park Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area Sasquatch Provincial Park Sx̱ótsaqel/Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park

Hope Rotary Trail Trail Stats Trailhead Location: https://g.co/kgs/Bf1Gj5X Round Trip Trail Distance in KM: 1.4 Elevation Gain in M: minimal Highest Point in M: 50m 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 7th Ave at the corner of Wardle St. by the trail kiosk (sign). The trail can also be accessed from Golf Course Rd, as well as the corner of Olson Ave and Park St. Here is the google map for the parking lot: https://g.co/kgs/Bf1Gj5X 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 a garbage can and dog poo bags available at the trailhead. There is no 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 This is Hope’s busiest trail as it is a beautifully scenic, short, flat path right in town that travels through the forest alongside the Coquihalla River at the confluence of the Fraser River. You’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the rivers, Ogilvie Mountain, and lots of wildlife including beavers, eagles, snakes and bears. Other Trails Nearby Trail Reports To report an issue with the trail, please contact the District of Hope as we do not manage this trail. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

The Serpent's Back Trail (formerly known as Dragon's Back Trail - Kw’okw’echíwel Stl’áleqem) in Hope, BC, is a steep forested trail that passes several viewpoints, including a view of Mount Hope, the Silver Creek neighbourhood, the town of Hope, and the Fraser River. The hike is fairly steep in some areas but the viewpoints offer a nice reward and place to stop and enjoy. Serpent's Back Trail Stats Trailhead Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hGJoHv3mj5RMjZHq8 Round Trip Trail Distance in KM: 5.5 Elevation Gain in M: 435 Highest Point in M: 440 Dogs Allowed: Yes (on leash) 4 X 4 Needed: No Connecting Trails: Thunderbird Trail (coming soon!) Map & Elevation Profile Trail Access The trailhead and parking lot are at the end of a short gravel road approximately 1.5km down Silver Skagit Road. Look for the sign on the west side of Silver Skagit Road for the turnoff. Here is the google map for the parking lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hGJoHv3mj5RMjZHq8 Opened in 2020, this trail has quickly become one of the most popular hiking trails in the Hope area. Located on crown and District of Hope municipal land, this intermediate level hiking trail is 5.5 km round trip with a cumulative elevation gain of 435 metres. The high point is 440 metres, meaning it is snow-free for most of the year. Dogs are permitted on the trail, but please be responsible to ensure they are picked up after and do not wander off the trail to disturb wildlife or the surrounding habitat. The trail is located in Silver Creek, a neighbourhood just west of Hope town centre, in the Skagit Range of the Cascade Mountains. There is a mountain biking trail network called The Core in this area as well. There are no garbage cans or toilets at the trailhead, nor along the trail. Please practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out anything you pack in. Trail Description From the trailhead, follow the trail for just a few minutes and off to the right down a small path you will find a very long rope swing. Pass this turnoff and you will find another trail sign after just a couple minutes. The trail undulates with some very steep ups and downs, broken up with a couple of nice flat sections. There are benches along the way for a nice rest. It is mostly a natural trail, with a few sections of stairs and bridges to aid navigation. Please ensure you do not braid the trail (do no shortcut off the established trail) as this erodes the slope. The first viewpoint is of Hope Mountain, followed by the viewpoint over the Silver Creek neighbourhood. After that you will reach the Stone Garden. There is only one major junction, giving you a choice to go left or right around a loop close to the top. Going left you will arrive at the West Lookout first, before arriving at the summit. Either way you go, doing the loop or as an out-an-back, it's approximately the same distance as the summit view is halfway around the loop. Arriving from the west, you first see a view looking east over Silver Creek and the town of Hope to the far left. A few more steps and you’re looking south down over Silver Creek towards Washington State. Many peaks viewable from here: Wells Peak, Mount Grant, Eaton Peak, Silver Peak, Isolillock Peak, and more. The trail features seasonal waterfalls, abundant flora like old-growth Western red cedar and Douglas fir trees, giant granite boulders (likely glacial erratics left behind by the last ice age), and a tilted granite slab. Note that rock climbing is not permitted in the Stone Garden due to the historical and cultural significance of the area. Note there is some cell phone reception on parts of this trail but it's always best to download any electronic maps you plan on using beforehand such as Gaia GPS or AllTrails . First Nations History The Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre conducted an archaeological assessment of the proposed trail area before building, which indicates the area was originally traversed by Stó:lō hunters and travellers, and used as a safety lookout to help guard the villages along the river dating back over 2900 years. The trail previously had the name Dragon's Back including the Halq’eméylem name of Kw'okw'echíwel Stl'áleqem, as from afar this mountainous area is reminiscent of a sleeping dragon. However it was discussed that dragons are mythical creatures and not stl'áleqem. Local placename expert Sonny McHalsie shared that dragons are not part of Sto:lo language and culture so thanks to the help from him and other local First Nations individuals the name was changed to Serpent's Back or A:lhqeyétsel in Halq’eméylem. Signage was updated in 2024. Please visit the trail where you can see the interpretive signage we've placed with more First Nations history and information. Signs were installed in summer 2025 at various stops along the trail. A copy of the signs are below. We would like to recognize and thank the following people who we consulted with during the research, writing, and design of these signs: Lisa Dojack (SRRMC archaeologist) Chawathil Chief Norm Florence and Council Shxw'Ow'Hamel Si:yam Council Elizabeth Phillips (Halq'eméylem speaker) Dianna Kay (Linguist, Seabird Island First Nation) Vanessa Hope (HMCOL Board Member, Yale First Nation) Elsie Kipp (HMCOL Board Member, Yale First Nation) Sonny McHalsie (Placename Historian) Carrielynn Victor (Indigenous Artist and Knowledge Keeper) Dave Schaepe (Head of SRRMC Archaeology) Shane John (Chawathil Knowledge Keeper) Bonnie Graham (Indigenous Artist) You can also see the info guide from the Indigenous History Hike we held here in 2022. Trail Work Hope Mountain Centre began construction on the trail in 2019, opening to the public the following year in 2020. Our trail team continues to maintain and enhance the trail each year thanks to funding support from the District of Hope , Cascade Lower Canyon Community Forest , and others. See a full list of our partners here . 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.

The Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) Heritage Trail is a 74km multi-use trail featuring 10 campgrounds. Since 2009, dramatic progress has been made in re-opening this historic fur trail over the Cascades. Hikers and horseback riders can now enjoy a continuous wilderness trail that spans 74-kilometers between Hope and Tulameen, following the same route taken by the HBC horse brigades. Hudson's Bay Company (1849) Heritage Trail Important information: Tulameen FSR closure Update July 28, 2025 In addition to the last update about culvert repairs, the main Tulameen FSR will be closed for bridge replacement from August 9 till 19th. There is NO DETOUR to reach the HBC at Jacobson Lake. This closure is at 31.5 km so no getting around this one. It is unfortunate that access will be limited this season, but we will have access for many years after this summer as these are much needed repairs to keep the road in good shape and open to the public. Thank you to the ministry contacts that keep us updated on these repairs so we can share with trail users and help avoid anyone being stranded or driving was out there and finding the closure. Update July 22, 2025 Tulameen FSR will be closed for approximately one week starting AUGUST 6 (Wednesday) to AUGUST 12 (Tuesday), 2025. Road contractors will be installing new culverts from 1.6 to 5.7 kms. Access to Jacobson Lake and other eastern sections of the HBC trail are still available from Coalmont. Drive up Blackburn Road to the Coal Mine and then take Lodestone FSR to 26km on the Tulameen FSR. Active logging on all three roads, use extreme caution, use a two way radio, make sure you lights are on! We want to thank Ministry personal for keeping us updated on these final road infrastructure upgrades. Also be aware there will be active industrial traffic on the Lodestone, Blakeburn and Tulameen FSRs staring tomorrow. It is recommended you have a two way radio, drive slow with your headlights on and stay on your side of the road. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. The HBC (1849) Heritage Trail is a 75 km long trail that traverses the Cascade Mountains between Hope and Tulameen in beautiful British Columbia. Gaining a cumulative 3,922 metres of elevation over rough and rugged terrain, this challenging trail is often completed in smaller sections as day hikes or overnights, with some others taking it on as a 5-8 day backpacking trip. The trail, including all campsites, are free to use and do not require a reservation nor a permit. Please, however, if you use the trail, consider making a donation to Hope Mountain Centre to support all the work that gets put into maintaining it every year. Looking for updates on trail status? Join our HBC Heritage Trail Facebook Group for trail reports and other HBC Trail info from Hope Mountain Centre and other trail users. HBC Map & Guide Book Plan your trip and navigate this trail by purchasing a waterproof, topographic map, and/or a guidebook that we published about the HBC Trail. You can click below to purchase from our online store, or find them in local shops in Hope like Baker's Books , Hope Outdoors , and the Hope Visitor Centre , and at Mt. Waddington's Outdoors in Chilliwack. All proceeds support our annual maintenance of this trail. Prices include shipping! Quick View Manning & Skagit Parks Topographic Map Price 25,99C$ Add to Cart Quick View HBC Trail Topographic Map Price 25,99C$ Add to Cart Quick View HBC Trail Guidebook Price 30,99C$ Add to Cart Quick View HBC Trail Bundle - Topo Map + Guidebook Price 49,99C$ Add to Cart NAVIGATION APPS Prefer using digital maps and navigation on your phone? Download the HBC trail map for offline access on the Avenza app . Trail Info Trailhead and Road Access Locations: Peers Creek: https://maps.app.goo.gl/p9QcJiVg6QCcGPiQ7 Sowaqua: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kiBqUwddp6gP7PJB7 Jacobsen Lake: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6aYGUtwqYW3T58V47 Tulameen: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CeanmtsA5kSnL6Pa7 One-Way Trip Trail Distance in KM: 75 Elevation Gain in M: 3,922 Highest Point in M: 1,860 Dogs Allowed: Yes (on leash) 4 X 4 Needed: Not to access Peers Creek, Jacobsen Lake, nor Tulameen. 4x4 is required to enter via Sowaqua FSR. Regular restoration and maintenance work makes it possible to travel this historic route. The trail offers hikers and horseback riders stunning mountain scenery, rolling wildflower meadows, and clear blue tarns. You can still find 160-year-old blazes on the trees and thousands of HBC pack animals have left a visible impression upon the land. Please respect the trail’s non-motorized status and “Heritage Trail” designation. Heritage Designation The HBC (1849) Heritage Trail is legally protected by the Province of British Columbia. A 200-metre-wide buffer zone is centered on the trail (100 metres on either side) protecting the 50-kilometre section from Peers Creek FSR to the Whatcom Trail Junction. Resource extraction is not allowed within the 200-metre buffer. Come Prepared! The HBC Trail crosses rugged wilderness. Make sure you follow BC AdventureSmart's "Three Ts" of Trip Planning, Training, and Taking Essentials. Some key tips: * It is best to travel the trail in mid summer to early fall when snowpack is largely melted and streams are running low. * The trail route is cleared and marked, but a detailed topographic map and compass or offline GPS map and spare batteries/external power pack and charging cord are recommended. * There are no potable water sources on the trail so bring a water purification system for refills on the trail * Prepare for changing mountain weather. It often snows on the high mountain passes in the middle of summer! * Make sure you tell someone your route and when you plan to return. Trail Distances Between Camps Peers Creek trailhead to Manson’s Camp: 7 km Manson’s Camp to Colville Camp: 5 km Colville Camp to Sowaqua Camp: 7.75 km Sowaqua Camp to Chevreuil (Deer) Camp: 3.75 km Chevreuil (Deer) Camp to Conglomerate Flats: 3 km Conglomerate Flats to Jacobsen Lake: 2.5 km Jacobsen Lake to Horseguard Camp: 11.5 km Horseguard Camp to Blackeye's Camp: 6.2 km Blackeye's Camp to Lodestone Lake Camp: 9.8 km Lodestone Lake Camp to Olivine Camp: 9.5 km Olivine Camp to Tulameen trailhead: 9km Total trail distance across the Cascades from Peers Creek to Otter Lake: 75 km Guided Trips Hope Mountain Centre offers an Intro to Women's Backpacking course each summer that typically takes place on a different section of the HBC trail. Learn more here and by signing up for our email list . Occasionally Ascent Fraser Valley Mountain Guides also offers a guided trip along this trail. Trailhead Parking Not everyone feels comfortable leaving vehicles overnight at trailheads. While at the time of writing there are no shuttle services offered, the Peers Creek trailhead in Hope is only a 15 min (15km) drive away. You could park in town and hire a taxi (Hope Taxi (604) 869-5501) or ask someone in town for a lift. The town of Tulameen is a 5 minute (3.4km) drive from the Tulameen trailhead. Leave No Trace * Pack out everything you pack in * Cook with a portable stove and avoid using campfires. * Protect bears by never leaving human food scraps behind. * Stay on the trail and don’t trample sensitive meadows. * Use outhouses when possible, or bury human waste in topsoil at least 100 m from any water source. Learn more here . History Originally a First Nations route for hunting and trade, this trail played a key role in British Columbia’s early development. BC’s First Link Between Coast and Interior Completed in 1849, the HBC Trail was built by the Hudson’s Bay Company with the help of local First Nations. They built the trail to link the Fraser River at Fort Hope with Fort Kamloops and other important fur forts farther north to Stuart Lake. For more than a decade, the HBC’s fur empire in Western North America depended on this trail. Hundreds of pack animals and men crossed the Cascade Mountains on this trail from 1849 to 1860. Hudson’s Bay Company “Brigades” were essential for getting valuable furs to world markets, and for re-supplying HBC Forts in the BC Interior and far North. BC’s early economy developed around this trail and the fur industry it supported. Original flag of the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC). Established in 1670, the HBC is the oldest private corporation in North America and one of the oldest in the world. Ancient Pathways The HBC Trail falls within the traditional territory of three First Nations. The Stó:lo, Nlaka'pamux (Thompson), and Similkameen used trails over the Cascade Mountains to gather plants, hunt, and trade with each other. Coastal and Interior groups each had resources the other needed. Coastal villages traded dried salmon, sockeye oil, rare shells, and cedar products. Interior groups traded valuable plants, including tobacco, sage, and Indian hemp — a critical plant for making fishing nets, rope, and clothing. When Hudson’s Bay Company explorers arrived in search of a new fur trade route over the Cascades, they hired First Nations guides to lead them. A respected Similkameen chief named “Blackeye” showed his hunting route over the Tulameen Plateau to A.C. Anderson in 1846, and this became the inspiration for the HBC fur brigade trail of 1849. There was much collaboration between First Nations and European fur traders in the years that followed, and in general, this early relationship was beneficial to both. A network of mountain trails have enabled First Nations to gather plants and hunt for centuries. Women used "tumpline baskets" like this to carry berries, bulbs, and medicinal plants from local mountains back to their villages. First Nations horse packers in the 1890’s. Stó:lo, Nlaka'pamux, and Similkameen members worked for the Hudson's Bay Company along the trail as trappers, cooks, packers, guides, and postal carriers. Many First Nations also traded directly with HBC forts, gaining access to valuable goods such as hunting rifles, cooking pots, and steel tools. Fur & Politics HBC Fort Hope Fort Hope was established by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1848, beside the Stó:lo village of Ts’qó:ls. The new fort would function as the HBC’s key transfer point between mountain fur trails and Fraser River boats. Its name reflected the company’s desperation to replace trade routes lost to the Americans in 1846. This new fort was their best hope. The original Hudson’s Bay Company Store (right) on Water Street in Hope. The “Brigade Trail” of 1849 In the summer of 1848, HBC surveyor Henry Peers and a company of 10 men built the trading post at Fort Hope while also frantically building the "Brigade Trail" from Fort Hope to Fort Kamloops. The trail had to be ready by the spring of 1849, to enable HBC furs from the BC Interior to reach the Coast. The previous year had been a disaster when 70 packhorses perished while trying to negotiate the deadly Fraser Canyon. Peers’ trail was a success, and for the next decade, brigades of up to 400 cattle, pack horses, and men regularly pounded the rugged trail between Otter Lake and Hope. HBC brigades typically crossed these mountains in late summer and fall when snowpack had melted and water levels were low, allowing for easier river crossings. Death on the Trail Horses of the HBC Brigades had to cross mountains and rivers with heavy loads. Each horse carried two 90-lb "pieces" containing everything from fur and gold to mail and tools. Many pack animals died from extreme weather, injury, and physical stress. In his 1859 account, Lieutenant Palmer of the Royal Engineers describes his horse becoming spooked by the bleached bones of horses that had died by the dozens during an autumn snow storm a few years before. Life was hard on the men too. Some died on the trail, and the average life expectancy of an HBC employee was 45 years. Most famously, an HBC Chief Trader named Paul Fraser was killed at Campement du Chevreuil (Deer Camp) when a tree fell on his tent. The tree had been felled by his own men. Fraser was widely despised, and many historians have speculated that it was no accident. Decline of the HBC Trail The Brigade Trail declined in use when better trails were constructed during the 1860’s. By then, gold fever had eclipsed the fur trade, and routes such as the Dewdney Trail and the Cariboo Wagon Road offered better access to the Interior. However, the HBC Trail continued to be used for several decades by First Nations, trappers, miners, and hunters. Heritage Context Study The Sto:lo Research and Resource Management Centre , in collaboration with the Upper Similkameen Indian Band , have completed a detailed study of the trail corridor, including First Nations history, European history, and natural history. You can read it here . The report makes recommendations for the long-term management of the trail and its resources, as required by the BC Heritage Branch . HBC Merch Love this trail? Purchase an HBC Trail activewear t-shirt or tank top! You can click below to purchase from our online store . All proceeds support our annual maintenance of this trail. Quick View Unisex HBC Trail Cotton T-Shirt Price 34,99C$ Add to Cart Quick View Men's HBC Trail Tee Price 39,99C$ Add to Cart Quick View Women's Active Tank Top Price 34,99C$ Out of Stock Quick View Women's Active Tee - HBC Trail Price 39,99C$ Add to Cart Volunteers Special thanks must go to the many volunteers who have given hundreds of hours of hard work to improving the HBC Trail for public enjoyment. In particular, Penticton resident Harley Hatfield deserves special recognition for the work he did during the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s to relocate the trail and have it protected from disturbance. Many members of the Okanagan-Similkameen Historical Society have worked on the trail, as well as members of the Okanagan Historical Society. In more recent years, trail enthusiast Kelley Cook and the Backcountry Horsemen of BC have restored eastern sections from Horseguard Camp to Palmer’s Pond and approached Hope Mountain Centre to help restore the western sections (Palmer’s Pond to Peers Creek). Many Hope residents and citizens from across the Lower Mainland and beyond have joined with Hope Mountain Centre to complete the work begun by Harley Hatfield in the 1960’s. The HBC Trail has captured the imaginations of many people, attracting a team of passionate stewards who will take care of this historic route for years to come. If you would like to volunteer in this trail, please email us a completed volunteer registration form to info@hopemountain.org and sign up for our enews . Trail Work Other Trails Nearby Trail Reports Make sure to join our HBC Heritage Trail Facebook Group for updates on this trail from Hope Mountain Centre and other trail users. Or 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. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

The Gleaning Program is a volunteer-led community harvest program under Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning (HMCOL). Its purpose is to encourage and help local residents to pick fruit from trees, and use or redistribute the fruit preventing waste and reducing attracting wildlife, such as bears. Gleaning A volunteer-led community harvest program 1/8 The Gleaning Program is a volunteer-run community harvest program under Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning (HMCOL). Its purpose is to encourage and help local Hope residents to pick fruit from trees, and use or redistribute the fruit preventing waste and reducing attracting wildlife, such as bears. A share of the harvest goes to the resident, another share goes to the people who pick the fruit and the rest is donated to local organizations such as the food bank, school programs, or for animal feed. Want to help us pick fruit? Got fruit trees that need picking? Need fruit for your group or animals? GET INVOLVED by joining our email list below! Also consider joining our Facebook group . Program Objectives 1. Prevent negative human-bear interactions in the town of Hope by deterring bears in residential area fruit trees through removing ripe and rotten fruit which is a bear attractant, and; 2. Prevent waste of fruit. Other benefits include reducing other wildlife attraction in residential areas such as rodents and those that prey on them, increasing local food security by connecting residents to local food sources, and facilitating social volunteer activity. The gleaning program is limited to the District of Hope geographic boundary. This program began in 2011 when local Hope resident, Lydia Koot, worked with HMCOL to form the Hope Mountain Black Bear Committee and managed this program until 2024. Since its inception, no bears have been shot in fruit trees in Hope—a huge success story. Under the Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 1472, 2020, Section 6.1(u) of the District of Hope Bylaws , owners and occupiers must not keep attractants (like fruit, garbage, or organics) accessible to wildlife. Let’s continue working together to keep our community safe! For Residents with Fruit Trees Do you have a fruit tree? Apples, cherries, pears, plums, grapes, or quince - Having a crop of fruit can be great, but can also be overwhelming if you aren’t able to manage it. Fruit falls to the ground and spoils and can attract wildlife such as bears. Here are some things that you can do: When fruit is ripe: Clean up windfall often to prevent rotting. Put it out weekly in your green bin for pick-up or donate to local farms for animal feed. Pick your fruit if you are able, or you can post on local Facebook groups to invite people to pick your fruit. Or contact us for help! Register your tree with the Gleaning Program for volunteer picking: We ask that you ensure a safe space (no hazards, dog poop, or bee/wasp nests.) We will pick your tree, and share the harvest with you, the volunteers who pick, and local organizations such as the food bank, local schools, or for animal feed. Regular Tree care: Prune your tree annually to keep it a manageable size, typically in winter or early spring when the tree is dormant. Prune to remove dead, damaged and diseased branches, and open up space in middle. This can result in better quality fruit. Plant native, non-fruit bearing trees and shrubs if the fruit is unwanted or unmanageable. Keep yourself and the bears safe! Contact us at gleaning@hopemountain.org or sign up for our mailing list. Got Fruit Trees Join us as a Fruit Picking Volunteer! Pick a tree to save a bear! Help your community while enjoying the outdoors, and enjoy the literal fruits of your labour. A portion of each harvest goes to the volunteer pickers, the property resident, and local organizations. Fruit typically ripens from June to November, and it can include apples, cherries, pears, plums, grapes, and quince. Pole pickers are provided to reach the fruit, and we typically pick early morning or evening to avoid the heat. What to Bring: Water, gloves, hat, sunscreen, good footwear, and optionally, cardboard boxes, containers, or a rake (some are provided). Safety glasses are available, or bring your own to avoid falling debris in your eyes. If interested, fill out our Voluteer Registration Form or contact us for more information at gleaning@hopemountain.org, or join our email list . Volunteer Need Fruit? We've got a variety of fruit to give away including large quantities for community groups, food programs, farms, and more. Contact us at gleaning@hopemountain.org if you’d like fruit for your local organization or for animal feed. We will add you to our contact list to let you know when we have a surplus. About the Fruit It’s local and organic! Expect blemishes or imperfections, and it may be smaller than supermarket fruit, but it’s still edible and delicious. There are many great ways to use and preserve the fruit. Need fruit Join us to reduce bear attractants and food waste, and build community! Key Program Volunteers: Robyn Barker, HMCOL Board Chair – Gleaning Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Rodney –Gleaning Coordinator Esther Brysch – Picker Coordinator/Team Leader Sign up for our emails, contact us at gleaning@hopemountain.org , and join our Facebook group to learn more and to get involved.

Volunteer with Hope Mountain Centre! There are many ways you can get involved including hiking trail building and maintenance, co-lead a guided mountain adventure, help out with our environmental education school programs, help out on the Hope Mountain Black Bear Committee and more. Volunteer with us! Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and the causes you care about. It's also a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and gain valuable work experience. Hope Mountain Centre has several areas in which volunteers can become involved. If you would like to learn more, please contact us at info@hopemountain.org or call/text (604) 869-1274. If you're ready to get started, please fill out the form below: Other ways to volunteer or get involved Join our Board Do you want to help direct the strategic path of Hope Mountain Centre? Consider sharing your skills by joining our Board of Directors . Contact our Board Chair Robyn Barker at rbarker@hopemountain.org to learn more. Guest Speakers Do you have an area of expertise related to Hope Mountain Centre's mission ? We are always looking to collaborate. Communications Are you a social media guru? Do you have experience using Mailchimp or Wix or Canva? Copywriting or designing using other programs? We'd love to hear from you! Fundraising Do you have experience grant writing? Donor relations? Or maybe you're just an excellent writer, or an outgoing person who loves socializing? We could use your help! Administration Do you love organization? Data entry? Whether you're looking to gain experience, or you're looking to impart your many years of experience, we would love to hear from you. Volunteer Internship Looking to gain school credit, or work abroad experience? We are happy to host volunteer interns. We can not provide accommodation nor visas, and we do not have an office to work from so all internships are remote work opportunities and require use of your own computer and mobile device. If you are local to the Hope area, we can meet in person regularly. Contact kperezdeleon [at] hopemountain [dot] org to discuss.

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Women's Introduction to Backpacking - For Moderate to Intermediate Level Hikers When: Friday-Sunday, July 18-20, 2025 Time: Friday, 10am- Sunday 4pm (overnight) Where: 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 Heritage Trail a part of your personal her story! Are you a moderate/intermediate day hiker looking for the next step up, 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 returning to the 2023 section of the HBC Heritage Trail, Conglomerate Flats Campground . 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 and observe wildlife, in a safe space, with a like-minded group! Learn about Adventure Smart’s 3Ts: Trip Planning, Training and The Essentials , introduction and presentation of gear selection, options for backcountry food, Leave No Trace Principles, and more! * We welcome cisgender females, transgender, agender, two-spirit, nonbinary, and genderqueer individuals. HMCOL is a proud member of the Safe Space Alliance Itinerary: Broken down in 3 mandatory sessions: All 3 sessions are MANDATORY (Gear talk night, trial hike and backpacking weekend). Not only does this allow us to get to know each other, it is to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment during this program. 1. Wednesday, June 18, 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, and talk about meal planning and other logistics. 2. Saturday, July 5, 2025 9am-1pm A half-day test run hike in Hope …Not in the backcountry yet. We will practice on a trail in Hope BC. You will get a chance to pack 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 to practice before we enter the backcountry. Please ensure you wear the same hiking boots and backpack with gear you plan to use for the trip. 3. The Backpacking Trip - Friday, July 18, 2025 10:00AM – Gather in Hope at the Rec Centre (1005 6 Ave, Hope ) check-in, sign waivers, *Participants must arrange their own transportation to Hope and carpooling can be arranged from Hope to the Trailhead and back to Hope. 10:30AM – convoy together to the trailhead. (drive 50 kms on the Coquihalla Highway and take exit #228 near Coquihalla Lakes highway rest stop, Jacobson Lake Campground entrance is at the 45.8 Km marker on the Tulameen River Forest Service Road) MAP After arriving to the trailhead we will hike to our campsite at Conglomerate Flats and set up camp. *Be aware that times are approximate! Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather and road conditions, etc. Saturday, July 19, 2025 After breakfast, we’ll put on light day packs and hike for the day up Palmer’s Pond. This ecologically sensitive area is home to vulnerable alpine meadow plants, and an incredible example of the importance of the Leave No Trace principles. Sunday, July 20, 2025 After breakfast, we will take down camp and hike back to t he trailhead. What to bring: Whenever you are hiking, 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 blister you. 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 — A thi n synthetic (not cotton) inner sock and a thick outer sock (preferably wool). Bring at least 1 extra pair of back-up socks Long pants and shorts or zip-off pants (no jeans) 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) Rain-proof jacket 1 pair of gloves 1 toque non- cotton undergarments FOOD: Water reservoir or bottle(s) with 2 litres of water Hi-energy snack food (ie power bars/balls, trailmix) 3 lunches on the trail 2 dinners in camp 2 breakfasts in camp Any drinks you wish to have GENERAL GEAR: Sleeping bag — rated to -10 Celsius minimum Sleeping mat — ie inflatable Thermarest 3-season tent Stove, fuel, pots Method to purify drinking water Cup, plate, cutlery Sunglasses Sunscreen Chapstick Toilet paper, bags to place used TP in, to pack-out with you, and hand sanitizer Head lamp Multi tool Basic first aid and moleskin for blisters Hiking poles (highly recommended) Day pack for light hiking (you can also just use your overnight pack if you prefer) Bug repellent/mosquito face net/Tick spray Bear Spray 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: Trail guide and naturalist First aid backup Training regarding gear and backcountry camping techniques NOTE participants are required to provide all their own gear and food Physical demand: Please note that THIS PROGRAM IS NOT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNER HIKERS! Nor should this be your first challenging hike of the year. All participants must be able to carry a large backpack containing all their own gear described in the trip checklist up 150-200 metres elevation and 3km each day. Pack weight for first and last day will likely be around 25-40 lbs (11-18Kg) including food and water. Please contact us to discuss your hiking experience if you are unsure if this trip is suitable for you. 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. Coming soon... 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 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 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.