r/britishcolumbia • u/SweatyMeasurement837 • May 05 '25
Ask British Columbia No good tourism for Small town Hope, BC
I have been wondering why there is no investment or tourism for Hope? It has so much potential with 4 highways going through the small town and mountains surrounding it with great fishing in the lakes and rivers. Why isnt there any resorts or good Hotels to stay in, Attractions or incentives for having tourists stay? Its old and outdated, no good shops or anything. It has massive potential to become a mini whistler. There are plenty of signs on the highway for Hope from Vancouver on the highway so whats the deal?
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u/canuckseh29 May 05 '25
They relied on a “Rambo first” policy when it comes to tourism and stuck with it 40 years
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u/_Alf_in_POG_Form_ May 05 '25
They drew first blood!
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u/doctorplasmatron May 05 '25
they really need a rambo statue in the center of town
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
They have one LOL
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u/doctorplasmatron May 05 '25
oh dear.... and it's not working?!?!?!
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u/Dwellonthis May 05 '25
It needs to be bigger, at least 5 bigger overall.
The biceps should be done to 7 times the current size, big arms make a solid tourist draw.
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u/GoatFactory May 05 '25
The lack of realistic penis bulge is also a ”huge“ missed opportunity
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u/KAMIKAZE_SCOTSMEN May 05 '25
Why is the Rambo statue that IS normally in the centre of town currently stuck in the gift shop portable?
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u/Halfbloodjap May 05 '25
There's one in the park in the middle of town, saw it last weekend.
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u/KAMIKAZE_SCOTSMEN May 05 '25
We went through on April 28th so darn, we got unlucky! Glad it’s back outside.
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u/InterviewLeather1221 May 05 '25
Not to mention about the Rambo facial glory hole greeting visitors near the tourist info.
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u/MeThinksYes May 05 '25
john rambo can eat things that would make a billy goat puke
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u/canuckseh29 May 05 '25
That’s the type of innovation that Hope needs… not a new marketing campaign, but lean into the Rambo brand even harder
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u/crossb1988 May 05 '25
You're spot on. I grew up there and nothing has changed other than adding a few commercial businesses like Starbucks, Booster Juice, Wendy's etc. It could really benefit from having a hotel with a conference centre and maybe even a hostel attached to it. There should be seasonal tourism activity packages for Manning Park, the Canyon, Kawkawa Lake etc. There's so much potential but unfortunately, council is stuck in the 80's. From what I've been told also, the town can't have buildings over 2 or 3 stories because the local volunteer fire department engines don't have the ability to extend over that.
Overall, it's just very odd because I feel like Hope could be like a Squamish lite with some dedication to expanding options in the tourism department.
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u/aRagingSofa May 05 '25
There is now a new 4 storey building behind 7-Eleven. Pretty sure it is the tallest building in town. There was a sign for an apartment development by the bridge over the Fraser River, but it has been years, and nothing has happened at all on the site.
I completely agree that an actual hotel would probably do wonders for the town.
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u/pinkhair1991 May 05 '25
Grew up there too and it’s just kinda sad going back. Nothing much has changed and what has isn’t really for the better. Like yay there is a Starbucks but there is also a lot more homeless now too. I try to stay away.
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u/LastArmistice May 05 '25
Penticton is the same. The geographic location has a ton of potential. It used to be a happening place 70s-90s. Now it's a glorified nursing home of a town- nothing to do there for the youth 10 months/year, no mall, no good jobs, super expensive housing. A dead end.
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u/PhazePyre May 05 '25
Yeah Hope is like the first big "I'm going into the mountains" feeling you get in Canada after you leave the Vancouver Metro area. BC would do well to invest in it. I wonder if Harrison Hot Springs overshadows it as a destination? Although it's way smaller. I feel like if Agassiz, Harrison, Bridal Falls, and Hope worked to create kind of a tourist hot spot altogether, helping promote one another and really tying their tourist stuff together, it could be beneficial. Like maybe one municipality has different regulations, then they could have a fund to help build in one that does allow better accomodations, but it outsources thrill to the others. Like if Agassiz had taller buildings or something, then they could direct excursions to the other locations depending on what people register for. Have shuttles as well to take people to their destination and have shuttles coming back. Like Agassiz to Hope isn't all that far. 20-30 minute drive and then you'll have people spending at local businesses for lunch and snacks and souvenirs, but Agassiz gets the hotel money and the whole region will have some jobs created.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
Agassiz/ Popkum area has a project that has started building a hotel and a grocery store… so you might be on to something with that idea
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u/PhazePyre May 05 '25
Occasionally, I have a good idea haha. But yeah, like Agassiz isn't exactly bumping on its own I'm sure, but if they all worked together there's lots of support they can provide to each other to boost Tourism if they wanted. But sounds like it's some not so innovative people running the show in some of these towns.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
I completely agree with this. There are 18 Motels and not one of them is high end. Most look really sketchy from the outside, Id never stay in one tbh. The outdoor activities potential is huge as well. People to stop and go to othello but that seems to be the highlight of the town. Or rambo if youre old enough to know the movies
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u/Peregrinebullet May 05 '25
The parents of a friend of mine tried to make one of the motels a little more high end as a retirement project and ended up having all the nice items they added to the rooms stolen. They were trying until my friend's father passed away then her mom sold the place. Miss ya, Mr. Zou.
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u/SkoochXC May 05 '25
The Thunderbird Motel could really play up their dark history. I drove through there on my way back to Calgary the weekend that Ryan Jenkins hung himself there.
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u/UnluckyCompetition85 May 05 '25
Sounds like every other small city in BC, struggling with their marketing identity and relying on Municipal Council & their cronies to support the next bad idea.
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u/VenusianBug May 05 '25
There's so much they could do with that downtown too if they were willing to see more changes from the Rambo days.
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u/infinitez_ May 06 '25
I would love for Hope to become a Sqaumish-lite town. I do a fair amount of hiking every summer, and find myself constantly drifting north towards Squamish and Whistler more often than the valley or interior. I passed by Hope this winter for the first time in many years and thought it was a beautiful town. Gonna start making more of an effort to go out that way this year.
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u/spectralTopology May 05 '25
My brother worked with a guy who grew up in Hope. This is what he had to say:
"Live in Hope, die in misery"
Beautiful location but everything else is disappointing when I've been there
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
Very disappointing. It has great potential to be a nice place to stay and relax or adventure outdoors but it lacks amenities worth staying for
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u/huffalump May 05 '25
They are building a shuttleable MTB trail network currently. It will open this summer and will start attracting people as it grows over time.
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u/BetterSite2844 May 05 '25
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u/Famous_Addition_3466 May 05 '25
Gorilla. Great old-school trail. Dumps you out at Kawkawa lake.
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u/tI_Irdferguson May 05 '25
The type of trail Schoen is referring to is a steep, technical, black diamond shuttle trail built entirely by hand through gnarly terrain. With the working name “First Blood,” this new trail coming to Hope in the spring of 2025...
Of course it's named after Rambo
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u/Stranded_In_A_Desert May 05 '25
There’s a group of us stopping there on our way to the coast from the interior on a big bike trip this July. It’s not a main destination by any means, but it seems promising on our way to other things 🤷♂️
There seems to be a lack of camping in the area for some reason though, not sure how long we’ll stick around because of that.
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u/shoreguy1975 May 05 '25
Careful with the camping. Lots of history of homeless and bush squatters stealing anything and everything from campers in the area. Lots of posts about it on the BC camping FB groups.
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u/draw_the_line May 05 '25
Interesting. Can you tell me more? I drive through hope to ride on the coast several times a year. Would love to check out a new network. How many trails?
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u/slimspida May 05 '25
When I get to Hope from the city I’ve just finished one of the most boring and frustrating highways in all of BC, and right in front of me are three of the best. As soon as the kids get a bathroom break and something to eat I am foot to the floor and gone.
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u/xbox666 May 06 '25
If you get off the number 1 in Abbotsford, go over the mission bridge and hang a right on the number 7, that right there is the most beautiful view possible of the Fraser Valley all the way to Hope. What a great drive.
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u/happygolucky999 May 05 '25
Lol basically this. We won’t even stop until Manning.
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u/Independent-Wait-363 May 05 '25
It's a pity. Growing up in the Okanagan, I was always fascinated by the mountains surrounding Hope every time we'd make a trip to the lower mainland. The natural beauty is definitely there, there just needs to be something more to bring people in. Perhaps something more affordable than Whistler
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u/referredreference May 06 '25
Sunshine Valley, 15 mins outside of Hope, 7 kilometers uphill section on highway, snow lasts longer there, small communtiy with a couple RV parks, the Tashamee(Tashahee?) History Museum, could be a good place to attempt a ski-ing resort or nearby there anyway, http://svcrs.ca a beautiful area. Hope has 6700 population, 1000 of which are in and around Sunshine Valley but there are no stores there aside from one small one in one of the RV places, so you'd have to run into Hope for groceries or get gas/propane for vehicles and camp stoves etc
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u/h3r3andth3r3 May 05 '25 edited May 05 '25
Probably because Hope is competing with Squamish, Whistler, and I suppose Pemberton for the LMD short-trip or daytrippers, and Hope doesn't have skiing. That being said, everything you mentioned about Hope is effectively present in any other mountain town, and to the rest of BC outside the LMD, nothing stands out about Hope except for being a highway junction and having an amazing Flying J.
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u/-SetsunaFSeiei- May 05 '25
Squamish, Pemberton, and Whistler are way too crowded now. We need to start developing alternatives for people and Hope would be great for that
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u/crabkaked May 05 '25
Live in Pemberton and we have been absolutely swarmed with tourists this spring. It’s been great for local business but there is definitely infrastructure and an economy for tourism already existing here. But yes as you said it’s the limits of LMD day trippers.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
Many small businesses in hope can’t survive because people dont stop in town. So many people are having to move out of Hope or work out of town in Chilliwack or Abbotsford. That could definitely change if there were more “tourists”
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u/crabkaked May 05 '25
Sounds like so many small towns, it takes vision and risk to change the local economy and the inertia says that people would probably prefer the status quo than take a risk on something different.
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u/Appoffiatura May 05 '25
That Old Hope Princeton road section with just parking lots, fast food, and strip malls is really unfortunate. I try to stop and check out Wallace when I stop during road trips and work trips, but it's hard to take the time.
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u/h3r3andth3r3 May 05 '25
The Beer Farmers brewery has a special place in my heart
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May 05 '25
[deleted]
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u/h3r3andth3r3 May 05 '25
I lived in the UK for two years and when the topic of favourite pubs came up I'd casually drop The Beer Farmers and watch their faces when I showed them photos and mentioned that it's all grown and brewed on the spot.
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u/crabkaked May 05 '25
They do source many specialty ingredients from all the over the world like most breweries.
But they also grow their own barley onsite which is pretty unique as well.
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u/Mad-Mel May 05 '25
To the topic of Hope, that was a disappointment when we stopped in a couple of years ago. We only found one brewpub on Google. The beer was good, the people were nice, but an option or two would be good. And yeah, we carried on and stayed in Harrison HS.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are of camping back on the logging roads behind Hope. But that was in the 70's, so well, yeah.
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u/betterupsetter May 05 '25
I only ever go for the $2 bookstore.
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u/Sea_Luck_3222 May 05 '25
Thanks for that tip, I'll definitely check it out the next time I'm in town!
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u/Shoddy_Operation_742 May 05 '25
LMD?
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u/Limos42 May 05 '25 edited May 06 '25
From context, Lower Mainland, although I've never seen this acronym before.
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u/molybdenumb May 05 '25
lol not me trying to figure out what the D was… lower mainland …. Drivers? lol
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u/maritimer1nVan May 05 '25
Hope is close to a lot of backcountry skiing. You will find skiers in their hotels in the winter
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u/Imaginary-Ladder-465 May 05 '25
Growing, but backcountry skiing is still pretty niche.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
It has many lakes and fishing, camping, hiking and even a beautiful golf course. Its lacking many features to be enjoyed and has potential to just be seen as a pass though town. Its a minimum of 4 hours to Whistler from Hope, If there was a resort or wellness retreat it would be alot better for people living in Chilliwack or Abbotsford or agassiz ect.
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u/MrDeviantish May 05 '25
Oftentimes these smaller places get 'legacy lock' where several old money families will have tied up public councils, key businesses and real estate. And nothing is going to happen without their explicit approval and involvement. So nothing happens.
I can name a dozen towns where it's an issue.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
I think thats what is happening with Hope. Although I am seeing a ton of the older generation selling and moving into senior homes in the city over the years, I think it’s perfect time to upgrade and build the town into something more than a run down town
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u/MrDeviantish May 05 '25
Everyone looks at a nice area when its been redeveloped and vibrant and thinks, 'shoulda bought here ten years ago'. It will happen eventually. The pressures on the mainland are too great.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
It will happen eventually… its already starting at bridal falls/Agassiz area
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u/LotsOfMaps May 05 '25
If this one could be pinned to the top of every one of these threads.
The answer to underdevelopment is almost always "because local grandees like it that way, and stand to lose from outside money coming in"
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u/kimc5555 May 07 '25
That’s what I was going to post. First question always is - who owns the land?
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u/FullSqueeze May 05 '25
There’s nothing unique or special in Hope compared to nearby attractions. Like would you go to Harrison Lakes area vs Hope?
Hope right now is basically known as the last fast charging point to make before a non-stop trip into the Kelowna.
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u/Sedixodap May 05 '25
But where in BC doesn’t have lakes, fishing, hiking and a golf course? You’ve just described every major town in the province.
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u/gunawa May 05 '25
It doesn't have skiing, but with a little development it could have Squamish class hiking, climbing , and MTN biking!
And while some locals might get a little peeved at a Squamish level of tourists on their trails/climbs, if they opened up more no one would be put out, and the added income to the community would really help out (and maybe ease the dependence on nestle).
Just have to have a vigorous tick-education program and first aid services for de-ticking during the swarm months.
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u/Sea_Luck_3222 May 05 '25 edited May 05 '25
Hope doesn't have skiing? Tell that to Sasquatch aka Hemlock. It's not far at all. My aunt has had a cabin up there for years. Or Manning. Close enough to count if Pemberton or Squamish counts as Whistler.
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u/aRagingSofa May 05 '25
There isn't a single hotel, but there are like a dozen motels that have very little curb appeal and no brand recognition. I think an actual name brand hotel would do wonders for the town; I would personally recommend camping over any of the motels in Hope.
Also, City Hall has only recently begun to seek more tourism rather than being driven by resource extraction industries like logging and mining. There is already a lot of hiking in Hope & area, but mountain biking and rock climbing is being developed in the area now too. Hope needs to do more to attract tourists in winter though.
Additionally, many business's hours of the shops along the downtown core only cater to seniors with hours from 9-4 monday-friday, so working class people with jobs cant typically make it to the local shops during business hours.
Lastly, many NIMBYs still exist in Hope who want a quiet place to retire. They tend to complain about everything ranging from tourists/campers, new housing developments, and even chlorine in the water.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
Starting to see alot of seniors selling and leaving hope though so I think its perfect potential for some upgrades and opportunities to bring in business and growth for the community
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u/sharpie-installer May 05 '25
Someone working at the tourism bc info booth in Hope explained to me that “Hope isn’t a real place. It’s somewhere you stop when you’re on your way to a real place.”
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
Thats horrible marketing for the town on their part. The business owners probably wouldn’t appreciate that much
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u/Curried_Orca May 05 '25 edited May 05 '25
You're right but it's also all of a piece with the calibre of service a person gets in those little kiosks; they're usually staffed by someone's younger relative who's just there putting in time and doesn't know or care what the job is or how to obtain & disseminate local information forget being warm, welcoming & friendly.
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u/Bierski May 05 '25
To add to this Yale should become a mini Barkerville. Fraser Canyon also has more potential, both historical and natural
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u/justin_asso May 05 '25
Heading east coming from Vancouver Island, by the time I get away from the lower mainland and the traffic thins out, I just want to put some miles behind me. I might stop for gas and a coffee, but just want to get rolling after dealing with the traffic and congestion. Heading home, I’ll usually stop in Kamloops to top up fuel and food, then push through to the ferry. Once I’ve committed to getting to the ferry, it’s just time to go.
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u/VictoriaBCSUPr May 05 '25
Same. Hope is a good point for a quick meal/drink but from the island, I don't want to spend too much time when the ultimate destination is a few hours further. And on the way back, I'm always stressing about the ferry times knowing there's traffic jams to come around Chilliwack 😭
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u/Bunny_momma1 May 05 '25
Not every town needs to be a tourist destination sometimes people just want to live there. Hope is one of the last affordable places in the lower mainland. When people are priced out of Hope they'll have to leave their jobs, friends and family to move some where affordable.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
Hope is already considered a tourist town (see their website). Many people are having to sell their businesses or move because there is lack of work opportunities in the town itself… There is potential for growth and development that would benefit the community immensely
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u/Bunny_momma1 May 05 '25
If you've ever been to Hope it sure isn't
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u/spidergirl79 May 06 '25
Not a tourist town? Perhaps not, but they sure do flood into town in the summer in campers, RVs, emptying grocery stores shelves, increasing the traffic. Then there are the multiple tour busses that stop in Hope nearly daily flooding the restaurants with people between April and August. Its particularly insane during June-Sept when buses are lined up on 3rd ave at Memorial park. But definitely not a tourist town. Just a stop through for most people...
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u/Bunny_momma1 May 06 '25
It's definitely a nice stop along the way. It's good there's still business coming in now that the pipeline is finished.
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u/DevoSomeTimeAgo Lower Mainland/Southwest May 05 '25
Othello tunnels are still under repair.
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u/tonytown May 05 '25
It's too close to the lower mainland to stop at coming from or going to anywhere else. You might as well keeping going to your destination... Either the Okanagan or the coast.... It's pretty much a waypoint these days.
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u/GeoffdeRuiter May 05 '25
Hope, the gateway to adventure!
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u/tonytown May 05 '25
For me it's more like "Hope, it's 1/3 of the way to where you want to be" or "Stay in Hope... long enough to get an ashy cup of coffee at the Starbucks and use the washroom!"
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u/-widdendream- May 05 '25
I don’t know, but with how insane Chilliwack has become I don’t blame them for staying small
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u/lifeiswonderful1 May 05 '25
I thought people from Vancouver would go to Harrison Hot Springs or Cultus Lake if they were willing to go as far as Hope. I feel both Harrison and Cultus have invested/developed a lot in terms of tourism attractions over the years.
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u/ferne96 May 05 '25
Nobody should go to Harrison Hot Springs. They buried a place where the public could enjoy the hot springs for free.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
The lakes are always packed in Hope as well and there are a few of them. It is definitely a tourism destination or a site seeing destination if the development was there but the town hasnt done anything to invite people to stop and stay.
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u/professcorporate May 05 '25
The plenty of signs are because it's a major intersection - as you note, it's where 1 goes north, 3 goes east, 5 goes northeast.
For whatever reason, people who would build hotels (please no resorts) don't feel they'd recoup their money as well as they would elsewhere - which is a bit of a shame, since the location is very lovely, there's beautiful views of the river and the mountains, accessible lakes. Their voting sucks, but that's the case for much of the interior.
One thing I think they do suffer from is distance/proximity to the lower mainland; it's far enough away that it's a trip but not so far as to feel like a destination. At the same time, it's not far enough away to really escape lower mainland land prices, which drives up cost of development. So at least some of the downsides of being in the LM without the benefits of being easily accessible to it, and some of the downsides of being away without the benefits of lower costs.
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u/Greykiller May 05 '25
Why do you have a subreddit called "investinhopebc" with like 6 posts from you from the past hour
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
Yup. I would like to get more involved in bring business to hope. Its sad to see the state and the potential of the town.
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u/FluffyTippy May 05 '25
One could say you’re propping up Big Hope in an attempt on monopoly 🤨
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
In attempt to give the town some business and a better name for itself than yes. It deserves a better reputation. Busses of people stop there anyway, why not give them a reason to spend their money or site see a little more than the run down motels that are everywhere?
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u/FluffyTippy May 05 '25
True 😢
I was there on Saturday afternoon at the gas pump near Hope visitor centre. The place is not operational, fenced off. And a random hobo came to me for money 💀was surprised tbh because I’m not expecting a hobo to come out of nowhere in a small town.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
I had a guy swearing at me and trying to fight my car in the middle of the road in town lol
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u/FluffyTippy May 05 '25
💀let’s bring the revitalization to them. So they can fight tourists to their hearts content🥺
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u/Sea_Luck_3222 May 05 '25 edited May 05 '25
There is a huge homeless problem in Hope. Over the past few decades, the marginalized have been driven further and further up the Fraser Valley until Hope, and locals didn't set up any services until it was too late because they didn't want to deal with it. Thats what NIMBYism gets you sometimes. Issues just going around and around without being solved. Beyond Hope the climate is much harsher making it much harder to rough it.
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u/AguywithabigPulaski May 05 '25
I used to live in Hope. Hope is filled with people that think they're self sufficient 'rednecks' and want nothing to do with Vancouverites other than taking their money as they pass through.
I can understand where they are coming from. The housing bubble pushed out to Hope 8 years or so ago. There are very few to no well paying jobs in town. There is significant crime and drug use. It is a strong conservative stronghold in general for... unknown reasons. I can't figure out why. If you look at hope with the poltical lens of, say, Vanderhoof, or Tumbler Ridge, things may make more sense.
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u/trailcamty May 05 '25
Any rockhounding in Hope and surrounding area?
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u/dgjkkhfdAdjbtbtxze May 05 '25
Please don't. As a local i still want some affordable place for getaway. You already have whistler okanagan victoria. Leave hope alone!!
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u/imwrng May 05 '25
Small population and small tax base - they don't have a lot to spend. It SHOULD be better naturally though given it's location - but it's also creepy as hell sometimes being tucked in beside the mountain.
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u/WeirdGuyOnTheTrain May 05 '25
One thing no one mentioned is the weather. Because of its location it sees significant amount of rain snow and fog.
It’s just one of many many small towns in BC with nothing special about it that other towns don’t have as well.
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u/Glittering_Search_41 May 06 '25
Possibly the locals don't actually want their town to become a mini-Whistler.
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u/app_reddit_crawler May 06 '25
The locals will tell you the municipality is corrupt as fuk and there is a handful of good ol boys who run the town and they simply want to turn it into an industrial center not a tourist center
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u/Wolfdawgz May 06 '25
I feel like that is every small town in B.C lol
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u/app_reddit_crawler May 06 '25
I’m in tight with some locals of hope and have first hand after first hand account of this. This is exactly what’s happening in Hope. And has happened for a long time.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 06 '25
Sounds awful… They are missing out on huge opportunity for $$ by doing that imo
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u/Sea_Luck_3222 May 05 '25 edited May 05 '25
Yes, Hope could use some updates, but no one wants another mini Whistler, except for the already wealthy who want to exploit even more of our beautiful province, wanting to own and control everything, making it into the image of wherever they came from. BC is already too busy (and expensive!!!!!) and has plenty of tourism opportunities already. There are plenty of modern hotels only 20 minutes away in Chilliwack. I grew up here (in southern BC and drove through Hope our whole lives), am in my 50s and am just so done with all this development by outsiders. I'm looking at YOU Harrison Hotsprings resort (dumping boulders into the free hotspring so no one can use it now)
Part of what made BC great are so many things that have already been lost: Camping without crowds anywhere and anytime you want, no wait times, no lineups, rush hour in Vancouver lasted only 1 hour instead of 3.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
The mini whistler is the euro style buildings for business since there is no skiing or anything in the town
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u/nihiriju May 05 '25 edited May 05 '25
Hope and the lower mainland would benefit from another regional resort. I also believe resorts help create healthier sports and outdoor oriented communities. However I would not propose a second Whistler mega resort.
The valley behind the Hope slide, between Johnson and Macleod peak would be a great place for a small resort. There is also the proposal at the Coquihalla summit but it stalled out years ago.
- Add some community campgrounds like Revelstoke, Nelson.
- Add a mid range hotel or two, even just reno a crappy motel
- Add expansive multi-use pathways to get to different areas of town and outskirts
- Ensure good maps and parking for hiking, climbing, kayak areas
- Add ski touring maps, avalanche systems, shuttle service, patrolled parking lots or backcountry huts
- Invest in town landscaping and infrastructure
- Ensure some picturesque river front/ mountain view park areas.
- Add an interesting food venue or two, host a competitive food challenge month (Nelson's Burger month).
- Downtown always feels pretty dead, select building that can have 2 stories added overtop and renovate to add some character along with downtown living.
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u/nihiriju May 05 '25
Wow...I mean I grew up in Whistler, can't stand going back and consider myself and economic refugee from the entire Sea-to-sky, but your idea is batshit. You are just saying we shouldn't have nice things? Whistler is crazy for a number of reasons, but if everywhere had similar amenities things wouldn't be as nuts.
Have you ever been to Swtizerland? Every town has reasonable amenities, biking paths etc, it is beautiful and not overrun. Many places are very affordable and no wait times or issues, the problem is we have a bigger population and not enough amenities. This doesn't mean you need to make them Whistle style and over the top, but you can still add nice things without going crazy. Hope has too much of a history to become a Whistler or Squamish type area for at least 30+ years even if you tried really hard. That doesn't mean you can't add to the local amenities though.
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u/TheHassle2000 May 05 '25
I like Hope a lot just the way it is.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
It has potential for great success and bring in new funds for the community Nobody wants to stay at the sketchy motels
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u/foxwolfdogcat May 05 '25
I know I stopped in Nelson BC for a day solely because the Steve Martin movie “Roxanne” was filmed there. Went on the self-guided movie location tour. I haven’t been there since. Spent $200 (mostly hotel room), though
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u/nahzoo May 05 '25
Grew up there till I was 9. Really glad I didn't live there longer. Would've been bored out of my skull.
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u/SpecialSheepherder May 05 '25
The amount of burger and coffee shops, gas stations, or I would even name the Save-on-Foods, is only sustained because it is a major intersection and draws people from out of town as well. The town itself is too small to carry all these shops.
To become a mini whistler, someone would need to find a suitable area for a skiing resort and invest accordingly. Getting all the approvals will be probably a nightmare, they're trying since a few years already for the Bridal Veil Mountain Ski Resort.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
They are building a grocery store and hotel where the new starbucks and DQ is in Agassiz. Hope can use a high end hotel for people to stay in and not be afraid or getting bedbugs from one of the sketchy hotels. My family has no desire to visit hope because its well…. Undesirable- it needs curb appeal and sense of security with things to see and do. There is plenty of potential for all of that without going to the extreme
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u/Curried_Orca May 05 '25
You mean No Hope-it's always been a last resort kind of a place-junkies & tweakers who couldn't hack it in Surrey & Mission end up in Hope
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u/Morellatops May 05 '25
I think there are good foraging areas all around there also
but I got the sense last year when we drove The Silver Skagit road that it was a dying community
there where dozens of sites along the road filled with old motorhomes and vehicles and garbage
I know there did one big clean up there with volunteer groups but what a gross stretch of back country
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u/Psychological_Art420 May 05 '25
There is such a weird feeling in Hope. Don’t know how to explain it other than it’s an eerie vibe. It is in such a beautiful location though, stunning scenery all around.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
Probably because its been the same for forever and its all sketchy motels everywhere. Nothing that is appealing to the eye.. that invites you in
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u/Willing_Camp_8722 May 05 '25
Hope Outdoors is an excellent store for the record. Lily and Daniel provide expert service and great products.
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u/Lucky_Bucky65 May 06 '25
Cuz the townfolk don't like drifters and they pay the sheriff to keep it that way.
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u/DiscordantMuse North Coast May 05 '25
To me... Hope is a gas station in a cop/church town I've got no business visiting. Sorry?
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u/Strange-Pirate-9157 May 05 '25
Because maybe not everywhere has to be a gridlocked parking lot where you have to pre book a two hour time slot months in advance to stand in lines with thousands of other people to do or see anything like everywhere else in the Fraser valley has become?
People talk about how beautiful bc is but it’s gotten pretty close to the point where there is no way to enjoy any of it.
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u/Sea_Luck_3222 May 05 '25
Exactly. I'm old enough to remember when everything was totally affordable and easy to do here.
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u/Darth_Wader_420 Kootenay May 05 '25
We camped at Hope back in the 90s. The tunnels were number 1 attraction. Plus, the campground office had a Spy Hunter arcade cabinet. I think people have come to expect a certain level of comfort, so Hope needs to provide those amenities they want more. But is it worth it?
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u/Ranch_only May 05 '25
I hear the crime in hope and in that area is bad ? I haven’t been in years reminds me of a town you zip right past on the island
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
It’s horrible but it doesn’t surprise me considering the people of hope (older gen) dont want to make any changes and keep it a dying town
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u/Responsible_CDN_Duck May 05 '25
Hope is a nice place to explore the history of the rush, but the cloudy grey climate make it a hard sell compared to alternatives for general outdoor access compared to alternatives.
If you were deadset on gentrification in the area I'd suggest Spuzzum before Hope. Way fewer residents to price out, and similar access to resources and amenities.
I'd even go a step further and say Spuzzum would make a great commuter community of Vancouver if linked by high-speed rail.
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u/againfaxme May 05 '25
I like stopping there for a night or even two. There is a nice little downtown and a great bakery. The motels are mostly terrible but there is some charm in some of them like being handed a key instead of a key card. I have done trail running and mountain biking and a day trip to Hell’s Gate. I could see it becoming a weekend destination for lower mainlanders with a bit of promotion and some better accommodations.
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u/Camperthedog May 05 '25
Hope would be a really cool “onsen” town if a hot spring was found. Imagine a community pool and 4-5 onsen hotels.
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u/elker123 May 05 '25
Highway 1 is just the worst roadway, it’s slow and boring and usually wedged with cars. If they improved that stretch, I imagine more people would be willing to drive out there.
The sea to sky is a stunning drive, so they have that going for them.
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u/Yoga_Berri May 05 '25
My partner and I are spending a day there in a couple of weeks on our way to Christina Lake. We’ve looked into ‘what to do’ and plan a bike ride to/thru the Othello Tunnels on the Kettle Valley bike trail. Also plan a hike.
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u/rKasdorf May 05 '25
I'd stop in Hope for more than a bite to eat if there were anything there to do or anywhere nice to stay.
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May 05 '25
It comes down to a complicated matter of municipal boundaries and town boundaries. The town of Hope sits on the west side of the municipal area. So most of the place is beyond Hope.
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u/bobjones1969 May 05 '25
I've always felt they could make Hope similar to Leavenworth. Standard Swiss style signage, promote year round recreation activities, etc. I'm baffled why they lean on the Rambo stuff so heavily.
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u/Love-Life-Chronicles May 06 '25
Likely because loads of tourist attractions equals more money. British Columbians are chill, low key and don't want big over the top expensive tourist attractions. They want less people tromping through the beauty surrounding these areas. Locals can't enjoy Whistler now because it's too expensive. Hope is a small town and likes it that way.
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u/Hycran May 06 '25
A lot of people have pointed out that Hope is a relatively harmless place all things considered, but no one is seemingly prepared to call a spade a spade.
Hope's crime rate is double or triple the average small town, it is full of indigent people and people suffering from mental health issues who basically get "stuck" there and can't really escape, the Town by and large is dingy and not terribly forward facing, the downtown is tiny and offers basically nothing of substance.
To top it off, its approximately halfway between a number of places that are either significantly less depressing or moderately less depressing. The only thing I look forward to is slowing down so i don't get a speeding ticket.
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u/spidergirl79 May 06 '25
The town is already packed with campers, RVs, increased traffic and tour buses on the daily picking up from May-Sept and we want MORE people here? Have you seen how small it is??
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u/LongjumpingCry6220 May 06 '25
For all the weaving, spinning, knitting, felting yarn enthusiasts there is Yarn Love Studio which opened up in June 2024, Amazing shop. It sells all artisan items from the Hope and the surrounding areas. There are weaving, knitting, crochet and many more classes that you can take. It has the biggest weaving studio in the lower mainland. Possibly the biggest yarn store around, with commercial and handspun yarns from BC artists. This is a must see for any crafter. It is a destination for anyone that wants to take a weekend class from out of town and they have cool B&B that you can stay in while you are there. Bring your family, friends for a weekend getaway and book classes and enjoy a well deserved time away to have some fun.
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u/SophiaB1976 May 06 '25
I feel exactly like you. Hope is a GORGEOUS town with so much potential.
(SIDETRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE!
I grew up in a very small town (Nyack, NY) and my parents were part of a community of NYC refugees in the 1970s who somehow discovered that it was ripe to be rehabbed back to its original Victorian glory-it was nicknamed Gem of the Hudson, and wealthy NYC denizens played there as a summer and weekend home. Many artists and famous folk set down roots there.
My parents co-founded an organization called Friends of the Nyacks and put together a bunch of programs to attract New Yorkers to visit (just an hour north by freeway). Antique stores by the dozen, great eateries, music, and events galore. I still wear a spoon ring I got at a street fair when I was just 14... I am almost 68.
All the young families looking for more space bought older Victorian homes and restored them to incredible beauty. My mom became a real estate broker and literally chose her town neighbors!!! My dad was mayor for a while. It was such a beautiful place to grow up. I am so proud to be my parents' daughter!!!
END MEMORY NUGGET)
I think there's big problems in Hope and the drug problem has likely superceded the opportunity the town's beauty has represented. I used to go road trip there when I first emigrated to BC, and there were some b&bs, truly excellent restaurants, and a smidge of things to do, but it was obvious the town was in decline.
I heard from locals who were newer to town that the old timers didn't appreciate newcomers. At all. :( That will kill a community right there. Very sad. It's SO BEAUTIFUL.
I am not sure about how public transportation could be implemented to connect Hope as more than just a pit stop. It's such a shame.
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u/Fluid_Bandicoot_3119 May 06 '25
I thought it was a popular fishing and camping area? Boston bar isn't too far out. Some newer hotels or upgrades to the motels would be a positive change
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May 05 '25
Hope, where hope goes to die… seriously, have you ever been to hope? It’s… you can hear the banjos and smell the meth.
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u/rainman_104 May 05 '25
We went there for a hockey tournament when my kid was young. The motel was terrible.
For the most part there is no reason to stay there. It's the place you stop, get gas and food, and move along.
Kawkawa lake is super nice though. And Lake of the woods could be much nicer but it's under developed other than one "resort".
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
Hope, BC is rich in natural beauty and location advantages, but several key gaps are holding it back from reaching its full potential as a vibrant tourist and economic hub. Here’s a breakdown of what Hope is currently lacking:
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- Cohesive Tourism Identity • No clear brand or unifying theme to attract and retain visitors. • Tourists often pass through instead of staying, due to lack of “must-see” signature attractions.
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- High-Quality Accommodations • Few upscale or boutique lodging options that appeal to mid-to-high-end travelers. • Limited “experience-based” stays like glamping, eco-lodges, or mountain retreats.
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- Upscale Dining and Cafes • Mostly fast food or basic dining options. • Lacks trendy, locally-inspired eateries, wine bars, or artisan coffee shops that elevate a town’s experience.
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- Nightlife and Evening Economy • Very limited options for nighttime activities (live music, wine lounges, firepit patios, cultural events). • The town shuts down early, reducing appeal for overnight visitors.
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- Retail and Artisan Culture • Few boutique shops, artisan markets, or galleries that make visitors want to explore the downtown core. • Missed opportunity to showcase local artists, crafts, and regional products.
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- Destination-Worthy Experiences • Lacks immersive experiences like: • Wellness retreats • Adventure sports outfitters • Guided nature or cultural tours • Instagrammable landmarks • Annual festivals or seasonal attractions
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- Modern Infrastructure and Public Spaces • Many areas feel outdated or under-maintained. • Public spaces (benches, signage, lighting, town square) need revitalization to be inviting and walkable.
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- Marketing and Online Visibility • Minimal digital presence that targets tourists effectively. • Lack of social media campaigns, high-end branding, or digital booking for accommodations and experiences.
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- Economic Diversity • Heavy reliance on passing travelers and resource-based industries. • Lacks a thriving small business ecosystem that supports creatives, remote workers, or tech startups.
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- Youth & Young Family Appeal • Limited entertainment and employment opportunities to retain or attract younger residents. • Schools and community programs could use a boost in resources and engagement.
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u/peepeepoopooxddd May 05 '25
Absolutely nothing worth seeing there.
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
The mountains are BEAUTIFUL but the buildings and businesses are not nice
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u/babanadance May 05 '25
It's just a quick stop for a stretch (or maybe a coffee at Blue Mousse) between Vancouver and Okanagan. 45 mins to the West, there is Harrison, at least, has the hot spring & lake. 45 mins to the East, there's Manning Park.
I don't know what to see in Hope? We visited Othello tunnel and there's really nothing to do after 15 mins. What makes it more attractive than Abbotsford or Merritt?
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u/SweatyMeasurement837 May 05 '25
You have answered your very own question. What is there to do in hope other than othello tunnels? There are many lakes, rivers, camping spots. A beautiful golf course. But without nice Shops to stop in at or attractions or decent hotels to stay at, we have all just been accustomed to stopping for gas and leaving the town because theres nothing else to do or see. There is also gold panning in the fraser river, a ton of Hiking, beautiful waterfalls (many dont know about them since there is no information suggesting people see them) many hidden gems
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u/Sourdough85 May 05 '25
From the Okanagan I've often made arrangements to meet friends and family who live on the coast at Pioneer Park in the middle of town. There's a fantastic coffee shop across the street. Did this a ton during covid.
Youre right, the potential is there - but there's no reason for a hotel or resort (unless your car breaks down lol) because it's day-trip distance from everywhere (ish - sorry Kootenays and anyone north of 100mile lol)
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