Photo © Courtesy of Hope, Cascades & Canyons
Hope, British Columbia, is not your average mountain town.
Tucked away in the heart of the Canadian wilderness, at the junction of the Fraser and Coquihalla Rivers, Hope is a hidden gem of a town overflowing with rustic charm. Known for its stunning natural beauty and charming locally owned gift shops, this quaint community is a haven for chainsaw carving enthusiasts from around the world.
Hope boasts over 80 intricate chainsaw carvings, and many of the works on display feature local wildlife such as bears and eagles, human characters such as cyclists, prospectors, and even John Rambo and Sheriff Teasle from the 1982 film First Blood, the majority of which was filmed in the community.
If you’re a fan of this unique art form, there’s no better time to visit Hope than during the world-class Chainsaw Carving Event, held every two years in Hope’s downtown Memorial Park. Scheduled to run from August 14-17 this year, this free-to-attend event promises to be a feast for the senses, with talented carvers from around the world demonstrating their skills and creating stunning works of art right before your eyes. In addition to watching world-class carvers flex their artistic muscles, you can bid for a carving of your own at the Speed Carving Auctions.
But it’s not just about the carving—the event also features local food and art vendors, offering the perfect opportunity to soak up the unique culture of this charming town.
No vacation is complete without sampling local restaurants, after all. From classic mom-and-pop spots to traditional chain restaurants, Hope has something to satisfy any craving. Sink your teeth into local favourites at Sharron’s Deli or Stallone’s Kitchen + Bar, or grab a coffee and snack from one of the cafes. With so many great places to eat, these small-town restaurants are worth road-tripping for.
Whether you’re a chainsaw carving enthusiast or a traveller on the hunt for unique experiences, Hope’s Chainsaw Carving Event is the perfect opportunity to extend your stay and explore this bountiful region known for its breathtaking vistas and rugged beauty.
Experience exhilarating adventure whitewater rafting on the Nahatlatch River or mountain biking on the hand-built black diamond trail, First Blood (opening June 28th). Discover Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Park (re-opening this summer), take a day trip out to Manning Park to hike, or ride the Hell’s Gate Airtram located in Boston Bar.
Rich in Indigenous history, cultural tours and experiences await you at Tuckkwiowhum Village and Syéxw Chó:leqw Adventure Park. Located about 15 minutes east of Hope is Sunshine Valley, home to the Tashme Museum, where one can learn about the history of the Tashme Japanese Canadian Internment Camp. One can also visit Yale Historic Site, located about 20 minutes north of Hope. More into the arts scene? Visit the Hope Arts Gallery or many of our local gift shops to peruse the fantastic creations of our local artisans.
No matter what interests you, you’re sure to be captivated by the beauty and charm of this small mountain town, and the entire Hope, Cascades & Canyons region. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the 2025 World-Class Chainsaw Carving Event—this free event is not to be missed!
For more information about the competition, as well as places to stay and things to do in and around the Hope area, visit tourismhcc.ca. The competition can also be found on Facebook at @HopeChainsawCarving.
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Lying at the edge of the Fraser Valley, Hope is a hub of highways that come and go from everywhere!