Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning invites you to join us for a celebration of BC Trails Day with our grand re-opening of the HBC (1849) Heritage Trail from Peers Creek to Manson’s Camp. The 2021 catastrophic atmospheric river severely damaged the area surrounding the western end of the HBC Trail. Over the last three years, the HBC trail team has been working tirelessly to build a brand new, 3km section of trail to bypass the irreparable damage, and getting the rest of it back into tip top shape for trail users. We are pleased to announce it will soon be complete, and ready to be enjoyed by all.
Join us on BC Trails Day - Saturday June 1st – for an opening ceremony and self-guided hiking experience. Staged at the Peers Creek trailhead near Hope, the celebration will begin at 9:00am with special guest presenters including Hope Mountain Centre’s Trail Director Kelly Pearce and Assistant Trails Director Nate Brown, Chawathil First Nation representatives, Rick Herfst, Kelly Cooke, and Nancy Anderson.
Guests are invited to explore the trail at any time they wish. Beginning at 10am, experienced HMCOL staff and volunteers will embark on the trail at staggered times, and guests are welcome to join if they wish. At 10am, a group of trail runners from Hope BC Running Club will be the first to depart, running to Manson’s Camp and back (16km round-trip). Shortly after, a faster-paced group hiking the 16km round-trip to Manson’s Camp and back will be leaving as well. The trail to Manson’s Camp gains approximately 700 metres of cumulative elevation in 8km. Then a mid-paced group also hiking the full 16km will depart. Last to depart will be a slower group that will hike 5km return to a viewpoint 2.5km into the trail and back. Note that while these groups are experienced hikers and runners with first aid training and satellite communication devices, they are not functioning as hiking or running guides; just support out on the trail if available and needed. All event guests must be self-sufficient. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow but Hope Mountain Centre encourages all hikers and runners to be knowledgeable about the route and terrain, well-prepared and well-equipped with all of the Essentials for outdoor safety including appropriate clothing and outerwear, sufficient food and water, navigation and communication materials/devices, a high lumen headlamp, first aid kit, emergency shelter (ie bivvy or emergency blanket), fire starter, signaling device (whistle or mirror), a multitool, and sun protection. With the steep terrain, hiking poles, supportive backpack, and appropriate grippy footwear are also highly recommended.
To reach the HBC Trailhead at Peers Creek, drive 10 km east from Hope on Highway-5. Look for the Othello Exit 183 and turn right off the highway. A concrete logging bridge takes you over the Coquihalla River, connecting to the Peers Creek Forest Service Road (FSR). Follow the FSR 1.5km to the event. Note that the FSR is gravel with some potholes. Two-wheel-drive vehicles are fine but low-clearance vehicles are not recommended.
The event is being held in the wilderness so all guests whether hiking or not are encouraged to be prepared and dress accordingly. There is weak and spotty cell reception in the area, a pit toilet at the trailhead, and no running water.
Limited light snacks and drinks will be available, as well as HBC Trail merchandise for sale (cash only). Waterproof, topographical maps are available for $22, activewear tanktops for $25, activewear tshirts (mens and womens) for $30, and HBC mugs by the Muddy Bean for $30-$40 depending on size.
