Hope Lookout Trail Hike

ModerateHope · Fraser ValleyUpdated February 20, 2026

Hope Lookout Hike Stats

Rating Difficult hikes offer big climbs with lots of elevation gain and technical terrain, some requiring a full day’s effort. Generally, difficult hikes should not be undertaken by children or novice hikers. These are rated as ‘hikes’ and not ‘walks’ so even something rated as easy may have a few sections of challenging terrain. More on how we measure trails: Moderate
Distance For the out-and-back hikes, the distances offered for each hike are measured from the trailhead, to the summit, and then back to the trailhead. Distances, even when provided to a fraction of a kilometer, are only rough estimates. More on how we measure trails: 4.2 km
Net Elevation Change The listed elevation gain is the simple math of the difference in the starting elevation and the summit, in meters. It is not a cumulative calculation of the total elevation gained during the hike. This means, in most cases, you will actually climb more than the listed net elevation gain. More on how we measure trails: 462 m
Highest Point: 524 m
Time Needed The completion times of the hikes are estimates and will, naturally, vary per individual, ability, and weather conditions. The times offered, however, are meant to be generous. More on how we measure trails: 3 Hours
Type: Out-and-back
Season Each hike has a corresponding season when the trail is most likely to be in good condition. However, as the snowmelt can vary each year, these too, are estimates. It is best to confirm the current trail conditions before heading out. More on how we measure trails: March – November
Dogs Allowed If hiking with dogs is allowed, it does not necessarily mean that the trail is ‘dog-friendly’. Even though dogs might be allowed, it may be a bad idea to bring them on certain Vancouver hikes (due to ladders, difficult sections, boulder fields, etc). More on how we measure trails: Yes
Est. Driving Time from Vancouver: 2 Hours
Trailhead Coordinates: 49.372589, -121.441798

*For a better understanding of the stats and difficulty rating, check out the Hiking Guides page for details. Always carry The Essentials and fill out a trip plan.

Usually in season as shown; check current conditions before you go.

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Hope Lookout Hike Intro

The Mt. Hope Lookout Trail is a short but steep hike just off Highway #1 in Hope, B.C. The trail takes you partially up Mount Hope, to a clearing with a beautiful lookout over the valley below.

Built in the 1990’s, the Hope Lookout Trail is often called “Hope’s version of the Grouse Grind“. The trail is a popular one for exercise and is used for the annual Hope Hustle race.

The trail itself offers a few partial views along the way up but is heavily shaded in the forest until you reach the lookout. The lookout area is on a talus slope at an elevation of 524 m that provides an incredible view of the District of Hope below.

From the lookout, you can also see the Fraser River, Kawkawa Lake, and the mountains that surround Hope to the north.

Hope Lookout Trail Video

Hope Lookout Trail Map and Elevation

Map and elevation profile

The listed elevation gain is the simple math of the difference in the starting elevation and the summit, in meters. It is not a cumulative calculation of the total elevation gained during the hike. This means, in most cases, you will actually climb more than the listed net elevation gain.

Hope Lookout Hiking Route

From the small parking area, find the information board and map. You’ll see a large sign that says Mt. Hope Lookout Trail.

Start walking up the gravel road that leads up to your left. As you approach the top of the hill, you’ll see another sign directing you to your right. Just as you come around the corner, the trail leads uphill on your left. The trail is just before you reach the metal gate with a warning sign.

In the trees here, you’ll see a sign directing traffic for hikers and bikers. As a hiker, head left, following the cleared-out area directly up the hill.

The hill is steep but short. At the top, you’ll see another sign where the trail cuts into the forest. Take a right into the trees and onto the singletrack trail.

You can still hear the highway behind you, but you’ll now be quickly walking into the forest. The route has several small splits. Stay left, following the gradual incline. There are orange markers in the trees which you’ll see every minute or so. The trail is very well-defined and easy to follow.

400 m into the hike, you will cross over a wooden footbridge over a stream bed (dry most of the year).

After about 700 m or 15 minutes, you will come to a marked junction. Going straight would take you to the Joan Greenwood Loop Trail. Instead, go right, in the direction marked for the Mt. Hope Lookout Trail.

A trail junction — A junction for Joan Greendrop Trail

When you turn right at the junction, the trail goes up a short flight of wooden stairs. The trail then flattens out and meanders through the peaceful forest.

At about 1 km or 20 minutes into the hike, you will come to another junction with the Joan Greendrop Trail. Go right at this junction. The trail begins climbing uphill again and briefly becomes rocky.

Keep following the orange markers. You’ll climb another wooden staircase. In one section, you’ll find a chain-rope bolted to the rock to assist your climb. Immediately after the rope, there’s a nice lookout. It takes roughly 30 minutes to reach this point. The view is partially obstructed by trees and a power line, but you can see the town of Hope and mountains behind it.

a forest — Climbing through the lush forest

As you carry on and continue climbing, the trail will become steeper. You will have partial views of Hope and the Fraser River through the trees in sections. There will be a few more sets of stairs as you climb.

For the remainder of the hike, the trail will continue to be steep. There are no other junctions or places to get off-track, so simply keep following the trail up and up.

About 2 km into the hike, you’ll come to a little bench and picnic table on the side of the trail. You can sit down and catch your breath if needed. From the bench, it’s about 15 minutes more of climbing before you reach the final lookout.

At the top, you will come out to a huge boulder field. Leave the forest and follow the path the leads out into the middle of the boulders. You’ll find a few benches and an incredible view in front of you.

The Fraser River.

From the Hope Lookout, you can see all of Hope, the Fraser River, Kawkawa Lake, and about a dozen mountain peaks. There is a sign placed here which identifies all the peaks ahead of you. Most prominently, Dog Mountain is seen to your left and Olgilvie Peak is seen to your right, above Kawkawa Lake. Greenwood Island sits in the middle of the Fraser River, just below the Fraser Bridge.

Enjoy the view and return to your car by retracing your steps when ready.

On the way back down, you can take the Joan Greendrop Loop if you wish to add a bit of variety to your hike. It will add a few minutes to the hike.

The Fraser River.

Directions and Parking

Get directions to the trailhead

Take Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 E towards Hope. Take exit 170 from the highway.

As you enter the town of Hope, you will take a right onto the Old Hope Princeton Highway, underneath the Crownest Highway overpass.

Immediately after you turn onto Old Hope-Princeton Way, you will make a right back underneath the overpass, and into a small parking area. It can be easy to miss. If you start to see Shell gas station, Tim Horton’s, etc, you have gone too far and need to turn around.

Once parked, you will find an information board with a trail map.

Google Map directions are here.