Looking for an epic and off-the-beaten-path road trip in British Columbia that you and your kids will love? What about a drive along the Fraser Canyon Highway from Hope to Alpine Canyon?
This great itinerary will take you through the rugged and scenic region of Fraser Canyon, showcasing the power of nature and the area’s rich history. It’s a much more scenic drive than the Coquihalla Highway.
In this article, we’ll explore some unique things to do in the Fraser Valley along the Fraser Canyon: historic sites and Indigenous villages to scenic hiking trails and outdoor adrenaline adventures.
Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you.
What is the Fraser Canyon and Where is it?
The Fraser Canyon is a deep, rugged gorge carved by the Fraser River as it winds from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. This canyon offers breathtaking views, with rock walls rising to 1,000 meters above the turbulent waters below.
Beyond its natural beauty, Fraser Canyon is of significant historical and cultural importance. It serves as a vital transportation corridor and was the site of the famous 1858 Fraser Canyon Gold Rush.
This scenic road is, in fact, part of the British Columbia Gold Rush Trail. The scenic Fraser Canyon highway is a part of the Trans-Canada Highway 1 between Yale and Lytton.
The Fraser Canyon Highway was the main road across Canada through British Columbia until the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) was built in 1987. Sadly, many people now use the main multi-lane highway and miss out on all the beautiful scenery and attractions that the Fraser Canyon has to offer.
How to Get to Fraser Canyon in British Columbia?
The Fraser Canyon is in British Columbia and is easily accessible by car. It starts close to Hope, BC, about 150 kilometers from Vancouver or 200 km from Kamloops.
Fraser Canyon Map & Itinerary
1-Day Itinerary along the Fraser Canyon Highway between Hope and Canyon Alpine.
For this itinerary, you’ll start in Hope, BC. It’s about a 2-hour drive east from Vancouver. While driving on the Fraser Canyon highway, you’ll also drive through 7 tunnels: Yale, Saddle Rock, Sailor Bar, Alexandra, Hells Gate, Ferrabee & China Bar.
If your kids are like mine, they will love to catch their breath while driving through the tunnels. Don’t forget to add that to your road trip scavenger hunt.
Starting Point: Hope
Hope is a district municipality located at the confluence of the Fraser and Coquihalla Rivers in British Columbia, Canada. It is about two hours east of Vancouver and easily accessible via Trans-Canada Highway 1.
It was founded during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush in the 1800s and became part of the Colony of British Columbia in 1858.
There are a few fun things to do in Hope, BC, including:
- Syexw Choleqw Adventure Park
- Art Walk
- Hope Slide
- Kawkawa Lake
Hope serves as a gateway to the Fraser Canyon. For this itinerary, we’ll propose options to sleep along the Fraser Canyon highway, but you could also decide to drive back to Hope at the end of the day.
As you approach Yale and the Yale Historic Site, stop at the rest area. There are some interesting interpretive signs about the Fraser Canyon and the Gold Rush. You could also park and use the stairs down to the village, but we decided to drive and directly park at Yale Historic Site.
Stop 1: Yale Historic Site
Yale Historic Site is a preserved 19th-century village. It offers a glimpse into the life and times of the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush era in 1858.
Important: This site is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
You’ll first enter the main building, where you’ll find a few rooms with exhibits and artifacts. During our visit, we quickly visited the exhibits as my sons were really looking forward to exploring the outside.
The outside site features three (3) prospector tents, recreating the living conditions of the prospectors who flocked to the area in search of gold. They called this exhibit the “Tent City.” The first tent showcases a saloon, the second a house, and the third a general store.
Then, you can visit St. John the Divine Church, which was built in 1863 and is one of the oldest churches in British Columbia.
But the real highlight for kids is the central gold panning station. Ask a staff member at the little container to save your findings. My boys could have spent hours there panning for “gold.” We did gold panning on our California Gold Rush road trip and they’ve been asking since then to do it again.
After a couple of hours, you can reach the next stop.
Stop 2: Alexandria Bridge Park & Trail
Head back on Highway 1 northbound and stop at the Alexandria Bridge Park.
It’s a small park centered around the site of the original Cariboo Wagon Road bridge over the Fraser River. You can have a picnic lunch at the day-use area before hiking to the suspension bridge.
Note that the actual Alexandria Bridge is NOT part of the park.
You can access the bridge by the hiking trail from the day-use area, but you’ll have to cross the train tracks (there is no proper train crossing stop), so use it at your own risk.
During our visit, we decided to follow a group walking down the trail to the bridge. Reaching the Alexandria Suspension Bridge was a short and easy hike through the forest.
When ready, you can return to the car and drive to Hell’s Gate. When driving from South to North on the Fraser Canyon highway, getting to Hell’s Gate is a bit complicated. You can either park at the pullout (you’ll see a sign a little in advance) or use the pedestrian bridge over the highway to get to the entrance.
If you miss the pullout, like we did, you’ll have to continue past the attractions and turn around.
Stop 3: Hell’s Gate
Hell’s Gate is an abrupt narrowing of the Fraser River. This iconic natural landmark results from the powerful Fraser River cutting through the Coast Mountains, creating a narrow and turbulent gorge.
The first written history of Hell’s Gate dates back to the explorer Simon Fraser’s journal in 1808, where he described the immense power of the Fraser River and wrote in his journal “No man should ever pass through here; it was truly like passing through the Gates of Hell!” That’s how Hell’s Gate got its spooky name.
The Hell’s Gate Airtram differs slightly from other gondolas, such as the Banff Gondola or the Sea-to-Sky gondola on the Sea-to-Sky highway. Most gondolas start at the base of a mountain and ride up to the summit.
But the Hell’s Gate Airtram starts at the top of the cliff and rides down across the canyon. At the base, you can find a few things to do:
- A restaurant (which we didn’t test)
- Fisheries Exhibit
- A gold panning section (not as good as the one in Yale Historic Site)
- A suspension bridge
- A Fisheries Exhibit (which I found interesting)
- And a candy shop
The Hell’s Gate Airtram is a unique way to see the canyon. You can plan for about an hour or two, depending on what you decide to do at the base. The ride is pretty short compared to other gondolas in the province, but it’s still a fun activity (yet not cheap).
You’ll want to ride back up and continue driving to Tuckk Wiowhum in Boston Bar.
Stop 4: Tuckk Wiowhum
Tuckk Wiowhum Heritage Village is an Indigenous heritage site and village located in the traditional Nlaka’pamux territory. It’s about 5 km south of Boston Bar, British Columbia.
This historic village holds great cultural significance for the Nlaka’pamux people, who have lived in the Fraser Canyon for thousands of years.
Tuckk Wiowhum means good berry picking place in the Nlaka’pamux language.
You can visit some reconstructed pit houses, sweat lodges, and other traditional structures in this heritage village.
At the moment, no guided tours or activities are offered, but you can visit the different lodges and the tipi.
BONUS: Extra 1 or 2 days on the Fraser Canyon Highway? REO Rafting Resort near Boston Bar
If you have an extra day or two to spend in the area, I highly recommend an all-inclusive adventure and glamping stay at REO Rafting. This resort is located on the Nahatlatch River near Boston Bar.
We were lucky enough to spend three days and two nights glamping at REO Resort, and we had such a great time. The place is renowned for its world-class whitewater rafting, but even if you don’t plan on rafting (or if your kids are still too little—like us), it’s still worth a visit.
During your stay, you’ll have access to:
- Daily yoga classes
- Archery classes
- A private beach
- Hammock garden
- Lawn games
- A kids’ camp
- Massages
- Meals
- And so much more
Where to stay for a night near Boston Bar?
There are limited lodging options in the area. If you’re looking for a place to stay the night after a long exploring day, the Canyon Alpine Motel is a good option. It’s an old-fashioned motel, but it is really clean and quiet. We slept super well.
There is a BBQ, a picnic table, and beautiful flowers. The owner greeted us and was really nice. It’s reasonably priced, and the location, right off the Fraser Canyon Highway, is super convenient… especially since we had a super early start the next morning.
Final Thoughts
The Fraser Canyon is a true gem in British Columbia. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural experiences. This region is a must-visit destination, from the rugged landscapes carved by the powerful Fraser River to the historic sites that tell the tales of the Gold Rush era.
It’s highly worth using this alternative route on a cross-country road trip.
Whether hiking the scenic Alexandra Bridge Trail, crossing the Fraser Canyon’s Hell’s Gate, or immersing yourself in the traditions of the Nlaka’pamux Nation at Tuckk Wiowhum, you’ll enjoy your family road trip.
For those seeking an extra dose of adventure, the REO Rafting Resort near Boston Bar offers an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with whitewater rafting, canyon hikes, yoga, and glamping accommodations.
Related Articles – Best BC Getaways
- Vancouver in the Winter: A Detailed Itinerary for Families
- Kootenay Road Trip to Discover the 🇨🇦 Rockies’ Hidden Gem
- Vancouver: Itinerary 3 days for the Perfect Family Vacation
- Winter Getaways in BC You Don’t Want to Miss
- Invermere (and Area) Winter Activities Weekend Itinerary
- 7 Fun Family Things to Do in Golden, BC
- 12 Sea to Sky Highway Stops Your Family Can’t Miss
- 10 Weekend Getaways from Vancouver for Families
