The Hope Lookout trail (also known as the Hope Hustle) is a steep exercise trail near Hope, East of Vancouver (Canada). It won’t take you very long but it’ll warm you up and really get your heart pumping. It’s all worth it once you make it to the lookout to see the gorgeous mountain views.

We had spent the previous night camping nearby at Bridal Veil Falls. The weather forecast was pretty terrible for later that day, so we got up early to catch the last of the sun’s rays before the clouds descended. I am really glad we did, as we’d finished this walk by 10am, so still had a whole day to explore the area around Hope.

Hope Lookout Trail – the basics

Distance: 4.2km
Elevation gain: 470m
Highest Point: 527m
Time: 1.5-2 hours
What to bring:
Plenty of water, the 10 Essentials. We didn’t bring hiking poles for this, but they would have been useful.
Facilities:
There is an amazing loo at the top, as well as a book for visitors to sign and little gifts for kids that make it up the Hope Hustle.
Dogs:
Dog friendly
How hard is it?
Intermediate. I mean it’s just over 2km to the top so anyone can manage it BUT it is steeeep! This mini hike will make you sweat.
Extra Tip: On the way back, if you take the Joan Greenwood Loop Trail you can see some gorgeous old growth trees.

Hope Lookout Trail Map

Hope Hustle Trailhead

There is a parking area under the highway overpass (right after the traffic lights) as you drive into Hope. Once you arrive you’ll see a map of the area (with more possible hikes) and the start of the trail to the Hope Mountain Lookout.

The trail starts up a slightly steep path, that leads to this mini viewpoint.

Next you’ll turn into the woodland. Once you’re on the trail, you can’t really go wrong. Just follow the main pathway and get ready for your heart to start pumping.

Mini Grouse Grind Alternative

Canadians really seem to love their workout hikes! There are quite a few near Vancouver; Like the Grouse Grind, the Blackcomb Burn, the Coquitlam Crunch, the Harrison Grind etc. The Hope Hustle is one of those short, steep hikes that people use to train or to get their hearts racing. It is much easier than the Grouse Grind, as it is only 470m elevation gain and just over 2km. As long as you are expecting lots of steps, you’ll be able to do it.

Marc and I went early in the morning (before 8am) and I am VERY glad of that. It was a hot and sweaty climb, even that early in the morning.

At least it doesn’t take too long. We were not attempting to go quickly, so it took about an hour. Speedy people can make it up in 25-30 minutes(!)

The Hope Lookout Viewpoint

Once you’ve climbed the main stairs, you’ll emerge at an area of the mountain where a rock slide opens up the forest to give you this fantastic view. This lovely scenery is totally worth an hour of effort!

You’ll see some fantastic views down to Hope, the surrounding mountains and the Fraser River. There is even a sign with a photo of Hope in the 1960s, so you can see how it has changed.

The Lookout Logbook

There is also a small cupboard that has a log book (as well as hand sanitizer before you touch anything…) You can leave a note and boast about how long it took you to hike up. If you have hiked up with children, there are small gifts to give children as a reward for their hike.

Fantastic loo with a view

If you have followed this blog for a while you may have noticed that I love to take a pee in pretty locations. I already have a couple of posts about the best loos with views. So, I was really happy to see such a fantastic lookout loo at the end of the Hope Lookout trail. The best part is, the toilet is set up a bit like a green throne, facing outwards so you can see the mountain views as you sit. I loved it!

Joan Greenwood Loop

On the return journey, you can do an extra teeny loop along the Joan Greenwood loop. This little section of the hike is slightly more overgrown and wild feeling than the rest of the hike. We loved it for the giant trees it takes you past. This will add a little extra elevation to your hike, but it’s not much longer, so if you have time, take a peek at the ancient trees.

Just where the Joan Greenwood loop joins the main trail, we found a carving of my dad (or maybe Gandalf) on the tree.

Thimbleberries

Lastly, near the car park, look out for thimbleberries! I tried a few, and they were really tasty for once. I am always quite optimistic about berries, but thimbleberries are a bit strange. Occasionally you’ll find a incredibly tasty one…but most of the time they are a bit “meh”.

We were only planning to do this as a mini walk to start our day; So we were able to go and explore more after this. If you wanted to make this your main exercise for the day, you could combine it with a visit to Flood Falls or Bridal Veil Falls. They are both nearby, and super short walks.

If you ever visit Hope and want a bit of a leg workout, this a fab (if sweaty) trail. Click on the pins below to save it.