History of Hope Brigade Days

In 1848, the Hudson Bay Company decided to expand and strengthen their communications links between the coastal areas and the interior of British Columbia. The fur brigades founded Hope.

Fort Hope was established at the foothills of the Cascade mountains, at the point where the wild Coquihalla River runs into the mighty Fraser River. The canyons in this area twist and turn and force the wild waters through the narrow crevices. Once through Hell's Gate, the river slows and leisurely meanders into the Fraser Valley and on to the ocean.

It would be 80 years before Fort Hope was incorporated to become the Village of Hope and close to another 40 years to graduate to the Town of Hope. Finally, in 1993, the town amalgamated with outlying areas to become the District Municipality of Hope.

Since 1969, the commemoration of the early pioneer days has taken place in the form of an annual festival known as Hope Brigade Days, celebrated on the weekend after Labour Day in September.