Hudson's Bay Company Heritage Trail

The Hudson’s Bay Company Heritage Trail from Tulameen to Hope is a serious multi-day backcountry trek, not a casual weekend stroll. Stretching about 71 km with nearly 4,000 m of elevation gain, it follows an old fur trade route over passes, through deep forest, and down into the Fraser Canyon. Expect long days, big climbs, and real wilderness between Hope and the Tulameen side.

On the ground, the Hudson’s Bay Company Heritage Trail feels wild and varied. You’ll move from old roadbed to narrow singletrack, then into sections of scree, muck, and brush where you’ll be checking blazes and doing a bit of route finding. Views open up on the high points, then drop you back into creek valleys with frequent crossings, new bridges in some sections, and a real sense of traveling across the mountains rather than just hiking to a viewpoint.

Recent trips in July and September report mostly clear trail between Tulameen and Peers, some lingering snow patches, and river crossings that ranged from knee to almost waist deep, depending on runoff and height. Expect blowdown, mud, and bushwhacking, plus active bear country with plenty of scat and the occasional sighting, so carry spray and store food properly in the caches. Plan 5–7 days, carry a GPS track, don’t underestimate the navigation, and aim for a July to September window when water levels drop and the Hudson’s Bay Company Heritage Trail between Hope and Tulameen is at its most manageable.