Things to Do in Hudson’s Hope – NortheastBC Events

Step Back in Time in Hudson’s Hope: The Peace Region’s Oldest Community

Hudson’s Hope holds a singular place in northeastern British Columbia. Established as a fur trading post in 1805 by explorer Simon Fraser, it is the oldest continuously inhabited non-Indigenous settlement in the Peace Region and one of the oldest in the province’s interior. Today this village of roughly 1,000 residents sits on the banks of the Peace River, flanked by two of the largest hydroelectric dams in the country, surrounded by landscape that has been yielding dinosaur fossils for over a century. It is a place where deep time and human history converge in ways few communities can match.

Dinosaurs and Deep History

The Hudson’s Hope Museum houses one of the most remarkable small-town fossil collections in western Canada. Dinosaur footprints, bones, and plant fossils discovered along the Peace River canyon are displayed alongside artifacts from the fur trade era and the construction of the massive dams that reshaped the valley. The surrounding badlands and exposed riverbanks continue to produce paleontological discoveries, and guided interpretive walks are available during the summer months. For anyone with even a passing interest in natural history, the museum alone justifies the drive.

The Dams: Engineering on a Grand Scale

The W.A.C. Bennett Dam, completed in 1968, is one of the largest earth-fill dams in the world. Its visitor centre offers tours that take you deep inside the powerhouse, where ten massive turbines generate electricity for the provincial grid. The reservoir it created — Williston Lake — is the largest body of fresh water in British Columbia. A few kilometres downstream, the Peace Canyon Dam provides a second stage of power generation. Together, the two facilities represent an extraordinary feat of mid-century engineering, and the visitor programs run by BC Hydro are free, well-organized, and genuinely fascinating for adults and children alike.

Outdoor Adventure on the Peace River

The Peace River corridor around Hudson’s Hope offers outstanding fishing for bull trout, rainbow trout, and Arctic grayling. Boat launches provide access to both the river and the vast expanse of Williston Lake, where houseboating, kayaking, and remote camping draw a loyal following of outdoor enthusiasts. The village itself maintains walking trails along the riverbank, and the surrounding Crown land is popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and wildlife viewers. Moose, deer, black bears, and a remarkable diversity of bird species are regularly spotted in the area.

Community Life and Events

Despite its small size, Hudson’s Hope sustains an active community calendar. The annual Hudson’s Hope Day celebration in summer features a parade, community barbecue, games, and live entertainment. The Farmers Market runs through the growing season, and the community hall hosts regular dances, dinners, and seasonal events. The local curling rink and recreation facilities provide winter gathering places, and the village’s quiet pace of life draws visitors looking to slow down and connect with a landscape that feels genuinely untouched.

Hudson’s Hope rewards those who seek it out. It is not on the way to anywhere — you come here on purpose, and you leave with stories about dinosaurs, dams, and a river valley that has shaped human lives for thousands of years.

Looking for things to do in Hudson’s Hope, BC? Known as the Dinosaur Capital of British Columbia, this picturesque community on the banks of the Peace River is steeped in prehistory and pioneer heritage. With world-class fossil discoveries, the magnificent Peace Canyon, and the breathtaking W.A.C. Bennett and Peace Canyon Dams, Hudson’s Hope offers a unique blend of natural wonders and small-town charm in the heart of northeast British Columbia.

Upcoming Events in Hudson’s Hope

Stay connected with what is happening in Hudson’s Hope. Community celebrations, heritage events, outdoor activities, and more.

View the full Hudson’s Hope events calendar →

Popular Activities and Attractions

The Hudson’s Hope Museum is a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils and pioneer artifacts, featuring some of the most significant paleontological discoveries in western Canada. The Peace Canyon Dam and W.A.C. Bennett Dam offer visitor centres with tours and exhibits explaining the massive hydroelectric projects that shaped the region. Dinosaur Lake and the Peace River provide excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming in the summer months.

The surrounding wilderness offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities. In winter, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are popular activities. The community’s well-maintained trails and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Peace River valley make Hudson’s Hope a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Annual Events and Festivals

Hudson’s Hope celebrates its heritage with events like the annual Dino Days festival, Canada Day festivities, community sports days, and seasonal markets. The town’s strong volunteer spirit means there is always something happening at the community hall, arena, or along the beautiful Peace River waterfront.

Step Back in Time in Hudson’s Hope: The Peace Region’s Oldest Community

Dinosaurs and Deep History

The Dams: Engineering on a Grand Scale

Outdoor Adventure on the Peace River

Community Life and Events

Upcoming Events in Hudson’s Hope

Popular Activities and Attractions

Annual Events and Festivals

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