Hope is a small town at the far eastern edge of the Lower Mainland region (population 7000). Located between the Fraser River and the Cascade Mountains, it has long been an important stopping point for travellers.

In the late 19th century, Hope was the starting point of the Cariboo Wagon Road, which transported miners and settlers to the gold fields of the Cariboo (Quesnel area). Before the road was built, the Fraser River was the main transportation route. At one point, three major railway lines intersected in Hope.

Fast forward to your modern day road trip and I'd recommend Hope as the ideal place to stop for a coffee, fill up on gas and get a hot meal. Heading east? If you leave Vancouver around 10am, it'll be lunchtime by the time you reach Hope.

After Hope, there are very limited services for 150-200km, depending on the route you take.