Sasquatch Caves in Hope
Legend has it that the Sasquatch Caves were
named after a family of Sasquatches spotted in the caves. But when my friend exotic pet photographer
Jason Humber and I asked locals, none of them had ever seen a Sasquatch
entering or leaving the caves. Unlike most caves I have explored, these
caves seem to be the result of a large ancient rock slide. Massive moss-covered boulders have piled up
in front of a cliff side forming large crevices that both people and
Sasquatches can climb through and explore.
We started our journey in the parking lot of
the Holiday Motel where the owner asked us to go inside the lobby and sign a
waiver as the caves are located on the hotel’s property.
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A two minute walk up the road takes you to
the caves which are located right behind a trailer with a lot of unique
treasures scattered about its yard. It
has a bit of a landfill theme to it.
The first cave you come upon is the main cave that contains passages that take you quite a ways up the mountain. Smaller openings lead to large chambers so be sure to wear proper cave wear that you can get dirty as you squeeze yourself from one chamber to another. Also be sure to wear a headlamp as the caves are very dark and damp. In this main cave, you will see some cave art near the entrance. They do not resemble any First Nations cave drawings that I have ever seen but some people claim they are authentic. I believe they are modern but I am not an expert on cave art. |
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As
you climb amongst the boulders up the side of the mountain you will come across
a number of other openings, some small and others large enough to walk inside.
Be sure to wear good hiking shoes and gloves as the rocks can be both sharp and slippery. And also bring rain gear and Hope tends to get more than its fair share of rain.
When you are finished spelunking – the official term for cave exploring, stop by the Owl Street Café for a home cooked meal and a warm cup of coffee. This unique café is a tourist attraction in its own right. Built in 2003 with Pine Beetle-killed timber from nearby Manning Park, the café’s large bar, the sidebars and front counter are made from local 'curly maple', a much sought after wood in the making of high-end violins. The exterior side is board and baton from a 150 year old barn in the Chilliwack area. This wood was naturally weathered, giving it a very unique look. When the café opened its doors in 2005, something incredible happened. Owls from all over the world started to arrive in neat packages and promptly put on display in the café - a trend that remains to this day. Visit their website at www.owlstreet.com to view the full collection of owls and to check out their menu made from the best local ingredients.
Be sure to wear good hiking shoes and gloves as the rocks can be both sharp and slippery. And also bring rain gear and Hope tends to get more than its fair share of rain.
When you are finished spelunking – the official term for cave exploring, stop by the Owl Street Café for a home cooked meal and a warm cup of coffee. This unique café is a tourist attraction in its own right. Built in 2003 with Pine Beetle-killed timber from nearby Manning Park, the café’s large bar, the sidebars and front counter are made from local 'curly maple', a much sought after wood in the making of high-end violins. The exterior side is board and baton from a 150 year old barn in the Chilliwack area. This wood was naturally weathered, giving it a very unique look. When the café opened its doors in 2005, something incredible happened. Owls from all over the world started to arrive in neat packages and promptly put on display in the café - a trend that remains to this day. Visit their website at www.owlstreet.com to view the full collection of owls and to check out their menu made from the best local ingredients.
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HOW TO GET THERE – The caves are located on private property
behind the Holiday Motel and Owl Street Café on Owl Street in Hope. On Trans Canada Hwy
#1, take exit 168 until you reach the stop sign. Turn East on Flood Hope Rd,
then follow this road which will lead you to the Owl Street Cafe. Turn right on
Owl Street and at the stop sign, the Holiday Motel is right in front of you. You are allowed to park in the hotel parking lot
but the owners request that visitors go into the reception area and sign a
waiver before entering the caves.