There are journeys that take you far, and there are journeys that take you deeper within. This Holy Week 2026, our trip to Hope became both.
We arrived on Good Friday, April 3, after a quiet two-hour drive from home. As we entered Hope, known as the gateway to the interior, the atmosphere immediately shifted. The town welcomed us with calmness, as if inviting us to slow down, reflect, and listen.
Hope is famously known as the chainsaw carving capital of Canada, and everywhere we looked, stories were carved into wood. Each sculpture felt alive, shaped with patience and passion. It was amazing to see how art can turn something ordinary into something deeply meaningful. It reminded me that life, too, is shaped by the hands of time, trials, and faith.
This small town also carries a piece of cinematic history as the filming location of Rambo: First Blood. Yet beyond its fame, what truly captivated us was its simplicity. No towering skyscrapers. No overwhelming noise. Just a peaceful town embraced by mountains, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view from downtown. It felt like standing in the center of God’s creation.
A Walk Through Reflection
On Black Saturday, April 4, we explored the heart of Hope on foot. Each step felt unhurried, intentional.
 |
| A quiet Holy Week in Hope, where mountains stand still and the heart finds peace in every step. |
We walked through Hope Memorial Park, where the stillness of nature gently quieted our thoughts. From there, we passed by the Friendship Garden, a Japanese-inspired space that radiated peace and harmony. It was a place where silence spoke louder than words.
We visited Hope Catholic Church for a moment of reflection. It felt sacred and still. It was a pause our hearts needed, a chance to reconnect, and to remember the true meaning of Holy Week.
 |
| Along the mighty Fraser, we found stories carved in wood, written in history, and reflected in moments we’ll always treasure. |
Our walk led us to Fort Hope National Historic Site of Canada, resting quietly along the Fraser River and overlooking Greenwood Island. Standing there, I felt the weight of history and the flow of time, just like the river that never stops moving. It reminded me that life continues, but we must choose how we live it.
Joy in Simple Moments
That afternoon, we drove to Kawkawa Lake, just minutes from town. The scene was full of life. Families gathered for picnics, children laughed and played, and the lake reflected the surrounding mountains like a perfect mirror.
 |
| Kawkawa Lake, where still waters, laughter, and simple joys made the day quietly unforgettable. |
People enjoyed kayaking, stand-up paddling, boating, jet skiing, and fishing. Yet even with all the activity, there was a sense of peace. It was a reminder that joy often lives in simple, shared moments.
A Journey Toward Renewal
On Easter Sunday, we continued our journey home, but not without one last stop. We hiked to Flood Falls.
The trail took us almost an hour to complete, both ways. It was a good cardio exercise, but more than that, it was a walk toward renewal. As we reached the falls, the sound of rushing water filled the air, washing away stress and worry.
 |
| Beneath the flowing falls, we paused, felt renewed, and carried a quiet peace within us. |
We have always loved waterfalls. There is something about them that speaks to the soul. The constant flow, the strength, the beauty. It reminds us to keep moving forward, to trust the journey, and to keep exploring the places where we feel most alive.
A Holy Week to Remember
Hope, British Columbia, gave us more than a weekend escape. It gave us a space for self-renewal, a spiritual retreat, and a deeper appreciation of God’s wonderful creation.
In the quiet streets, in the carved wood, in the flowing river, and in the falling water, we found something we often miss in our busy lives. Peace. Gratitude. Presence.
This Holy Week was not just about traveling to a place. It was about returning to what truly matters.
And sometimes, all it takes is a small town named Hope to remind us of that.
Del Make it Happen.
©️ 2026 Del Cusay