Hudson's Hope is a little town that has huge opportunities for adventure. This small community of just over 1,000 people is located in the Peace River Valley, not far from Chetwynd and Fort St. John.
Christian Eschenburg has been snowmobiling in the area for 16 years. Although not involved with a club, Eschenburg loves to explore with his friends. He shared a few of his secrets.
Last season, Eschenburg's best ride was when he managed to get out for a two-day trip to the frozen Williston Lake.
“It is an awesome feeling to go high speed on the snow-covered ice of the lake,” said Eschenburg. “We went on a sunny weekend in February 2013 all the way to Finlay Forks.”
Williston Lake is the the largest lake in British Columbia, backing onto the Rocky Mountain Trench, which is where the Parsnip and Finlay reaches meet at Finlay Forks. The lake is known for snowmobiling and other winter activities.
Another favourite destination for Eschenburg is Butler Ridge Provincial Park, 20 kilometres northwest of Hudson's Hope. He headed out there for his first ride of the season last year and enjoyed stunning views over Beryl Prairie.
Eschenburg said that both Williston Lake and Butler Ridge are largely untouched by tourism.
“Mostly only locals enjoy the pristine nature around Hudson's Hope,” he said.
Eschenburg said he thinks his first ride for the upcoming season will be out to Williston.
“The machine is already ready to go, we only need to wait for the white stuff to come,” he said.
Other destinations
Hudson's Hope offers numerous trails of pure powder to explore on your sled. As well as Williston Lake and Butler Ridge Provincial Park, there are many forest trails. Close to Chetwynd is the well-known Pine Pass, the perfect place to spend some time in the mountains.
Sledders can also explore seismic lines in the area and groomed runs are offered at Cameron Lake, a very scenic location in the Hudson's Hope district.
