A Day in Hudson's Hope with Kids | Northern BC Family Travel
A few years ago the kids and I took a road trip through Northeastern BC — Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, and Hudson's Hope. These posts were originally written for a blog called Northern BC Moms. I'm republishing them here now that I own Nest & Sprout, a children's boutique in Prince George. The details hold up — this is a genuinely undervisited corner of the province worth the drive.
On this particular trip, wildfires were burning across the province. Air quality kept us from getting to a few spots on the list — but what we did see was worth it.
Things to Do in Hudson's Hope with Kids
W.A.C. Bennett Dam Visitor Centre
Start here. The W.A.C. Bennett Dam is one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world, and the visitor centre does a genuinely good job of making that scale comprehensible — interactive exhibits, a theatre, and guided bus tours that take you underground into the powerhouse. Older kids who like engineering or big infrastructure will be into this. It's about 30 minutes from town, so plan accordingly.
Note: cameras, purses, and bags aren't permitted on the underground tour, but free lockers are available. Check BC Hydro's site for current hours and tour times.
Hudson's Hope Museum
A small but worthwhile stop — dinosaur fossils, rock imprints, and taxidermy wildlife that tends to land well with kids regardless of their interest in history. The area has genuine paleontological significance (dinosaur trackways have been found in the region), and the museum gives that some context.
Community Park & Playground
Right across from the museum — a good spot to let kids decompress after a morning of exhibits. Grab a coffee from a nearby café and let them run it out before the next stop.
Outdoor Pool
Hudson's Hope has the only outdoor public pool in Northern BC — which makes it worth noting if you're visiting in summer. Open May Long Weekend through Labour Day. A wading pool is included for smaller kids.
Current hours at hudsonshope.ca
Dinosaur Lake
A calm, clear lake near the Peace Canyon Dam — good for a swim and a picnic. You can no longer visit the Peace Canyon Dam up close, but there's a viewing platform that gives you a solid vantage point. Worth combining with a trip to the museum if dinosaurs are the theme for the day.
Dinosaur Trackway Hunt
Hudson's Hope and the surrounding area have actual dinosaur trackways — not replicas, the real thing embedded in rock. Stop by the Hudson's Hope Visitor Centre for current guidance on where to look and what to expect. It's the kind of outing that feels genuinely adventurous for kids who are into it.
hudsonshope.ca — Visitor Centre
Hudson's Hope is a solid day trip from Fort St. John, or a natural stop on a longer Northeastern BC road trip. It's small, it's quiet, and it has a distinct character that's easy to miss if you only drive the main highways.
Have a favourite spot in Hudson's Hope? Share it in the comments.
Planning a Northern BC road trip? Browse our other guides: Fort St. John with Kids and A Day in Dawson Creek with Kids. And if you need to outfit the crew before you go, find us at nestandsprout.ca or in store at 3049 McGill Crescent, College Heights, Prince George.
Leave a comment