A Fraser River fishing adventure is closer than you might think. Hope, British Columbia is approximately a three-hour drive from Seattle, making it an easy destination for a weekend fishing trip, guys’ getaway or longer Canadian vacation.

Visitors travelling from Washington can enter British Columbia through several US–Canada border crossings, including Peace Arch/Douglas, Pacific Highway, Aldergrove/Lynden and Sumas/Huntingdon. From the border, continue east toward Hope and the Fraser River.

Allow additional travel time for traffic and border waits, especially on weekends and holidays.

Whether you’re planning your trip specifically for trophy sturgeon fishing or adding a Fraser River adventure to a Pacific Northwest road trip, Hope puts one of North America’s most unique freshwater fishing experiences within easy reach of Washington State.

Hope is approximately a two-hour drive east of Vancouver, making Fraser River sturgeon fishing an easy addition to a Vancouver or British Columbia vacation.

From Vancouver, travellers can follow Highway 1 east toward Hope. The drive takes you away from the city and into the mountains, rivers and dramatic landscapes of the Fraser Valley.

International visitors flying into Vancouver can spend a few days exploring the city before heading east for a completely different BC experience on the Fraser River.

For travellers looking to experience more than the typical Vancouver itinerary, a guided sturgeon fishing trip is an unforgettable way to see another side of British Columbia.

Coming from Alberta? Hope is a natural stop for travellers heading west into British Columbia.

Visitors driving from Calgary, Banff or other Alberta destinations can make Fraser River sturgeon fishing part of a larger Western Canadian road trip, combining the Canadian Rockies with the rivers, mountains and forests of British Columbia.

If you’re already planning a road trip between Alberta and Vancouver, adding a day or multi-day fishing adventure in Hope gives you a completely different experience along the way.

For guests travelling from elsewhere in Canada, the United States or overseas, there are two convenient airport options.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is approximately a two-hour drive from Hope and offers the largest selection of domestic and international flights.

Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) is approximately one hour from Hope and can be a convenient alternative for travellers who find a suitable flight into Abbotsford.

Rental vehicles are available at both airports, making it easy to turn your Fraser River fishing trip into a longer British Columbia road trip.

American visitors can easily make Fraser River fishing part of a Canadian getaway.

Entry requirements depend on your citizenship, nationality and how you are travelling. The Government of Canada recommends that American citizens travel with a valid passport, as it is the most reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document.

Because entry requirements can change, international guests should always confirm current Canadian entry requirements before travelling.

Once you cross into British Columbia from Washington State, Hope is an easy drive east toward the Fraser River and Coast Mountains.

Guests fishing the Fraser River must have the appropriate BC Freshwater Fishing Licence, and any applicable conservation licence or surcharge required for the species and area being fished.

BC offers one-day, eight-day and annual freshwater licences, including licence options for non-residents and international visitors.

Freshwater fishing licences can be purchased through the Province of British Columbia’s WILD system.

If you’re unsure what you need for your River Otter trip, contact us before your charter and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

Hope makes an excellent base for a Fraser River fishing getaway, with hotels, motels, cabins, campgrounds and vacation accommodations available throughout the area.

Staying locally also gives you time to enjoy the region instead of rushing back to Vancouver or across the border after your charter.

For multi-day fishing trips, consider staying several nights and turning your fishing expedition into a true British Columbia outdoor getaway.

Travelling with a larger group? Contact us when planning your trip and we can help you determine the best area to stay based on your fishing itinerary.

In Lillooet - The Reynolds Hotel, Hotel De Oro

In Hope - Best Continental Hotel, Hope Inn & Suites, Swiss Chalets Motel

In Lytton - Ruddoch’s Ranch

We take care of the fishing gear so you can focus on the experience.

River Otter provides the rods, bait and tackle required for your guided fishing adventure.

We recommend bringing:

• Weather-appropriate layers

• Rain jacket

• Hat and sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Comfortable footwear

• Food, drinks and snacks for the day

• Camera or phone for photos

• Your fishing licence and required identification

British Columbia weather can change quickly, particularly around the river and mountains, so dressing in layers is always a good idea

If you’re travelling from Washington, elsewhere in the United States or overseas, don’t come all this way for just a few hours on the water.

Make Fraser River sturgeon fishing part of a bigger British Columbia adventure.

Spend a few nights in Hope. Explore the Fraser Canyon. Take in the mountain scenery. Add sightseeing or another day on the river. Continue west to Vancouver or head deeper into the BC Interior.

A multi-day River Otter trip gives you more time on the water and an opportunity to experience different sections of the Fraser River while turning your fishing charter into a genuine Canadian outdoor holiday.

For anglers searching for trophy fishing in Canada, a unique Canadian outdoor experience or a freshwater fishing adventure unlike anything back home, this is it.

Not everyone travelling with you has to be an avid angler.

A Fraser River trip is as much about the setting and experience as it is about fishing. The river is surrounded by spectacular mountains, forests and wildlife, making a day on the water memorable even for guests who don’t normally plan vacations around fishing.

River Otter also offers sightseeing experiences, making it possible to build an outing that appeals to different members of your group.

Meanwhile, the Hope and Fraser Canyon region offers hiking, sightseeing, local history and plenty of opportunities to explore between fishing days.

Our 6-hour sightseeing tour explores the wildlife and the history of the Fraser River.

Day trips are available for up to 4 guests and include a picnic lunch.

Because this isn't an ordinary fishing trip.

The Fraser River is home to white sturgeon — extraordinary prehistoric fish known for their size, strength and unforgettable fights.

Combine that with British Columbia’s mountain scenery, wildlife and rugged river landscape and you get an experience that’s about much more than landing a fish.

Whether you’re travelling from Seattle for the weekend, flying into Vancouver from across North America or planning a once-in-a-lifetime Canadian fishing holiday from overseas, River Otter gives you the opportunity to experience one of British Columbia’s most distinctive outdoor adventures.

Come for the sturgeon. Stay for the adventure.