Good Hope Lodge
You'll find some of the best trophy sport fishing for salmon, halibut and bottom-fish at Good Hope, River's Inlet, British Columbia.
Good Hope Cannery
More than a century ago, the Good Hope Cannery was established on the central coast of BC. It is today one of few authentic 19th century canneries still in existence. Though its purpose has evolved over the years, once strictly a cannery, now it’s a luxurious sport fishing lodge offering up some of the finest big game trophy Chinook and prize Coho in the world.
The Good Hope Cannery itself sits midway up the coast of British Columbia in Rivers Inlet - a stroke of geographical luck. Rivers Inlet is 40 isolated miles of wild B.C. coast carved into the Coastal Mountain range by ancient glaciers. These glaciers feed crystal-green rivers and creeks that flow into the nutrient rich Pacific Ocean to create the perfect conditions for some of the best sport fishing in the world.
In 1882, when the first cannery on the Central Coast was constructed, River’s Inlet quickly became an important economic hub. In fact, the location of the first cannery here was more a result of kismet than of planning. When the first steamer churned up the wild coast line loaded with supplies, it was spring, and it was crucial that construction be completed in time for the fishing to begin late that summer. Time was of the essence. It was dark and snowing when the steamer pulled in to anchor, and the captain had his crew off-load all of the supplies at the tide flats rather than further up the inlet where it had initially been planned that the cannery be built.
In time, fifteen more canneries were constructed, and in 1894, the Anglo-British Columbia Packing Company constructed the Good Hope Cannery in its present ideal location. A year later, H.O. Bell-Irving and Company took on the role of sole managing and selling agent in the area. Finally, after a long and lucrative existence as a cannery, the Bell-Irving family converted it to a resort in 1965. “The site did not go unnoticed over the years,” says lodge manager, Ted Walkus. “The Cannery was even featured in a National Geographic book called 'Our Amazing Earth'.”
Today Good Hope is one of only a few canneries remaining in Rivers Inlet. In fact, it’s one of only two still standing on the entire coast that has not been converted into a museum. Much of the original machinery and surroundings have been incorporated into the design, adding to the authenticity and intrigue of the lodge.
"There are two distinct fishing areas here where guests fish this trophy fishery: the protected Inlet and ocean outside the inlet," Ted explains. "All five Pacific salmon species are found in Rivers Inlet: Chinook (King), Coho (Silver), Pink, Chum and Sockeye. Bottom fish like lingcod, rock fish and halibut also thrive here, providing challenging alternatives to salmon. This year, run sizes were up to between 5000 - 5500 fish in the spawning bed. Next year should be a good year for five to six year old fish."
Guests can fish in and around Good Hope Bay, at the head of the Inlet or at the mouth of the Inlet in Fitz Hugh Sound which marks the southern start of the fabled Inside Passage. With fish returning to one of three rivers at the head of the Inlet, and with other south-bound fish holding just outside the Inlet until tides draw them onward, there are a number of different scenarios which require different techniques.
One unique proposition guests find at Good Hope Cannery is an assortment of activities in addition to fishing. “Wildlife photography, kayaking, and whale-watching are a few favourite pastimes here, says Ted. "Our guests enjoy excellent service and an exquisite dining experience that, together, is unlike anything in Rivers Inlet.”
After a day solid morning of fishing some of the best Salmon habitat in the world, guests can walk the shoreline, or take in views of whales, grizzly and black bears, deer, eagles and, at times, wolves or cougars. Arrange a 'top-of-the-world' ridge walk, or a private picnic on the shores of an alpine lake rarely visited by others. Helicopter tours are also available and offer a once in a lifetime experience.
Evenings bring a relaxed, cozy lodge experience while sharing the day’s fishing stories among the artifacts - and ghosts - both remnants of the cannery’s storied past. The lounge, where most of the post-fishing activity takes place, is warm and club-like, with deep chairs, vintage lighting, and an eclectic collection of original west coast art. The handcrafted wooden bar dates from the ‘20s, and the circular fireplace warms and invites every evening.
"In the main lodge area, you’ll find billiards, arcade style hockey games, ping pong tables, a basketball hoop, floor hockey, Foosball, darts, and more," Ted says. "Just above this, the net loft offers an incredible view up the head of the bay." Guest rooms have also been restored in the original spirit of the cannery, but with many fine details and luxury touches to ensure the ultimate in comfort.
Visit the Good Hope Cannery website and photo gallery at: