The rule of thumb for hub motors when ascending is you must keep the speed st 50% of the max or else too much energy is being transferred into heat. If the hill is short, no problem. Almost everyone agrees for steep climbs a mid-drive excels. The BBS02 (should cost < $450) is excellent, and combined with a good battery (you shouldn't need more than 5 ah for your trip), will be < $1,000. You'll still need to pedal IMO, but not excessively hard. My wife and I ride off road on our similarly-equipped bikes and use only about 100 - 125 wh for a 14 mile (7 up, 7 down) ride with 1500' of climbing (BBS02, 52V, 6ah battery). There are easy on, easy off systems, but at this time all are hub AFAIK (look at Clean Republic and Superpedestrian)..
Last edited by 2old; 10-21-18 at 02:33 PM.