Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinAs we stood at the edge of a meadow in the Fraser Valley, a squirrel suddenly ran in front of us, leaving us in a whirl of laughter and awe.
It was a moment that perfectly encapsulated the magic of this enchanting region. Yeah, the beauty of nature truly knows no bounds, and we felt grateful to witness such a spontaneous and delightful moment in the wilderness.
Today, we’ll tell you all about our unforgettable experience exploring the wonders of the Fraser Valley and the unexpected encounters that made our adventure truly special.
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (UTC-8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Fraser Valley is during summer or fall (April to September). That’s when you can really soak in the vibe of the cities, check out the wineries, hit up the farms, and take in those sweet water views.
Things to Know
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Language: English
Calling Code: +1
What is Fraser Valley known for?
The Fraser Valley in British Columbia is a thriving agricultural region recognized for its fertile land and diverse food.
The region is important for food production and cultural history, providing locals and tourists with a rich tapestry of farms, markets, and attractive landscapes that promote agricultural appreciation and sustain local economies.
The Fraser Valley is known for its bustling agricultural scene, boasting a mosaic of barns, dairies, and fields nestled amidst towering mountains.
Here, you can relish in everything farm-fresh, as well as explore wineries, microbreweries, golf courses, and indulge in sturgeon and salmon fishing adventures.
How to Get Around
Buses: the bus network in Fraser Valley is a great way to get in, out, and around the city. They have the Fraser Valley Express, West Coast Express, and Translink.
Taxis: there are multiple taxi companies operating in the Fraser Valley. There’s Central Valley Taxi (Abbotsford and Mission), Abbotsford Mission Taxi, Cheam Taxi (Harrison and Chilliwack), Chilliwack Taxi, and Pacific Cabs (Langley).
Car service: Uber and Lyft operate across much of the Fraser Valley, offering convenient transportation options for locals and visitors alike.
Where to Stay in Fraser Valley
The Rockwell Harrison
Address: 7550 Rockwell Drive District of Kent – Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, BC V0M 1A0, Canada
Phone: +1 778-888-7080
Pricing: $$
Nestled in the heart of Harrison Hot Springs, the Rockwell Harrison features a sun terrace with views of the mountains. This B&B features three suites with balconies and patios.
Amenities feature a furnished terrace offering picturesque lake views, along with a pool table and comfortable living and dining spaces for your enjoyment.
Fraser River Lodge
Address: 7984 McDonald Rd S, Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-796-1210
Pricing: $
Fraser River Lodge is a stunning property on the river with woodsy rooms with river or mountain views. It’s built out of 250-year old yellow cedar logs, giving it a rustic vibe.
The rooms are meticulously styled with thoughtful details, but the real standout feature has to be the private hot tubs, offering unparalleled views of Mount Cheam.
The Fraser River’s Edge B&B Lodge
Address: 43037 Old Orchard Rd, Chilliwack, BC V2R 4A6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-703-1968
Pricing: $
Nestled along the banks of the Fraser River in Chilliwack, this charming B&B lodge sits amidst mountains, offering stunning riverfront views. You can enjoy direct river access via scenic nature trails on the property.
The lodge boasts a range of amenities, including a relaxing hot tub, a rejuvenating cedar sauna, and a refreshing spring-fed shower. For those seeking adventure, fishing trips are also available.
Rowena’s Inn on the River
Address: 14282 Morris Valley Rd, Harrison Mills, BC V0M 1L0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-796-1000
Pricing: $$$
Situated along the Harrison River, Rowena’s Inn on the River is a charming 160-acre English-style boutique resort. Housed within a converted 1920s manor, this boutique hotel exudes historic charm and elegance.
The cozy cabins here feature private patios boasting views of the scenic golf course and river. Inside, guests are treated to king-sized beds, indulgent jacuzzi bathtubs for two, and wood-burning fireplaces.
Vedder River Inn
Address: 5788 Vedder Rd, Chilliwack, BC V2R 1C4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-824-7999
Pricing: $
Perched in the picturesque Fraser Valley, Vedder River Inn offers a cozy retreat just 5 kilometers away from the excitement of Cultus Lake Adventure Park and Cultus Lake Waterpark. While it’s a basic hotel, don’t expect an array of amenities.
However, they do have parking and a continental breakfast served on weekends and holidays. The inn also provides access to a meeting room, a business center, and even a fish freezer.
Where to Eat in Fraser Valley
Restaurant 62
Address: 110 – 33559 Marshall Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 1K8, Canada
Phone: +1 604-855-3545
Pricing: $$
This farm-to-table restaurant serves seasonal Pacific Northwest cuisine. Chefs Matthew Nichols and Jeff Massey prioritize local ingredients, seamlessly rotating menu items to align with the changing seasons.
A standout dish is the duck prosciutto risotto, which quickly became our favorite. It marinated in incredible sauces and flavors.
The Table Bistro
Address: 2180 Gladwin Rd #101, Abbotsford, BC V2S 4P8, Canada
Phone: +1 866-710-9813
Pricing: $$
The Table Bistro offers a cozy ambiance and serves up fresh, handmade food throughout the day. The backdrop of timeless jazz music and elegant interior decor sets the perfect tone for a delightful dining experience.
Among the crowd favorites are the braised short rib, duck tacos, empanadas, and the mouthwatering spicy peanut bowl.
The Blackberry Kitchen
Address: 7494 Mary St, Mission, BC V2V 6Y9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-826-0210
Pricing: $$
Set within the picturesque 40-acre Fraser River Heritage Park in Mission, The Blackberry Kitchen offers breathtaking views of the Fraser Valley and Mt. Baker.
You can indulge in breakfast options served until 2pm, with standout dishes like the Eggs Benny, Mac n Cheese, and the custom sandwich paired perfectly with cranberry sauce.
Bravo Restaurant & Lounge
Address: 46224 Yale Rd, Chilliwack, BC V2P 2P5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-792-7721
Pricing: $$
Bravo Restaurant and Lounge offers an exquisite dining experience with its Pacific Northwest cuisine served in a chic, sophisticated ambiance reminiscent of a classy 80s lounge.
Get their seared five spice duck breast special, expertly cooked to perfection and elegantly paired with shiitake gnocchi.
Home Restaurant
Address: 665 Old Hope Princeton Way, Hope, BC V0X 1L4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-869-5558
Pricing: $
Since 1953, the Home Restaurant has been delighting patrons with a mix of favorite classics and modern twists on traditional dishes. Their homemade pies, in particular, are quite well-known.
We came here to have their pies. The rhubarb pie in particular is our choice. It has a delightful tartness, complemented by a perfectly flaky crust, and served with an indulgent portion of ice cream.
What to Do in Fraser Valley
Embark on a Nature Journey at Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park
Media credit: garyrobbins
Address: Trans Canada Trail, Rosedale, BC V0X 1X0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-9371
Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park draws outdoor enthusiasts with its array of activities, including hiking, fishing, small motor-boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
The serene lake and stunning mountain vistas offer a perfect retreat from urban hustle. The turquoise waters, though chilly, are a sight to behold, making it a must-visit destination during the summer months.
Discover the Serenity of Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park
Media credit: adventureclubcult
Address: Bridal Falls, BC V0X 1X0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-9371
Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is home to a waterfall nestled within an old-growth forest. It’s located just off Highway 1 in Bridal Falls, BC, approximately 10 minutes east of Chilliwack.
A leisurely stroll through the woods leads visitors to a breathtaking observation point overlooking the impressive waterfall.
Enjoy a Refreshing at the Cultus Lake Waterpark
Address: 4150 Columbia Valley Hwy, Cultus Lake, BC V2R 5H6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-858-7241
Cultus Lake Waterpark stands as BC’s largest waterpark and themed amusement park, with over 18 waterslides and 5 hot tubs. You can enjoy vast expanses of green grassy areas, dotted with over 150 covered picnic tables, all free for use.
While outside food isn’t permitted and cooking your own is prohibited, the park offers a range of food options for purchase, from snacks to drinks and full meals.
Experience Hell’s Gate Airtram
Address: 43111 Trans-Canada Hwy, Boston Bar, BC V0X 1L0, Canada
Phone: +1 604-867-9277
The Hells Gate Airtram offers an exhilarating aerial journey above Fraser Canyon, with views of Hells Gate and the surrounding area. Along the way, you can access information about the Simon Fraser River and its six salmon species.
For those eager to delve deeper into the region’s history and ecology, a cinema presents three historic films detailing the origin and characteristics of these species. Additionally, the gift shop and ice cream shop are popular stops.
Have a Fun Day at Castle Fun Park
Address: 36165 N Parallel Rd, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2K8, Canada
Phone: +1 604-850-0411
Castle Fun Park is a fun day-out for the whole family. With a vast array of attractions including over 200 arcade games, Go-Karts, bowling, and an indoor mini-golf course, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
While entry to the park is free, guests can play the games using real money. As an added bonus, players have the opportunity to earn tickets from their game wins, which can then be redeemed for a variety of souvenirs.
Where to Shop in Fraser Valley
Highstreet Shopping Centre
Media credit: anna_m_hurley
Address: 3122 Mount Lehman Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2T 0C5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-381-3934
Highstreet Shopping Centre stands as the Fraser Valley’s top spot for shopping, dining, and cinema. With a comprehensive selection of retail outlets and leisure options, it’s your one-stop destination for both retail therapy and relaxation.
Featuring renowned brands such as H&M, Sephora, and Forever 21, as well as a diverse range of restaurants and shops, Highstreet offers something for every taste and preference. Plus, with Cineplex onsite.
Spruce Collective
Address: 2622 Montrose Ave, Abbotsford, BC V2S 3T5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-855-0506
This store is an ideal destination for finding gifts for friends or treating yourself to something special.
While there’s a small kids section tucked away in the back, the majority of the store is brimming with an eclectic array of household knick knacks, puzzles, jewelry, skincare products, cleaning supplies, and many more.
Whether you’re browsing for a thoughtful present or hunting for treasures to adorn your own home, this store has something to delight every shopper.
Clayburn Village Store
Address: 34810 Clayburn Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7Y9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-853-4020
Nestled in historic Clayburn Village, the Clayburn Village Store is a charming establishment steeped in tradition, serving the community since 1912.
This quaint shop specializes in offering a delightful assortment of traditional British goods and candy, creating a nostalgic atmosphere for visitors.
Step inside to discover a treasure trove of gourmet delights, ranging from locally sourced jams and honey to imported teas and chocolates.
Stó:lō Gift Shop
Address: 7201 Vedder Rd Building 19, Chilliwack, BC V2R 4G5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-824-2670
The Stó:lō Gift Shop is a delightful little store offering a diverse range of indigenous-produced items that support the Stó:lō Nation and other local First Nations communities.
Inside is a treasure trove of goods, including jewelry, clothing, accessories, books, bath and body items, stationary, and household goods.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Fraser Valley
Transit • Bus & Train Times: real-time transit schedules in BC that provides bus tracking, stop alerts, directions, and alternate routes.
Maps.me: free, detailed offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation for driving, hiking, or biking.
GasBuddy: locates nearby gas stations in Canada and shows prices, hike alerts, and gas deals.
Passport Parking Canada: lets you pay for parking on the go using your phone.
