Places to Discover Art page ten
Indigenous Experiences page four
Accessible Birding page twelve
Trails Less Travelled
Berry Season in the Valley
page two
page five
2022
SPRING - SUMMER EDITION
In This Issue Dog Parks & Trails Less Travelled............................... 2 Shoulder Season Camping.......................................... 3 Indigenous Experiences.............................................. 4 Circle Farm Tour......................................................... 5 Berry Season in the Valley.......................................... 5 Ice Cream Recipe........................................................ 6 Fraser Valley Crossword............................................. 6 Destination Map...................................................... 7-8 Featured Events........................................................... 9 Shop the Valley............................................................ 9 Places to Find Art.......................................................10 Fishing Guide............................................................... 11 White Water Rafting.................................................. 11 The BC Bird Trail........................................................ 12 Geocaching.................................................................. 12 Wine Guide & Libations............................................. 13 Sports in the Valley....................................................14
Welcome to the
Fraser Valley Explorer Thank you for picking up the second edition of The Fraser Valley Explorer. This Spring/Summer release is packed full of inspiration to make the most of your visit to the Fraser Valley this upcoming season. In this publication, you will find popular activities and attractions that are open and eager to give you an experience to remember, as well as ways to take advantage of our lesser trafficked areas and ideal times to visit. You will also find many opportunities for outdoor adventures, culinary indulgences, cultural and Indigenous experiences, and more awaiting your arrival. We can’t wait to see you!
The Fraser Valley Tourism Langley, Tourism Abbotsford, Tourism Ch’illiwack, Harrison River Valley, Tourism Mission, and Hope, Cascades & Canyons @thefraservalley | #thefraservalley
Learn more about the Fraser Valley by visiting our website!
thefraservalley.ca
Disclaimer: venue operating hours and safety protocols are in flux due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Acknowledging the Indigenous Peoples of this Land We acknowledge that we live, work, play and travel on the traditional, ancestral, unceded and shared territories of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, Leq’á:mel, Sema:th, Matheqwí, Qwó:ltl’el, Sq’éwlets, Aitchelitz, Shxwha:y, Skowkale, Squiala, Soowahlie, Tzeachten, Yakweakwioose, Cheam, Skwah, Kwaw Kwaw apilt, Douglas, Seabird Island, Sts’Ailes, Samahquam, Sq’ewá:lxw, Skatin, Chawathil, Shxw’ow’hamel, Xwoxwela:lhp, Peters, Popkum, Skawahlook, Spuzzum, Boston Bar, and Boothroyd First Nations. Carving artist - Chief Terry Horne 1
Six Outdoor Spaces to Bring Your Furry Friend Travelling can make it difficult to get enough exercise for your furry friends! Check out one, two, three, or all of these pet-friendly parks and trails on your next journey around the Fraser Valley.
Aldergrove Regional Park Dog Off-Leash Area Langley
Large leash-optional enclosure, separate small dog enclosure, designated leash-optional trail, and designated dog water station.
Bateman Park / Stoney Creek Abbotsford Off-leash permitted open field, large enclosure, and freshwater creek for swimming.
Island 22 Regional Park
Dog Off-Leash Area Chilliwack
Large leash-optional enclosure and separate leash-optional enclosure for small dogs along the Fraser River. Dogfriendly trails nearby, leash required.
Green Point Day Use Area Harrison
Off-leash permitted while swimming and within 200m of either side of the boat launch, otherwise leash required.
Hayward Lake Dog Beach Mission
Off-leash permitted only in specified Dog Beach area, otherwise leash required.
Hedlund Dog Park Hope
Fully fenced area designated for leash-optional exercise, conveniently located close to all amenities and other dogfriendly trails (leash required).
Trails Less Travelled
The Fraser Valley is known for its stunning nature trails, incredible backcountry hikes and everything in between. We’ve gathered a list of a few quiet spots to enjoy the pristine natural elements in peace when the popular trails are packed. Langley
Tavistock Trail on Brae Island Abbotsford
Chilliwack
Harrison
Mission
Downes Bowl Trail Whippoorwill Point
Thaletel Trail Silverdale Wetlands
Know Before You Go
Many trails and Forest Service Roads in the Fraser Valley sustained varying levels of damage during the storm season. Please ensure that you check current trail conditions before planning your hike and stay off heavily damaged or closed trails In addition to community municipal pages, resources such as alltrails.com and trailforks.com are great places to visit when researching which trails to visit. Please also review parking availability before heading out and be respectful of all parking regulations.
Abbotsford To Anywhere
Our airline partners at YXX—Swoop, Flair and WestJet—are making travel more affordable and accessible for Canadians with direct flights throughout Canada. abbotsfordairport.ca | flyswoop.com | flyflair.com | westjet.com 2
Shoulder Season Camping Few moments capture the essence of peace and relaxation quite like a trip into the wide-open wilderness, perhaps with a good book and a quiet spot beside a pristine lake. When spring rolls around, many avid campers are already planning summer adventures, scheduling vacation time and rushing to reserve coveted campsites. But why not beat them to the punch? Heading into the great outdoors during the spring shoulder season comes with perks such as more campsite availability, fewer bugs, wide-open beaches and budding blooms.
Wildfire Prevention
Our wildland suffers severe damage due to preventable fires every year. Do your part to ensure your experience is safe and responsible by following these points: Keep vehicles off of dry grass or any other dry, flammable vegetation - even your hot exhaust pipe can start a fire! Ensure that your vehicles and equipment have spark arrestors. Dispose of cigarette butts properly. Don’t throw them out a car window or anywhere other than a proper disposal container. Stay up to date with the risks of wildfires in your area. Use caution when using flammable liquids such as gasoline or lighter fluid. Make sure that you are only refuelling devices when they have completely cooled down and be careful to spill as little as possible of the flammable liquid on the ground. It is illegal to give, sell, fire, or set off fireworks without permission from the respective fire commissioner in most communities in the Fraser Valley and most of the province of British Columbia yearround, yet they are the cause of many wildfires every year. Keep lighters, matches and any other flame or spark producing objects away from children.
Survive Outside: The Three Ts Trip Planning
Create a trip plan and leave it with someone you trust so that in the event that something goes wrong, they’ll know where to begin the search.
Training
Obtain the knowledge and skills you need before heading out and stay within your limits.
Taking the Essentials
The 10 essentials are the basic survival items you should have for any given outdoor venture. Find the full list and more details on the Three Ts at adventuresmart.ca or download the AdventureSmart Trip Plan app.
Leave No Trace
These seven principles are critical to ensuring the health of our outdoor spaces and maintaining our relationship with the wild. leavenotrace.ca | @leavenotrace 3
To report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire in BC, please call 1.800.663.5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone) as soon as possible.
Bad Rock Tours | Stó:lō Cultural Tours
Did you know there are three dialects of Halq’eméylem? The Stó:lō language is Halq’eméylem. This is a Central Coast Salish language with three dialects or spoken versions: Halq’eméylem (Upriver), Hun’qumyi’n’um (Downriver), and Hul’q’umín’um’ (Island).
HALQ’EMÉYLEM
HUN’QUMYI’N’UM HUL’Q’UMÍN’UM’ Source: digitalsqewlets.ca
Xá:ytem Longhouse
l
Indigenous Experiences Here in the Fraser Valley, we live, work and play on the traditional and ancestral territories of a diverse number of Indigenous communities. There are some incredible places in our region to learn more about its Indigenous roots and that provide ways to support Indigenous artists and business owners. From cultural tours, interpretive centres and outdoor adventures to art galleries and shops, we invite you to surround yourself with the rich and multi-faceted Indigenous experiences of the Fraser Valley.
‘ Pow Wow staĺ w
Stó:lō Cultural Tours
Xá:ytem Longhouse
Tuckkwiowhum Village
e
Langley
Mission
Chilliwack
Hope
Tuckkwiowhum Village
Find more Indigenous-owned businesses and experiences here!
Scan the QR Code
4
Explore the Fraser Valley Circle Farm Tour Visitors will delight in stunning countryside that is filled with unique agricultural experiences. You can explore berry farms, find out all about the workings of a dairy farm and shop for ‘fresh and local’ food at the many farm-gates and at Farm and Country Markets.
The Changing of the Seasons
Kensington Prairie Farms
The change of season brings with it exciting changes on the Circle Farm Tour. Along with the longer days and warmer weather of spring and summer comes fresh blooms, newborn farm animals and an abundance of fresh goods which you can harvest yourself or pick up at one of the many market stalls along the route. Farmhouse Natural Cheeses in Harrison River Valley is a lovely place to start your tour. Here you can pick up artisanal handcrafted cheeses and other farm fresh products all while surrounded by scenic mountain vistas. While you’re in the neighbourhood, stop by the market at Harrison Lavender to pick up some handmade products, later in the season you can wander the rows of their fields of purple. Mt. Lehman Winery
As you continue along your journey take a scenic drive into Chilliwack’s River Valley and pick up some all-natural honey from the Chilliwack River Valley Honey Farm Store. Then pop into Little Mountain Garden Centre and find everything you need to create your own garden oasis at home. Keep winding your way along quiet country roads and you will find yourself in Abbotsford. Your trip would not be complete without a visit with the adorable goats at Goat’s Pride Dairy. And did you know what’s almost as amazing as cute goats? Taking a tour of an award-winning winery featuring handcrafted wines developed from grapes grown right here in the Fraser Valley. Mt. Lehman Winery offers that and more. The Township of Langley also offers a variety of unique farm experiences sure to complete your adventure. You will not want to miss an opportunity to walk with an Alpaca at Kensington Prairie Farms and learn more about these amazing creatures. Before you finish your day be sure to stop into Ralph’s Farm Market to pick up all the farm fresh ingredients you need to create a delectable dish to celebrate your experience on the Circle Farm Tour!
Berry Farms The Circle Farm Tour has a handful of farm-fresh berry picking locations to delight your eyes and taste buds. Bring the whole family or grab a group of friends for a day in the U-pick fields of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, red currants and blackberries! driedigerfarms.com | chilliwackblueberries.com | krauseberryfarms.com | maanfarms.com | russlynnblueberries.ca | tavesfamilyfarm.com 5
Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream The Ingredients 2 cups of farm fresh blueberries 3 tbsp of granulated sugar 8 oz of cream cheese 14 oz of sweetened condensed milk 1 tbsp of pure vanilla extract 2 cups of heavy whipping cream 1 premade graham cracker crust
Get the full recipe at fvtr.ee/ice-cream
A Valley Crossword Across
Down
Japanese shares
Find the answers on Page 12 6
Featured Events
Harrison Festival of the Arts
The Fraser Valley is full of fun people doing fun things and we’d love for you to join us! From arts & culture, live music and food festivals to farm experiences and sporting events and so much more, you are sure to find something you’ll love while you are here. Check out the selection of events listed below for inspiration when planning your trip and be sure to head to each community’s events page to find more ways to join in on all the fun!
Langley
Harrison
Fort Langley Beer + Music Festival Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival
Harrison Festival of the Arts Bands on the Beach
tourism-langley.ca/events
tourismharrison.com/upcoming-events
Abbotsford
Mission
Abbotsford International Airshow The Abbotsford Berryfest
MissionFest Mission Folk Music Festival
tourismabbotsford.ca/events
tourismmission.ca/events
Chilliwack
Hope
Greendale Easter Egg Hunt
Hope Brigade Days
The 150th Annual Chilliwack Fair
Hope Show & Shine Car Show
tourismchilliwack.com/upcoming-events
hopebc.ca/upcoming-events
Event details are in flux due to the pandemic and are subject to change. Please visit each community’s events listing for current information. Downtown Abbotsford
Shop the Valley As you stroll the charming streets in our shopping cores, be ready to discover artisans, boutiques, and unique handcrafted items you will not find anywhere else. Visit our distinct shopping districts to find the perfect souvenir or treasure!
Shopping Districts
Outdoor Apparel
District 1881 in Chilliwack Downtown Abbotsford Downtown Chilliwack Fort Langley Highstreet in Abbotsford
Valhalla Pure Abbotsford Chilliwack Dart & Tackle Hope Outdoors Mad Dog’s Ski & Snowboard Mt. Waddingtons Outdoors
Other Popular Places to Shop Central Village in Chilliwack Cottonwood Centre in Chilliwack
Garrison Village in Chilliwack Esplanade Avenue in Harrison Hot Springs
Sevenoaks Shopping Centre in Abbotsford
The Junction Shopping Centre in Mission
Downtown Mission
Willowbrook Shopping Centre in Langley
Downtown Agassiz Downtown Hope 9
Willoughby Town Centre
Ten Places to Discover the Fraser Valley Art Scene
Gallery 202
The valley is teeming with arts and culture. From murals draped through downtown cores to detailed carvings plotted along street corners, you’ll find a vast array of interesting pieces in each community.
Ruby Creek Art Gallery Hope
Chilliwack Art Trail Chilliwack
Gallery 202 Mission
Sikh Heritage Museum
Hope Chainsaw Carving Self-Guided Tour Hope
Ranger Station Art Gallery Harrison
The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford Downtown Chilliwack
Fort Gallery Langley
Sikh Heritage Museum Abbotsford
CanWest Art Gallery Harrison
Kube Gallery Langley
10
Fishing in the Fraser Valley One of BC’s most renowned fishing destinations, the Fraser Valley, has abundant salmon, steelhead and sturgeon swimming through its lakes, rivers and creeks. Head to a serene spot to cast a line or hop on a charter boat for a guided fishing trip on the Fraser River with any of our world-class guides. Fraser River
Guided Fishing Adventures Fraser Valley fishing guides have the perfect adventure waiting for you: whether you are new to the sport or have spent years building up your tackle and patience to catch that elusive prize fish. Fred’s Custom Tackle • Mainlanders Sportfishing Great River Fishing Adventures • Sturgeon Hunter Len’s Sportfishing Adventures • Kilby Lodge Chilliwack Dart & Tackle Shop • Streamline Guiding BC Sportfishing Group • Cascade Fishing Adventures Silversides Fishing Adventures • Swiftwater Guiding River Therapy Fishing Company • Fraser River Lodge Bent Rods Guiding & Fishing Co. • STS Guiding Service Fraser Fishing Adventures
Nahatlatch River
White Water Rafting Book a whitewater rafting adventure on one of our epic rivers with Chilliwack River Rafting or REO Rafting Resort! chilliwackriverrafting.com | reorafting.com
Ride Our Trails Rain or Shine
The Fraser Valley Mountain Bikers Association has built an inclusive mountain biking culture and a sustainable trail network for all to enjoy. Ride 1,348 trails—from beginner to double black diamonds—that cover over 3,300 kilometres, 92,109 metres of descent and 2,442 metres of vertical. The valley’s temperate climate also makes it a great choice throughout the fall and winter.
Local trail information and maps fvmba.com | @fvmba 11
Campbell Valley Regional Park
Accessible Birding on the BC Bird Trail The first Birdability Week was launched this past October as a celebration of birders with disabilities and other health concerns, and an opportunity to share resources and ideas to help the birding community be accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to everybody! Our friends over at the BC Bird Trail have continued with sharing those resources and have created some field notes about locations on the BC Bird Trail that offer accessible facilities and features, such as public washrooms, parking and reserved parking, wheelchair and stroller access, public transit access, flatter trails and boardwalks, and more. We recognize that work is still ongoing to ensure that the birding community and the outdoors are welcoming and safe for all, you can find more information on the improvements being made and other resources that are available through the BC Bird Trail and Birdability’s websites.
#LookUpStayGrounded Learn more about our accessible birding fvtr.ee/birdtrail-accessibility
Pi:txel Trail
Geocaching Geocaching is a fun and educational outdoor recreational activity. Its goal is to find hidden containers known as ‘caches’ or ‘geocaches’ using a portable satellite navigation device (GPS) receiver or a mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek for containers that are hidden in specific locations marked by coordinates, all over the world. Basically, it is like the world’s biggest treasure hunt! The game offers something for everyone, from families with children to retirees. Some ‘Cachers’ play the game to see how many ‘finds’ they can get, while others incorporate the activity into their travel goals. Geocaching is a great way to find remarkable destinations that you would not have otherwise discovered. It is also an excellent educational tool and a great way to learn about the environment.
Looking to learn more about geocaching? Visit fvtr.ee/geocaching
This popular activity is hosting its annual conference for the very first time in Canada this summer! GeoWoodstock XVIII (18) is being hosted in Abbotsford on August 13, 2022. Learn more at geowoodstock.com.
12
Wine Experiences
Ripples Winery
Although the Fraser Valley is well known for being one of the most agriculturally productive parts of BC, it remains a surprise to some that the Valley is actually the second largest wine producing region in British Columbia. Our cool climate, fertile soil, along with farmers who have a passion for viticulture, means that wine lovers can find over 15 wineries covering more than 200 acres in the region. The climate here, despite being cooler, is still moderate. This, combined with the rich alluvial soils and low frost risk leads to the grape varietals being grown here to develop a bright acidity. Throw in the Pacific coastal breezes and you end up with a fantastic diversity of wine styles being available to impress the taste buds of wine connoisseurs from all over. Here you can find favourites and well-loved varietals, as well as several unique styles that may surprise you, such as Bacchus, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, l’Acadie Blanc, and Petite Milo. Our wineries also offer more than just grapes with a selection of meaderies and fruit wines to add to your experience. Backyard Vineyards
With such a wide range of offerings to see and taste we recommend planning a full day, or better yet, a weekend trip to the Fraser Valley to fully experience the wineries in our region. Beyond wine, our farm-to-table restaurants, cozy accommodations, and ever-expanding list of attractions and shopping opportunities provide something for the casual wine enthusiast to the experienced oenophile. Check out our food and wine guide to find suggested itineraries or a list of our recommended tour operators. Or use it to learn even more about varieties grown here and create your own perfect trip of wine tasting.
For the Food & Wine Guide
Scan the QR Code
Breweries, Cideries and more... Not only is the Fraser Valley the second largest wine region in BC, our lush agricultural region also provides the perfect conditions for growing everything needed for fresh craft beer, cider and spirits. When you visit one of our 22 libations establishments you will be blown away by the flavour and quality that is poured into every glass by our proud brewers and distillers. Don’t forget to include one or two in your list of things to do while you’re here! 13
Locality Brewing
Sports Venues The Fraser Valley is home to a wide variety of sports, including team and spectator, and we have the venues to prove it! Whether you want to join in on all the action or cheer from the side-lines there is no shortage of options to keep you moving and entertained. From indoor ice rinks and courts to outdoor fields and wide-open spaces, Fraser Valley sports venues along with the hospitality industry, deliver a truly memorable experience to suit your needs and interests. These venues are perfectly set up for you to enjoy everything from athletic sports to car racing to horse jumping and the list goes on.
Spaces that will get your participants into the spirit Are you looking to go big? The Langley Events Centre and Abbotsford Centre hold 5,000 and 7,000 spectators respectively and host hundreds of games and events throughout the year. Or perhaps you have a need for speed? Mission Raceway Park offers weekly motorsports events that are sure to get your heart pumping. Equestrian enthusiasts will not want to miss the experience of Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, which is one of North America’s premier equestrian event facilities. And it is not just athletes or competitors who are treated to fantastic experiences. The Fraser Valley extends hospitality to rural explorers, wine aficionados and retail enthusiasts throughout the year. With easy access to world-class restaurants, hotels, wineries and shops, fans and attendees from near and far will be in for a treat. Thunderbird Show Park
Fraser Valley Bandits
New venue for even bigger action Fresh off a winning season that culminated in an action-packed playoff victory in front of a sold-out crowd, the Fraser Valley Bandits should be on a sports fan’s must-see list. The Canadian Elite Basketball League team has its new home base at the storied Langley Events Centre and is preparing for an electric home opener on Saturday, June 4, 2022. Few sports match the fast-paced energy of basketball, and few teams bring the magic like the Bandits. It’s Fraser Valley action you’ll want the whole family and other taggers along to experience.
Golfing
Pagoda Ridge
Whether you’re an experienced golfer or a firsttimer, the Fraser Valley is home to over twenty phenomenal courses ranging from kidfriendly mini-golf to expert fairways. The greens will be waiting for you any day of the week! Find a course and book your tee time!
Scan the QR Code 14
Flower Experiences in the Valley Spring and Summer bring a bounty of blooms to the region. Did you know the Fraser Valley is home to over 20 flower experiences, including Tulip, Sunflower, and Dahlia festivals? From roadside stands to 20+ acre fields of floral fun, the valley is brimming with blossoms April through September.
Read our blog to see the full list of flower experiences!