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One of the wonderful things about summer in the Fraser Valley is that you can travel for 20 minutes in any direction and find something entirely different to marvel at. The diversity of nature, culture, and food here is beyond compare, which is why, for locals, it’s the optimal location for a staycation. Only an hour’s drive from Vancouver, each of the following points of interest leads to other noteworthy stops, so you can easily fill your itinerary whether you’re here for the weekend or just a quick overnight stay. With warm accommodations, quaint boutiques and eateries, and all the fresh air you could ask for, the Fraser Valley is always ready to host you!

*If you’re new to the area—first of all, welcome! There’s a lot to discover in the Valley, so it never hurts to brush up on a few guidelines before you arrive (even if you already consider yourself a local pro.) Here are a few travel tips that might come in handy before you head out into nature or push off onto the water.

Langley

If you’re looking for a charming village, historic attractions and a stellar wine scene, keep the Township of Langley on your road trip radar! Start with a stop at the Fort Langley National Historic Site, where you’ll step into the 1820s in an immersive historical experience and learn about how British Columbia has evolved over the past two centuries. The onsite eatery, Tradish’s The Ancestor Cafe, serves delicious Indigenous fare made with fresh local ingredients from the surrounding area. Taking a cue from traditional plant-medicine recipes, Chef Sarah Meconse Mierau’s menu will leave you feeling satisfied and restored for the next stop on your visit. 

If you’re looking to explore a bit of local greenery, Redwoods Golf Course is just on the edge of Fort Langley and has become a community staple for golf enthusiasts and casual players alike—the perfect spot to work on your short game or take the kids for a quick round.

You’ve likely gotten more than a few steps in by now, so it may be time to cool off with something tasty. Visit Township 7 Vineyards & Winery for a crisp sipper made with grapes from around the Valley and the Okanagan. You can enjoy a glass while taking in the sprawling view of the vineyard, sample a flight from the renowned wine selection, or learn how to open a bottle with a bit of flair with their Sabre & Sip Experience. One of the best in the local wine scene, Township 7 is renowned for a reason.

When dusk rolls around and it’s time to settle in, Langley has lots of warm and inviting options, but you can never go wrong with Holiday Inn Express & Suites Langley! Centrally located, this is a great place to set up shop while you decide which nearby attractions to visit first.

Abbotsford

This Valley gem has lots to offer visitors looking for a bit of rural charm. From a downtown core lined with cute shops and boutiques to family farm experiences that kids will adore—Abbotsford has a bit of everything! If it’s culture you’re after, stop by The Reach Gallery Museum for excellent exhibits from both local and international creatives. Always reliable for a burst of inspiration, the gallery’s programming includes kids’ workshops where little ones can get hands-on.

For a bit more of the country flavour you might associate with the Valley, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Birchwood Dairy Farm. With 220 acres of farmland home to 120 happy cows, you could easily spend the afternoon exploring the grounds, checking out the milking observation room and the petting area, and of course, sampling the 50 flavours of freshly made gourmet ice cream! 

When the dinner bell chimes, we highly recommend hitting up The Table Bistro for artisanal dishes inspired by the fresh local produce of the season. The Fraser Valley squash with mashed chickpeas and candied pumpkin seeds is worth the trip alone. Pair it with one of their craft cocktails (a frothy Clover Club never fails to impress), and you’ve got a surefire great evening ahead of you.

Round out your staycation with a comfy room at Sandman Hotel & Suites Abbotsford Airport—the heated indoor pool offers pinnacle unwinding as you decide which stop of the journey has been your favourite so far.

Mission

Already a mainstay in the local film and TV industry, the city of Mission is ready for you to star in your next big adventure—a staycation! The Hollywood North destination boasts lush parks and quaint rural surroundings that have set the scene for numerous screen favourites. You can now recapture the excitement of each moment with Mission Movie Moment. Whether you’re a Riverdale, X-Men, or Twilight fan, Mission is a must-stop for taking movie-inspired selfies. One such memorable locale of the area is the Powerhouse at Stave Falls. Standing next to the hulking generators of this hydro-powered energy hub, you’ll get a clear idea of how much raw power rushing water can produce. An incredibly unique attraction where you can learn about science and take impressive selfies all in one go.

When you’re ready for a wholesome evening with a burger and shake, stop by Rocko’s 24 Hour Diner, BC’s last free-standing around-the-clock diner. Another frequent Hollywood backdrop, don’t be surprised if you see Archie and Jughead sipping a malt across from you (the diner plays the role of Pop Tate’s in Riverdale.)

After reliving all those silver screen moments, you might be a bit tuckered out, which is when you can call on any of the Mission’s fantastic stays. The Best Western Plus Mission City Lodge is always a reliable option as the largest full-service hotel in Mission. Pet-friendly and close to area attractions and within walking distance of a coffee shop and brewery, this is a solid option for making a home away from home for a few days.

Chilliwack

One of the most exciting ways to experience the Valley, the river rafting of the area is renowned for offering outstanding rides for experts and beginners alike. Start with Chilliwack River Rafting for adrenaline-filled tours through awe-inspiring mountain passes and tranquil nature scenes. Each expert guide will teach you all the basics you need to navigate the rapids and lead you through a variety of routes. It all adds up to an incredibly fun and one-of-a-kind way to see the gorgeous local nature!

Once you’ve come back to dry land, it’s important to continue moderating your temperature—and a frosty beverage never fails in that department. This is where Sidekick Brewing comes in. Only seven minutes from the lake, Sidekick has outstanding Detroit-style pizza (if you know, you know) and an impressive selection of refreshing beers, each with their own distinct personality. Just look at some of these names: Doodle Bug “Quinn” Hibiscus Orange Ale, Heavy Metal Drummer “Nels” Bavarian IPA. Stop by soon to meet the rest of the notable characters on tap!

If you’re looking for something a bit more intimate, there’s also Bravo Restaurant & Lounge. A date night favourite, this Pacific North-West eatery has some of the best seafood around. Order a crisp glass of wine chilled to perfection or an icy martini from their signature list to make the most of a summer evening.

Finally, when it comes time to wind down, book a stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chilliwack East for breathtaking mountain views and warm local amenities.

Harrison

Home to much more than just the hot springs (although those are always worth visiting!), Harrison offers quintessential nature and culture experiences unlike any other in the Valley. At Harrison Watersports Waterpark, you can test your balance and agility on their famous Harrison Lake obstacle courses, which are great for families and larger parties! Then, make your way to the Sasquatch Museum, where you can learn about local Indigenous communities via engaging stories, intricate carvings, and the immersive Sts’ailes Longhouse room. 

If you’re looking for a low-impact hike in the area that won’t leave you wiped out for the rest of your visit, then Spirit Trail is a fantastic option. You’ll walk through the stunning cedars, enjoying the fresh scents of the forest and spotting carved masks along the way, which were crafted and placed by a local artist for lucky nature-goers to find. 

With such an active itinerary, it’s best to know where you’re resting for the night, so we suggest Sasquatch Crossing Eco Lodge. Built in 1903, this heritage home has nine unique B&B rooms for pampered experience with plenty of amenities. A seasonal saltwater pool, meditation labyrinth, and onsite walking trails are just the beginning of how you’ll unwind during your stay.

Hope, Cascades, and Canyons

A visit to the Hope, Cascades, and Canyons region is never complete without taking in the soaring view over the Fraser Canyon. Hell’s Gate Airtram offers a smooth ride over the mighty Fraser River as you descend into a historic gold rush settlement. Learn about the area’s history, take in the panoramic Coast Mountain scene and visit the famous onsite sweet shop. 

Next up, stop by the Syéxw Chó:leqw Adventure Park to dig into the spirit of exploration and play! Take your pick between 4,000 metres of walking and cycling trails, a bike skills park, nature viewing platforms, or the impressive 90,000 square-foot playground—there’s always something to discover here. Located on the traditional land and territory of Sq’ewá:lxw First Nation, the park creators used the phrase “playground of our ancestors” as the inspiration for the project as the Sq’ewá:lxw have been using the area to hunt, fish and harvest cedar bark since time immemorial.

For a quick cool-down between adventures, you can’t beat the popular area craft brewer, Mountainview Brewing Co. Try a pint of Willowisp pilsner or a raspberry pomegranate sour for premium summer sipping on the patio. 

When it comes time to settle in, HCC has lots of memorable accommodation options! Fraser Canyon Riverside Domes has incredible geodesic domes that are roomy and filled with natural light. The quaint riverside property has firepits and a hot tub for added relaxation opportunities. With Fraser Canyon Teepee Escape, you can enjoy a gorgeous nature staycation while spending the night in a handcrafted, luxury teepee. This is the Fraser Valley’s take on “glamping,” and it’s well worth the visit if you’ve never done it. Pair it with a guided sturgeon fishing outing, and you’ve got an outstanding weekend ahead of you!