celebrate the arrival of spring in beautiful British Columbia's Fraser Valley
Did someone say spring? It’s true, spring has made its arrival in Canada and if you’re like many others, you’re excited for more sunshine and more time outside. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a mini getaway where you can relax, reconnect and treat yourself for making it through a long winter. If you ask us, there are few better places in Canada to enjoy spring than the Fraser Valley in British Columbia. Nestled between rolling mountains and the mighty Fraser River, the scenery of this beautiful region speaks for itself. However, it’s not the only reason to visit and we’re giving you a guide with some of the top valley experiences you won’t want to miss!
Outdoor Adventure
Nothing says spring like getting outside and as luck would have it, the Fraser Valley is known for being a nature enthusiast's dream! If you’re excited about the return of hiking, be sure to visit Chilliwack, where the trails are endless. Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is located east of Chilliwack and is well worth the drive. With giant redwood trees all around you, the pleasant and relatively flat terrain leads you to the stunning Bridal Veil Falls, a 60-meter cascading waterfall that is truly picturesque.
Also located in Chilliwack, Mt. Thom Park offers unbeatable mountain views - once you reach the top of course! There are a couple of trails to choose from based on your desired difficulty but no matter what, once you reach the end you’ll get to take in panoramic views of Chilliwack. If you’re seeking a slightly more adventurous experience, head to Chipmunk Caves, just off Chilliwack Lake Road. Make sure to bring a headlamp because, after about 15 minutes, you’ll arrive at some small caves you can explore!
Not only is Chilliwack known for great hiking, it’s also known for being a prime spot to go Sturgeon fishing. These impressive fish are survivors of the dinosaur era and can weigh upwards of 800 pounds! Booking a professional charter service is a must, as they’re familiar with the river, they know the best fishing techniques, and once you land your catch, they’ll help you handle these important species with the proper care. The best time for a BC Sturgeon fishing trip is anywhere from March to late November. Spring months offer good fishing on the lower Fraser River, not far from Chilliwack.
Farm Experiences
All around the Fraser Valley are local farms that offer unique experiences. From honey farms to cheese farms, there are so many to visit, but one you definitely need to add to your bucket list is Kensington Prairie Farm. Located in Langley, they raise Huacaya Alpaca and offer the chance to get up close and personal with these quirky animals. Book a Farm Tour or an Alpaca Walk to experience petting and feeding the Alpacas while your guide tells you about their origins, temperament and more!
EcoDairy Farm Discovery Centre in Abbotsford is one of the most family-friendly farm experiences in the Fraser Valley. They offer dairy barn tours where you can meet the cows, help feed them and even experience innovative technology such as the robotic milker. Or take their VIP Access Tour where you will see behind the scenes of the farm and learn more about how they are using technology to reduce their environmental footprint. They also offer guided tours for walk-in guests every hour starting at 10:30 a.m. Don’t forget to check out their on-site shop where you’ll find fresh milk, yogurt, and everyone’s favorite - ice cream!
Food & Drink
You may not know it, but this region is also home to many exquisite wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries, and spring is a great time to visit them.
Local Gems
We can’t forget to mention a couple of the most unique local attractions in the Fraser Valley. The Twilight Drive-In can be found in Langley and is Metro Vancouver's only drive-in movie theater. To enjoy this nostalgic experience you can sit in your car or on a lawn chair - just make sure you bring some warm blankets if you’re going to sit outside! They sell traditional movie treats and just like Coast Hotels, they are pet friendly, so even your best friend can come along. You can purchase your tickets online to guarantee yourself a spot! During the spring, they operate on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of April. Plus, Sunday is couples night!
Also found in Langley, on the banks of the Fraser River, is Fort Langley. Built in 1827, it was a Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post that is now a National Historic site you can explore. Book a guided tour or choose the self-guided route and enjoy a children’s play area, gold panning, and seeing farm animals at your own leisure.
Coast Hotels has all your accommodation needs covered while you explore the Fraser Valley. We have locations in Chilliwack, Abbotsford and Langley so no matter where you decide to lay your head, we’ve got you covered!