Fraser Valley: Nature, Cycling and Culture

In Fraser Valley, nature watching, outdoor activities and cultural offerings can each be a focus of a trip. You can then choose your destination based on these interests.

Nature Watching and Trails

Walks, picnics and birdwatching are popular at Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park. The sensitive ecosystem around Cheam Lake is home to abundant wildlife and a variety of plant and bird species, including numerous insects, mammals and birds. So far, 184 different bird species have been recorded in the park. A floating boardwalk leads to a viewing platform. A second, wheelchair-accessible viewing platform is near the parking lot. There are also about 2 km of easy walking trails with viewpoints and benches.

East Sector Lands Recreation Area is a 316-acre nature park in Harrison Hot Springs. Wetlands and coniferous and deciduous forests shape its varied landscape. The ecologically sensitive area is home to numerous birds, mammals, insects and plants, including several endangered species; their presence and status may change. Species presence and status may change. At Cascade Falls Regional Park, Cascade Falls is the main attraction.

Cycling and Other Outdoor Activities

The bike skills park at Island 22 Regional Park in Chilliwack is designed for riders of all skill levels. Its features include wooden features, pump tracks and trails, as well as advanced jumps and progression jumps and drops. Fraser Valley has technically challenging mountain biking trails and parks, as well as options for beginners. Its mild climate makes the region a suitable year-round choice for mountain biking. Sumas Mountain Regional Park offers hiking, trail running and mountain biking.

The scales differ: the bike skills park is a specific location with named features, while the range from challenging trails to beginner options describes the region’s mountain biking offerings. This can help you distinguish between a dedicated visit to a bike park and a more general cycling trip. Both interests therefore offer different starting points for trip planning, without requiring a particular trail.

Culture, History and Art

Chilliwack Cultural Centre has two theatres, art galleries, 21 music studios and four arts and crafts studios. Chilliwack Museum & Archives preserves the biographies of early settlers, interviews with Stó:lō elders and oral histories from many people. The Chilliwack Art Trail is considered a safe, family-friendly activity for all ages. In Hope, the Chainsaw Carving Walking Tour takes you to more than 80 chainsaw carvings located throughout the town.

Farm Tours and Regional Specialties

Self-guided Circle Farm Tours are available in Abbotsford, Agassiz, Harrison Mills, Chilliwack and Langley. Circle Farm Tours include educational offerings at working dairy farms. The Agassiz Harrison Mills Circle Farm Tour includes a self-guided visit to a historic site that illustrates life in the 1920s. Abbotsford Farm & Country Market showcases local growers, bakers, artisans and entertainers. In Fraser Valley, the cool climate, fertile soils and wine-growing contribute to a variety of wine styles.

Fishing and Getting Around the Region

Salmon, steelhead and sturgeon are found in Fraser Valley waters year-round. Guided fishing trips aboard charter boats are offered on the Fraser River. For travel around the region, Route 71 (Agassiz–Harrison) runs between Agassiz, Harrison and Chilliwack. The Fraser Valley Express (Route 66) runs between Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley and Lougheed Town Centre in Burnaby. Route details may change; check the current schedule before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs, Kent, Agassiz, Hope, Fraser Valley A, Yale, Mission.

For the main travel overview: British Columbia.