A growing district, the Fraser Valley is home to quaint, independent breweries, craft stores, and vibrant farmland.
What most people don’t know about this district are its hidden marvels. Ranging from cascading waterfalls to unique outdoor forts, the Fraser Valley is full of pleasant surprises.
Check out the following list and make your next weekend plans to the Fraser Valley a bit more interesting.
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Must See Hidden Gems In the Fraser Valley
Alpaca Farm
Alpacas are usually associated with the vast peaks of Machu Picchu, but this farm in the middle of Langley gives citizens a taste of Peru.
Kensington Prairie Farm houses over 50 alpacas, all with arguably the softest fleece on earth. A mixture of rescue, imported, and locally raised alpacas, this Langley Farm lovingly raises them and educates the community about the species.
Take a swing by the farm to check these charming animals in action, or stop by in April to watch some shearing action!
Bridal Veil Falls
Located in East Chilliwack, Bridal Veil Falls is breathtaking. Originally used to power the electricity in Bridal Falls Chalet, the waterfall flows down 120 metres in a ‘veil-like’ effect, which is where it got its name.
It’s part of a larger provincial park, which also has trails, picnic spots, and insane scenery viewpoints. TLC was wrong, do go chasing waterfalls and find out why our province is called Beautiful British Columbia. You can learn more about the waterfall on the BC parks website.
Ancient Elixir
How many times in a lifetime do you get to say you’ve consumed the first ever alcoholic beverage consumed by man?
At Campbell’s Gold in Abbotsford, the timeless drink of Mead (also known as ‘Honey Wine’) is made to enjoy. Available in both dry and sweet varieties, Mead is made out of a mixture of honey, water, and yeast.
Stop by their tasting room for a taste of the mythical nectar of the gods! You can learn more about this on their website.
Cascade Falls
East of Mission, this picturesque waterfall smoothly flows into a gleaming emerald pool, creating an entrancing vision to look at.
As if the majestic waterfall itself wasn’t enough, there’s also a 22 hectare park with hiking trails enclosed by a lush forest and windy creek that carves its way around a ravine.
View beauty at its finest at this Regional Park. You can learn more about it here.
Vancouver’s Only Fort
Did you know that Fort Langley holds Vancouver’s only fort?
Parks Canada has brought around the concept of oTENTik’s, a mix of A-Frame cabins and prospector tents raised up from the ground.
Water resistant and fully set up from the inside, it’s the perfect staycation. There are five OTENTik’s, each with a different theme related to the heritage of the various workers that have dedicated themselves to Fort Langley: First Nations, Hawaiian, French-Canadian Voyageurs, North American Gold Prospectors, and the Scottish Boat Builder’s.
Available from May to October, each unit holds up to six people. Booking starts January 3rd, so call and book today for this once in a lifetime opportunity! You can learn more about it here.
Hells Gate
No, not the ride at the PNE.
Hells Gate is a narrow, thrashing stream that forces 750 million litres of water that goes through a 33 metre wide passage in the Fraser Canyon. It was given its name after one of Simon Fraser’s comments during his treacherous trek for a better route during the fur trading days.
You can experience Hells Gate in all its glory by taking an airtram, one of the perpendicular fully suspended trams in all of North America. If heights aren’t your thing, there are also other activities, such as a fisheries exhibit, gold panning, fudge factory, and observation decks. You can book tickets on their website.
100 Year Old Powerhouse
Considering that Canada is only 153 years old, it’s impressive that the powerhouse at Stave Falls is 100 years old —almost as old as the country itself.
The power generating facility is also a National Historic Site of Canada, holding archival photos, artifacts, and century old mechanical equipment.
Rumours are that it might be haunted, go check for yourself!
Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery
Is there anything more incredible than the circle of life?
At the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery in Abbotsford, you’re able to get hands on with some fish. You can observe them hatch, do some catch and release fishing, and get educated about how to help conserve trout.
A family friendly outing, you’re sure to leave loving fish even more than you did when watching Finding Nemo. You can learn more about this on their website.
Hot Springs Getaway
An enchanting little village on the south end of the Fraser Valley, Harrison Hot Springs is widely known for its namesake, the hot springs.
The springs were discovered in 1858 by settlers. Over time, people discovered that the springs are a combination of Potash and Sulphur, which come up to the high temperatures of 40 degrees celsius and 60 degrees celsius.
Water in pumped in from the outdoor springs into one visitors can use at a reasonable 38 degrees celsius. If you need a short getaway that includes a built in spa, this is the place to go.
World’s Biggest Sturgeon
If someone told you that the Fraser River was capable of some of the biggest fish in North America under its calm waters, would you believe them?
Well, you better believe your eyes. There have been several instances where rare albino sturgeon have been caught, each fish over 10 feet long. The record was an astounding 12 foot and four inch long sturgeon, weighing in at about 1100 pounds.
A recent record came close, with an 11 foot long and 750 pound monster of a sturgeon.
Go try your luck today and become the next sturgeon hunter!
Outdoor Drive-In Theatre
One of the last three remaining drive-in theatres in all of British Columbia, the Twilight Drive-In stands proud. Representing the years of theatre it took to get to where we are now, it’s truly a juxtaposition of old and new. For their current showings, you can visit their website here.
