The Fraser Valley lies just outside Vancouver British Columbia and is often overlooked, despite its growing list of things to do. Whether you are looking for wide open spaces and farm living, or quaint neighborhoods with boutique shopping and eating, there is plenty of things to do in the Fraser Valley.
It is a region that is growing by the day, as more and more British Columbians choose to make the neighborhoods in the Fraser Valley their home, and the options of things to do in the Fraser Valley is growing too. This list will give you a bucket list worthy day, however you choose to fill it!
Visit Fort Langley
One of the popular things to do in the Fraser Valley is to head into Fort Langley. This unique village-like atmosphere is home to the Fort Langley National Historic Site the birthplace of British Columbia. With plenty to see and do for the kids plan to spend at least half a day here, especially if you want to wander the shops and grab a bite to eat on Glover road outside of the fort. There are fabulous eats, antique shops, a spa, and boutique stores that give something for everyone.
Fort Langley has seasonal offerings, like “Grave Tales” a spooky Fort Langley walk! You can read about it and more in my family activities in the Fraser Valley in October!
If you want to try some unique food, head to Lelem’ Cafe and try their bannock tacos. Bannock is a popular food for the indigenous peoples, and Lelem has created a menu to feature this popular food! Try it with beef, smoked salmon, chorizo sausage, mexi-tofu and with a variety of toppings. Bring your appetite!
*They have plenty of outdoor seating
If you need a break from the kids or want to be pampered, check out Su Casa Spa right on Glover Road. Whether a massage or facial their team is professional, friendly and you will leave feeling amazing!
Golden Ears Provincial Park
If you want steep mountain ascents, or kid-friendly hiking, head to Golden Ears Provincial aprk.
Hiking a kid friendly trail: we love the Lower Falls Trail in Golden Ears Provincial Park. It has minimal elevation changes and there is a nice spot to stop for a picnic along the way! It is a great walk for all ages. In the spring, or if it has been quite rainy, look out for muddy sections.
Camping in the Fraser Valley
Camping at one of the many provincial parks or private campgrounds. There are too many to name but BC Parks has a great map you can check out here. You will often find us camping at Kawkawa Lake Resort, a private campground, about an hour and a half’s drive from Vancouver. Check out our post on the Ultimate Kids Camping List so you don’t forget any of our essentials!
White Rock Beaches
Spend a few hours at White Rock or Crescent Beach and fly kites, or search for crabs under the rocks at low tide. You can also enjoy a stroll along the beach with an icecream. Both White Rock and Crescent Beach have stroller-friendly paths, sandy beaches at low tide and restaurants and shops.
Lake Days
Spend the day enjoying swimming, boating, fishing or just relaxing at one of the many lakes in the Fraser Valley. Bring a picnic and enjoy Cultas Lake, Kawkawa Lake, Harrison, Pit Lake, or Chiliwack Lake, If you love hiking, you should check out Lindeman Lake.
Berry Farms and Pumpkin Patches
Check out one of the many Berry farms offers seasonal berry picking! It is a fun experience for the whole family and kids can see where fruits and veggies actually come from; and its not the grocery store! Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery, Mann Farms or Driedeger Farms are three in the Fraser Valley. We recently visited Krause Berry Farms and you can read about our experience here!
If you are visiting in the fall, check out Abbotsford’s best pumpkin patches for more than just pumpkins!
Visit Hell’s Gate
Visit Hell’s Gate Airtram in the Fraser Canyon and witness the amazingly powerful Fraser River flooding down the canyon.
Mini Golf
Mini golf at Castle Fun Park Castle Fun park offers a day of entertainment for all ages, from a variety of indoor and outdoor mini golf options to bumper boats, go carts, a batting cage and games, there is lots to do
Eco Dairy
Learn about farming at Bakerview ecoDairy Farm. Visit this on-of-a-kind demonstration farm and learn all about how our dairy products get from the farms to our table. Partnering with Science World has allowed interactive exhibits which are great fun for kids. Its 80 acre site features a discovery centre with interactive displays, a Moo-zanine learning centre, a small theatre, a goat’s on the roof animal exhibit, an ice-cream stand, picnic area and more!
What is your favorite things to do in the Fraser Valley? Have you been to any that I have mentioned? Let me know in the comments!
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.