While New Year’s resolutions have their merits, there are definitely more fun ways to kick off the next 365 days than by not doing X, or doing more Y. That’s why we’re going with a “bucket list” this year—active and fun excuses to get out of your post-holiday funk and experience life to its fullest! Thankfully, if you’re reading this, you’re already in the right spot. Across the Valley, you’ll find plenty of ways to cross off your most lofty outdoor aspiration from alpine skiing to eagle watching. Our local communities are well-equipped to make the absolute most of the seasons, so get ready to step into the new year with a bit of momentum!
Catch Some Air
Start 2025 with a bit of perspective—a bird’s eye view, to be exact! With Langley’s Acadia College Aviation you can soar through the skies and take in the stunning views from several thousand feet off the ground. Drift over the bustle of downtown Vancouver or see the Whistler mountains from a completely different angle! If you book a flight with BC Heli Tours in Abbotsford, you’ll get equally breathtaking three-sixty views of forest, mountains, and waterfalls from the comfort of a chartered helicopter. Boasting fantastic photography and proposal packages, they’re more than ready to capture each incredible moment. It’s the perfect option if you’re looking to embark on a new adventure with someone special.
Reel In “The Big One”
Ready to catch an unforgettable experience? Then grab your waders and visit Bent Rods Guiding & Fishing Co. Winter fishing is its own thing if you’ve never tried it—the crisp air, the insulated sound of the current running through the snow, and the spawning freshwater fish filling the river. You can head out with a professional guide that will teach you everything you need to know to land your first catch, or if you’re a seasoned angler, let you in on a few new tips. Choose between different tours that focus on the various types of fish the area is known for, whether it’s coho, steelhead salmon, or the famous prehistoric sturgeon that date back to the time of the dinosaurs. They’ve got all the gear you need, so come as you are and be ready to reel!
Be One With Nature
If you’ve been meaning to dial back your screen time, then experiencing the full scale of local nature is the perfect reason to close all your tabs. Take a guided tour of the Harrison River with Harrison Eco Tours where you can witness the highest concentration of bald eagles in North America! Watch in awe as the majestic birds fish, play and pull off amazing aerial maneuvers in what Harrison is calling The Season of the Wild. Each boat is heated so you can keep cozy from the winter weather, and the bottom of the vessel has an underwater camera where you can see the countless spawning salmon that are drawing the eagle’s attention. It’s an incredible way to spend an afternoon and a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find no matter how far you scroll.
Chase a Few Downhill Thrills
The Cascade Mountains are yours to discover! There’s a reason why this gorgeous mountain range is a destination for alpine skiers the world over. Whether it’s cross country or downhill, Manning Park Resort is your gateway to the stunning snowy scenes that make the area a must-visit for nature seekers and thrill-seekers alike. The renowned ski resort is a wonderful option for a quick solo day trip, a weekend getaway with the kids, or an active staycation with your partner. And it’s not just skiing either, you can also fill your days with the tubing park, snowshoe trails and even a winter hiking excursion. Just a handful of ideas of how you could spend your time in this winter paradise! There’s really no limit to the incredible activities you can find around the Fraser Valley in the winter.
