When the sun arrives in the Fraser Valley, there’s no better place to plan a staycation and spend your much-deserved time off. Surrounded by breathtaking nature, and filled with shopping, cuisine, water sports and culture, the Valley is known for unique experiences that could easily fill an entire weekend! No matter if you already call Canada home, or you’re up for a few days from the United States, you can consider the Fraser Canyon and its surrounding area your not-so-far-away vacation spot with an impressive amount of attractions, all within driving distance of each other.
Through spring and summer, there are countless ways to plan a vacation getaway, whether you’re out for just a night or a long weekend. Each of the featured locales ahead is ideal for mixing and matching to create a wonderful family staycation that kids will love. So read through, pick your faves, and curate a route through these proudly Canadian businesses and experiences.
1. Abbotsford Staycation
Abbotsford is home to an abundance of hidden gems to discover. You’ll find plenty of family staycation ideas here, from fruit picking and fuzzy barnyard friends at Taves Family Farm to a bit of friendly competition via mini golf and old-school arcade games at Castle Fun Park. There’s no better way to settle a score than with a bit of putt-putt and Pacman!
Of course, if you’d rather meander through Historic Downtown Abbotsford and discover new spots at your own pace, the heritage-filled downtown core has all kinds of small businesses ready to welcome you to the community. Start with a frothy London Fog from the specialty coffee menu at Boardwalk Cafe & Games and a pensive game of Scrabble from their collection of over 300 board games.
When enjoying a full itinerary, you might need a moment to cool off, which is where the outdoor Centennial Pool at Mill Lake Park comes in. With the serene lake nearby and an onsite water park for the kids, this is an excellent spot to relax by the water or unwind with a wander through the park trails.
While exploring, you’ll likely come across another interesting historic landmark of the area, the Trethewey House. Built in 1919, the house is a municipal heritage site where visitors can walk through a preserved home from over 100 years ago!
For more gorgeous greenery, a stroll at Jubilee Park is next, where you’ll find inviting picnic areas alongside a great playground. The park frequently hosts live events and farmer’s markets, so you never know what might pop up while lounging in the shade. Wrap up your wanders with a stop at Banter Ice Cream, where every flavour is made in-house using locally available ingredients.
With so many options to fill your days with, consider extending your staycation to include an overnight (or two). Abbotsford is full of charming home-base accommodations while you’re there, whether you’re looking for full-service family suites with a pool or a more private cottage experience.
2. Plan Your Chilliwack Trip
Chilliwack is another star community of the Valley with unparalleled nature and character-filled local Canadian businesses. Making the most of your staycation starts with admiring the area’s stunning wildlife. With the Chilliwack Itinerary of the Fraser Valley Bird Trail you’ll get insider tips about where to spot beauties like the Spotted Towhee and the Belted Kingfisher. Follow the trail and make your way to Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park, a 107-hectare park known to be home to over 180 different bird species! The park features a floating boardwalk leading to a viewing platform and a second wheelchair-accessible viewing platform close to the parking lot, as well as approximately 2 km of easy walking trails with viewing areas and benches. Please note that due to the sensitive ecosystem surrounding Cheam Lake and an abundance of wildlife, plant and bird species, pets are not permitted within the Regional Park.
Birds aren’t the only reason to get out and explore the lush scenery either. The Fraser River and its surrounding waterways are filled with salmon, trout and sturgeon, making Chilliwack a natural destination for anglers of all skill levels. Bring your own gear and wade out, or grab some supplies from the Visitor Centre’s Fishing Rod Loan Program beforehand. If you’re not sure where to start, Bent Rods Guiding and Fishing Co. and Pacific River Outfitting Company have guided tours that will show you everything you need to know to land your first catch.
Closer to the town centre, Chilliwack is famous for its quaint village-style area, District 1881. Stroll the lanes of District 1881 or cross the street to explore storefronts down Mill & Wellington—this area is ideal for window shopping (the town is home to the biggest used book store in BC) or just relaxing on a sunny patio (swing by one of the community craft breweries for a pitstop).
At the end of a long day of exploring you’re likely going to need a bit of RnR, and Chilliwack has you covered for first class accommodations too! From campsites to full-service hotels, you’ll find more than a few cozy options. A few notable spots include Hotel Morado, Coast Chilliwack, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, and Vedder River Inn. But check out the full list of overnight options to find the perfect stay for you and your family.
3. Your Staycation in the Harrison River Valley
Looking to experience the breadth of local culture that the Fraser Valley is home to? Look no further than Harrison! Start at the Harrison Visitor Information Centre + Sasquatch Museum—a community hub for history, tradition, and rotating arts and culture exhibits. Visitors can get acquainted with the lineage of the area, including stories and heritage of the Sts’ailes and the Sq’ewá:lxw people. The centre also shares the compelling legend of the Sasquatch which includes artifacts and firsthand witness accounts! Afterwards, follow the Sasquatch Trail where you can see if you can catch a glimpse of the storied creature yourself.
Now that you’ve got an idea of the lay of the land, it’s time to jump right into things at Sasquatch Mountain Resort! In the summer months, the mountain comes alive with scenic hiking trails, fun community events, and mountain biking* routes that wind through lush alpine landscapes. You can take it all in at your own pace—whether you’re up for an adventure or looking to kick back. A great way to slow things down is with a round on the resort’s 9-hole disc golf course, set among stunning alpine meadows. It’s free to play—just don’t forget to bring your own discs or purchase a set at the shop & end up with a souvenir from your adventure!
*Please note that mountain biking is non-lift-accessed.
Once you’ve burned off a bit of energy there, we suggest slowing down your staycation and taking in the local sights. At Kilby Historic Site, you’ll immerse yourself in an immaculately preserved community from the early 1900s. The history-rich attraction puts you squarely in the daily life of a rural town with everything from a general store to in-character guides.
From there, if you’re interested in picking up a few edible souvenirs, then we recommend a stop at Earthwise Society Agassiz Farm. The gorgeous farm is home to forest trails, and a farm store fully stocked with fresh produce from the fields and artisan goods care of local small businesses.
After a day packed with unique local experiences, you may be too wiped to drive home. Thankfully, Harrison’s accommodations will take good care of you for as long as you need, whether you’re looking for boutique inns, bed and breakfasts, or spacious RV parks.
