Estimated Read Time: 9 min 5 sec

*Once the great thaw starts in spring, check back for an updated route for the new season!

Farm Experiences

Langley

• 1. Kensington Prairie Farm

Your country era begins here! A wonderful stop for anyone looking for a taste of a simpler kind of life, this attraction offers unique events like farm-to-table dinners and yoga classes amongst alpacas. Kids will love meeting the barnyard residents, while adults can complete their rural glow-up with a few cozy items like alpaca wool sweaters from the farm store.

Abbotsford

• 2. EcoFarm Discovery Centre

If you’ve ever wanted to take a closer look at the science aspect of agriculture, then EcoFarm should be your next stop! Teachers and parents take note—kids love rolling up their sleeves and getting hands-on while exploring the farm and learning how it works. Book a guided tour and see all the details that go into raising animals, growing feed, and running a dairy.

And at the end, experience the deliciousness that is farm fresh ice cream!

• 3. Maan Farms Goat Yoga

Here’s your chance to practice that most elusive of poses, the downward goat. Taking to your mat with a few wandering goats is a great way to bring curiosity, play and a bit of laughter into the traditional yoga class. Cuddling with a furry friend while practicing mindfulness is a one-of-a-kind zen that you won’t want to miss!

Agassiz

• 4. Earthwise Society Agassiz

A stunning way to engage with nature, the restored woodland trails along the Miami River are ready to explore! The Earthwise Society has done a fantastic job of bringing back the trails from invasive plants and renewing the delicate ecosystem with native plants. Wander down the meandering path and see how many new plant species you can spot!

Specialty Stores

Abbotsford

• 5. Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery

Returning home with fresh honey for breakfast will offer a far better buzz to start your morning than just a cup of coffee. Stop by Campbell’s to stock up on the bounty that an active hive can provide. Mead, candles, soap, skin care—the list goes on! The farm even provides workshops for even more uses for honey and beeswax if you’re looking to learn more.

• 6. The Egg Store

When you’re a business based around one main product, it better be top of the line—and thankfully for The Egg Store, their hens are experts in their field. Buying eggs straight from the coup gives a whole new depth of flavour that you won’t find in a grocery aisle. We highly suggest stopping for a dozen and tasting the difference yourself. Oh, and they don’t just sell eggs by the way, you’ll also find baked goods, deli meats and fresh produce.

Chilliwack

• 7. Rustic Soap Co.

When you visit this local soap specialist and smell the fresh fragrance inside, you know you’ll be in good hands. Whether you’re looking for bar soap, bath bombs or facial masks, everything here will instill an aura of deep calmness and relaxation. Grab some for yourself or gifts for others, and spread the fresh scents of handmade artisan soap wherever you go!

Langley

• 8. Cedar Rim Nursery

Looking for something to spruce up your yard or garden? This family-run business has been serving Fraser Valley green thumbs for over 40 years now, and with good reason. Countless varieties of flowers, plants and home accents; if you’re looking to plan your springtime bloom, Cedar Rim is the place to do it!

• 9. JD Farms Specialty Turkey

For any successful family function, it helps to be supplied by a family in the know. That’s how the Froese family has quickly become the go-to name in the Valley when it comes to all things turkey. Whether it’s for a special occasion with a turkey feast or just stocking up with some breakfast sausages, JD never disappoints!

Sips and Spirits

Langley

• 10. Township 7 Vineyards & Winery

If you’ve ever thought that the wine world might be a little too stuffy and snobby for your tastes, Township 7 is here to break all those stereotypes. Crafting wines that embody the unique terroir of the Fraser Valley, Township 7 offers a wonderfully accessible experience no matter your level of wine knowledge. The warm staff is there to guide you through their award-winning wines and create conversation instead of just presenting the bullet points. Pay a visit to their tasting room to see what we mean!

• 11. Roots & Wings Distillery

Local cocktail lovers rejoice! Langley’s first craft distillery is well-stocked with unique and delicious spirits made with ingredients found around the Valley. Whether you’re looking for a subtle sipper, or something bolder to practice your mixology with, you can find plenty of inspiration here. They’ve even crafted a list of easy-to-follow cocktail recipes for when you get your new spirits home. Oh, and don’t forget about their mixology and chocolate pairing workshops!

Chilliwack & Abbotsford

• 12. Old Yale Brewing

Located near the gateway of a breathtaking River Valley, Old Yale has been perfecting their award-winning tap line-up since 1999. Taking inspiration from the natural beauty around their breweries, each offering is uniquely Fraser Valley. Whether it’s with the Valley Lager or the Off the Trail Pale Ale, there’s never been a tastier way to take in the scenery.

Chilliwack

• 13. Farmhouse Brewing

A pint with a pizza from the wood-fired oven is always a viable option for waiting out winter. Pull up a stool and enjoy this family-friendly brewery that features weekly live music and games you can play while enjoying the tap list. Personal recco: the Nightfall Dark Lager is crisp, malty, and a perfect winter sipper.

Abbotsford

• 14. Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery

This family-owned boutique winery is a charming escape from the ordinary. Located in the heart of Fraser Valley wine country, the rolling hills and winding roads offer a quaint setting for bold flavours. Turn a visit into a full-on staycation with a few more ideas in the area—check out our previous blog for a staycation itinerary including restaurant and shopping recommendations.

• 15. Singletree Winery

Where else can you sample a flight of wines in a cozy cabana while roasting marshmallows? Singletree Winery has become a go-to for Fraser Valley outings no matter the season. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views from the comfort of one of their tasting domes while enjoying hors d’oeuvres—not a bad way to seek shelter from the weather report! The perfect apres once you’ve wrapped up your Valley winter activities.

• 16. Cannon Estate Winery

Sample the exceptional wines that the Fraser Valley can give life to! Walking the sprawling 12 acres is a beautiful sight (even when under a dusting of snow), and seeing where the 16 varieties mature on the vine gives an added perspective once you start sampling!

Eateries

Chilliwack

• 17. Anita’s Bread & Coffee

Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked sourdough? Anita’s is just about the best spot around to pick up a warm loaf of bread and a coffee in the morning. Known for their artisan flours, which you may have seen in local grocery stores, their Chilliwack headquarters is where you’ll see firsthand how genuinely great baking is truly a science. We’d say they’ve perfected their craft!

Agassiz

• 18. Cabin Fever Junction

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is a must-visit while in the Valley. Baked fresh daily, Cabin Fever’s treats are well worth calling it a cheat day. Cakes, donuts, macarons, whatever you’re craving, there’s a good chance it just came out of the oven!

Abbotsford

• 19. Restaurant 62

One of the area’s best farm-to-table eateries, Restaurant 62 is known for its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Making use of the rich farmland nearby, every dish has a vibrant flavour you won’t find anywhere else. Be sure to set your clock for their excellent happy hour as well, nothing wraps up the day better than wings with bacon jam or fried sprouts with togarashi.

Langley

• 20. Bacchus Bistro at Chaberton Estate Winery

Overlooking their 55-acre vineyard, this authentic French bistro and winery offers seasonal West Coast cuisine and over 20 different types of wine. Stop by for a tour around the vineyard, swing by the tasting room, then wrap things up with a meal made from locally sourced ingredients, it’s the perfect plan for any wine enthusiast.

Fresh Cheese & Creameries

Harrison

• 21. Creekside Cheese & Creamery

Nestled into the mountains at the eastern end of the Fraser Valley, this small farm-based creamery has an underground cheese cave! The cave was built to mimic the traditional cheese-aging techniques perfected in mountain caves in the European Alps, and based on the awards Creekside has won, we’d say it’s working! The creamery also offers hands-on workshops where visitors can learn how to make ricotta, pizza and pasta.

Abbotsford

• 22. Birchwood Dairy Farm

With 220 acres of land, home to 120 happy cows, this popular dairy has that unmistakable country feel. The fresh milk produced every day goes into making all manner of goodness that you can buy at the dairy shop, including 50 flavours of gourmet ice cream and frozen yogurt, cream, whipped cream, European-style tart yogurts, and assorted cheeses. Visit the observation room daily between 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm to see the cows get milked!

Chilliwack

• 23. Smits & Co.w Farm Cheese

Run by a family of Dutch origin, the Smits, this dairy farm specializes in gouda cheese. That focus on a specific cheese type has given them rave reviews for their dedication to flavour. The Smits take pride in providing a comfortable environment for their cows, and that impressive work ethic shows in every wheel they produce, whether it’s in their famous gouda, Swiss Emmental, water buffalo mozzarella, or feta.

Farm Markets

Chilliwack

• 24. The Local Harvest

Located on 37 acres of flourishing gardens, this market was built by a dedicated family focused on bringing fresh, chemical-free food to the area. Using the Valley’s fertile soil and promoting biodiversity, the produce here is fantastic all year round. Pick up some flowers and freshly baked bread (made with specialty flour from Anita’s) to round out your shopping list!

Langley

• 25. Ralph’s Farm Market

What started as a seasonal hay wagon in 1992 has since grown into a year-round 11,000-square-foot market. From those humble beginnings, Ralph & Elizabeth Merk have created a hub in the Fraser Valley for fresh local produce, meats and seafood. Ralph’s even has a bistro where visitors can get made-to-order sandwiches assembled with a selection of all the delicious seasonal ingredients in the market.

Abbotsford

• 26. Lepp Farm Market

With a full-service butcher shop of locally raised meats, a cafe, and gourmet pantry items, this market is so much more than just produce. Started by Rob and Charlotte Lepp, self-described as “the farmer and the foodie,” the market has come a long way since the days of selling summer corn off the back of their trailer. That wholesome and humble start stays with the market to this day, and you’ll be able to taste it in every fresh piece of fruit, vegetable, and herb.

So there you have it! Making s’mores in cozy cabanas, warming up with mead made from local honey, sampling gouda from an underground cheese cave- what better ways can you think of to enjoy the season? But just wait until spring arrives, the Circle Farm Tour will have even more wonderful reasons to venture into the Valley. Many local businesses will be resuming operation in the new season, so it’s well worth circling more dates into March and April. 

In Langley, tours of Eagle Acres will return with their SaFarmi Strolls and Bucket List Tours, both superb options for taking in the fresh spring air. Then in April, Milner Valley Cheese will be back to offer their handcrafted artisan goat cheese.

If you’re visiting Abbotsford, you have apple picking at the reopening of Taves Family Farm to look forward to. Then, when the Tulip Festival at Lakeland Flowers arrives, you can walk the colourful rows of flowers that seem to stretch forever. Spring is the perfect time for a picnic, and what better place than the secret garden at the reopened Ripples Winery & New Wave Distillery?

Over in Harrison, you can take a step into the history of local farm life with the return of Kilby Historic Site. Then in late February, you can wade into a sea of lavender with what has to be one of the best-smelling attractions around, Harrison Lavender. Muddy Waters Cafe will also be back, ready to offer their delicious farm-to-table fare with a beach view. 

You never know what new attractions are around the corner on your calendar, so check back in soon!