In 1997, Maureen, Karen and Teresa Ennis took their first steps into the spotlight with the release of their debut album, Red is the Rose. This recording not only marked the beginning of their musical career, but also showcased their innate talent and deep-rooted connection to the folk traditions of their home. They have since released 14 full length studio albums and have earned numerous accolades along the way, including a prestigious Juno Award, a SOCAN award and multiple ECMAs and MusicNL awards.

Throughout their career they have embarked on extensive tours taking them to stages across the globe, thrilling audiences with their powerful performances and leaving an indelible mark on the international music landscape. Their songs often reflect the resilience and warmth of the Newfoundland spirit, creating a meaningful connection with their listeners.

As proud cultural ambassadors, The Ennis Sisters continue to enchant audiences with their timeless music, proving that the melodies of Newfoundland & Labrador can resonate and echo across the world. Their musical journey remains an enduring testament to the power of family, tradition and the universal language of music.

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In all honesty, being asked that in the first few months of the year seems a bit silly. Presumably, like everyone else, you’re catching up on movies from last year, while wondering if your resolutions are going to stick this time. But in reality, the first few months are actually the best months to be spontaneous! Why wait until the summer to make the most of things? Head out into the fresh air now, and you’ll find all kinds of unexpected ways to satisfy your sense of adventure.

From planning a day of mini golf and go-karts with a friend, to a snow-covered resort stay with your family, or maybe a romantic getaway celebrating a special occasion or holiday. For exhilarating winter escapes that will put those later months to shame, you’ll find everything you need in The Fraser Valley.

Here are a few ideas for where to start, but feel free to mix and match between the experiences, eateries, and accommodations.

Family Time 

EcoFarm – Abbotsford

Ready to mix things up from last year? What better start than with EcoFarm! A sustainably-minded dairy and farm, this hands-on attraction is always a hit with little ones. A day trip to meet the cows and learn all about how milking works is an excellent way to make the most of a weekend. Part of the Circle Farm Tour, before you go, we recommend checking which other outstanding farm experiences are in the area, too! 

Castle Fun Park – Abbotsford

​​The kids can’t agree on what to do on Saturday and Sunday? Do it all! This Abbotsford staple has just about everything that kids would unanimously say is fun. Go karts, mini golf, arcade games, and even a laser maze! Keep Castle Fun Park in mind for when you’ve got to get them out of the house and out of the winter weather. 

Atchelitz Threshermen’s Association – Pioneer Village – Chilliwack

Step back in time into scenes from the late 1800s to the 1950s, with immersive, period-accurate settings! Curious kids will adore checking out all the old technology and machinery that were once part of daily life. All are welcome, with admission to the museum offered by donation.

Snowshoeing (Elk Mountain and Chilliwack Lake Trails) – Chilliwack

An active, fun, low-impact activity, snowshoeing the local Chilliwack trails will be a hit with explorers of all levels. Be sure to check the weather ahead of time, pack a snack, and get ready to follow your sense of splendour

* Before you go, make sure to refresh yourself on a few adventure-smart outdoor tips.

Muddy Waters Cafe– Harrison River Valley

Reopening on February 14, 2026, this community-favourite cafe and restaurant is a true gem of the local food scene. Serving specialty coffee, fresh baked goods and hearty home-style comfort food, everyone in your party is sure to leave satisfied. A reliably delicious option for long weekend brunch!

Sasquatch Mountain Resort – Harrison River Valley

An exceptional winter escape for families or groups, this renowned mountain resort offers countless ways to spend winter. Before you head up, though, be sure your ride is winter-ready with chains on your tires! Once you’ve arrived, you’re free to explore the slopes however you like: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tubing. There are options for all levels of adrenaline. Or zen out inside by the fire with a cup of cocoa. Also a viable option!

* Be sure to visit the Sasquatch Mountain Resort site for their latest snow forecast and announcements.

For Your Sweetie

Kariton Art Gallery – Abbotsford

A little culture is always a quick route to connection! Highlighting the multi-medium work of local Fraser Valley artists, you’re sure to find a few new creative perspectives here. It’s been closed for the season (reopening February 7, 2026), so be sure to stop by when their first exhibition of the year kicks off.

Cannon Estate Winery– Abbotsford

Cultivate your senses together by taking a tour through one of the region’s most beautiful wineries. The group wine tastings throughout the week are a fun and social way to test your palate (and your chemistry), while the on-site restaurant, Calibre, has a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for seeing if romance and love are truly in the air. Forget the red roses, sometimes the only bouquet you need is one from full-bodied red.

The Offy– Chilliwack

Hip brunch-spot vibes by day, cocktail bar and mood lighting by night, The Offy is open for whichever atmosphere you’re hoping to set. Specializing in comfort food made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, you’ll find a menu of familiar favourites finished with bold, creative flourishes. Grab a couple of fig vanilla lattes to go and wander around town like you’re in one of those winter escape Hallmark movies. Another superb way to celebrate romantic love in the Valley!

Land Studio & Cafe – Chilliwack

In their own words, “we’re a coffee shop, yoga studio, lunch spot, and hangout space; a place to connect, a place to grow, a place to expand and a place to land”. As you can see, this is a multi-purpose social spot that serves specialty coffee and scrumptious food. Start your date here with a cortado and an acai bowl, then discuss your next activity.

Bridle Trail & Spirit Trail – Harrison River Valley

This beautiful local nature trail will leave you speechless as you explore together! Between 1 and 5.5 kilometres long, the walkway passes through a diverse range of ecosystems and environments (mixed coniferous and deciduous forests, wetlands, and cliffs). You’re sure to see some curious wildlife along the way, so be sure to have your camera charged!

Harrison Hot Springs Resort – Harrison River Valley

One of the most relaxing natural experiences in the area, the Harrison Hot Springs will remove any doubt that you’re where you’re supposed to be. When staying at the resort that shares the name, you’ll have access to the rejuvenating pools, a spa, and all kinds of cozy amenities to help you unwind. A weekend of lounging poolside and breakfast in bed… St. Valentine would blush.

Friendly Catchups

The Knotty Brew – Abbotsford

One of the newest additions to the Abbotsford coffee scene, this friendly little spot is officially Canada’s FIRST crochet cafe. Grab some yard from the candy-colour shelves and catch up with a friend over coffee and creativity. If you’ve been looking to make some progress on a group (or solo) project, this is a solid place to start. 

TopSpin Pickleball – Abbotsford

We probably don’t need to ask if you’ve heard of Pickleball anymore. The fastest-growing sport in Canada is easy to pick up, but hard to master, and a friendly game (or lesson) between friends is good for strengthening your relationship. Just don’t get too crazy with the spikes!

The Local Harvest Market – Chilliwack

A family-owned farm market and bakery, this is not your average grocery store. Stock up on fresh area ingredients to boost your recipe, or split a just-out-of-the-oven cinnamon bun with a friend, and you’ll immediately taste the difference that shopping local makes.

Project Climbing – Chilliwack

Never bouldered before? No problem! This climbing spot has walls for all levels and dexterity. A friendly staff member will teach you the basics, and you’ll be off (in this case, ON). You won’t be going up too far, so no ropes are needed, and the cushioned floor is there whenever you’re ready to come back down. It’s an unexpectedly social experience, and you’re likely to leave with more friends than you arrived with!

The Broken Whisk – Harrison River Valley

With extravagant burgers, tasty share plates, and a stellar beer/wine menu, The Broken Whisk has become a community HQ for catching up with friends and post-work drinks. Order a dozen wings for the opening remarks, and then some ribs when you get into the real tea.

Fraser River Lodge Activities – Harrison River Valley

A spontaneous axe-throwing outing? Spring the suggestion on your friend and then test your lumberjack skills together. Then do an after-game wrap-up over a round of fireside s’mores. Filled with unique activities, this riverside lodge is full of surprises. Pretend it’s a public holiday and make the most of your mischief by spending a night or two. Cozy rooms and sprawling views of nature make this a wonderful vacation-at-home escape.

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Jeneba has been recognized for her “maturity in performance and interpretation.” She made her debut at the BBC Proms performing the Florence Price Concerto with the Chineke! Orchestra. She won the Murs du Son Prize at the Lagny-Sur-Marne International Piano Competition in France. She has released her first album entitled Fantasie. Some of the works she will be performing here appear on the album.

Program

Bach: Partita No. 5

Beethoven: Sonata No. 17, “Tempest”

Still: Summerland

Debussy: La Fille & Bruyères

Price: Fantasie Nègre No. 1

Chopin: Ballade No. 3

Chopin: Ballade No. 4

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“I thought that if I could write a simple song, the rest would follow. And I learned that from working with other people,” Grass says. He’s been writing his own music for almost 20 years, but since moving from Moncton to Montreal he’s become one of this city’s most sought-after musical partners, collaborating with Lhasa, Patrick Watson, Elisapie and the Barr Brothers—as well as working with his avant-pop band, Klaus. Those partnerships have taught him how to unmake a tune—picking up someone else’s idea and finding new ways to fill it in. With Falcon’s Heart, he wanted to bring that same process to his own work: could he write the song himself and then reassemble it, changed?

This time, he drew his inspiration from classic country songwriting. He’d spend mornings at the rehearsal space with his father’s old guitar in his hands. “I was trying not to think,” he says. “Just to sing what was on my mind.” At the end of a sitting, if he hadn’t finished a song, he threw it out. Then, with the bones of the songs in place, he led improv sessions with friends—jams with pedal steel, flutes, bass clarinet and viola, which allowed him to re-write and re-arrange the originals. By the time they went to record at Pierre Marchand Studios, what had begun in the spirit of John Prine and George Jones now evoked the wider spectrum of Grass’s affections: from Tom Zé to Steve Reich; Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks and Sam Amidon’s All Is Well to the latest Big Thief.

The result is vivid and opalescent—Grass’s keen and heartfelt lyrics lit up by leftfield arrangements and shimmering sound. It’s at once completely simple and utterly lush.

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All ages welcome
All supplies included
$35 per person

Reserve by e-transfer to grandmahugs@telus.net and include “Bears” and your name in the comment section.

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Of course, if the seemingly endless blank pages of your new 2026 agenda are a touch overwhelming, we’ve got you covered with a few suggestions. The Fraser Valley is filled to the brim with spontaneous ways to spend a weekend, and with each locale a short drive from Vancouver, you can easily hit the road at a moment’s notice, even if you haven’t already planned a weekend trip.

So here are our itineraries for 48 hours well spent, because there’s no better resolution to make than to surprise yourself with an unexpected diversion every now and then. Plan out each day, mix and match destinations, and craft your perfect road trip around these West Coast gems!

Abbotsford

Day 1

To start out your exploration of Abby, set up a comfy HQ at any of the inviting accommodations in the area. Once you’re settled in, it’s time to head out and discover your next adventure. We recommend starting your day with The Habit Project, where you’ll find freshly made juices, nut milks, and smoothies, the perfect accompaniment while you look around Abbotsford’s historic downtown. 

Next, a bit of culture and creativity is in order with a stop at The Reach Gallery Museum. Filled with accessible programming for the whole family, this is a must-visit if your weekend trip includes the little ones. The current exhibition, Parallax(e), is a fascinating look at the unique border relationship between Canada and the US. 

You’re likely approaching midday now, which is as good of an excuse as any to have a spirited top-up. Seaside Pearl Farmgate is a cozy boutique winery filled with country charm and delicious local varietals. Drop by the copper-spired chapel for a flight tasting or to pick up a bottle for your next meat and cheese night. Finally, cap the day off with a flavourful kick at Tasty Indian Bistro. Blue cheese naan, tandoori veg kebabs, coconut chicken curry… the menu is filled with Eastern classics with a creative twist.

Day 2

First things first, start out with a specialty coffee from Aurora Roasters. Piping hot and velvety smooth, the handcrafted beverages and freshly baked treats are truly the best reason to start your day as soon as possible. 

Now that you’re comfortably awake, it’s time to raise the volume a bit and join the cheering section at an Abbotsford Canucks game! With games in the afternoon and evening, you can easily schedule your stay around the next puck drop. If you’ve been swept up in the spirit of competition at this point, you’re due for a stop at Boardwalk Cafe. Home to a menu full of shareable snacks and shelves packed with your favourite board games, this is prime territory for settling scores and stoking old rivalries. 

Once you’ve cast the last die and toppled the Jenga tower, it’s likely time for a toast. That’s where Old Yale Brewing comes in. With 15 beers on tap and a great selection of wine, cider, and cocktails, you’ve always got something locally crafted to cheers with.

Chilliwack

Day 1

What makes a great local getaway? Sparking your sense of adventure without needing to go far. There are plenty of good reasons why staycations will always surprise you. A vacation at home allows you to experience the familiar with a fresh perspective, and meet all the great people who make each experience shine. 

Start the first leg of your Chilliwack trip at Little Beetle Bistro where you can indulge in a superb all-day breakfast menu, including waffles, bennies, and mimosas. Next, Rustic Soap Co. Stock up on artisanal soaps, candles and body care products, all made with natural ingredients. A part of the Circle Farm Tour, this is a great option if you’re looking for a few wonderfully fragrant souvenirs from your weekend of new discoveries. 

Speaking of new discoveries, be sure to book a stay with any of the Chilliwack accommodation options where you’re sure to gain a new definition of comfort and coziness. Once you’re refreshed and ready to go, it’s time to join the cheering section at a Chilliwack Chiefs Game, where you’ll marvel at the fast paced action of one of the Fraser Valley’s top teams! If you’re about ready to warm up with a wood fired pizza (and who isn’t?) then you can wrap up your day at Farmhouse Brewing Co with a pint and a savoury pie.

Day 2

Start slow, sleep in and then head to Cultivate Cafe for a wonderful brunch and top tier coffee. It’s located inside of Minter Country Garden so you can wander the gorgeous rows of the greenhouse after your meal. 

It’s now time for a bit of local artistry with a stroll through the Murals in Downtown Chilliwack . See for yourself what a hotbed of creativity the Fraser Valley is with the stunning paintings of the area done by a collection of talented visionaries. If you’re looking for a more guided experience though, be sure to join Chilliwack Tours for fantastic insights into each piece. 

You’ve likely now worked up an appetite, so Chew on This Tasty Tours should be the next stop.  Actually, a few stops; this foodie-focused journey through local eateries is an incredible way to taste the full scope of Fraser Valley flavours. Finally, cap the day by uncorking a bottle of local vino at Fortitude Wine Bar. With its expertly curated list of pours from the area’s renowned wineries, it’s like taking your palate on a tasty tour through each area vineyard.

Harrison

Day 1

One of the most renowned communities in British Columbia due to its stunning nature, Harrison is well worth visiting for your next staycation. The famous hot springs alone are reason to schedule a detour while exploring the area. 

Start with any of the warm and inviting accommodations before heading out and relishing in your sense of splendour with the beautiful (and potentially snow-dusted) greenery of the area. ​Once you’ve unpacked your fave sweater, you can keep the cozy vibes going with a pot of tea at Karen’s Cafe & Gifts. Known for their robust selection of loose-leaf teas and freshly baked pastries, this is a destination for anyone seeking a friendly spot to keep warm. 

Now that you’re nice and toasty, you’re ready for a bit of mountain time! Sasquatch Mountain Resort is an incredible way to experience the BC winter that will leave you refreshed and invigorated in equal measure. Snowboarding, tubing, cross-country skiing…it’s a playground for adventurers of all ages! When dinner rolls around, pick out a spot by the fire at Sasquatch Inn & Pub and tuck into their menu full of home-style comfort food (the Sasquatch burger is almost as legendary as its mysterious namesake).

Day 2

Kick things off with a maple cardamom latte and raspberry scone at Agassiz Corner Cafe…and maybe a loaf of their heavenly sourdough to take home (for some of the best French toast you’ve ever tasted). Then pay a visit to Agassiz-Harrison Museum where you’ll learn all about the history and culture of the area while touring through one of Canada’s oldest wood Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) stations. Be sure to make time for the Local Motive gift shop to peruse the handmade artisan and Indigenous goods and art. 

Now that you’ve whetted your appetite for interesting stories, Harrison Visitor Centre & Sasquatch Museum will lead you further into the territory of local legend. Follow the lineage of historical artifacts, while learning about local Indigenous communities and their culture. Then, hear the firsthand testimony of Sasquatch sightings! With each step, you’ll get more insight into how the land has evolved along with how this particular mystery has continued through the decades. Finally, it’s time for a well-earned feast after all the exploring you’ve done. Head to Milos Greek Taverna, where they will have you savouring every bite of their authentic Greek recipes!

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From the first day of the year through to the arrival of spring, it’s especially important to practice a bit of self-love every now and then! Whatever New Year’s resolutions you’ve made, adding self-care to your agenda will keep you feeling glass-half-full through any Blue Monday in January. Whether that comes in the form of quality time alone, a spa day, or cultivating your sense of calm, the Fraser Valley is ready to help you get to a healthier place. 

So bookmark any of the following local spots for the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, over-tired, or just over IT. Nothing that a massage, an overnight stay or a peaceful stroll through heron habitat can’t help with! Each of these spots is within driving distance of Vancouver, so there’s no need to enlist a travel company. Your new leaf is always closer than you think.

Prioritize Wellness

Just Breathe Wellness Spa – Abbotsford

Nestled in a serene nature setting, this family-run spa offers rejuvenating cold plunge and sauna experiences. A great way to unfog your mind after a particularly bold new year celebration. You’ll leave feeling re-centred and alive, perfect for a solo afternoon of mental health tranquillity.

Wild Orange Spa – Abbotsford

Wrap yourself in a cozy robe, sip some herbal tea and be transported to a place of complete relaxation. With a menu full of treatments that will melt away all tension (hot stone massages, brightening facial peels…), you’re certain to leave feeling lighter in body and mind.

Wódr Spa – Chilliwack

Reconnection, stillness, natural rhythm…Wódr specializes in bringing these elements back to each of your senses. Start with a warm rain shower, then move to a cold plunge, and finally a hot bath in their gorgeous cedar tubs. It’s a cycle that will bring feeling back to every inch of your body and radiate warmth from your core.

Healing Springs Spa – Harrison

Located in Harrison Hot Springs Resort, this is a perfectly relaxing pairing if you’re planning on spending a night or more. Overnight resort guests are welcome to relax by the mineral pools, while the nearby spa offers rejuvenating treatments, including facials, massages, and body wraps.

Harrison Hot Springs Public Mineral Pool – Harrison

Only have time for a quick soak? The public hot spring is the perfect chance to experience the natural heat of the springs at an accessible price. There’s plenty of room too so it’s a great option for family swims.

Vineyard Sauna – Langley

Located in a picturesque Langley vineyard, this revitalizing detox experience has cedar saunas, open-air cold plunge tubs and roaring fire pits to warm up by. With gorgeous views that stretch into the horizon, you can savour the wide open sky as you sink into a deep state of calm.

Appreciate Nature

Willband Creek Trail – Abbotsford

Bordering sprawling farmland, these nature trails are home to a diverse waterfowl population and various species of migratory birds. Reconnecting with nature and listening to the echoing calls of area fauna are a surefire way to beat the winter blues.

Chilliwack Community Forest – Chilliwack

A multi-use trail system for hiking, biking, and running, this community favourite nature spot has something for every level of outdoorsy. With new trails being added all the time, the pathways might evolve from one visit to the next, much like the lush forest that surrounds them. An excellent place for an active family outing!

Sts’ailes Cultural Tours – Harrison

Learn all about the Sts’ailes land, culture and people in an enriching tour through the Harrison River Valley. Whether by jet boat, kayak, or on foot, the tours offer unique opportunities to connect with the history and voices of the area’s first people.

Derby Reach Regional Park – Langley

The winter weather offers some of the freshest air around, so put on your favourite layers and head towards the Fraser River. You’ll pass rolling open fields, atmospheric wetlands and stunning mountain views in this community favourite spot to savour your sense of splendour.

Find Your Inspiration

The Clay Cottage – Abbotsford

There’s something naturally cathartic about adding colour to something. Whether it’s a blank canvas or a collection of ceramic pieces like The Clay Cottage provides, you can follow your creativity and finish with a beautiful piece to show off at home.

Art Classes at Chilliwack Cultural Centre – Chilliwack

A hub for the creative community, this is a wonderful place to start if you’ve been looking for a way to express yourself. Whether you’re hoping to hone your craft, or just get your hands wet with an intro pottery class, this cultural centre has all kinds of avenues for inspiration. Sketching, photography, knitting, dance…You could easily fill your calendar with new, unique ways to cultivate your voice.

Koko-Lu Painting Cafe – Harrison

“Where creativity meets comfort”, KoKo-Lu Painting Café is a social hub for artists of all levels. Order a specialty coffee from the in house barista and let your paint brush wander over their lovely pottery pieces.

KUBE Gallery – Langley

Located in the heart of Fort Langley, this contemporary gallery is filled with inspiring canvases from a curated roster of local talent. If you’re looking for a creative muse to kick off the first month of the year, you’ll find all kinds of colourful options here.

Rest Well

BC Treehouse – Chilliwack

An immersive farm and nature experience you won’t find anywhere else, this secluded Scandinavian-inspired tree house has everything you need to relax including panoramic mountain views and a cedar hot tub. They also offer day passes where you can walk the lush 1 km trail and meet the friendly Scottish Highland Cattle that graze on site.

The Farmhouse at Tuscan Farm Gardens – Abbotsford

A stunning 100-year old farm house with a gorgeous garden could be your next stop if you’re craving a bit of old fashioned atmosphere. Stay in the beautifully restored home and live out your fantasies of a rustic life in the country. Pristine grounds and garden, a claw foot bath tub, a cozy fireplace… Any day of the year, no matter the season you’ll find unrivaled comfort here.

Sandpiper Resort – Harrison

A secluded waterfront estate, at Sandpiper Resort offers both old-world elegance and modern comfort.  In the Studio Rustic Cabins, you can unplug and recharge with wood-burning fireplaces and relaxing jacuzzi tubs, with no TV screens in sight. The perfect way to unwind after exploring the nearby Eagle Interpretive Trail.

Fort Langley BNB – Langley

With all the comfort and character of Fort Langley around you, this centrally located guest house is only a short walk to everything that makes the village special. You’ll find all the rural charm of the old days without sacrificing the latter day comforts you’re used to…like a private deck, gas fireplaces, and complimentary wifi.

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The tale begins on a Christmas eve when miserly Scrooge is visited by four ghosts. Performed in Reader’s Theatre style with festive music peppered throughout, this timeless story will open hearts and minds to reveal the true meaning of Christmas. This performance is suitable for ages 8 and up.

Tickets are for festival seating so plan to come early to secure the best seats. Doors open 45 minutes before each performance.

Please note that this performance takes place at Memorial Hall (290 Esplanade Ave) in Harrison Hot Springs. Take a stroll after the show to enjoy Lights by the Lake!

AND best of all, a 20% discount is automatically applied at checkout if you purchase four or more tickets at the same time (this discount cannot be applied retroactively). So gather up your friends and family for a memorable Christmas outing!

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Tchaikovsky’s iconic classical ballet, The Nutcracker, returns to the Chilliwack stage! When the toy Nutcracker she’s gifted comes to life, Clara is whisked away on a magical journey to a fantastic faraway land. With an iconic musical score, beautifully imagined and executed choreography, and stunningly costumed dancers, there is no better way to celebrate the holiday season!

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