New Year, New You: Your Fraser Valley Self-Care Guide

Ok, breathe deeply…Now exhale, and let go of all the stresses of the last year. It’s time for a mental reset, accompanied by an increased appreciation for yourself and a fresh perspective.

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.