Ready to make the most of your autumn days? Your next adventure to the Fraser Valley starts here! We’ve put together a few easy-to-follow itineraries for the next time you’re ready for a weekend getaway. Ready to shop, eat, play and stay? We’ve got you covered! Whether a visit to the spa is exactly what the doctor ordered, or a bit of retail therapy is something you’ve been craving, think of these as shortcuts to awakening your senses! Let’s go!
Abbotsford
Kick things off in Downtown Abbotsford, where you’ll wander through stylish boutiques and cafes toward your next spontaneous detour! At Forage & Faire, you’ll find all manner of natural tinctures and teas to soothe your body and mind! Over at Yes Chef you can stock up on kitchen utensils and essentials. They also offer cooking classes if you’re looking to flex at your next dinner party! For unique home decor, a stop at Spruce Collective is definitely in order. Find an accent item to pull any room together or get a few holiday gift ideas.
Getting hungry yet? Abbotsford has plenty of tasty options for every meal! The menu at RE:VIVE Boutique Bistro is filled with hearty and healthy comfort food from chia parfaits to homemade flatbread. At The Table Bistro, you can dig into artisanal pizzas while toasting with a creative list of craft cocktails.
Now that you’re fuelled up, it’s time for a little self-care! At The Wild Orange Spa, you can indulge in some very thorough me-time with a massage, a facial peel and a cup of herbal tea. Once you’re sufficiently grounded and recentered, it’s time for a stop at The Reach Gallery for a bit of creative stimulation! The inspiring calendar of exhibits and events is sure to keep you inspired when your routine could use a shake-up.
Finally, when it’s time to wind things down, drop in at any of Abbotsford’s cozy accommodations for a stress-free evening of relaxation. Two notable boutique spots to spend the night are both farmhouses. The Farmhouse at Tuscan Farm Gardens and The Farmhouse at Windberry Farms. Both offer charming rural escapes that will make you feel right at home in the fresh Valley air.
Chilliwack
In Chilliwack, you’ll discover all kinds of character-filled diversions, starting with a stop in Downtown Chilliwack and District 1881. The character-filled store fronts are only the beginning of your exploring in this revitalized thoroughfare. Nearby shops include The Button Box, a beautifully curated boutique teeming with rustic homewares and one-of-a-kind flea market finds. Inside Creekside Home Decor you’ll find a further variety of cool gifts and thoughtfully considered decor, including an excellent kids section. If you’re looking for more of a personal vintage fashion flair, Fraser & Co. Modern Vintage is your spot. Offering a carefully curated, high-quality collection of clothing, you’re bound to find that unique item that is just so…YOU!
If you’re feeling a bit peckish at this point, we’d suggest making your way over to The Eddy: a riverside hub for local experiences and great eateries, including Land Cafe & Studio. This versatile meet up spot is an excellent place to grab a coffee, take a yoga class or enjoy a delicious plate from their vegetarian menu. A few doors over, you can raise a glass of New Zealand Pilsner or Root Beer Stout at Sidekick Brewing to commemorate the occasion before heading back out to wander.
From there let’s get a little active, shall we? Start by burning a little energy at Island 22 Regional Park where there are more than a few ways to move, including walking trails, a dog park, and a bike skills park. If you’re looking for something with a bit more verticality, head on back to The Eddy and try out rock climbing at Project Climbing; a fun indoor bouldering experience that welcomes rock climbers of all levels!
You might be a touch tuckered out after that, so we suggest checking in to any of the accommodating options in the area. Hotel Morado will set you up in a cozy room that overlooks the bustle of District 1881. An excellent choice for a romantic getaway, you’ll feel like you’re in a stylish loft in the alps. There’s also Hazelnut Inn, an incredibly designed themed hotel that is like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale. Each room has its own unique aesthetic, and you’ll be immediately reminded of scenes from Neverland and Middle Earth.
Harrison River Valley
Known the world over for its rejuvenating naturally heated pools, the Village of Harrison Hot Springs offers so much more than just a day of soaking (although that is an excellent reason to visit, of course). At Casa Lifestyles you can peruse beautiful art and gifts handmade by local artisans. Blue Dandelion has you covered for treats and trinkets by even more local producers, including fresh honey and flower arrangements. Then, swing by Rocky Mountain Chocolate to give your sweet tooth a little affection with a mouth-watering selection of decadent truffles, bars and fudge.
If that’s kicked in your cravings, then it might be time to plan lunch as well! Muddy Waters Café serves outstanding farm-to-table fare using ingredients from local producers (try the grass fed bison burger!) . Offering stunning views of Harrison Lake, Morgan’s Bistro is another community hotspot for homestyle comfort food with an excellent wine list to boot.
Next, follow your sense of adventure by checking out BC Sport Fishing Group. You’ll find everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water, including tours with local expert guides. In case you’re looking for your next creative muse, we suggest then stopping at Ruby Creek Art Gallery. One of the most gorgeous art spaces in the Fraser Valley, this gallery is owned and operated by the Sq’ewá:lxw First Nation and features a wonderful variety of handcrafted Coast Salish Indigenous art work.
To wrap up your day of adventuring, it’s time for some much deserved downtime, so head towards any of the overnight options in the area. Fraser River Lodge is on a massive 18 acre property that spans the mighty Fraser River to sprawling plains that are home to roaming bison. A visit is like stopping in at a storybook chalet! There’s also Sandpiper Resort, which is perfect for unplugging and regrounding after a stressful work week. The rustic waterfront cabins will keep you relaxed and insulated from notifications while you unwind with a wood-burning fireplace and jacuzzi tubs.
So with that, you’ve got yourself a pretty good time in the Fraser Valley! But that’s only the beginning, because we have so much more nature and incredible local businesses to explore. Let us know where you’re off to next; chances are you’ll be able to find something to excite your senses while you’re here!