Feb 14

Winter Experiences in The Fraser Valley

The Fraser Valley has the ultimate landscape for world-class winter adventures. Situated in between the magnificent snowy peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountain ranges, and with endless acres of trails winding through towering forests, the valley offers an abundance of winter activities to experience and enjoy. And, in the midst of these wondrous surroundings are the conveniences and amenities provided by the beautiful towns and cities nestled within.

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SKATING

You’ll find a variety of skating experiences in the Fraser Valley: from the romance and classic Canadian atmosphere of an outdoor rink, to the family-friendly fun of an indoor rink. Here are some choices for a great skate:

Outdoor

Starlight Skating Rink*
Harrison Hot Springs’ newest outdoor winter attraction! This synthetic outdoor rink is open daily. Admission to the rink is free; bring your ice skates and come take a glide! Skate rentals and a concession are also available during selected hours.

Manning Park Outdoor Skating Rink
Open daily throughout the winter season (weather dependent); please check their website for updates on the skating conditions before you head out. Admission is free, and rentals of skates, hockey sticks, helmets, and soft pucks are available daily in the Nordic Centre. Private bookings are also available for a fee.

Indoor

If you prefer to skate without the worry of changing weather conditions, we’ve got you covered (literally)! There are several fantastic indoor rinks in the valley; many offering skate rentals. Please call for more information.

Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre | 604.857.4299

Abbotsford Recreation Centre | 604.853.4221

Hope and Area Recreation Centre | 604.869.2304

Langley Sportsplex | 604.882.1611

Chilliwack Coliseum | 604.793.2904

Sardis Sport Complex | 604.793.2904

Mission Leisure Centre | 604.823.700

George Preston Recreational Centre | 604.530.1323

ALPINE SKIING & SNOWBOARDING

Embrace the locals’ easygoing vibe at either of our two ski hills, Sasquatch Mountain Resort and Manning Park Resort. Both offer a vast range of runs for ski and snowboard enthusiasts of all skill levels and abilities. Be sure to check their websites for mid-week specials that offer exceptional savings on lift tickets. Just getting started in the sport? Lessons are available at both resorts: so you’ll be shredding the slopes in no time!

If you’re into skiing or boarding, but still want to enjoy some fantastic winter recreation in the mountains, both resorts offer tubing parks for exuberant, laugh-inducing fun for adults and children alike!

NORDIC (CROSS COUNTRY) SKIING

Manning Provincial Park offers 64 km of groomed trails and over 160 kms of ungroomed Nordic trails in skill levels from easy to difficult. For the more experienced skier, check out the Cascade Lookout Trail for a challenging 8km trail that’s a great workout with incredible views. Or, if you would like something less strenuous, try the 2km long Strawberry Flats Loop. They also offer lessons for those looking to get into the sport.

APRÈS

Each community of the Fraser Valley offers a great selection of Après ski activities. There’s nothing quite like the luxurious feeling of a hot, soothing soak after a day on the ski hill; and many accommodations near the ski hills offer hot tubs. The Loon Lagoon at Manning Park offers an indoor pool and hot tub, or soak in your cabin with a jacuzzi tub at the Sandpiper Resort. A little further away, you will find the healing hot springs mineral water at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort or Hot Springs Public Pool*.

Indulge your tastebuds with a glass of wine in Pinewoods Dining Room at Manning Park Resort, or sip a hot chocolate in Molly Hogan’s Pub at Sasquatch Mountain Resort. A little further away, you can enjoy a hot toddy at The Clubhouse Restaurant in Harrison Mills, a freshly brewed coffee at Amble Coffee on the Vedder River Trail or stop in for a tasty craft brew at Old Yale Brewing.

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WINTER WALKS

The Fraser Valley’s surrounding mountain ranges provide a multitude of trails for hikers and snowshoers alike. Sasquatch Mountain Resort in the Harrison River Valley and Manning Park Resort in Hope, Cascades & Canyons both offer guided snowshoeing excursions; or you can grab a trail map online or onsite if you want to explore on your own. For trail maps or more information visit Sasquatch Mountain Snowshoeing or Manning Park Snowshoeing.

Alpine Hiking in the Chilliwack River Valley offers wonderful winter walks. For breathtaking mountain vistas, hike Elk Mountain, or experience the tranquility and beauty of lakeside views at Lindeman Lake or Chilliwack Lake. It’s a good idea to check conditions before heading out, as micro-spikes or snowshoes may be required. Learn about the trails of Chilliwack in their hiking guide.

SNOWMOBILING

Take the scenic route and explore the BC Route 7: both Stave West in Mission and Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area in Hope Cascades & Canyons offer excellent opportunities for epic, powdery snowmobiling. Visit Snoriders West for local snowmobiling trails and information.

ACCOMMODATIONS

No matter where your journey in the Fraser Valley takes you, you’ll find a wide range of comfy accommodations. Visit the pages below for inspiration.

Abbotsford

Chilliwack

Harrison River Valley

Hope, Cascades & Canyons

Township of Langley

Mission

Tourism Fraser Valley - Winter Adventures - Manning Park

* Note: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, offerings marked with an asterisk are not available for the 2021-2022 season.