Wednesday

Enjoy The Good Things In Life With Fraser Valley Tours

By Helen Howard


It isn't necessary to travel to the other side of the world to have a great time. Often you can find magic just an hour or two from your home. If, for example, you find yourself in Vancouver or Seattle, a great time is within easy reach with Fraser Valley tours.

Downstream from the Fraser Canyon in the Canadian province of British Columbia, the Fraser River enters a broad valley. It then flows past towns like Chilliwack and Abbotsford before reaching the ocean near Vancouver to the west. Driving along the river between Vancouver and Hope, where the region Fraser Valley region begins, takes less than two hours.

Canada's First Nations people had been living in the area long before European settlers moved in and used the river as a source of water, food and a transport route. Once the Europeans discovered the valley, they quickly realized its importance and it wasn't long before steamboats traveled up and down between the town of Yale and the ocean. The river provided a lifeline during the gold rush that brought miners to the area in the late 1850s. However, the rich soil also attracted farmers and today the region is still an important agricultural area.

Today there are many people living in the valley but you'll still find it a haven for nature lovers and active travelers. Bird-watching is a popular activity, as are horse-riding, cycling and hiking. The lakes in the area offer stand-up paddleboarding and the rivers and streams offer fantastic fishing.

As one of British Columbia's main food-producing regions, the Fraser Valley is a paradise for lovers of good food and wine. There are farmer's markets and farm stalls where you can buy the freshest produce, from berries and vegetables to cheese. Children will love visiting the farms and come into contact with the farm animals while grown-ups may prefer trying the offerings from the many local wineries.

You have different options for exploring the region. One is to take a guided, themed tour, such as a tour of the wineries, where you can indulge without having to worry about driving. When the weather is good, a cycle or horse-back tour is a great option too while keen anglers may prefer to explore by boat and try to hook some salmon or sturgeon while they're at it. If you prefer taking things slowly and doing them your way, you'll also find good maps for self-drive tours.

There is almost always a festival or event happening somewhere in the region, so check out the local events calendar to help you decide when to visit. The climate is mild even in winter, although it can be wet. The rainiest time is in winter, when snow is possible too.

There are regular bus services from Vancouver to towns in the valley, where you will find a range of accommodation. If you want to visit from further afield, simply fly to Vancouver or Abbotsford and rent a car. Another option is to drive up from Seattle or Bellingham in the United States and then cross the border into Canada. Don't forget your passport, though.




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