SAVOURING THE FRASER VALLEY
A short drive from Vancouver is a place of country pleasures just waiting to be explored. The Fraser Valley, that fertile delta between the coast and Cascade mountains, is British Columbia’s largest agricultural region. It also boasts boutique winemakers,
FUN ON THE FARM
One of the easiest ways to discover the Fraser Valley is to take a self-guided Circle Farm Tour (CircleFarmTour.com). There are five of them — in Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows and Agassiz/Harrison Mills — that introduce you to local producers like Maan Farms in Abbotsford. You’ll visit markets, restaurants, festivals, galleries and heritage sites. Whichever tour you take, plan on bringing delicious things home with you.
VISIT WINE COUNTRY
The charms of wine country begin 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver, along rural roads that wind around Langley. The area’s microclimates make it ideal for making red, white and fruit wines at wineries such as Backyard Vineyards, Chaberton Estate and Township 7. Vista D’oro Farms & Winery also pro- duces luxe artisan preserves that are sold around the world.
Now you can add craft beer and cider to Langley’s thirst-quenching mix, with Trading Post Brewing and Fraser Valley Cider Company opened this year.
Feeling peckish? Head to Glover Road in historic Fort Langley. Good luck deciding between the hay-roasted chicken at Trading Post Taphouse & Eatery and the smoked salmon flatbread at the First Nations-owned and -operated Lelem’ Arts & Cultural Café.
HOP TO IT
Abbotsford has long been known for its dairies, apiaries, and as “Canada’s Berry Capital.” Now add yet another crop: hops, the bitter flowers that flavour Vancouverites’ favourite craft beers. The B.C. Hop Fest on October 1 officially kicks off B.C. Craft Beer Month Visit new craft breweries, including Ravens Brewing and Field House Brewing. Bring a growler, and fill ’er up.
DINE, DON’T DASH
Abbotsford is becoming a foodie getaway, thanks to the great local produce. Montrose Avenue is the hub of all things tasty, including fish ‘n’ chips at Bow & Stern; favourite Oldhand Coffee; and the soon-to-open Duft & Co Brickhouse, which will serve wood-fired pizzas (across from Duft & Co Bakehouse, beloved for its pastries and sandwiches).
Plan a dine-around, then spend the night at the romantic Brookside Inn, a luxury B&B with vineyard and mountain views and literary-themed suites such as The Secret Garden. Eat a decadent gourmet breakfast by co-owner and chef Sandi Buis.
WORK IT OUT
Further east, Chilliwack is famous for its sweet corn. The Chilliwack Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch delights families until October 31. Swing by The Local Harvest Market to load up on seasonal produce and woodfired artisan bread.
Chilliwack offers plenty of outdoor activities — especially fishing, mountain biking and hiking. Take a walk up Teapot Hill near Cultus Lake or aim higher with one of Mt. Waddington’s new guided hikes up Mt. Cheam — Chilliwack’s iconic peak.
Then it’s back home, until the next time adventure beckons.