Live The Sweet Life With Fraser Valley Tours

By Helen Howard


You don't always have to travel to the end of the Earth to have a magical time. Sometimes the good life can be found right on your doorstep. For instance, if you live in the Vancouver area or the Pacific Northwest, Fraser Valley tours can offer a quick but unforgettable weekend getaway.

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.

Long before settlement by people of European descent, First Nations people lived in the area, which had an abundance of food and a strategic location. When the settlers moved here, they quickly saw too how useful the river was as a way of transporting goods. A gold rush in the middle of the nineteenth century brought more people and regular steamboat traffic and once the rush was over, farmers stayed to work the fertile soil along the river banks. Today many people live here and some of the towns in the region are really becoming suburbs of Vancouver.

Even though the area isn't remote or undeveloped, the area is still a great place for enjoying the great outdoors. The views are spectacular and there are plenty of places where you can hike, bike or go horse-riding. Fishing is popular not only on the river but also on the nearby lakes and bird-watchers will be delighted by the many species of bird they can spot, especially where the river flows into the ocean.

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.

Several travel agencies offer tours of the area. These include cycle or horse-back tours to explore the countryside and enjoy the scenery. You'll also find wine or food-themed trips. If you're a keen angler, you may want to opt for a boat tour which will afford you the opportunity to catch a huge sturgeon or any of five salmon species. However, if you prefer doing things independently, a self-drive tour is a great option too.

With its mild climate, the area makes for a pleasant experience no matter what time of year you visit. It can be rainy, though, especially during winter, and snow is not unusual. Instead of planning your trip around the weather, it's a great idea to check out the many local festivals and events and visit accordingly.

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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