Fraser Valley & Greater Vancouver

The Fraser Valley is synonymous with agriculture and its fertile lands support a broad range of vegetables, field and cereal crops, fruits, nursery products, sod, livestock pasture and, of no surprise, wine grapes. While it retains its quaint, rural feel, its close proximity to Metro Vancouver makes it highly accessible and provides excellent opportunities for countryside daytrips and urban excursions. With close proximity to markets, the focus on local, sustainable, farm-to-table food is never more prevalent than in the Fraser Valley. The valley enjoys warm summers with temperatures that rarely get scorching hot like some of the interior regions. And due to the fact that it is a low-lying area in coastal British Columbia, mostly below 100 meters above sea level, the winters are relatively mild. In 2024, growers here had a relatively normal harvest compared to their Okanagan counterparts who were subjected to severe crop loss due to sub-zero temperatures. Even though the Valley is known for farming, it might surprise you that less than six per cent of 1.4 million hectares in the regional district is considered highly productive agricultural land. One per cent is dedicated to settlement purposes, while the remainder is dominated by the Fraser River, dense forest and mountainous terrain. Still the industry is a major attraction for tourists, thanks largely to the small producers – about 40 per cent of all farms are 10 acres or less in size – who embrace visitors as part of the Fraser Valley Circle Farm Tour. The Geographical Indication of the Fraser Valley recognized by the BC Wine Authority encompasses Delta, Langley, Aldergrove and Abbotsford and the metropolises of Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond and New Westminster. There more than two dozen wineries considered to be part of the industry producing grape and fruit wines. Aside from agriculture, the region has a lot to offer travelers, especially those keen on outdoor adventures. There is mountain climbing, salmon fishing, white water rafting, kayaking and canoeing, zip lining, horseback riding, biking and hiking trails. Historic sites, art galleries, craft markets, hot springs and golf courses make the Fraser Valley a well-rounded tourist destination. Located in the Indigenous area known as the Vancouver Coast and Mountains, the region is home to the Coast Salish people. including Squamish, Lil’wat, Sto:lo, Musquean and Tsleil-Waututh Frist Nations. Among the Indigenous experiences you can partake in there are dining and culinary tours, galleries feature art and culture, heritage sites and museums, and traditional fishing and adventures.