Vancouver

Nestled between the Pacific ocean an the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver is known for it’s stunning natural beauty, mild climate, and cultural diversity. If that sounds fun we suggest you check out these things:

• Stanley Park: a 1,000 acre park at the edge of downtown Vancouver. Walk the Stanley Park Seawall path, see the lush forests, totem poles, and other iconic landmarks such as the Lions Gate Bridge, Brockton Point Lighthouse, and Lost Dragon

• Capilano Suspension Bridge: a historic suspension bridge that takes you across a 230 foot deep canyon. You can walk the through the Vancouver tree-scape in the Treetops Adventure then walk across the Cliff Walk. Admission to this attraction is $75 CAD, most people spend 2-3 hours here.

• Grouse Grind: A 2-mile up hill climb, ascending 2,650 feet, leading to beautiful views, dining, and wildlife viewing. If you would like to enjoy the views and not the hike there is a Skyride gondola that will take passengers up and down.

• Whale Watching: June is a prime time of year for whale watching in Vancouver. Tours depart from the city’s waterfront. You might see Orcas, Humpback Whales, Gray Whales and Minka Whales, as well as other marine wildlife such as dolphins and sea lions! Tours range in price and can last 2 to 6 hours.

• Victoria: Visit the breath taking city of Victoria, an hour and half ferry ride away from Vancouver, known for its charming blend of historic architecture and vibrant gardens. Rent a bike to ride around the island to take in the landscape and stop in at the Fairmont Empress, where Empress gin was created! Ferry prices range from $18-20 CAD each way, $60-75 CAD if you are bringing a vehicle.

Two cities of the Fraser Valley are known for their beautiful landscape and agricultural roots. You can experience the Fraser valley landscape paired with farm to table produce. These cities are where wedding festivities will take place, here are some options to explore while in the area;

• Lakeland Flowers: check out the acres of the latest blooms set on a mountain backdrop.

• Ripples Estate Winery & Distillery: right around the corner from Lakeland Flowers, enjoy a light bite to eat and craft cocktails in their greenhouse

• Tuscan Farm Garden: a stunning garden and café, they also sell lavender products grown in the garden

• Harrison Hot Springs: a spa resort with 5 private hot springs, non-hotel guests can experience the hot spring at the town center for a fee.

• Circle Farm: located in Harrison this farm offers a self-guided tour that celebrates all things farming. You will see, smell, and taste artisan cheeses, hand made pottery, roasted coffee, fresh produce and explore their garden

• White Water Rafting: Chilliwack Rafting offers day and over night trips, with prices ranging between $130 to $160 CAD

• The Bookman: highly rated second hand book store in Chilliwack

• Fort Langley - established in 1827 by the Hudson Bay Company Fort Langley served as a fur trading post. Now this area is home to a small community with a few restaurants, breweries, and shops.

• Food/Coffee/Sweets

  • Old Hand - Coffee and pastries Abbotsford

  • Ready Make Cake - sweet teas and offer an afternoon tea service located in Abbotsford

  • Lepp Farm Market - produce market in Abbotsford, they sell oven ready meals, perfect for a dinner in if you are staying in a rental house

  • Cactus Club Cafe - Abbotsford, Canadian owned franchise known for its premium casual dinning and open late!

  • Amble Coffee: coffee and pastries Chilliwack

  • District 1881 - an outdoor shopping area in Chilliwack with restaurants such as Bow + Stern, Bricklayer Brewing, and Fieldhouse Brewing

• Breweries:

  • Field House Brewing - serving brews and light bites (a location in Abbotsford and Chilliwack)

  • Farm House - Chilliwack - known for their wood fire pizzas, brews, and atmosphere

  • Old Yale Brewing - Chilliwack

• Wineries: Sticking to their agricultural roots, visit some of the local wineries. Note, most close early, at 5 or 6 pm, check hours before hand. If you are interested in several wineries Beyond the Bubbles offers several tours, for 2 to 4 people with tours with prices ranging from $140 to $220 CAD per person.

  • Campbell’s Meadery; fermented honey, similar to wine can range from dry to sweet located in Abbotsford

  • Chaberton Estate Winery- Abbotsford

  • Singletree Winery - Abbotsford

  • Vista D’oro Farms & Winery - Abbotsford

  • Seaside Pearl - Abbotsford

  • Cultus Lake Winery

  • Maan Farms and Winery

• Hiking:

  • Bridal Veil Falls, Provenance Park: mile loop, moderate difficulty

  • Lindeman Lake Hike: 2 mile loop, moderate difficulty

  • Vedder River: 5.5 mile out and back, moderate difficulty

  • Aldergrove West Loop: 5 mile loop, moderate difficulty

  • Marsh Pond Loop: 0.5 mile loop, easy difficulty

Abbotsford & Chilliwack Map

Tucked between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains Seattle offers picturesque views and a range of activities. If you choose to venture into this area here are some recommended activities

• Space Needle: Iconic observation tower offering panoramic views of Seattle, Mt Rainier, and Puget Sound

• Pike Place Market: A bustling market filled with fresh seafood, produce, crafts, and street performances

• Chihuly Garden and Glass: Museum showcasing glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly

• Seattle Art Museum: offers contemporary and classic art exhibitions

• Underground Tour: explore the historic underground pathways beneath Seattle’s Pioneer Square