With the arrival of our Fraser Valley Lager, we’ve really been thinking about just how rad the Fraser Valley is and how it inspired us to make our awesome new Lager! This beautiful place we call home has an ENDLESS amount of forests, mountains and lakes to explore and as you know…we can’t get enough of it. Sooo in celebration of our new beer release and the beautiful Fraser Valley; here’s the 10 BEST spots in the Fraser Valley (according to us and in no particular order!) to have the best time with your new beer adventure buddy…
#1: CHILLIWACK COMMUNITY FOREST
This approx two hour little leisurely hike is the perfect way to satisfy your hike craving without taking up a big chunk of your day. Also is it just us or is “Chilliwack Community Forest” so cute and welcoming sounding…love it ! There’s multiple different paths that wind through the forest that you can choose from ranging from flat family friendly trails to some steeper trails that will definitely get you reaching that daily FitBit step goal.
Elevation Gain: 150 meters
Time: Approx. 1.5 hrs
Season: Feb-Nov
#2: CHEAM LAKE WETLANDS
The main loop on this shorter hike keeps it interesting with viewing points, floating bridges and the occasional beaver dam! If you’re lucky, you may even spot a beaver alongside the trail. There’s also tons birds and wildlife to enjoy so leave the headphones at home and enjoy the sounds of nature on this peaceful stroll.
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Time: Approx. 1 hour
Season: Year- round
#3: MT. THOM
Ok, sooo we’re pretty sure you already know how much we dig this hike considering we talk about it all the time buut, we just love it so much!! We can’t help it! How could you not love a hike with such stunning views! You can do the full trail for about 3 hours for a more intermediate hike, but there are also smaller trails available for those opting for a route for all skill levels. This hike is all year round but beware of the slippery conditions in the winter time…it gets preeetty icey, especially if you’re wanting to make it all the way to the view point. So, if you’re planning on heading up anytime soon, maybe bring some YakTrax.
Elevation Gain: 375 metres
Time: 2.5 hours
Season: Year round
#4: WILLBAND CREEK PARK- ABBOTSFORD
This trail is perfect for all skill levels and offers a beautiful lake. Make sure good foot wear is worn because the trail goes through different kinds of terrain including farm land and soggier wet lands. Expect to see some cool wildlife here at well! Plus, there always seems to be tons of cute dogs there, enjoy!
Elevation Gain: 12 m
Time: 2.4 km
Season: Year round
#5: SUMAS MOUNTAIN
Sumas Mountain is one of those hikes you see all over the gram and keep telling yourself “maan I really gotta do that one day..". Welll, here’s your sign to do it! There’s a more family-friendly side of the mountain and a intermediate side - so all skill levels are welcomed! This is seriously such a BEAUTY of a hike filled with the fluffiest Douglas Fur Trees and plants…a Fraser Valley icon! Along the trail you’ll find orange markers letting you know you’re heading in the right direction. As you get closer to the top, keep those eyes peeled - you could get a glimpse of the Fraser River down below!
Elevation Gain: 715 meters
Time: 6.5 hours
Season: May- November
#6: HOPE RIVER ROTARY TRAIL - HOPE
It’s no secret that we love spending time at Vedder River Rotary Trail… if you live, play or adventure in Chilliwack, like us, you’ve probably spent a couple of hours on that trail. BUT this one isn’t about you Chilliwack, move over for a sec, cause we gotta give the spotlight to another beautiful Rotary Trail in our neighbour’s backyard; Hope River Rotary Trail. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk to enjoy a Blue Moose coffee and your favourite podcast or a place for you and your adventure buddy to enjoy a bike ride, this neighbourhood park and trail that stretches a large portion of the beautiful Hope River is the spot for you!
Time: Approx. 1-3 hours
Season: Year round
#7: FLOOD FALLS - HOPE
If you’re thinking, “We’re at #7 already… where the waterfalls at??”. We got you. They’re right here. Starting off with Flood Falls in Hope! A short and sweet little jaunt from the parking lot, this trail is scenic and well worth it! The mossy rocks along the waterfall look straight out of a story book and make perfect backdrops for a photoshoot…just sayin’. We’ve TOTALLY done it.
Elevation gain: 40 meters
Time: 0.75 hours
Season: Year round
#8: HARRISON LAKE - HARRISON HOT SPRINGS
A very VERY well known spot. As you already know, Harrison Lake gets preeetty packed in the Spring and Summer months and for good reason! It’s one of the best sunny day spots in the Fraser Valley for sure BUT it’s also super nice in the chillier months as well (plus not as busy! ) Not only are there tons of camping, hiking and swimming spots to enjoy around the lake, there’s also places to whip out that Kayak or take the boat for a spin! While it’s still a little cold for water sports, the lake itself along with the multiple hiking and camping spots can be enjoyed all year ‘round!
Time: As long as you want it to be!
Season: Year round
#9: CASCADE FALLS - MISSION
Another waterfall!! One of our classic favourites…Cascade Falls! This is the perfect photo and hiking spot all year round and that view of the waterfall at the top is alwaaays worth the hike. Plus two view points where you can stop and cheers a beer. In the colder months, the views just keeps getting better as the ice freezes over the falls and makes it look SOO majestic.
Elevation gain: 50 meters
Time: Approx. 1.5 hours
Season: Year round
#10: STAVE LAKE - MISSION
The largest lake in it’s region, Stave Lake in Mission has oodles of things to do. There’s tons of year ‘round fishing, camping and swimming- well maybe minus the swimming unless you’re doing the whole polar bear swim thing. Some of the area around Stave is only accessible by truck but there’s tons of easy access points for anyone without one! Seriously though, there’s nothing like a day at Stave and ending the night with a nice campfire and crackin’ a an Old Yale beer… try a Fraser Valley Lager next time, you won’t be disappointed!
Time: As long as you want it to be!
Season: Year round
Well, we don’t know about you guys but we’re ready to grab our Blundstones, a Fraser Valley Lager 12-pack and go on an adventure! Crackin’ one of these guys after taking in the beauty of the Fraser Valley sounds pretty sweet to us…amright??
If you go on any Fraser Valley adventures or have some spots that you think are a must visit, share with us @oldyalebrewing or with the hashtag #oldyalebrewing! Alsooo you can pick up a 12 pack of Fraser Valley Lager NOW in our Tasting room or in Chilliwack liquor stores!
Happy adventuring, friends!