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Daytrips from downtown Vancouver
Daytrips
from Vancouver can add to your guests experience by getting
them off the
beaten path to another side of the “Vancouver
area”. Along Highway #1 – the Trans Canada
Highway – and
within 90 minutes of Vancouver, lies a world of culinary
delights, historical significance and some of British Columbia’s
most extraordinary countryside.
The Fraser
Valley is fast becoming a notable wine-producing region,
specializing in
northern-climate grapes and fruit
wines. More than ten Wineries and Vineyards are found
here, most offering tours, tastings and even sumptuous
meals.
New wineries include Blackwood Lanes and Neck of the
Woods in Langley and Mt. Lehman Winery in Abbotsford, BC.
Langley,
BC - www.tourism-langley.ca
Blackwood
Lanes Winery
Taking advantage of the south facing, well drained slopes,
unique terroir and favorable micro climate; this estate
vineyard was optimized to produce Gewürztraminer,
Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. With a tasting room currently
open, their
new winery building will soon be completed including the
only barrel cave in the Fraser Valley and will feature
state of the art facilities. Cave Tours and new Bistro
will be
open to tour groups soon. www.blackwoodlanewinery.com
Neck of the Woods Winery
What was once Glenugie Wineries is now Neck of the Woods
Winery. Why Neck of the Woods for a name? They sum
up all the wineries in the Fraser Valley nicely when
they
say “The
name ‘Neck of the Woods Winery’ represents the
flourishing local wine industry many “Vancouverites” and
tourists have yet to explore, all within their Neck of the
Woods”. www.neckofthewoods.ca
Fort Langley National Historic Site
Welcome to the Birthplace of British Columbia! Experience
the historic original buildings and interactive displays
and activities at the Fort Langley National Historic Site.
Come see the furs traded by the aboriginal peoples, watch
the fascinating demonstrations by costumed interpreters,
observe the art of barrel making, hear the ringing of the
anvil in the blacksmith shop or feel the cool water as
you pan for gold. www.fortlangley.com
Abbotsford, BC - www.tourismabbotsford.ca
Bakerview EcoDairy
Built on 80 acres of land just off Hwy 1 in Abbotsford,
lies the first demonstration farm of its kind. The
Bakerview EcoDairy
will offer a unique, first-hand farm experience to visitors.
The facility is poised to bridge the "urban/rural" divide
by offering urbanites the opportunity to see a working farm
with the latest technology. Bakerview EcoDairy will be ready
to welcome tour groups and FIT’s beginning this month. www.ecodairy.ca
Mt. Lehman Winery
Family owned boutique winery creates natural wines through
the use of rigorous organic growing standards. The Mt.
Lehman area of the Fraser Valley yields brilliantly
flavoured grapes,
which produce fresh aromatic wines equaling those from
all over the world. Tasting room and tours available. www.mtlehmanwinery.ca
The Reach Gallery & Museum
A great destination anytime, Abbotsford’s new 20,000
sq. foot cultural centre features a gallery, museum, archives & studios.
Experience regional, national and international art exhibitions,
arts & heritage programs and an exciting array of special
events. www.thereach.ca
New Sandman Hotel Abbotsford
Abbotsford welcomes a new Sandman Hotel this month. This
new 4 storey all suite facility features a view of the
Valley Mountains and is within walking distance of 2 shopping
malls and many other conveniences. The hotel has 139 King
bedded all suites guest rooms boasting fully stocked kitchens,
in room laundry with separate living areas and fully stock
kitchen.
Chilliwack, BC - www.tourismchilliwack.com
The fantastic Coast Chilliwack Hotel in Chillwack BC is now
open and looks fantastic. Located in the heart of downtown
Chilliwack and quickly accessible to all the city has to
offer. The newly renovated hotel boasts 110 elegant lakeside
and Mountain View guest rooms.
Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve
Spend a half day learning about the Great Blue Heron at the
Interpretative Centre of the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve.
Then try and snap a photo of one as you explore the 9km
of trails and climb the observation tower for a great view. www.chilliwackblueheron.com
Minter
Gardens
Just off the Highway and at the foot of Mt. Cheam sits a
gathering of gardens so spectacular you’ll want to
linger as you take in all the different sights, sounds, fragrances.
Lake, Rose, Formal, Arbor, Rhodendron, Meadow, Fern, Hillside,
Stream and Chinese – these are some of the wonderfully
distinct garden areas on the 32 at Minter Gardens. www.mintergardens.ca
Been down this road
before?
As an alternative, journey north of the Fraser River
and follow Scenic Hwy #7. Also known as the Lougheed
Highway,
the Scenic 7 provides an ‘off the beaten path’ link
between Hope and Vancouver. From extreme adventures to
simple warm hospitality, there is something for everyone
in Mighty
Fraser Country. www.scenic7bc.com
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