Hikes in Fraser Valley
Best known as the agricultural hub of BC, the Fraser Valley is also an amazing place to plan an exciting outdoor adventure. Due to its easy accessibility from a number of relatively dense population centres and its close proximity to a variety of different landscapes, this area is a great place to get out and explore beautiful British Columbia. Centrally located along the winding banks of the Fraser River, the area offers countless options for hiking, no matter your skill level or physical fitness. From challenging summits to casual wetland walks, you will be sure to find the perfect hike to meet all of your adventure needs.
Close enough to Vancouver, yet far enough away to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city, the Fraser Valley and surrounding mountains will produce some truly breathtaking views unlike anywhere else in BC. With countless rivers, lakes, forests, and peaks spread out in every direction, there is no shortage of wild terrain for you to explore along the fringe of the valley landscape.
The 15 Greatest Hikes in the Fraser Valley
With a number of larger cities located throughout the valley and smaller communities spread out further afield, you will have no trouble accessing the amazing hiking routes that can be found in this charming region. Abbotsford, Mission, and Chilliwack all offer a number of excellent hiking routes that range from urban walkways to heavily wooded mountainsides; while smaller communities like Hope provide a more rugged experience on the peaks that tower above the coursing waters of the Fraser River. These areas provide beginner, casual, and experienced hikers with countless opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the valley without getting overly technical.
If you are looking for more of a remote experience, try heading to the southeast of the valley to explore the beautiful and challenging terrain of Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park, where you can find a number of rugged peaks with viewpoints overlooking the Canada-United States border. It doesn’t matter if you have been hiking for your entire life or if it is your first foray into the pastime, the amazing landscape of the Fraser Valley will provide you with everything that you will need for a great experience on the trails. Check out this list of popular Fraser Valley route guides below:
- Lindeman Lake Hike: The Lindeman Lake Trail is a great hiking route in Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park that will take you to a beautiful lakeside setting. After traversing some rugged and rocky terrain through the forest, you will arrive at the charming turquoise waters of Lindeman Lake. The lake is likely too cold to swim in, but the views are well worth the effort on this short hike.
- Bridal Veil Falls Hike: This hike is a very short adventure that passes through the dense forest canopy of Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park to visit the cascading water of the falls. This hike is an extremely popular outdoor destination for families and hikers of all skill levels due to the short distance and minimal elevation gain.
- Teapot Hill: The hike to Teapot Hill is a unique experience, as past hikers have deposited a number of old tea sets along the path that stand out in contrast to the natural beauty of the forest. The trail features several lookouts with scenic views over Cultus Lake and the Canada/United States border to the south. There are also education signs along the trail with information on local plant and animal life.
- Cascade Falls: The hike to Cascade Falls is a brief 0.6 km journey near Mission that will take you to an awesome suspension bridge overlooking a stunning waterfall. This is a great hike for families with young kids, as there is a parallel gravel road that offers easy access to the bridge for less mobile hikers.
- Elk Mountain Trail: This hiking route can be found southeast of Chilliwack and climbs through a beautiful stretch of forest and over a rugged ridgeline to reach the top of Elk Mountain. Although challenging in a few areas, this trail will produce amazing views overlooking the valley below and surrounding mountain peaks. This is a very popular trail, so be sure to arrive early.
- Hicks Lake Trail: This trail is an easy 6.6 km loop trail in Sasquatch Provincial Park that will take you around a serene lake. While out on the trail you will pass through stretches of woodland terrain and cross over a number of streams that feed into the lake. This is a great hike for families and casual hikers.
- Cheam Peak: The hike to Cheam Peak is an 8.4 km route near Bridal Falls that will take you up a steep hill to provide amazing views of the Fraser Valley. On this hike you will experience a variety of terrain that includes mountain streams, beautiful alpine meadows, and a rugged ridgeline traverse on the way to the summit of the peak. Here, you will have panoramic views that stretch from the Fraser Valley toward the Canada-United States border.
- Abby Grind Trail: This hiking route is an intense adventure that climbs a steep 424 m over a distance of 3.4 km. Sometimes compared to the Grouse Grind in Vancouver, this trail is definitely a great workout that is a bit more on the challenging side. From the top of the trail you will have views overlooking the Fraser Valley and surrounding mountain peaks.
- Pierce Lake Trail: Hiking along the Pierce Lake Trail is a challenging experience that will test your endurance. As you make your way uphill along this 15.8 km trail, you will have breathtaking views overlooking the vast expanse of the Fraser Valley. Additionally, the area surrounding the two picturesque mountain lakes is often used as a backcountry camping spot, making for a fun weekend of camping in the mountains.
- Mount Slesse Memorial Trail: This hiking route will take you through the dense canopy of the forest to reach the 1959 crash site of Trans Canada Flight 810. This popular route climbs uphill to the memorial where hikers can still see remnants of the plane, before working up to the viewpoint overlooking Slesse Mountain and Mount Rexford.
- Chadsey Lake Trail: This moderate hike near Abbotsford climbs uphill through the forest at a steady pace to visit a beautiful woodland lake, making it a great option for both casual and seasoned hikers. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere around the lake and jump into the refreshing water to cool off on a hot day.
- Mill Lake Loop: This is a charming lakeside circuit in Abbotsford that provides several scenic viewpoints for spotting local wildlife. The trail passes predominantly through easy terrain, making it perfect for hikers of all skill levels and ages. There are also several picnic areas along the route to sit and relax outdoors.
- Sumas Mountain Trail: The Sumas Mountain Trail is a rugged 16.9 km adventure that will take you through the forests near Abbotsford, BC to experience views over Chadsey Lake. From here, you will continue to the viewpoint at the summit of Sumas Mountain to enjoy views over the Fraser Valley, including the Fraser River and the cities that can be found along its length.
- Weaver Lake Trail: This popular hiking loop trail near Chilliwack meanders around a charming woodland lake and takes you across a variety of terrain to produce some scenic views across the water. This relaxed hike is a great adventure for those that enjoy a bit of variation in their route without too much in the way of difficulty.
- Lindeman and Greendrop Lakes Trail: This 10.9 km hiking route will take you through Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park to experience dense forests and rocky terrain on the way to reach two beautiful woodland lakes. Here, you will have wonderfully scenic views over the water that are reward enough for setting out on this tough and technical trail. Each of these lakes offer the opportunity to camp overnight, making this a great option for a multi-day trek in the backcountry.
When is the Best Time to Hike in the Fraser Valley
Each of the four seasons in the Fraser Valley has its own charm, providing a constantly changing backdrop of scenery that can truly be experienced at any time of the year. Depending on your agenda, hiking experience, and fitness level, you might want to avoid visiting the area during the winter, as many of the higher peaks that can be hiked during the summer will increase in difficulty. The increased water levels in the spring mean that rivers and waterfalls will be more prominent, creating some dramatic views that you won’t want to miss. Alternatively, the summer season provides the driest weather for hiking, meaning you will safely and comfortably be able to navigate the trails - so long as you stay protected from the sun!
Other Outdoor Activities in the Fraser Valley
With access to a wide range of terrain that includes rugged mountain peaks, vast swathes of forest, winding rivers, and scenic wetlands; there is virtually no limit on the number of activities that can be experienced in the Fraser Valley. Whether you are looking to fish in one of the area’s many waterways, go boating on a scenic lake, navigate some craggy terrain while rock climbing, or go paragliding high above the valley floor; you can rest assured knowing that the possibilities for adventure travel in the Fraser Valley are almost endless.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fraser Valley
What is the Fraser Valley known for?
The Fraser Valley is a fertile tract of land that is characterized by the winding river along the valley floor and the steep mountain slopes that flank it on either side. Due to the high levels of nutrients in the soil and excellent transportation routes, this area is known to be the agricultural heart of British Columbia. Here, you can find countless farms, dairies, and vineyards that help supply both the province and the rest of the world with great food products.
What cities can be found in the Fraser Valley?
The Fraser Valley is a vast area of land along the winding banks of the Fraser River that includes eight unincorporated electoral areas and six municipalities. These include: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope Kent, and Mission. These are all found in relatively close proximity to the river and provide great access to outdoor activities across the surrounding landscape.
Best Hikes in Fraser Valley
Hope Mountain Trail
The Hope Mountain Trail climbs steeply uphill along a mixture of forest service road and dirt-packed trail to reach the summit of Hope Mountain. This 23.8 km out-and-back route is lightly travelled due to the difficulty involved in reaching the trailhead, but the views from the peak are absolutely stunning. On a clear day, hikers can expect a breathtaking sightline that stretches across the Fraser Valley and down south into the United States.
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Campbell Lake Trail
The Campbell Lake Trail is a tough route near Harrison Hot Springs that climbs up a steep and rocky trail to reach the serene waters of Campbell Lake and a scenic lookout over Harrison Lake. This intermediate length out-and-back trail is a bit technical, so it’s best to avoid it in wet weather. This is a good route if you are looking to build up your skills for longer, more difficult routes.
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Goat Ridge
The hike up Goat Ridge is a steep climb that will take you through the beautiful forests found near Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park. This 8km out-and-back trail is fairly technical and contains several roped sections to aid your climb. When you reach the top of the ridge you can expect to see amazing views of the mountains and lakes in the surrounding area.
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Thurston Mountain
Thurston Mountain is a challenging out-and-back hiking trail southeast of Chilliwack, BC that climbs uphill along a beautifully forested route and comes out onto a ridgeline that leads to the summit of the mountain. Along the trail you can expect some amazing views that stretch out across the fertile valley below. Arrive early to this beautifully scenic hike so that you can have the entire ridgeline to yourself.
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Bear Mountain Loop
The Bear Mountain Loop is a forested hiking route just north of Mission, BC that can be utilized by either hikers or mountain bikers. This 8.9 km path climbs through a beautiful forest to the summit of Bear Mountain and provides nice views of the surrounding area. Try not to get lost on this dense network of trails!
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Knight Peak Trail
The Knight Peak Trail is an extremely challenging hike into the Cheam Mountain Range that should only be attempted by experienced hikers. The trail climbs steeply uphill before breaking off along an unmarked route to the peak. For this reason, hikers will need to be experienced in route finding in order to safely make their way to the summit. If you are able to make it to the top of Knight Peak, you will be rewarded with truly spectacular views of the entire region.
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Willband Creek Park
Hiking through Willband Creek Park is a fun outdoor experience in a scenic wetland landscape with the opportunity to see wildlife. This 2.4 km trail loops around the water’s edge and provides great sightlines from the various viewpoints around the marsh. This hike is perfect for getting the family out to enjoy nature while learning about the various animal species found in this unique ecosystem.
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Mount Crickmer
The hike up to Mount Crickmer is a difficult climb along an overgrown trail that will reveal picturesque views of Golden Ears Provincial Park as well as Stave and Alouette lakes. This 20.0 km out-and-back hiking route has varied terrain, first traversing a forest service road before transitioning to an overgrown trail. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hike to the highest point in the Mission District.
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Flood Falls
The hike to Flood Falls is a short out-and-back trail that travels along a 1.0 km forest path to reach this scenic rock formation. Located just outside of the city of Hope, this hiking route is a popular option for families due to the short length of the trail and the big wow factor of the water gushing over the falls. The volume of this waterfall surges during wetter months of the year, so it might not be as prominent if you hike the trail during the heat of summer.
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Liumchen Lake Trail
The Liumchen Lake Trail is an excellent out-and-back hiking route that travels through the Liumchen Ecological Reserve on the way to the serene waters of the lake. This trail receives low foot traffic due to the rough road up to the trailhead, but it’s worth making the trip out for. Along the route you will hike through beautiful forests and meadows while taking in amazing mountain views.
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Taggart Peak
Hiking up to Taggart Peak is a 10.9 km journey that includes the steep climb up the Abby Grind Trail and the final push up to the summit. This route is sure to get your heart pumping, but will also provide some nice views over the valley and the surrounding mountains. If you are looking to extend your hike even further, try exploring the vast network of routes that spread throughout the park.
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Mount Lincoln Trail
Hike along the Mount Lincoln Trail to experience beautiful views over the Fraser Valley on this short, adventurous route. Located just north of Hope, BC in the town of Yale, Mount Lincoln is a rugged peak that overlooks the coursing waters of the Fraser River. Along this trail you can expect a steep climb to the summit with several rope sections to help with your ascent.
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Hope-Nicola Valley Trail
Hike along the Hope-Nicola Valley Trail to experience the natural beauty and historic sites of Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. While on this scenic route you will pass through beautiful forests and hike alongside the Coquihalla River as it cuts through the canyon. You can also spend some time exploring the historic Othello Tunnels - just make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds.
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Hoover Lake Trail
The Hoover Lake Trail is a moderate out-and-back hiking route that will take you through a beautiful stretch of forest to the scenic shores of a woodland lake. The trail is made up of non-technical and easy to navigate terrain, making it an ideal route for casual hikers. Make sure to spend some time exploring the trails that lead around the lake for an extended adventure.
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Mount Saint Benedict Trail
The Mount Saint Benedict Trail is a challenging 10.9 km out-and-back hiking route that climbs steeply uphill to provide some amazing views over the surrounding area. There are several highlights that can be found along this trail including a cascading waterfall and the charming waters of McKay Lake. After a tough push to the summit, hikers will experience panoramic views of countless backcountry mountain peaks.
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Dewdney Grind Trail
Hiking the Dewdney Grind is a challenging affair due to the steep incline and heavily-forested nature of the trail. Along the 9.0 km route you will climb uphill to a charming cabin built in memory of a local helicopter pilot Ben von Hardenberg before pushing on to the summit for scenic views. Make sure to bring a GPS for this one as route finding can be difficult.
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Flora Peak Trail
The Flora Peak Trail is an 11.4 km out-and-back hiking route that will take you through dense forests and over several creek crossings before attempting the final ascent of Flora Peak. From atop the mountain, hikers will have spectacular views that sweep across the landscape in all directions. This is a truly rewarding hike if you are looking to push yourself through a challenging uphill climb.
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Matsqui Trail
The Matsqui Trail is a 26.9 km multi-use trail that travels alongside the Fraser River and provides nice views of the valley. Popular with hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders, this route traverses flat terrain, making it suitable for hikers of every skill level. Although this route starts on the trails east end, there are multiple locations from which you can begin your hike.
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Fishtrap Creek Loop
Hiking the Fishtrap Creek Loop in Abbotsford is a great way to get out and explore the natural beauty of this city. The quick 1.9 km loop trail follows closely alongside the edge of the creek and provides hikers with scenic waterside views and a pleasant atmosphere for an outdoor stroll. Make sure to utilize the viewpoints over the creek for a chance to spot some of the many local wildlife species that can be found within the park.
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Chipmunk Creek Trail
Hike along the Chipmunk Creek Trail to experience the feeling of solitude along the trail while taking in scenic views of nearby mountains. This trail largely climbs uphill through the forest along a series of switchbacks and offers several scenic viewpoints along the way. This lightly travelled route is a great escape into the wilderness of the Fraser Valley.