Aboriginal art and culture, innovations in hydroelectric power, and eye-catching religious architecture feature colourfully in Mission's culture and history. Visit Mission's historic and heritage sites to learn more about what makes this Fraser Valley community unique.
Xa:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre
Showcasing the culture of the Sto:lo people who originally inhabited this area, the Xa:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre (35087 Lougheed Hwy.) is an ideal place to begin a historical exploration of Mission. This 7.3ha/18ac site of a 9,000-year-old aboriginal village attracts some 15,000 visitors a year. Xa:ytem was designated as a National Historic Site by the Canadian government in 1992. Visitors can enter a traditional cedar longhouse and two underground pit houses, learn about local archaeological digs, view a sacred transformer stone, try bracelet-weaving or canoe carving, or enjoy traditional drumming and singing. Afterwards, shop for First Nations jewellery, masks, bentwood boxes, and more in the gift shop and art gallery.
Power House at Stave Falls
Seeking an electrifying experience? The Power House at Stave Falls (31338 Dewdney Trunk Rd.) was completed in 1912, and formerly served as BC's largest source of hydroelectric power, operating until 2000. It's a National Historic Site. Today, while the new Alouette-Stave-Ruskin generation system continues delivering electricity for the region, the original Power House at Stave Falls is an interactive museum with hands-on displays that intrigue youngsters. Watch an amusing educational video called "Rain" in the 50-seat theatre, admire the giant turbines in the generator hall, check out dioramas featuring wildlife around Stave Falls, or goggle at purple lightning created by a Tesla coil.
Westminster Abbey
Not to be confused with the famous church in London, England, Mission's Westminster Abbey (34224 Dewdney Trunk Rd.) is a working Benedictine monastery and seminary. Located at its present site since 1954, this classic Mission landmark is easy to spot with its soaring bell tower. Overlooking the Fraser River, Westminster enjoys a pastoral 81ha/200ac setting with an apple orchard and white cows grazing on the hillside. Visitors of all faiths are welcome to tour the grounds, including the impressive neo-Gothic church, and may spot the monks going about their business.
More Historic & Heritage Sites
Housed in a century-old former bank in downtown Mission, the Mission Museum (33201 Second Ave.) offers permanent and rotating exhibits year-round. These include rooms with period furnishings, First Nations art displays, and information on everything from Mission's founding in 1892 to BC's first train robbery, which occurred near Mission. The Fraser River Heritage Park (7494 Mary St.) is home to the remains of the former St. Mary's Mission and Residential School. One highlight is the Grotto, a reconstructed 1892-built white Catholic shrine. The park, which has gardens, washrooms, and an Indian restaurant, also hosts festivals and events such as Old Car Sunday (June), Canada Day (July 1), the Mission Folk Music Festival (July), and Santa in the Park (December).
Kilby Historic Site (215 Kilby Rd.) is a 35-minute drive east of Mission via the Lougheed Highway. Check out the 1906-founded general store and working farm with a restaurant and gift shop.
To learn more about Mission's historic and heritage sites stop by the Visitor Centre.