As one of Canada's most productive agricultural belts, the Fraser Valley has created an abundance of specialty food producers.
The bucolic landscape (about an hour's drive east of downtown Vancouver) allows artisans to work their magic at the peak of freshness and flavour:
- Fruits are preserved in jams, syrups and spreads
- Honey is bottled from hives whose bees have feasted on fields of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries
- Cow and goat cheeses are formed and aged, featuring unique and seductive flavours.
Most of the valley's farm tours are seasonal (spring and summer); reservations are recommended.
The Farm House Natural Cheeses & Gifts
Tours of this traditional family farm in Agassiz finish in the cheese room, where, in addition to the sublime samples, visitors can meet with the master artisans. All of the Farm House's cheeses are made from their own dairy cows and goats.
J.D. Farms
This Langley farm's specialty is turkey. Purchase made-on-the-premises products like their famous turkey sausages.
Honeyview Farms
A mighty wall of over 50,000 bees in the observation hive marks the beginning of the tour at one of BC's largest apiaries, located in Chilliwack. Products for sale include honey, pollen and soap.
Goat's Pride Dairy at McLennan Creek
Home to over 100 goats, this farm offers visitors the opportunity to try their hand at goat milking; watch artisans craft organic cheeses, milk and yogurt; and purchase the products made on-site.
The Back Porch Farm
It's worth the drive to Agassiz for this java jolt. Watch organic, farmer-friendly coffee being roasted over a 100-year-old flame roaster, then sample the results. While there, have a look at the garlic fields, where some 25 varieties are cultivated.