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 As one of the Fraser Valley's most active communities, Mission burgeons with outdoors things to do and experience: fishing, drag racing, hiking, swimming, and parks. As well, the spacious, greenery-laden district offers relaxing activities that please the palate and the soul: circle routes that feature local organic produce and talented artists, brewpubs and dining, and cultural festivals. Originally incorporated in 1892, Mission also has several historic and heritage sites, showcasing everything from traditional First Nations culture to the secrets of hydroelectric power. All this and more awaits just an hour's drive east of Vancouver on the Lougheed Highway (Highway 7). Water Activities A fishing trip on the Fraser River is arguably Mission's signature experience. Contact an experienced local fishing operator such as Silversides Fishing Adventures or Upstream Adventures, and charter a boat or hook up some shore angling. Giant white sturgeon and five species of salmon are the Fraser River's best-known catches. Area tributaries and lakes, like Sayers Lake and Stave Lake, also provide Rainbow trout. Looking for more watery fun? Take a jet boat tour of the Fraser River with Fraser River Safari, whizzing along at up to 50kph/30mph and watching for bears and deer on the shoreline. Along the way, guests learn about industrial developments, First Nations history, and local legends. Circa October and November, fish aficionados can marvel at salmon spawning at the Inch Creek Hatchery, 6.8mi/11km east of Mission. Land Activities For motor sports fans, there's no better local destination than the Mission Raceway Park. Catch drag racing, motocross, and other events with hot rods and custom cars at this well-known venue. Camping and RV facilities are available, and the park sometimes hosts concerts by artists like Loverboy and Ronnie Milsap. Mission has almost too many parks to name. It's easy to spend days or weeks at Golden Ears Provincial Park, camping at the 62,540ha/154,540ac park's three campsites, hiking amid tall cedars and firs, or canoeing and windsurfing at Alouette Lake. Play soccer or softball at Mission Rotary Sports Park, or admire the frothing 30m/98ft waterfall at Cascade Falls Regional Park. Mission has three golf courses for varying skill levels and budgets. Hemlock Valley Resort, 45 minutes east of Mission, offers downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter. Food and Culture To get a real taste of Mission, taking a self-guided Circle Farm Tour by car is a great option. Sample blueberry and cranberry wines at Kermode Wild Berry Wines, pick up potted trees and hanging baskets at Bellbrook Nursery, or shop for organic produces and local artwork at the Mission City Farmers Market on summer Saturdays. Mission's laidback dining scene ranges from tasty microbrews and pizzas at the Mission Spring Brewing Company to steaks at Rockwell's. Shopping and FestivalsCan't get enough shopping? Try the historic downtown for antiques, used books, jewelry, and other boutique options. Or drive around to pick up innovative pottery at Jo Priestley Studio and Garden Gallery, or handcrafted woodwork and glassware at the Country Cache Store at Cnoccarne Bed & Breakfast. Mission feeds the soul year-round at its festivals, many at the central Fraser River Heritage Park. Highlights include the internationally acclaimed performers at the Mission Folk Music Festival (July), the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival (November), and the Candlelight Parade (December), Western Canada's biggest night parade. Historic and Heritage Sites Curious about Mission's original inhabitants? A visit to Xa:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre is a must. Spotlighting First Nations artwork, archaeological artifacts, and pit house dwellings, this National Historic Site pays tribute to the Sto:lo people, a subset of the Coast Salish First Nations, who lived here as early as 10,000 years ago. Gaze at the sacred transformer stone, or learn to weave a cedar bark bracelet. Mission got its name from 19th-century Catholic missionaries, and that faith tradition continued in the 20th century with the 1954 erection of Westminster Abbey. The hilltop monastery, surrounded by apple trees and cows on an 81ha/200ac site, features a soaring bell tower and a neo-Gothic church with 64 stained-glass windows. Modestly attired visitors are welcome. Other historic attractions include the Power House at Stave Falls, a 1912-completed former hydroelectric station that now offers educational films, turbine room tours, and interactive displays, and the Mission Museum, which has permanent exhibits that feature First Nations art, railway history, 1920's period furnishings, and more. Where to Begin Drop by the Mission Visitor Centre (34033 Lougheed Hwy.) to learn more about things to do in the area.
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