Fraser Valley
Ale Trail
Tucked between the Coast and Cascade mountain ranges, the Fraser Valley Ale Trail communities of Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Hope offer a mix of relaxing countryside, urban culture, and rugged backcountry beauty.
Pick your fill in berry patches and apple orchards, hike along scenic trails, visit a local farmer’s market or fill your belly with a farm-to-plate meal. You’ll also discover trendy restaurants and lounges, exciting sports venues, and unique shopping opportunities. Along the way, sample a wide variety of delicious, locally brewed craft beers.
In Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Hope you will find a locally focused craft beer community featuring breweries that work closely with local farmers to serve fresh and delicious beer and food.
Sumas Mountain in Abbotsford, BC
Old Yale Brewing Co in Chilliwack, BC
Mountainview Brewing in Hope, BC (photo provided)
Farmhouse Brewing Co in Chilliwack, BC (photo provided)
Sasquatch Mountain Resort Aerial Park in Hemlock Valley (photo: Tourism Harrison)
Farmhouse Brewing Co in Chilliwack, BC
Trading Post Eatery in Abbotsford, BC (photo provided)
Cedar Cider in Harrison Mills, BC (photo: Tourism Harrison)
Ravens Brewing Co in Abbotsford, BC (photo provided)
Downtown Abbotsford, BC
Old Abbey Ales in Abbotsford, BC (photo provided)
Mount Thom in Chilliwack, BC
Homestead Cider in Agassiz, BC (photo: Tourism Harrison)
Sidekick Brewing in Chilliwack, BC
Fraser River in Hope, BC
Field House Brewing Co in Abbotsford, BC
Field House CHWK in Chilliwack, BC (photo provided)
Downtown Art Walk in Hope, BC
Farmhouse Brewing Co in Chilliwack, BC
Old Yale Brewing Abbotsford (photo provided)
Homestead Cider in Agassiz, BC (photo: Tourism Harrison)
Canuck Empire Brewing Co in Abbotsford, BC (photo provided)
Chadsey Lake in Abbotsford, BC
Old Yale Brewing in Chilliwack, BC (photo provided)
Mountainview Brewing in Hope, BC
Field House Brewing in Abbotsford, BC
Ravens Brewing Co in Abbotsford, BC (photo provided)
Downtown Art Walk in Hope, BC
Old Abbey Ales in Abbbotsford, BC (photo: provided)
Canuck Empire Brewing Co in Abbotsford, BC (photo provided)
Kilby Historic Site in Harrison Mills, BC (photo: Tourism Harrison)
Old Yale Brewing Abbotsford (photo provided)
Sidekick Brewing in Chilliwack, BC
Harrison Eco Tours in Harrison Hot Springs, BC (photo: Tourism Harrison)
Field House Brewing Co ABBY in Abbosford (photo: Shea Milne Photography)
Farmhouse Brewing Co in Chilliwack, BC
Sidekick Brewing in Chilliwack, BC (photo provided)
Cedar Cider in Harrison Mills, BC (photo: Tourism Harrison)
Day 1
Hope
Travel Info
Drive to Hope, an approximately 2.5 hour drive from Vancouver International Airport (YVR), or a 1 hour drive from Abbotsford International Airport (YXX), or 1 hour, 45 minutes from Bellingham, WA.
Start your day with specialty coffees and breakfast sandwiches, or try one of their creative breakfast poutines. Dine in and take advantage of their outdoor patio and enjoy the view.
Pick up a self-guided tour map of Hope’s chainsaw carvings at the Hope, Cascades & Canyon Visitor Centre and explore the Chainsaw Carving Capital at your own pace.
Fuel up at this cozy cafe with espresso drinks, baked goods, and classic cafe fare such as sandwiches, flatbreads, and salads.
What better way to enjoy the beautiful Kawakawa Lake or Lake of the Woods than getting out on the water with a kayak or SUP rental. Life jackets are included with every rental.
Fantastic beers brewed with fresh mountain water. Enjoy lunch from their full menu, and keep an eye out for seasonal specials. A fully vegan menu is also available.
Catch an evening movie at the historic Hope Cinema. Built in 1945, it’s one of the very few single-screen cinemas in operation today.
Stop in at this historic local pub with a friendly atmosphere for a nightcap after a full day exploring Hope.
Whether you’re planning to stay for a night or for the week, the area of Hope Cascades & Canyons has accommodations to fit every need! Cabins, vacation rentals, hotels, and campgrounds are available.
Day 2
Harrison River Valley
A family owned and operated business since 1993, the cafe, espresso bar and ice cream shop serves farm-fresh products sourced from local farms in the region. The team at Muddy Waters lives and works in Harrison and takes pride in promoting their small town Village. Ingredients are sourced locally and their home-baked goods are made on premises and with love.
Harrison Eco Tours offers wildlife tours and jet boat tours of the Harrison River, Fraser River and Harrison Lake, kayaking tours on the Harrison and Chilliwack Rivers and hiking tours in and around Harrison Hot Springs.
Spend the day exploring nearby Sasquatch Mountain. In the winter, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowshoeing. Spring, summer and fall bring opportunities to try your hand at disc golf, the aerial park, hiking trails, and mountain biking.
Nestled amidst the coastal mountains and set alongside the turquoise waters of the Harrison River, lies Sandpiper Golf Resort and the River's Edge Clubhouse. The Clubhouse offers a relaxing atmosphere serving contemporary west coast cuisine for both golfers and visitors.
Kilby Historic Site stands as the only reminder of the once thriving community of Harrison Mills, BC. Immerse yourself in the history of this little boom-and-bust town during the early 20th century. The site features heritage buildings from the 1880s onwards, a café, and friendly farm animals. At the center of it all is the 1906 Kilby General Store—now an engaging museum filled with original artifacts, hands-on activities, and friendly interpreters.
Cedar Cider is a farm-based cidery producing small batch natural ciders using wild yeasts, barrel aging and barrel ferments to obtain complex flavours, highlighting the unique qualities of the fruits. All of their ciders are unpasteurized and unfiltered, with no sugars or acids added, and are vegan and gluten-free. Check the website for seasonal hours.
The cider is crafted with farm-grown apples and local BC ingredients to create something that is flavourful and easy to drink. Homestead is open seasonally from April to October with a beautiful outdoor picnic area offering stunning mountain views. There is a rotating schedule of food trucks throughout the summer, as well as live music on select evenings. Dog and kid friendly!
The inn was built and operated by the Maclean Family in 1954, and is still run by the family today. Sasquatch Inn Pub boasts all your favourite pub- fare. Whether you’re craving calamari or a big juicy Sasquatch burger, they've got something for you.
Whether you are looking for accommodations in Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz, Harrison Mills, or Hemlock Valley the Harrison River Valley offers a charming small town atmosphere with a variety of quality BC accommodations to suit your preferences and budget.
Explore More
Be sure to stop in at the Harrison Visitor Information Centre and Sasquatch Museum, or the Agassiz-Harrison Museum and Visitor Information Centre for full lists of activities and attractions to explore.
Trek through the Harrison River Valley along the Sasquatch Trail to find this elusive creature’s favourite hangouts! Follow the clues to see how many you can find. To learn more about the history of Sasquatch sightings in the area, be sure to visit the Sasquatch Museum and decide for yourself if the legends are true.
If you prefer a more traditional hike or walk, you’ll find a wide variety of trails in the area suitable for all experience levels.
True to its name, Harrison Hot Springs is the home of healing natural hot springs. Discover how to enjoy them year-round.
Surrounded by river and lakes offers plenty of opportunities to get out on the water:
- Experience a real-life dinosaur encounter on a sturgeon fishing trip.
- Enjoy mountain and waterfall views from the lake aboard Shoreline Tours‘ comfortable covered boat (Feburary through November)
- Whether it be on the giant waterpark or a Sea-doo, or if you are looking for something for all ages, get into a water fight on the Bumper Boats, Harrison Watersports offers serious fun for all ages (summer)
Set along the emerald waters of the Harrison River, Sandpiper Resort Golf Course is one of a kind. This 18-hole, full-service golf course makes for a memorable round of golf.
Feel the need for speed? Watch racers in a variety of classes at the Agassiz Speedway – home of oval track racing in the Fraser Valley.
Plan your trip by the season to immerse yourself in local festivals and events:
Spring:
- Harrison Tulip Festival (April-May) – named the World’s Most Instagrammable Tulip Farm at the World Tulip Summit in Holland
- Sasquatch Days (June) – This historic event aims to share Sts’ailes culture and traditions. Be part of living history as you join the Sts’ailes nation on the shores of Harrison Lake, the traditional territory of Sts’ailes people on the ancient village site of Qwólts and attend the war canoe races, salmon BBQ, medicine walks and more.
Summer:
- Summer Harvest Series (June through August) – The Summer Harvest Series is an event series for the senses, highlighting the rich agriculture in the region and the spirit of farm-to-table experiences. You are invited to discover the taste of the Harrison River Valley all summer long!
- Harrison Festival of the Arts (July) – The Festival has something for everyone: visual and literary arts, live music, theatre, and a large outdoor art and craft market filled with local artisanal products.
- Bands on the Beach (Labour Day Weekend) – bringing the best local musicians in the Fraser Valley to the shores of Harrison Lake. Say goodbye to the end of summer with two days of beautiful lakeside views and great music.
Fall and Winter:
- Season of the Wild – A Celebration of the Salmon, Eagles and Sturgeon (October through January) Fun facts:
- The annual gathering of Bald Eagles in the Harrison River Valley area is the largest in the world.
- The Harrison River and area were declared the first Salmon Stronghold in Canada by the North American Salmon Stronghold Partnership in 2010.
- Get in the mood for the holiday season with Lights by the Lake (November through January)
- Starlight Skating Rink (winter) – Enjoy free access—just bring your ice skates! Skate rentals and concessions are available selectively (charges apply) during the main season, which typically runs from mid-November until early January.
Day 3
Chilliwack
Travel Info
Drive to Chilliwack, approximately 30 minutes.
Open for breakfast and lunch, Land is a coffee shop, brunch spot, and hangout space and also a yoga studio. It's "a place to connect, a place to grow, a place to expand and a place to land."
The most popular hike in Cultus Lake Park boasting stunning views of the lake and surrounding valley from the summit. Some very steep sections, so make sure you wear suitable footwear, and keep an eye out for tea pots hidden among the trees along the trail.
A family friendly restaurant located in Cultus Lake, BC that emphasizes innovative food and drinks in a relaxed, beach-community atmosphere.
Sidekick is a riverfront brewery nestled below the Cheam Mountains in Chilliwack. Offering award-winning beers and known for their Detroit-style pizzas.
Old Yale has been blazing trails and brewing beer in Chilliwack since 1999. Now featuring a full menu of pub favourites available from their own converted airstream food truck that pair perfectly with the craft beers on tap.
Enjoy craft beer and wood-fired pizzas on this working farm in rural Chilliwack. Their food menu is sourced from local farmers and suppliers.
Explore the many trails and the observation tower in this reserve - one of the largest heron nesting colonies on the lower mainland. You can pair your visit with a walk along the Vedder River Rotary Trail.
This exciting expansion brings the Field House Brewing brand to downtown Chilliwack.
A walkable, heritage, cultural hub where locals and visitors come together. Eat, shop, work, relax, and celebrate with so many local businesses ready to welcome you.
Chilliwack has a wide variety of creative and inspiring public art to discover, with new pieces being added all the time. It’s the perfect family friendly activity!
A charming heritage hotel located at the heart of Chilliwack. A window into the past while providing the modern traveler with all the comforts of home.
Explore More
Downtown Chilliwack is undergoing a revitalization, now known as District 1881, featuring The Local Space, Spruce Collective, Smoking Gun Coffee and Bow & Stern alongside Bricklayer Brewing and Field House CHWK. You could say it’s a hop-ening place!
For more outdoor adventures, try sturgeon fishing or visiting Bridal Falls. If stunning views are what you’re after, take in the scenery at Cheam Wetlands Regional Park — a 107-hectare park comprised of lake, marsh and forest.
Ready for a hot beverage? Be warmly greeted at a local cafe: try Cedar and Moss Coffee.
Day 4
Abbotsford
Travel Info
Drive to Abbotsford, approximately 30 minutes.
Ann Marie’s Cafe will take you back to simpler times with its 1950's diner style menu, décor, and service. Specializing in hamburgers, milkshakes, and their famous all day breakfast.
After lunch spend some time wandering through the historic Downtown Abbotsford neighbourhood. You’ll find locally owned boutiques, fun restaurants, and amazing cafes and bakeries. Spend time browsing the expansive shelves at Hemingway’s Books & Records or sit down for a board game with friends at Boardwalk Café & Games.
Owners Tim and Lisa dreamed for years about creating a space for people. A place for friends, families, colleagues and misfits alike to come together over great coffee and food. Good Kid Coffee is that place.
The Agora, a brunch/lunch bistro, is a charming culinary haven nestled in the heart of Tanglebank Estates, where rustic elegance meets farm-fresh delights. With their commitment to quality, sustainability and community, The Agora is more than just a bistro—it's a culinary journey.
Field House brews a variety of their own unique beers as well as limited edition collaboration products with other breweries and wineries. Kids are welcome in their tasting room and a dog friendly patio make this a great stop for the whole family.
In Historic Downtown, BRGR BRGR has become the place for grabbing a mouth-watering burger, great beer, and more in a relaxed space with plentiful dietary options. Don’t forget to try the onion rings!
One of the most well-known mountains in the region.The popular Chadsey Lake hiking trail takes you past the scenic lake before reaching the top with an expansive view of the Fraser Valley.
Focusing on European and West Coast style beers and respecting the ingredients traditionally found in these great brews, Ravens works with local growers and suppliers to craft great beers full of character and style. NOTE: Ravens' new tasting room and kitchen are under construction in their new location. For now, they are open for beer to go sales.
Opened in 2022, a nano brewery with 10 taps and some great grilled cheese sandwiches! Limited hours but worth checking out.
From April through December, Taves Estate Cidery will be offering growler fills, tasting flights, and unique bottled ciders. Everyone is welcome to come out and sip the orchard-to-bottle flavours while hanging with Billy and his gang of troublemakers.
Established in 2013 and reopened in 2018, Old Abbey Ales uses locally sourced ingredients to brew their award-winning small batches.
Located in beautiful and historic Downtown Abbotsford, Old Yale Brewing’s second home in the heart of the Fraser Valley is a craft brewery and kitchen with a spacious tasting room and patio. With 15 beers on tap along with a selection of wine, cider and craft cocktails plus a full menu featuring many of the Chilliwack brewery food truck favourites along with some new options, it's a great stop for dinner.
Another great option for your dinner stop, the menu at Trading Post's Abbotsford Eatery changes with the seasons and highlights ingredients from farms all over the Fraser Valley. Choose from salads, tacos, pasta, or burgers to find your favourite. Grab a seat at the bar and enjoy one of the 14 beers on tap. Like your beer? Fill a growler on your way out from the Growler Bar, or grab some cans or bottles from the fridge to enjoy at home. The heated patio can be enjoyed year-round, while the summer patio is where you can enjoy a beer out in the sunshine.
Newly renovated and rebranded, the Clarion offers an excellent home base for all of your Fraser Valley adventures. Easily accessible from Highway 1, pool and fitness facilities, on site restaurant, and ample meeting space are just a few of the features.
Explore More
Looking for more suggestions? Explore Fraser Valley’s Circle Farm Tour – a road map that directs you to a variety of specialty farm-gate vendors, open air markets, charming eateries, heritage sites, fairs, and other special events. For events the rest of the year, try to catch a concert at the Abbotsford Centre.
Abbotsford has an extensive selection of accommodation providers from hotels and inns to cozy bed and breakfasts. Find additional options for overnight stays at tourismabbotsford.ca.
Produced In Collaboration With
Abbotsford is located 60 minutes east of Vancouver, situated between the Fraser River and the US border. Nestled in the Fraser Valley with the Cascade Mountains as its backyard, Abbotsford offers diverse activities and attractions against a backdrop of mountains and farmland. Tour our craft breweries and wineries or explore the countryside on the Circle Farm Tour. Let the kids loose at Castle Fun Park or take enjoy time in the rugged backcountry on Sumas Mountain. Discover our shopping and dining scene, or explore Historic Downtown.
Chilliwack is a vibrant community; rich in history, outdoor adventures and farm experiences. Come wander the great outside on one of our numerous hikes, spend an afternoon golfing with friends, or fish along the mighty Fraser River. Immerse yourself by learning about the food we grow, the artists we cultivate, the surrounding agriculture, boutique shops, farm stands and festivals all within a breathtaking backdrop, and only a couple hours from Vancouver. Discover independent retailers and farmers who genuinely care and immerse yourself in history and respect of the land with the Sto:lo First Nation. Sample our local breweries, challenge yourself with our outdoor adventures and experience the great outside.
Between the Coast Mountain Range and the Cascade Mountain Range, this hub of southern BC highways makes Hope a readily accessible destination from which to explore some of the most beautiful and dramatic BC wilderness. Within a half hour drive, there are awe-inspiring desert canyons, vast stands of coastal rainforest, rugged snow capped mountains, expansive alpine meadows and fast-flowing rivers