Your Family-Friendly Guide to Spring Break in the Fraser Valley

Whether you love it or dread it, Spring break will be upon parents in the blink of an eye. While an all-inclusive vacation sounds very nice, spring break doesn’t have to be about excess or going abroad. Instead, take a trip to neighbouring cities for a change of scenery and escape the hustle and bustle. Folks living in the Metro Vancouver area are very lucky as there are many weekend getaways to choose from and to consider, particularly the Fraser Valley. Just a short drive away, the Fraser Valley offers a small town feel, an abundance of natural beauty, and there’s certainly no shortage of fun things for the whole family to enjoy. We’ve compiled a list of activities in the Fraser Valley that will keep the kids busy this spring break without breaking the bank.

Langley, BC

Kids won’t even realize they’re learning when you visit Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada, one of Canada’s most-visited historic sites. This family-focused attraction offers spring break activities ideal for kids of all ages, allowing kids to step back in time to encounter life in the 1800s.

The rustic village is inhabited by costumed guides who are living a day in the life of Hudson’s Bay fur traders. Rub elbows with these authentic characters of the past and experience the blast of muskets that shook the walls of this wooden fortress. You can also pan for gold and dress like a trading boss as part of the historical experience. In the evening, travel a little further ahead to a mid-century stop at the Twilight Drive-In which will reopen for the season in February 2019. View a movie under the stars at this retro theatre with all the old-fashioned fun of the 50s and 60s. The concession still serves up hot dog or hamburger combos, freshly popped popcorn, and snow cones.

Where to Stay

While in Langley, book your stay at Coast Langley City Hotel & Convention Centre with newly renovated rooms and close proximity to shopping, dining and more! Enjoy your weekend getaway in a home away from home, complete with amenities such as:

• Free Wi-Fi 
• Complimentary parking 
• Fitness centre 
• MATCH Eatery & Public House 
• The Buffet 
• Starbucks 
• Spa Tru 
• Cascades Bingo – open daily

Mom and dad can enjoy some time at Cascades Casino right next door with over 1,001 slot machines, 24hr poker room, and a variety of your favourite table games.

Abbotsford, BC

Abbotsford is an easy 30-minute drive from Vancouver with plenty of activities to keep your family entertained. An awesome first stop on your Abbotsford adventure is Castle Fun Park. From go-karting to batting cages, you’re sure to avoid even a whisper of boredom; the kids will be thrilled with a quarter-mile of go-karting track that puts them in the driver’s seat.

You can also play a round of golf with three courses to choose from. Coral Sea Golf is an undersea extravaganza, taking you through an ocean of fun-filled sea creatures, shipwrecks, and sunken treasures. From whales to a Kraken, there’s something waiting at every hole. If you prefer creatures of a more ancient breed, Jungle Golf offers an 18-hole

underground Jurassic tropical forest with hungry dinosaurs and a babbling brook.

If the weather is cooperating, you can enjoy a challenging 18-hole course featuring a running stream, bridge, and the scenic Cascade Mountain Range as your backdrop to keep your game interesting. A spinning windmill, revolving lighthouse, and medieval castle offer enchanting milestones as you make your way through this magical course. Get a hole-in-one at the 18th hole and you can win a free game of Mini Golf! After golfing, test your skills in the Laser Maze, at bowling, or in the batting cages. If gaming is more your speed, you can choose from over 200 arcade games. It’s a non-stop day of fun.

Later on, introduce the kids to their first live stage show with tickets to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This stunning production offers music, dazzling costumes, and stunning sets while telling the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colours. This show has been playing for over a decade at theatres across North America with rave reviews. Enjoy a show at the Abbotsford Arts Centre on 2329 Crescent Way at the following times:

• March 22 & 23, 26 – 30 @ 7:30 PM 
• Matinees: March 23 & 30 @ 2:00 PM

After a day and night of Abbotsford activities, everyone will be too tired to drive home. Complete your trip with a stay at the Coast Abbotsford Hotel & Suites, located in the heart of it all. You can choose from a wide selection of nearby restaurants and bars. During your stay, enjoy a host of amenities such as:

• Free Wi-Fi 
• Complimentary breakfast buffet & outdoor parking 
• Pet-friendly and accessible rooms 
• Indoor swimming pool and whirlpool

Chilliwack, BC

Last stop for spring break activities: Chilliwack. There are plenty of things to do in Chilliwack including a self-guided Circle Farm Tour. You’ll take in the beauty of the countryside while learning how local agriculture puts food on your table. It’s a unique Agri-tourism experience that’s fun for the whole family. For the complete Circle Farm Tour, see here. Otherwise, we’ve handpicked three sites for you to check out in Chilliwack:

Chilliwack River Valley Natural Honey, a family-owned farm that’s been raising bees since 1979. They specialize in using different flowers to create a selection of gourmet honey that is unlike anything you’ve ever had before! Learn about the important role bees play for the environment, sample some scrumptious honey, and pick up home wax and honey products from their gift shop. Atchelitz Threshermens Association Pioneer Village offers a glimpse at the slow-paced life of the past. Wander through the site and pop into the old General Store or visit the Blacksmith Shop. After a visit to the Old Chapel and Steam Machinery display, indulge in a yummy lunch at Gramma’s Grill. You can also pack a lunch for your hungry explorers and eat at their picnic area. Complete your trip at The Chilliwack Corn Maze where a new adventure is created annually. No two mazes are alike from year to year, maintaining the mystery since 1999. The kids can also get a close encounter with farm animals, take a tractor or hayride, and peddle around on their farm themed trikes. If you’d like to explore outside of Chilliwack, you can also find a Circle Farm Tour in Abbotsford, Agassiz & Harrison Mills, Langley, and Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows.

After a long drive, you’ll want to settle in for the night at the Coast Chilliwack Hotel by APA located in downtown Chilliwack. You’ll be close to local parks and the stunning scenery along the Fraser River. The hotel offers featured amenities such as:

• Free Wi-Fi 
• Complimentary outdoor parking 
• Indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness centre
• Pet-friendly rooms 
• Prestons Restaurant + Lounge Chilliwack

Start planning for your spring break with these fun-tastic activities and an advanced booking for a comfy stay at one of our Coast Hotels locations!