Abbotsford Outdoor Activities

Rolling patches of endless landscape below. Mountain ranges rising ever higher in the distance, far from civilization's buildings and burning stacks of Beatles records. Trees, clouds, and wind—this is a typical day spent with Fly Gravity Sports.

An HPAC-certified pilot, David Llewellyn helps make these human flights possible. In his 15 years of hang-gliding, he has ascended thousands of times over Canada, the United States, and Latin America. Today, he uses Fraser Valley and the surrounding lower mainland as his backdrop during family-friendly tandem flights. He and the Fly Gravity Sports team also provide continuing education for experienced gliders, introducing them to the facility's modern winch-tow technique that requires no effort in becoming airborne.

Len's Sportfishing Adventures' licensed guides ride jet boats specifically designed for the wear and tear of river swells between the scenic banks of the Fraser river. The staffers supply anglers with all of the equipment necessary to summon fish from the depths of the Fraser River, one of the world's most salmon-packed conduits. In recent years, anglers have reeled in a 12-foot white sturgeon that bore down on the scales at 1,000 pounds before returning home per the business's mandatory catch-and-release policy. As they cast, patrons ogle the surrounding mountains and greenery.

Whether venturing out in summer rains or winter snow, the guides at Streamline Guiding defy the weather to ply both salt and freshwater for a chance to snag sturgeon, trout, salmon, and steelhead at the peaks of their seasons. They lead year-round tours and charters aboard Custom Weld and Grady White boats, demonstrating their experience in both fly and gear fishing, as well as in hunting for prime fishing spots by following clues such as muddy fin prints. Guides operate out of a centre within close proximity to these fishing grounds with a stock of Sage rods, Simms waders, and Gamakatsu hooks for use on expeditions. While most captains embark on trips to capture fish, they also take visitors on eco-tours, where all aboard can see bald eagles flying to salmon spawning sites; seals, sea lions, and otters lounging on rocky shores; and porpoises bullying minnows for their lunch money.

A group of seals basking in the early-morning sun on the shore of Harrison Lake gaze calmly at the humans staring back at them from their boat. Clad in their pyjamas, the floating brigade of houseboaters squeals with delight at their breakfast-time encounter and snaps photos of the sunning pod. Brokering surreal interactions with nature such as this is Harrison Houseboat Adventures' main goal, one accomplished thanks to the company's 59-foot houseboat available for rent throughout the year.

Eager to introduce visitors to the natural beauty of their mountain-dappled locale, staffers provide their patrons with all the amenities needed for adventures around Harrison Lake. Up to 10 guests can board the spacious vessel tastefully appointed with all the comforts of home, including queen-size beds, a fully functional kitchen, and framed photos of each guest's grandmother. Boaters can then embark on adventure-filled aquatic getaways replete with stops at local attractions including hot springs and golf courses, and enjoy relaxation time on the boat's top deck.:m]]

Before reaching the Sloquet hot springs or the Skookumchuck hot springs, which are also called the T'sek hot springs, water travels for miles through Earth’s mantle, warming itself by means of geothermal heat and collecting minerals that help promote wellness. These natural hot tubs spur visits from travellers to this tranquil and remote area. The team at BC Hotspring Tours shepherds visitors there to take advantage of the water’s beneficial properties, offering scenic, round-trip transportation. The team also runs full-day sightseeing tours of Fraser Valley with many scenic stops that include Chilliwack’s Vedder River and White Rock’s beaches.