Mission

Visit Mission BC

Mission Downtown – Dale Klippenstein

About Mission

This energy runs in our veins from our mountain trails and vistas to the roar of the raceway.

Rising up from the Fraser River and into the foothills of the Coast Mountain Range, Mission offers an awe-inspiring vantage point of the Fraser Valley. The abundance of our rivers, lakes and lands serve as a constant reminder of our deep-rooted history.

Thriving outdoors rain or shine, fishing the great white sturgeon, mountain bike trailblazing, hiking to the soundtrack of a rumbling waterfall and the call of the raven; we continue to learn from the Stó:lō peoples and Indigenous communities on the connection and significance of this land and how it has shaped important cultures and traditions.

http://tourismmission.ca

Attractions

Residents and tourists alike enjoy the natural setting and world-class attractions that the Mission has to offer.  Known for festivals, superb fishing, mountain biking, hiking, heritage and cultural sites, this Fraser River community has much to offer.

Outdoors

Hiking

Steelhead Forest – Mona Lucas

The District of Mission is one of the few municipalities that manages its own forest resources. The Forestry Department maintains 13 recreation trails within the Municipal Forest for hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking. Our forestry trails are signed at the trail head and marked throughout the route with orange reflective markers.

For a list on municipally maintained recreation trails, visit mission.ca/municipal-hall/departments/forestry/forest-trails-recreation-areas/trails/.

Rolley Lake Provincial Park

Stroll around Rolley Lake and listen to wild birds as you take in forests and marshland boardwalks.  Swimming, fishing and canoeing are also great activities for this area. Allow approximately 1 hour for this predominately flat wilderness trail.

Hayward Lake

Linked to Stave Lake Reservoir this BC Hydro owned property makes the ideal location for a family day out.  Hiking, boating, fishing, swimming  or relaxing by the beach are all on offer.  Try the 18 km loop around Hayward Lake that includes floating bridges and a waterfall (check the BC Hydro site for partial closures and trail information)

Stave Dam Forest Interpretation Trail

After traveling through the naturally regenerated forest, the interpretive loop at Stave Dam Forest peaks with a lookout that on a clear day can see vistas as far away as Vancouver Island. Well worth the 45 minutes and uphill ascent.

Fraser River Heritage Park

Fraser River Heritage Park is located at one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the area overlooking the Fraser River. The park is located at the former site of St. Mary’s Mission for which the City of Mission is named.

The park is the site of many community activities, including weekly Wednesday and Friday evening concerts during the summer season.

Some of the major events that happen throughout the year are:

  • The Mission Folk Music Festival in July
  • Old Car Sunday on Father’s Day
  • Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday
  • Our Lady of Lourdes Pilgrimage in August
  • Children’s Festival in June

 


Cascade Falls Regional Park

Cascade Falls – Mona Lucas

Cascade Falls Regional Park is a 22-hectare park  renowned for its spectacular waterfall which drops an impressive 30 meters into a large emerald pool, continuing on as Cascade Creek. With an ideal viewing location from the suspension bridge, which is just a 15 minute walk (mainly up stairs) from the parking lot.

Cascade Falls Park is a 14 km drive down Sylvester Road then turn right onto Ridgeview Road.


Mountain Biking

Due to Mission’s mountainous terrain and expansive Municipal Forest, the community offers a number of mountain bike friendly trails. These trails are primarily located within three trail networks: Bear Mountain, Red Mountain, and Heritage Mountain. Each of these locations offers trails of varying difficulty, providing suitable terrain for both beginners looking to ride their first trail and the most seasoned veterans looking for a real challenge.

For detailed trail maps and information, visit fvmba.com.


Swimming & Boating

 

Whether it’s the sandy beaches of Hayward Lake, the crystal clear canyon pools of Norrish, Lost, or Cascade Creeks, or the boat access shorelines of Stave Lake, Mission has many scenic destinations to canoe, kayak, paddle board, or just cool off at on a hot summers day.

Popular swimming and boating locations in Mission (note not all allow motorized boats):

  • Hayward Lake
  • Norrish (Suicide) Creek
  • Stave Lake
  • Lost (Fire) Creek
  • Hatzic Lake
  • Cascade Falls/Creek
  • Rolley Lake
  • Devil’s Lake
  • Sayres Lake
  • Florence Lake

For more information, visit mission.ca/municipal-hall/departments/forestry/forest-trails-recreation-areas/swimming-areas.


Fishing

Sturgeon Fishing – Doug Elias

The Fraser River offers no other angling opportunity quite as thrilling as fishing for a prehistoric monster — the White Sturgeon.

Known as the Sturgeon Capital of the World, the Mission section of the Fraser has the largest population of sturgeon. The fish can be caught year-round, though spring and fall are the prime times.

Anglers from around the world consider the Fraser River one of the top angling destinations for salmon. Approximately 60 per cent of all salmon in BC pass by Mission en route to their home waters.


 

Arts & Culture

Mission Art Gallery & Centre

Mission Arts Council – Maurice Motut

The Mission Art Centre houses a gallery, gift shop, and tearoom and offers unique exhibits from local and regional artists in a variety of media.  The exhibits change every two to three weeks year round.  The Gallery’s gift shop offers local goods crafted by artists, which include fiber arts, ceramics, jewelry, and more.

Hours of operation are Wednesday-Sunday 1:00pm to 4:00 pm.


Mission Museum

The Mission Museum tells the story of human occupation in Stó:lō traditional territory dating back over 9,000 years ago and continuing to the present day.

Historical stories feature the arrival of Father Fouquet and the establishment of St. Mary’s Mission as well as the story of Canada’s first train robbery by Billy Miner. Rotating museum exhibits highlight specific aspects of Mission’s past.

Historic Sites

The Powerhouse at Stave Falls

Stave Falls Power House – Dale Klippenstein

Experience an authentic 1912 power generating station at the Powerhouse at Stave Falls, a National Historic Site of Canada.

The Powerhouse features five generators and turbines, a hall of antique electrical appliances, interpretive exhibits about the importance of electricity in British Columbia and hands-on science activities that explain how electricity is made for young and old alike.


Westminster Abbey

The working Benedictine monastery bell tower of Westminster Abbey can be seen for miles from locations east of Mission.

The Abbey welcomes visitors to its grounds, with a dress code – no shorts or overly exposed skin when entering the Abbey Church. Please be mindful that this serene setting is also a working monastery and seminary.

Be sure to take the 5-minute walk to the viewpoint where you can enjoy one of the Fraser Valley’s most spectacular views.

Recreation & Sports

Public Recreation Facilities

Mission Leisure Centre

The Mission Leisure Centre is a hub of leisure activities in Mission. Our comprehensive facility features pools, rinks, a curling facility, gymnasium, fitness studio, weight room, squash & racquetball courts, multipurpose rooms, a physiotherapy clinic and concession. So whenever you enjoy yoga or swimming, basketball or hockey, dancing or want to learn first aid, or simply enjoy a coffee and socialize with friends, there is something for everyone.

Click here for more information

Mission Rotary Sports Park

Located on Oyama Street, the sports park boasts four baseball diamonds, four slo-pitch diamonds, four soccer fields, two all weather fields, field houses, parking, waste receptacles, washrooms, team rooms, referee rooms, concession, caretaker residence, parks signage, baseball and soccer storage and batting cage.

Click here for a map of the park and field information,

Water Spray Park

The Water Spray Park located on the Mission Leisure Centre grounds opens the Victoria Day long weekend and operates 10am – 8pm each day until the Labour Day weekend. It is also open on weekends only in September (weather permitting).

Lacrosse Box

The Lacrosse Box located in Centennial Park is available for drop-in play year round. It is ideal for lacrosse, ball hockey and basketball. For rental opportunities contact the Booking Clerk at 604-820-5368.

Tennis Courts

Centennial Park & Hillside Park feature tennis courts available for use free of charge on a first come, first serve basis. The Centennial Park Courts are reserved for the Mission Tennis Club from May – Sep on Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. For more information on the Tennis Club, call 604-826-2586.

Mission Soap Box Garden

Since its inception in 1993, this community organic garden has been operated by numerous volunteers providing many with an opportunity for hands on participation in community gardening. The garden is located just above the Skate Park north of the Leisure Centre. The Garden is managed & maintained by the L.I.N.C. Society which donates a portion of the vegetables grown to the local food bank and food centre. Visitors are welcome. Contact Sherry or Glenn at 604-820-1015 or seflett@telus.net for info.

Disc Golf Course

9 holes of disc golf are now available at Centennial Park. Disc golf is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc with the target being a chain basket. The Parks, Recreation & Culture department has worked in partnership with the Fraser Valley Disc Golf Club to set up the course which is open to play year round in the park. Access to the course is free and discs are available for purchase at the Leisure Centre.

Wellness Gym

You can now exercise in the fresh air year round! The Wellness Gym in Centennial Park is an accessible exercise hub with equipment and suggested exercises to guide your wellness journey. A great compliment for a walk in the park.

Municipal Forest Trails

The District of Mission is one of the few municipalities that manages its own forest resources. The Forestry Department maintains 13 recreation trails within the Municipal Forest for hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking. Our forestry trails are signed at the trail head and marked throughout the route with orange reflective markers.

Click here for municipally maintained recreation trails

Off Leash Dog Park

Dogs are welcome on a leash in all Mission parks and are permitted off-leash in the designated off-leash dog park located at the north end of Centennial Park.


Golf Courses

Mission Golf & Country Club

Established in 1960, the Mission course combines a demanding layout with attractive landscaping and thickly forested terrain to provide a truly challenging golf experience. It’s creatively designed 9 holes boasts a unique change of tee decks for your back nine. Paired with a wonderful clubhouse and banquet facility, Mission Golf & Country Club is one of BC’s most mature and well conditioned golf courses.

Visit missiongolfclub.com for more information.

Cedar Ridge Golf Course & Driving Range

Cedar Ridge offers an excellent golf experience by providing guests with an 18-hole Par 3 golf course that can be enjoyed in less time than a full size course–while still providing challenges to the practiced golfer and attainable successes to the beginner. Meanwhile, the log-constructed driving range with heated stalls allows for year-round practice.

Visit cedarridgegolf.ca for more information.

Eat & Drink

Conveniently positioned midway along the Scenic 7, Mission provides the perfect place to make a pit stop as you travel  the route. Whether you are after a cozy small town diner, a vibrant ethnic restaurant, an eccentric neighbourhood pub, a patio with a great view, or something fast and familiar, Mission has a café, pub, or restaurant that will cater to your needs.

For more information on dining options in Mission, visit tourismmission.ca

Shopping

Mission’s shopping options range from “Big Box” stores to many truly one-of-a-kind shops that you will only see in this community. There is something for everyone and if you can’t find it here, you most likely don’t need it.


Historic Downtown Mission

 

Located in the centre of the city, Downtown Mission features unique shops, entertainment venues, and establishments offering a wide range of goods and services. Visit downtownmission.ca for more information.


The Junction Shopping Centre

Where shopping meets entertainment in this lively shopping district that regularly sees events and added extras to keep its patrons entertained.  Stores include Starbucks, Staples, Save-On-Foods, London Drugs and Cineplex Odeon, alongside unique Mission based stores including Lanka Jewels and Corona’s Mexican Restaurant

To check out their website click here

 

Transportation

Public Transit

West Coast Express

West Coast Express – Dale Klippenstein

As the home base of Translink’s commuter railway, Mission is the first stop in the morning and the last stop in the evening as the West Coast Express travels to and from Vancouver. The train closely follows the Scenic 7 route, making stops in Mission, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Vancouver.

For more information, visit translink.ca/en/Schedules-and-Maps/West-Coast-Express.aspx.

Central Fraser Valley Transit System

BC Transit, through their Central Fraser Valley Transit System, provides regional bus and HandyDart services to the Abbotsford-Mission region. These transit services not only allow riders to get around Abbotsford and Mission, but it also allows them to travel between the two cities on its Valley Connector route. In addition, BC Transit’s Fraser Valley Express provides riders the opportunity to travel from Abbotsford to Chilliwack and Langley.

For more information, visit bctransit.com/central-fraser-valley.

 

Cars & Racing

Mission Raceway Park

Mission Raceway Park – Dale Klippenstein

Mission Raceway Park is one of the fastest drag strips in all of Western Canada and the United States Northwest. The low elevation (24′ above sea level) boosts horsepower, making it one of the fastest tracks around.

Mission Raceway features some of the quickest dragsters on the planet with speeds in excess of 270 mph.  The drag strip provides safe, controlled racing conditions for those who range from casual hobbyists to internationally ranked professionals.  Drag racing runs from March until mid-October.  A road racing club and motocross bike racers also use the track on non-drag weekends.

Upcoming Events

Drive the scenic
highway seven

What is the Scenic7?

Also known as the Lougheed Highway, the Scenic 7 provides a link between Vancouver and Hope that is off the beaten path. From extreme adventures to simple, warm hospitality, there is something for everyone in Mighty Fraser Country.

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