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The Okanagan gets most of the attention when it comes to B.C. wine, but the Fraser Valley has quietly been building a scene of its own — and spring is a good time to explore it. This week we're taking a look at the region's wine country and the passport program that lets you work your way through 17 producers for $30.
– Emily
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News & Features
There's more to BC wine than the Okanagan
Singletree Winery. Photo: Robyn Bessenger
The Fraser Valley doesn't get as much attention as the Okanagan when it comes to BC wine, but the region has a growing number of wineries, cideries, and distilleries worth knowing about. The cooler, wetter climate near the Pacific produces wines with more delicate, aromatic character — crisp whites, fruit and honey wines, and cool-climate reds rather than the bold styles the interior is known for.
The Fraser Valley Wine Passport, running April 1 to May 31, offers a way to explore 17 of those producers across Abbotsford, Langley, and Surrey for $30. Half the passport price goes directly to participating businesses; the other half is donated to the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation.
SPONSORED BY HARRISON TULIP FESTIVAL
Harrison Tulip Festival Opens April 10
Opening April 10, the Harrison Tulip Festival returns to Agassiz as Canada’s largest tulip festival, welcoming visitors daily through early May. Spanning 45 acres with more than 14 million blooms, including 150 tulip varieties alongside daffodils and hyacinths, the festival offers a vibrant, ever-changing spring landscape perfect for strolling and photos. Presented by the Onos family in their milestone 20th year, the festival also features a four-acre Show Garden, select Night Garden evenings, floral workshops, yoga and pilates in the fields, food trucks, a Bloom Bar, and the Farm Store filled with seasonal gifts and Dutch treats. It promises a colourful celebration of spring and a memorable outdoor experience for visitors of all ages. Tickets available at harrisontulipfest.com/tickets.
Need to Know
🏥 Mission Memorial Hospital's emergency department extended its reduced hours — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — through April 6 due to staffing constraints, with emergency-trained nurses remaining on site after hours. [Fraser Health]
👮 Abbotsford Police celebrated the first graduating class of its Youth Leadership Program on March 21, with 32 high school students completing a multi-day leadership and community safety program. [Abbotsford Police Foundation]
🎓 The University of the Fraser Valley plans to develop two parking lots at its Abbotsford campus into a mixed-use development as early as 2028, amid a $22.5-million tuition shortfall and 45 recent staff layoffs. [CBC News]
🤝 Fraser Health appointed Cindy Oliver as board chair, alongside two new Indigenous board members — Leslie Bonshor of Stó:lō Nation and Loren Muth of Ch'íyáqtel First Nation. [Fraser Health]
🤟 The RCMP launched a pilot bringing on-demand ASL interpreters via video to four B.C. detachments, including Langley, to improve police interactions with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. [Abbotsford News]
🚔 One officer from a group of eight experienced transfers sworn into the RCMP last week in Surrey has been posted to the Chilliwack detachment. [Fraser Valley Today]
🔥 The BC Wildfire Service began burning roughly 20 piles of forest debris near Boothroyd, 50 kilometres north of Hope, as part of fuel management ahead of wildfire season. [Hope Standard]
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🗓 Things to do
Peter Rabbit Movie Screening: Free screening of Peter Rabbit plays at Almsgiving Hope Cinema & Performance House (376 Wallace St, Hope), April 5, 10 AM–12 PM.
Shadow Puppet Show: Local artist Naomie performs a shadow puppet show at Blue Moose Café (322 Wallace St, Hope), April 5, 5–6 PM.
Kids Yoga Series: A four-week yoga series for grades 1–5 runs Fridays 3:30–5 PM at Land Studio & Café (102-45530 Vedder Mountain Rd), starting April 10. Covers breath, strength, feelings, and kindness.
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