Within Mission’s area of 253 sq km/98 sq mi, visitors can discover artists and art galleries, historic and heritage sites, and a colourful selection of festivals and events. Play a round of golf, watch drag racing, go mountain biking, or try shopping in Mission’s historic downtown.
Festivals and Fun
Mission’s Fraser River Heritage Park hosts numerous local festivals and events, including the Mission Folk Music Festival, the Envision Twilight Concert Series, and the Mission Children’s Festival. Adrenaline junkies gravitate to the Mission Raceway Park for drag racing. It’s been chosen nearly 10 times as the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Division 6 “Track of the Year.” Mountain bikers like the trails at Bear Mountain and Mill Pond.
For an affordable, low-key golf experience, play nine holes at the Mission Golf and Country Club, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2010. Or try the driving range and 18-hole, par-3 challenge of Cedar Ridge Golf Club.
To get back to nature, there’s plenty of undisturbed hiking, swimming and camping locally at parks like Rolley Lake Provincial Park and lakes such as Hayward Lake.
Fraser River Fishing
Dare to fish for a prehistoric monster that can grow up to 19.7ft/6m in length? Sturgeon fishing in the Fraser River is a year-round attraction in Mission. Set up a fishing charter with one of the many local operators, or try some riverside angling.
Salmon fishing is equally world-class, and all five species of salmon can be caught locally between roughly June and November. Fishing for Rainbow trout is available in local lakes and rivers or at private venues like Trout Creek Farm and Sun Valley Trout Park.
Another way to experience the Fraser River is on a boat tour. Hop into a 22-passenger jet boat with Fraser River Safari, watching out for everything from bald eagles and bears to old quarries and derelict ferries. Guides tell tales about First Nations history and pioneering fur traders and miners.
Shopping in Mission
Stock up on pottery, fruit wines, and locally grown plants and produce on the Mission Circle Farm Tour. Shop for specialty goods such as shoes (Goody Two Shoes, Schuh Butik) and collectible books (Murdoch’s Book Shoppe) downtown. Or check out the big-box shopping, chain dining, and 12-screen movie theatre at Mission’s biggest plaza, the Junction Shopping Centre.
Mission History
Mission has a rich history. It was originally inhabited by the Sto:lo First Nations people. Catholic priests set up a mission in the 19th century, and the town evolved into a Fraser Valley agricultural and transportation centre in the 20th century. It was incorporated as a district in 1969.
To understand Mission’s roots, visit its historic and heritage sites: Xa:ytem (the site of a 9,000-year-old aboriginal village and First Nations cultural centre; currently being renovated, scheduled to re-open in September 2011), the Power House at Stave Falls (now an interactive museum on hydroelectric power), and Westminster Abbey (a landmark Benedictine monastery).
