Mission

Where the Fraser River meets the mountains — a Fraser Valley city with deep history and outdoor adventure.

Mission is a city on the north bank of the Fraser River in the eastern Fraser Valley, directly across the river from Abbotsford and about 70 kilometres east of Vancouver. It occupies a dramatic hillside position above the Fraser, with views across the river to the mountains of the Cascade Range and a character that blends Fraser Valley agriculture with mountain wilderness access. The Westminster Abbey, a Benedictine monastery perched on a hilltop above Mission, is one of the most striking architectural landmarks in the Fraser Valley. The abbey's modern church, designed in a distinctive contemporary style, is open to visitors and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the valley below. The monks operate a farm and a guesthouse, and the hilltop setting provides panoramic views over the Fraser Valley. Mission has a significant First Nations heritage. The Stó:lō people have lived along the Fraser River for thousands of years, and the Xa:ytem National Historic Site, just east of Mission, preserves a remarkable transformer rock — a large boulder that is sacred to the Stó:lō people and is associated with important cultural narratives. The Hayward Lake Reservoir and the Stave Lake area to the north provide excellent recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. The Mission Raceway Park is one of the premier motorsport facilities in western Canada, hosting drag racing, road racing, and other events throughout the season.