East of Vancouver, British Columbia, is the area known as the Fraser Valley.
The valley is named after the mighty Fraser River which empties into the Strait of Georgia near Vancouver.
The river's source is close to Mt.
Robson in the Rocky Mountains.
For tourists and locals alike a day trip to the Fraser Valley can provide a variety of educational, recreational and enjoyable things to do and see.
As one leaves Vancouver on Hwy.
1 also known as the Trans Canada Highway, it is worth reflecting that this is the longest paved national highway in the world.
It runs between Victoria B.
C.
and St.
John's Newfoundland, a distance of more than 7,700 km or 4,700 miles.
As the highway leaves Vancouver and the neighbouring municipalities of Burnaby and Coquitlam it crosses the Port Mann Bridge which spans the Fraser River.
From a vehicle it is usually possible to see huge log booms and working tugs, both reminiscent of the area's early history.
The Fraser Valley is one of B.
C's.
most important agricultural areas.
Farms here are known for the variety of fruit and vegetables that they produce.
Travelling in the summer one can easily see blueberry, raspberry, strawberry and corn fields from the highway.
Off the beaten track are apple orchards and vineyards.
When the various fruits are in season a popular past time is to visit farms which offer 'pick your own" prices for blueberries and strawberries or if one prefers, ready, freshly picked produce is also available.
The area is also famous for growing corn, Jubilee and the sweet Peaches and Cream are two popular varieties.
If one enjoys wine tasting there are at least 15 wineries in the Fraser Valley.
Several are in the area between the City of Langley and Abbotsford.
The oldest of the valley's wineries is Domaine de Chaberton Estates.
The winery, set on 55 acres, specializes in "cool climate" wines and has won many awards.
On a nice day one can combine a visit to the vineyard along with either lunch or dinner at the Bacchus French Bistro.
In the summer, outside dining with a view of the vineyards is an especially pleasant way to while away the time.
Other wineries in the area, such as the Fort Wine Co.
specialise in fruit wines and fortified dessert wines made from the huge variety of fruit grown in B.
C.
Here one finds wines made with both red and white cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and even a blend of pears and apples.
This winery also has a wine and cheese bistro.
Another great spot to enjoy some of what British Columbia has to offer.
East of the City of Langley is the historic village of Fort Langley.
This is a quaint little town of approximately 2700 people where many of the old buildings have been restored.
The downtown area has a variety of delightful shops, art galleries, restaurants and cafes.
Near the village is the Fort Langley Historic Site.
It was here, in 1827, that a Hudson's Bay Company trading post was established.
This occurred before the boundary between British and American territory on the west coast had been decided upon.
Fort Langley became an important trading post for trade with the aboriginal people of the area.
By the 1830s it was exporting salted salmon and cedar lumber and shingles to places as far away as the Hawaiian Islands.
In 1858, following the discovery of gold upstream in the Fraser Canyon, the Fort became an important trading hub for gold prospectors who descended on the area from all around the world.
At the historic site one can see the original Storehouse which was used as a Hudson's Bay warehouse as well as a number of other reconstructed buildings.
There are also a variety of interactive displays and activities.
Other outdoor recreational activities in the area include fishing, canoeing, hiking and horseback riding.
There are also a number of running and cycling paths.
Don't forget to bring a pedometer along with you.