Fraser Valley Archives - Fraser Valley Lifestyle

BUSINESS November 14, 2022

10 Great Places to Visit in Langley, BC

Langley and Langley City are growing up. There is still a nice mix of wide open spaces and residential areas in Langley, but it is getting a little cramped in places at the same time. It’s crazy to think about what has happened in Langley in the last 25 years where communities like Walnut Grove hardly even existed.

All that said, if you are looking for some places to visit in Langley, here are 10 of our fave’s…

1_ Fort Langley

Fort Langley deserves an article all to itself. Which, come to think of it we have already written. https://fvlifestyle.com/2020/03/04/seven-fun-things-to-do-in-fort-langley/ We love Fort Langley so much we’ll give them it a shout once again.

For better or for worse (It depends on who you ask, especially some of the locals) Fort Langley has turned into a destination spot for coffee, shopping, spirits, and beer, learning about history, and leisurely stroll along the Fraser River.

2_ Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery

Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery invites you to visit them year-round. They have a home garden market, estate winery, waffle bar, bakery, and summer and fall you-pick fields. It’s a family-owned and operated farm located on 200 acres in Langley, BC. Krause Berry Farms has been serving the community since 1974 and it is one of the Fraser Valley‘s most popular places for picking berries and other fruits and vegetables.

Regarding the winery, they say, “Enjoy personal wine tastings at the bar, wine by the glass or bottle, flights, mimosas, mulled wine, and local beer on tap.” To eat they have farm-style Nachos and roasted corn pizza. They also have mulled wine kits for the holiday season to give as gifts to friends and family.

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3_ Aldor Acres

Alder Acres is owned and run by the Anderson family. They are farmers in the Glen Valley which is located 5 km east of Fort Langley. Their main crop is pumpkins and in 1988 they started selling pumpkins on the honor system. It eventually became a big hit, and today families go and visit the fall pumpkin patch and frame market on a yearly basis.

Alder Acres is also known for its Christmas trees too. At Christmas time they offer Christmas trees for sale, they have farm animals to view, and sometimes pet and a Christmas farm market.

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4_ Chaberton Estate Winery and Bacchus Bistro

They say, “The history of Chaberton Estate Winery dates back to 1975 when founders, Claude and Inge Violet sold their winery and vineyard in France and decided to start their next chapter in the ‘New World’”. After visiting locations all over North America the Violets chose their Langely location. After doing extensive research they decided that the terroir in South Langley was similar to that some of that of the best wineries in northern France making it an ideal location to grow cool-weather grapes. Today, the Chaberton Estate Winery produces over 50,000 cases of wine a year made from grapes grown in their own vineyard and also in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys.

In addition to the winery, is the very highly rated Baccus Bistro which the Vancouver Sun rated as one of the top three El fresco dining restaurants in Vancouver. We have eaten there a few times and we highly recommend it!

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5_ Fraser Valley Cider Company

They say, “In 2015 we built the cidery, and with the help of friends we planted an orchard of 1800 trees. With over 25 different varieties of English and French cider apples, our aim is to grow the types of apples that make the highest quality cider. Now we’re in our sixth season of operation and what a journey! We’ve poured a lot of cider, had some fabulous parties in the tent, and made lots of new friends along the way. Each year we increase production (and still can’t keep up!) and each year we add something different to the cidery experience. The days are long but we’re living our dream and we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

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6_ Glenn Valley Stables

Experience horseback riding down beautiful country trails, less than one hour from downtown Vancouver, with Langley’s #1 trail riding company, Glen Valley Stables Horseback Trail Rides. Let our highly experienced guides take you on a trail ride to remember in Campbell Valley Park, one of Metro Vancouver’s most spectacular parks, on one of our beautiful and well-broke horses.

Our one to two-hour rides are safe and fun – you’ll have the time of your life!

7_ Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe

They say, “As a local bookstore and cafe that serves coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert in Fort Langley, we are proud to support local farmers and producers. Together, we create great-tasting food, free from preservatives.” As Fort Langley continues to evolve, Wendel’s continues to be one of the most recognized retail locations in the area.

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8_ Glass House Estate Winery

They say, “Glass House Estate Winery is a family-owned vineyard and boutique winery producing hand-selected, single vineyard, low yield artisan wine located in beautiful South Langley along the Campbell Valley Wine Route. The winemaking process focuses on a minimalistic approach, using only free-run juices and showcasing each varietal’s best characteristics. Glass House Estate Winery is managed and operated by The Joseph Richard Group who is proud to be building on the founder’s legacy of carefully crafted wines while introducing a bespoke menu of curated wine-pairing-dishes.”

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9_ Penzer Action Park

At this creative park with a variety of obstacles, adventurers can hone their parkour abilities. Both younger children and more seasoned parkour lovers will find areas of the action park to their liking. Additionally, it contains a skatepark, a bike skills park, and an outdoor basketball arena.

10_ Township 7 Vineyards and Winery

Last but not least on our list is township seven Vineyards and winery. Township seven is one of our favourite places to visit in Langley mostly because they make great wines! Township seven always has interesting seasonal events going on like the recent wine-stomping event for charity and their upcoming holiday Open House at both their Langley and Narmata Bench locations.

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FOOTNOTES:
Main Photo – Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash
📸 Photos – Please email rod@impactinl.net for credit or removal. No copyright infringement intended.

Fraser Valley October 19, 2022

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Market is Settling Down

The Fraser Valley real estate market is settling down. What does that mean for you if you are thinking of selling or buying a home?

If you have been a Fraser Valley homeowner for any length of time, you will have noticed that the real estate market in southern British Columbia is continually in a state of flux. The region’s reputation lately is that houses sell quickly and well over the asking price resulting in price growth that is astounding.

The Fraser Valley recently went through a time when there wasn’t enough supply of single-family homes and real estate in other categories. The demand was higher than the supply and homes sold quickly which created an increase in home prices.

Finding the right property for you

As houses were selling fast there was a fear that prices would continue to go up. As a result, people were making quick decisions without doing a lot of due diligence. They also were making compromises instead of looking for the perfect home.

During the past year, it got a little bit more complicated to buy a home in some respects. People were buying on the spur of the moment and not necessarily finding the right investment for them. Throughout 2021 home buyers were competing against multiple bids, no protection clauses, making cash offers, and many times had to pay much higher than asking.

Now that the pace of the market has slowed down it feels like a very large shift. You are now in a place where you can write an offer on a property that has subjects. Amazingly, we couldn’t do this in the recent market.

The October 2022 Fraser Valley Real Estate Board Market Report*

On October 5th, 2022 the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board released a report with the headline “Fraser Valley real estate market continues to stabilize heading into the fall season.” They said, “Continued slowing sales and a slight rise in inventory in September combined to bring greater stability to the Fraser Valley housing market.”

According to this report, a good portion of the listings were taken up in September 2021. In comparison, in September 2022, we have a similar number of listings but a lower percentage of property sales. The absorption rate has dropped a little and the market is entering a more balanced state.

Interest rate hikes and new rules

“There’s no question that interest rates continue to be a primary factor in the market trends over the past six months or so,” said Sandra Benz, President of the FREB (Fraser Valley Real Estate Board.) “The sales slowdown we’re seeing reflects a level of caution exercised by buyers, who are likely waiting for the market to settle further before jumping in. In the meantime, we anticipate prices may continue to decline across all categories.”

In addition to interest rates rising, there are new rules coming into effect in the new year around foreign property investment and that will have an impact on real estate in certain areas of the region.

Moving for lifestyle reasons

Another continuing factor in the market is that people move for lifestyle reasons. Maybe their family grows and they need a larger home, or they want to move to a quieter location, or downsize. Now there are some great opportunities that weren’t available to buyers six months ago because of the fast pace of the market and high prices. It sounds crazy, but buyers can now actually look at several homes that might suit their needs and actually negotiate rather than simply agreeing on what the seller’s requests or requirements were.

“Better Shop Around”

Another positive change is that buyers can shop around for financing. For a period of time during the last year brokerages and banks were so busy that it took 2 to 3 weeks to do the financing. That has changed. It’s now back to about 48 hours. This makes the financing process and buying and selling process smoother. Compared to the hypermarkets that we had in the last year, as a buyer you will now start to get greater value for your real estate investment for most property types because prices are decreasing.

Is it a good time for you to buy or sell a home?

It seems like everybody wants to know if it is a good time to buy a new home or sell your current one. the answer is, everyone’s situation is different and that’s why you are encouraged to get some of this critical advice from real estate professionals.

Real estate professional Mike Wilson is here to answer your questions, get detailed information about your unique property situation, and help you create a plan that will work best for your real estate dollar. See his contact information below and contact him today.

Listen to Mike’s Fraser Valley Real Estate Update for October 2022 on the FV Lifestyle podcast. CLICK HERE

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MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity*

FVREB Single-Family Detached: At $1,462,000, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home decreased 3.4 per cent compared to August 2022 and increased 4.1 per cent compared to September 2021.
FVREB Townhome: At $822,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome decreased 2.3 per cent compared to August 2022 and increased 11.6 per cent compared to September 2021.
FVREB Apartment: At $530,400 the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo decreased 2.1 per cent compared to August 2022 and increased 14.5 per cent compared to September 2021.

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You Are Important to Me

I want to make sure you know how much I value you as a client. My primary source
of new business is referrals from people who already know and respect me, and I want
to build my business by working with great people like you. My goal is that you will be
so impressed that you can’t wait to tell your friends and family about me and the
fantastic service you received.

Oh, by the way®… I’d be delighted
to help your friends and family, too.

Whenever one of your friends or family
members are looking to buy or sell a home,
I’d be happy to help.

Warmest Regards,

Mike
p. 604-538-2125
e. mike@fvlifestyle.com
w. https://fvlifestyle.com/real-estate-home/

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*Source: FRVEB Report https://bit.ly/3ThjSy8
Photos: Canva.com

abbotsford October 13, 2022

5 Fraser Valley Locations To Take Photos for Your Social Media Accounts

One of the hashtags we like to follow on Instagram is #fraservalley. Based on our observations of this hashtag, thousands of pictures are taken in the Fraser Valley and are being uploaded to social media every day on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok . The photos range from beautiful views above the valley to pictures along creeks and rivers in the valley below.

As we regularly do, we thought we would take a look at Instagram for some inspiration and suggest where you might want to go in the Fraser Valley to take and upload photos that inspire you and your friends.

Based on Instagram’s algorithm and our totally random way of doing things, here are some spots that are trending right now…

1. Pitt-Addington Marsh

The Pitt-Addington Marsh and the surrounding area have some spectacular views of Golden Ears and the nearby mountains. The park is located on the north side of Pitt Meadows. Great Narrows is the gateway to the surrounding Pitt-Addington Marsh Wildlife Management Area. South of this area is the Pitt River Regional Greenway. The trails in this area have cafés and amenities, scenic waterfront views of the mountains, farmland, and nature. It’s a great place to walk, cycle, and do birdwatching. If you watch carefully, you’ll see seals, muskrats, osprey, hawks, ducks, and more!

The Pitt River Greenway is a dyke that was originally built to protect the agricultural lands in the area. On the website, it says, “the word ‘Pitt’ is of Dutch origin from the term “pitt polder” meaning converted wetlands and is related to the Dutch dyke building company and Dutch farming community of this area in the mid-1900s.”

2. Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park

Photo @shotsnclicks*

You are probably familiar with Bridal Falls if you live in the Fraser Valley. If not, Bridal Falls is located east of Chilliwack. The park is surrounded by mountains and visitors can enjoy picnicking hiking and viewing the spectacular Bridal Veil Falls. The falls tumble 60 m creating a veil-like effect.

3. Kilby Historic Site & Campground

Photo: @kilbyhistoricsite*

The Kilby Historic Site and Campground is a nonprofit historical site that is dedicated to the preservation of history. They invite you to come to experience their 1906 General Store, chat with costume interpreters, and wander the farm.

They say, “Step back in time and enjoy a leisurely tour of the Kilby Historic Site with its magnificent 1906 General Store Museum. Visitors will view a fascinating gallery of product packaging dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Don’t miss the intriguing artifacts in the heritage Post Office and Manchester House Hotel; both were an integral part of the Harrison Mills community at the turn of the twentieth century.”

See https://kilby.ca/

4. The 5 Acres Flower Farm

Photo: @fiveacresflowerfarm*

The 5 Acres Flower Farm run by the McAllister family regularly comes up in our Instagram feed with beautiful pictures of peonies, dahlias, roses, tulips, concerts, and other fun events.

The Five Acres Flower Farm is a small family farm located in Abbotsford, BC in the Fraser Valley. They offer private and public workshops throughout the summer and autumn in their own flower field. They “specialize in carefully curated and sustainably grown cat flowers and specialty dahlias and bouquets and arrangements to order.”

5. Fraser Valley Wineries

Photo: @chabertonestatewinery*

This is actually a shout-out to all of the great Fraser Valley wineries as places to take pictures and taste incredible BC wines. There’s nothing more picturesque than a winery and Fraser Valley has some outstanding places to visit. The Chaberton Estate Winery and Bacchus Bistro is certainly one of them.

Bacchus Bistro was rated by the Vancouver Sun as one of the top three al-fresco dining restaurants in Vancouver. They serve authentic French bistro cuisines prepared with local ingredients with a West Coast flair. Bacchus Bistro overlooks 55 acres of Vineyard making their seasonal patio a great place to enjoy fine dining, 100% BC wines, and seasonal cuisines. For fine dining in Langley, the Bacchus bistro is one of the best.

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Photos – Please email rod@impactinl.net for credit or removal. No copyright infringement intended.

EVENTS October 5, 2022

Fantastic October Fraser Valley Events

Maybe by the time you read this, the weather will probably have changed but as I write this it feels like summer in October here in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. Continue reading below to see a list of October experiences, Fraser Valley events, and pumpkin patches that you can visit with your friends family, and guests to the Valley.

Oktoberfest 2022

Looking for a special event like Oktoberfest 2022 in the Fraser Valley? How about Oktoberfest Vancouver? On top of it being time for Oktoberfest, it is also BC Craft Beer Month! Check out these lower mainland Oktoberfest events…

Hoptoberfest at Camp Beer Co | 19664 64 Avenue, Langley
They say, “Hoptoberfest is here. Camp Beer co is hosting a one-of-a-kind event celebrating BC’s best pale ales, strong ales, IPAs, and more. From hazy to crystal clear, amber to gold, we’ve invited select breweries from around BC to honour the magic of hops. There will be live music, great food, and a chance to crown BC’s best.”

Oktoberfest at BREWHALL | 97 East 2nd Ave. Vancouver, BC, V5T 1B3
October 5 @ 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
They say, Join us from now until Oct 10 for daily food and drink features including soft baked pretzels, currywurst, schnitzel sandwiches, and Oktoberfests along with Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier, BREWHALL Köl Story Bro Kölsch, and Prost Helles Lager, and other rotating German-style beers.⁠”

Oktoberfest at Mountainview Brewing | 390 Old Hope Princeton Way, Hope
Mountain View brewing in Hope, BC will hold an Oktoberfest event on October 14. There will be an Octoberators live concert starting at 7 PM and five German beers and schnitzel. There are also prizes for the best dressed, so pull out your Oktoberfest costume, enjoy the coast mountains and look out your car window at the mighty Fraser River as you head up the Fraser Canyon on Highway 1, Fraser Highway, or Highway 7 and join them!

There will be an Oktoberfest event in Maple Ridge on October 8, 2022, at the Ranch Pub and Grill. This event is presented by some local area Rotary clubs. Your Ticket purchase of $30 per person or $50 per couple includes a beer stein and a choice of one of three German-influenced beers on tap. The party starts at 3 PM with live entertainment from traditional Oktoberfest bands.

And let’s not forget Thanksgiving! Why not head on up to Harrison Hot Springs to the…

Kilby Historic Site Thanksgiving Day Weekend | Kilby Historic Site 215 Kilby Road
They say, “Stroll through our beautiful grounds and experience the Harvest traditions of an early rural community. Enjoy our apple press demonstration and our impressive Thanksgiving Dinner. A meal truly to be thankful for…turkey with all the trimmings. Reserve your seat for this traditional Kilby feast.”

It’s that time of year again. Time to head out to the pumpkin patch and pick out a pumpkin or two. One of our favorites is the…

Aldor Acres Pumpkin Patch | Aldor Acres Family Farm, 84 Avenue, Langley.
Open from September 24 – October 31, 2022, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm https://aldoracresfamilyfarm.ca/

Also, check out…

Maan Farms | 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford
Maan Farms offers A pumpkin patch, haunted corn maze, pedal go-kart racetrack, zip line, playgrounds, and a petting zoo! all of these attractions are open during the month of October. See their website for more. https://maanfarms.com/

Here are some events of note from the fvlifestyle.com October events calendar…

Myles of Smiles Open Mic
Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022
Time: Veggie Bob’s Kitchen Cafe, Glover Road, Langley Township, BC
Website: http://creative-compass.com/
Event Details:
Weekly every Thursday a host musician will lead off with a few songs beginning at 6 pm, followed by anyone who shows up to perform. Both emerging and established, young and older musicians share the intimate stage while networking, connecting, and enjoying an evening out, complete with home cooking and conversation.

Fort Langley Night Market
Date: Friday, October 7, 2022
Time: 5.00 PM – 10.00 PM
Venue: Pop Up Park, Langley Township, BC
Website: https://www.fortlangleyproject.org/community/markets
Event Details:
Fort Langley Night Market is a community gathering and free event to bring people together in an outdoor space like no other with play areas, vendors, music, food, beer & wine.
Every Friday (weather dependent) June 17th – October 7th, 5-10 pm at the corner of Glover Rd and Mary Ave.

Fort Langley Village Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, October 15, 2022
Time: 9.00 AM – 3.00 PM
Venue: United Churches of Langley – St. Andrew’s Chapel, Glover Road, Langley, BC
Website: https://fortlangleyvillagefarmersmarket.org/
Event Details:
The Fort Langley Village Farmers’ Market is an authentic B.C. Farmers’ Market and features Local Organic Farms and Certified Safe BC Prepared Food Vendors bringing in fresh local produce, field greens, vegetables, fruits, fresh baked bread & pastries, fruit pies, fresh baked cookies, organic honey, local craft beers, varietal BC wines & Spirits, tasty prepared sauces & salad dressings, BC Fruit jams and pickles, all made with BC grown produce from our local Fort Langley & Langley Township, Fraser Valley, Similkameen, Okanagan & Creston Valley Farms.

Looking for more? See prior posts below.

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Photos – Please email rod@impactinl.net for credit or removal. No copyright infringement intended.

abbotsford September 22, 2022

The Fraser Valley British Columbia’s Top Attractions

The Fraser Valley is located in British Columbia, Canada along the US Border to the south and beside the coast mountains to the north (map). With the mighty Fraser River streaming through the valley, New Westminster, acres of farmland, visitors, and residents can find endless opportunities to explore nature and visit local restaurants, bistros, wineries, and craft breweries, The Fraser Valley is a great place to visit and explore!

One of the questions we often ask our readers is, “are you looking for something to do?” If you are looking for something to in in the lower mainland of the Fraser Valley, here are some of the area’s main attractions…

Golden Ears Provincial Park – “As one of the largest parks in the province, Golden Ears Provincial Park is one of the largest parks in the province and has numerous recreational opportunities. There is an extensive system of trails that provide an excellent opportunity for hiking and horseback riding. On Alouette Lake, you can go swimming, windsurfing, water-skiing, canoeing, boating, and fishing.” The park also has three large campgrounds.1

Harrison Hot Springs is a famous resort town in the Fraser Valley claiming natural mineral hot springs, a sandy beach, and a gorgeous lake for water activities. “On a clear day, Harrison Hot Springs is breathtaking, with views of massive granite ridges, a majestic lake surrounded by trees and hills, and long sandy beaches. The lake is one of the biggest in the lower mainland. The town is about a 90-minute drive east of Vancouver and a half-hour drive northeast of Chilliwack.” 2

Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is located east of Chilliwack. The park is a scenic day-use area with a picnic area for families. The main attraction of course is a 60-meter waterfall that cascades down the rocks that is just a short walk from the parking and. picnic area. “The name of the park comes from the waterfall as its smooth rock is said to create a “veil-like” effect from the falling water” 3

Cultus Lake and the surrounding area are one of the jewels of the Fraser Valley. Cultus Lake is 100 km east of Vancouver, “With 640 acres of park, conservation areas, trails, camping, fun activities and beaches with beautiful refreshing water… it is highly popular with visitors and residents alike.” During the summer you can get ice cream, play sand volleyball and there are even ball fields in the area. And don’t forget to visit the popular Cultus Lake Waterpark 4

The Othello Tunnels were built in the early 1900s when the Canadian Pacific Railway decided a route was necessary to link the Kootenay Region with the BC coast by rail. “There are spectacular viewing opportunities available on the trail, through the tunnels, and on the bridges. Located near the town of Hope there are lots of places for viewing, walking, fishing, and picnicking.5

We invite you to come to visit and explore some of the Fraser Valley’s top attractions and there’s plenty more to see and do! Heck, why not have a family reunion here, or attend a special event like a hockey game at the Abbotsford Event Centre or Langley Event Centre?

Looking for something fun to do in Fort Langley? See Seven Fun Things To Do In Fort Langley

Footnotes
1 https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/golden_ears/
2 https://hotspringsofbc.ca/
3 https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/bridal-veil-falls/
4 https://www.cultuslake.bc.ca/
5 https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/coquihalla_cyn/

Main Photo Credit: @alouetteparks and @susanmarquis
Dog (photo taken in Golden Ears Provincial Park) @lilo_lovebug
Water Slide https://www.instagram.com/cultuslakewaterpark/
📸 Photos – Please email rod@impactinl.net for credit or removal. No copyright infringement intended.

abbotsford September 13, 2022

Online Shopping Scams

Online shopping can be easy and fun. But unfortunately, there are many scammers who want to steal your identity and your money. The information below provides tips on ways you can protect your personal information and your finances when shopping online.

There are plenty of examples of people being defrauded through online shopping scams. Back in August 2021, for example, two Abbotsford businesses were out $100K each in an email scam. Fraudsters used addresses similar to the legitimate company to request e-transfers to pay invoices. Back in 2020, it was reported that Facebook shopping scams were at an all-time high with losses of $117 million in just the first six months of that year.

Use these tips to help you to identify and protect yourself from fraud.

Verify the Website

Only shop on secure websites with good reputations. Check for the small, locked padlock icon in the address bar. The address should start with https://.

Check the spelling of the URL. Scammers use similar spellings to fool you into thinking that you are on the true site.

Do an online search on the seller. Use the seller’s name and the word “scam” to vet them before sending money.

Manage Risk

Don’t shop online using public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi is not secure and increases your chance of being hacked.

Use a credit card. That way if you get scammed, you can dispute the charges.

Check out as a guest if possible. Your data won’t be retained by the company.

Trust Your Instincts

Beware of deals that seem too good to be true.

Be vigilant when websites or social media ads link to an unfamiliar website. Look for typos and missing contact information. Other red flags are poorly written or missing sections such as About Us, Privacy Policy, or Terms and Conditions.

If something doesn’t feel right, walk away.

Report scams right away to your bank and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

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FV Lifestyle is provided by Fraser Valley Realtor, Mike Wilson From Mike… Oh, by the way®… if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and contact information at 604-889-7653.

Featured July 14, 2022

Summer Social at Fraser Valley Cider Company

Wow – This looks amazing! look at all of the participants!

Summer Social at the Fraser Valley Cider Company

They say…

We are so excited to officially announce that Summer Social tickets are now ON SALE!

Come out to the country on Saturday, August 13th, and enjoy a day full of great drinks, food, games, tunes from Ryan McCallister, and awesome people! Chef Adrian will be here with a BBQ stand and The Flower Fort will be onsite with “Daisy” the flower truck making flower crowns.

Your ticket includes 5 tasting tokens. Additional tokens are available for $2 each. Tokens can be exchanged for beverages, flowers, or food.

Participants Include:
☀️ The Barley Merchant
☀️ Brookswood Brewing Co.
☀️ Camp Beer Co.
☀️ Dead Frog Brewery
☀️ Farm Country Brewing
☀️ Five Roads Brewing Co.
☀️ Fraser Valley Cider Company
☀️ Locality Brewing
☀️ Roots and Wings Distillery
☀️ Smugglers’ Trail Caskworks Ltd.
☀️ Trading Post Brewing

This is a Rain or Shine Event as we will be under the big white tent and all profits from this event will go to the Red Cross to help with their Ukrainian Refugee program.

Tickets are going to go quick so visit the link in our bio to find out more information and purchase your tickets today!

TICKET INFORMATION HERE

Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash

abbotsford June 29, 2022

Fraser Valley Events for July 2022

July features Canada Day festivities and lots of music festivals. Here are several July events taking place in the Fraser Valley that caught our eye…

Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival
Thu, Jul 21, 7:00 p.m.–Sun, Jul 24, 9:00 p.m.
Chief Sepass Theatre – 9096 Trattle St, Langley Twp, BC
The Festival features 60 bands, 8 indoor & outdoor stages, Visual Art, Kidz Zone & More! The 2022 Odlum Brown Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival will feature a combination of in-person ticketed… READ MORE

Chilliwack Hike for Hospice 2022
Sun, Jul 10, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Sardis Park – 6898 School Ln, Chilliwack, BC
Chilliwack Hike for Hospice is a fun, family-friendly event that raises funds in support of the free bereavement and palliative care support programs and services provided by Chilliwack Hospice… READ MORE

Harrison Festival Of The Arts 2022
July 7–17, 2022
Harrison Memorial Hall – 290 Esplanade Ave, Harrison Hot Springs, BC
Harrison Memorial Hall, Harrison Hot Springs, BC, Canada Line-up: Blackie And The Rodeo Kings and Five Alarm Funk Read more on Songkick

Canada Day Family Festival
Fri, Jul 1, 11:00 a.m.
Abbotsford City Hall – 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford
Celebrate Canada, Celebrate Community! 2022 will be a very special year for our community as we gather safely in-person. Our community celebration begins with a two-hour parade along our main… Read more on Kids Out and About Vancouver – KidsOutAndAbout.com

Mission Folk Festival 2022
Thu, Jul 21–Sun, Jul 24
Mission Folk Music Festival Society – 7494 Mary St, Mission, BC
READ MORE

Surrey Canada Day
Fri, Jul 1, 10:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre – 17728 64 Ave, Surrey, BC
The City of Surrey is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Salish Peoples, including the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and Semiahma (Semiahmoo) land-based Nations. July 1st is a day to chart a new and better path forward. Together, we can work towards reconciliation and more equitable society for all. We invite you to come together to experience diverse cultural expressions, as well as the best of Canada and its hope for the future. Surrey Canada Day is committed to sharing music, education, entertainment, and the cultural practices of many Indigenous and multicultural artists. Event organizers are working with leaders from land-based Nations and an Indigenous consultant in the planning and programming of this event. READ MORE

Surrey Fusion Festival
Surrey Fusion Festival is the ultimate celebration of food, music, and culture. Festival organizers are proud to work with communities representing different ethnicities and cultures from around the world and honour the traditions and history that they share with attendees. Since the festival’s inception in 2008, the event has grown to showcase over 40 different cultures, with pavilions offering international foods, displays of artifacts and textiles, and multiple stages featuring musical and dance performances. Surrey Fusion Festival is proud to host pavilions from over 40 cultures across the globe, including from North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. READ MORE

Party in The Tent at The Fraser Valley Cider Company Featuring Koan Kane
Fri, 8 July 2022 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
The Fraser Valley Cider Company – 22128 16 Ave Langley, BC V2Z 1L3
The Mighty Koan aka ‘Koan Kane ‘ is a singer-songwriter of some of the most unusual music in Vancouver. Koan’s music ranges from pop to ballads, from dance to indie beats. READ MORE and Photo Credit

Live Music Fridays – Township 7 Langley
“Summer just got hotter! We are pleased to support the local music scene as we feature live music each Friday Night on our patio. Enjoy a glass of wine while you take in the smooth sounds of live music.”
July 1st | Evan Kennedy
July 22nd | Greg Neufeld
July 29th | Julia Nicholson – TBC
READ MORE and PHOTO CREDIT

FOOTNOTES
While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of our listings, events may be postponed or canceled without notice. Please confirm with the organizer before making any plans.
Main Photo Credit – https://www.fraservalleycider.ca/
Photos – No copyright infringement intended. Please contact us for credit or removal at rod@impactintl.net

abbotsford June 23, 2022

Your 2022 Guide to Fraser Valley Farmer’s Markets

It’s that time of year when local Farmer’s Markets are up and running again. At a Farmer’s Market, you can almost always find locally grown produce, seafood, meat, and poultry. Farmer’s Markets are also a great place to shop for baked goods, handmade crafts, and flowers. At FV Lifestyle we love to shop locally and there is no better place to do that than at a community-run Farmer’s Market or local farm!

Kingfisher Market
They say, “The Kingfisher Market truly gives you that farm-to-table experience. Open from mid-June into the Autumnal season, this neighbourhood farm provides the opportunity to shop for fresh sustainably grown veggies, flowers, meat, cheese, bread, eggs, and honey. The vegetables, grown right on their farm, are hand-picked every Tuesday for optimum freshness. You can even visit the cows and chickens who call the farm home and see where the harvest is hauled from.”
See website for address and hours of operation https://www.kingfisherfarmmarket.com/
Photo: @kingfisherfarmmarket

A Rocha Farm & Gift Shop
More than a farmer’s market, the A Rocha Farm & Gift Shop is a place for community engagement. While you’re picking up your field-fresh veggies, take a little time to browse locally and sustainably produced gift items, or enjoy a cup of freshly brewed pour-over coffee. Veggies are available Tuesday and Saturday, while the shop is also open Wednesday to Friday.
See website for address and hours of operation https://arocha.ca/where-we-work/brooksdale/a-rocha-farm-gift-shop/
Photo: @arochacanada

The Clayton Market
They say, “We are so excited to continue to bring together the community to celebrate and support the local farmers, markers, bakers + emerging brands – with a little Collective Market magic sprinkled in!” – Caitlyn + Jessica
See website for address and hours of operation https://www.claytonfarmersmarket.org/

Fort Langley Village Farmers’ Market
They say, “Join us at our next B.C. Farmers Market and meet our local BC farmers, BC Prepared food vendors,
and our “Best of BC” Artisans.”
See website for address and hours of operation https://fortlangleyvillagefarmersmarket.org/
Photo Credit

Langley Farm Market
They say, “We’re specialists in freshly picked produce from across BC, including fresh fruit from Okanagan farmers and organic vegetables grown right here in Metro Vancouver. We also offer locally sourced natural and organic groceries, in-store baked goods, fresh meat, delicatessen cold cuts, and chilled seafood.”
See website for address and hours of operation https://www.langleyfarm.ca/

Langley Community Farmers Market
They say, “Our Market runs every Wednesday throughout the summer, and features the best food and artisan products the beautiful Fraser Valley has to offer.”
See website for address and hours of operation https://lcfm.ca/

White Rock Farmers’ Market
They say, “Our authentic Community-based Farmers’ Market with all the fabulous vendor-produced goods—including fresh fruits and veggies, with an emphasis on locally-grown farm produce. There are also baked goods, preserves, garden products (bedding plants, hanging baskets, and flowers), many specialty food items such as organic cheese, local seafood, and gourmet dog biscuits plus unique crafts by local craftspeople. Much, much more awaits you”.
See website for address and hours of operation https://www.whiterockfarmersmarket.ca/
Photo: @farmersmarketwhiterock

Haney Farmers’ Market
They say, “For more than fifteen years, the Haney Farmers’ Market has been inviting local residents to Memorial Peace Park for a weekly meet and greet with some of the regions’ most hyper-local food producers. A bustling hub of local food activity, fresh farm produce vendors from Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge descend upon this central downtown market as local families stop by Kids Korner for story time and educational programs, or enjoy a beverage and hot snack while talented buskers perform at Café Corner.
See website for address and hours of operation https://bcfarmersmarkettrail.com/market/haney-farmers-market/
Photo: @haneyfarmersmarket

Surrey Urban Farmers Market
They say, “We are a community meeting place run by passionate volunteers. We are a vibrant, multi-cultural non-profit Farmers Market, promoting local farmers big and small, food producers, artisans, community groups, and entertainers for the benefit of our diverse community. We host live entertainment, community workshops, and kids activities while providing a shopping experience that is unique and memorable, allowing guests to meet face to face with farmers, producers, artisans, and entertainers.”
See website for address and hours of operation https://surreymarket.org/

Abbotsford Farm & Country Market
They say, “Abbotsford’s longest running farmers’ market featuring the best local vendors and fresh, real food.”
See website for address and hours of operation https://afcm.ca/
Photo: abbotsfordfarmandcountrymarket

Downtown Chilliwack Community Market
They say, “make. bake. grow. gather. A new way to connect with your food & community. Our market of local growers, gatherers, bakers, crafters, and makers is a space where new relationships can form and thrive around those offerings, connecting the people of Chilliwack with quality food and goods.”
See website for address and hours of operation https://dccm.ca/
Photo: @chilliwackmarket

Mission City Farmer’s Market
They say, “Each Saturday (May – October) we bring you an assortment of fresh produce, vegetables, baking, and other specialty foods from local vendors in Mission and the Fraser Valley.”
See website for address and hours of operation https://missioncityfarmersmarket.com/
Photo: @missioncitysfarmersmarket

Let us know if you would like to be included in this list. Email Rod at rod@impactintl.net

FOOTNOTES
Photos – No copyright infringement intended. Please contact us for credit or removal at rod@impactintl.net

CULTURE June 14, 2022

Where to Shop for Father’s Day Gifts 2022

Still not sure what gift to get for your Dad this Father’s Day? Check out these local online options for plenty of gift ideas.

Pacific Basket Company offers local and West Coast artisan foods. They have gift baskets meticulously designed for the extra special dad like barbeque baskets, golf gifts, and fresh fruit baskets. WEBSITE

If your dad is into flowers, 99 Nursery & Florist Inc. has you covered. They say, “for a great Father’s Day gift ideas, turn to 99 Nursery & Florist Inc. in Surrey BC. Flowers are just for Mother’s Day, surprise Dad with a Father’s Day gift to break his whole week!” WEBSITE

Basket Revolution Gifts Ltd. has Father’s Day gift baskets that feature craft beer, fresh fruit, baked goods, beers of the world, French wine, and healthy choices. WEBSITE

What dad doesn’t love new socks? The SOCK BOX offers monthly subscriptions where your dad can get two pairs or more of socks per month. WEBSITE

Check out the local space for an abundant selection of T-shirts, coffee, beard balm, and shave boxes. You can also find Father’s Day cards, beer glasses, and barbeque sauce. WEBSITE

If you’re still not sure what to buy for dad, check out mancrates.com. At Man Crates you can shop according to your Dad‘s personality and interests. Shops for the grill master, outdoorsman, the well-groomed, the handyman, the mixologist, and the competitor. WEBSITE

Happy Father’s Day everyone!

Fraser Valley

1_ Fort Langley

2_ Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery

3_ Aldor Acres

4_ Chaberton Estate Winery and Bacchus Bistro

5_ Fraser Valley Cider Company

6_ Glenn Valley Stables

7_ Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe

8_ Glass House Estate Winery

9_ Penzer Action Park

10_ Township 7 Vineyards and Winery

The Fraser Valley real estate market is settling down. What does that mean for you if you are thinking of selling or buying a home?

Finding the right property for you

The October 2022 Fraser Valley Real Estate Board Market Report*

Interest rate hikes and new rules

Moving for lifestyle reasons

“Better Shop Around”

Is it a good time for you to buy or sell a home?

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity*

You Are Important to Me

Oh, by the way®… I’d be delighted to help your friends and family, too.

1. Pitt-Addington Marsh

2. Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park

3. Kilby Historic Site & Campground

4. The 5 Acres Flower Farm

5. Fraser Valley Wineries

Oktoberfest 2022

And let’s not forget Thanksgiving! Why not head on up to Harrison Hot Springs to the…

It’s that time of year again. Time to head out to the pumpkin patch and pick out a pumpkin or two. One of our favorites is the…

Here are some events of note from the fvlifestyle.com October events calendar…

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Verify the Website

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Wow – This looks amazing! look at all of the participants!

Summer Social at the Fraser Valley Cider Company

July features Canada Day festivities and lots of music festivals. Here are several July events taking place in the Fraser Valley that caught our eye…

Still not sure what gift to get for your Dad this Father’s Day? Check out these local online options for plenty of gift ideas.

Oh, by the way®… I’d be delighted
to help your friends and family, too.