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Things to do in Mission that range from outdoor retreats, cultural treasures, and quiet escapes. The friendly town is located in the scenic Fraser Valley in British Columbia and provides a perfect blend of green vistas, historical sites, community hospitality, and spiritual tranquillity. From mountain trekking, lake trails, and exploration of centuries-old abbeys to birding, fossil searching, and shopping in artisan boutiques, each outing in Mission serves up a genuine taste of small-town Canada. Mission is not a drive-by; it’s a destination for nature, heritage, and peaceful adventure combined in one revitalising getaway.
Top 10 Things To Do In Mission
Experience Mission’s forest hikes, lakeside calm, spiritual sites, hands-on museums, and elegant town vibes—top things to do in Mission for a peaceful cultural escape.
1. Hike, Swim Or Camp At Rolley Lake Provincial Park
Photo: Mustafa Hassan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the most peaceful things to do in Mission is to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature at Rolley Lake Provincial Park. Located in a serene forest north of town, this tranquil haven is the perfect combination of relaxation and gentle adventure. The loop trail around the lake takes you through giant fir and cedar trees, with teasing flashes of the glinting lake breaking through the cover. The soft trail is ideal for a contemplative walk or nature photography, especially with birdsong singing to you. A brief side trip takes one to Rolley Falls, a scenic cascade nestled in the forest.
Top Highlights: Forest hiking, Rolley Falls, lake swims
Distance From Mission: 19.6 km
2. Stroll Through History And Events At Fraser River Heritage Park
Photo: waferboard / Wikimedia Commons
Arguably the most culturally rewarding activity in Mission, a trip to Fraser River Heritage Park delivers an exceedingly strong sense of place, heritage, and natural beauty. Amidst the town, the park commands stunning views of the majestic Fraser River with distant vistas reaching out towards Mount Baker on clear days. Now, a place where people can come to learn and think about the region’s rich past, the land that was home to St. Mary’s Residential School, is a serene outdoor space. Meandering walking paths wind through forest and fields, interrupted by interpretive markers telling the stories of the Indigenous and early settlers who called this place home.
Top Highlights: River vistas, historic plaques, summer festivals
Distance From Mission: 3.2 km
3. Explore Power And Innovation At Stave Falls Powerhouse & Dam
Photo: Jeff Hitchcock / Wikimedia Commons
For a fascinating blend of technology, history, and the great outdoors, a visit to Stave Falls Powerhouse & Dam is one of the most interactive things to see in Mission. This 1912 constructed hydroelectric plant, which is a National Historic Site, provides an interactive museum experience that comes to life with British Columbia’s early electricity days. Inside, you’ll walk past giant generators, vintage electrical tools, and informative exhibits that showcase how power was generated over a century ago. The preserved turbines and industrial architecture create a visual journey that’s both educational and inspiring.
Top Highlights: Power plant tours, photo opportunities, trails
Distance From Mission: 16.1 km
4. Walk, Picnic, And Spot Wildlife On The Hayward Lake Reservoir Trail
Photo: Adnan Shaikh / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you’re wondering what to do in Mission, the Hayward Lake Reservoir Trail offers tranquil views with a hint of adventure. Downstream of Stave Falls, this peaceful reservoir features scenic trails perfect for hiking, jogging, or family walks. The Railway Trail follows the old rail bed, providing flat paths with lake views, shaded woods, and wildlife sightings. Wooden bridges add charm, and picnic spots invite relaxation. In summer, a beach area is popular for sunbathing and swimming. Whether watching eagles, photographing waters, or reading lakeside, Hayward Lake is a rejuvenating, easily accessible nature retreat.
Top Highlights: Lakeside trails, picnic areas, wildlife viewing
Distance From Mission: 17.2 km
5. Step Back In Time At The Mission Museum
Photo: ahmorgan / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
A visit to the Mission Museum is one of the most insightful things to do in Mission for history enthusiasts and curious travellers alike. Housed in a beautifully preserved 1907 heritage building in downtown Mission, the museum offers a rich look into the town’s diverse cultural heritage. Inside, you’ll find thoughtfully curated exhibits that trace Mission’s transformation from an early fur trading and agricultural settlement into a bustling railway hub. Exhibits contain interesting artefacts from Mission’s Stó:lō First Nation, pioneer settlers, and the original Chinese community. From old household appliances and farm equipment to clothing and railway artefacts of the time, no area of the museum is left without seeing resiliency and development.
Top Highlights: Cultural artefacts, heritage exhibitions, walking tours.
Distance From Mission: 1.7 km
6. Watch Bald Eagles Soar At The Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival
Photo: Harrison Haines / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
In the event of a fall visit, one of the most spectacular things to do in Mission is attend the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival. Held along the Harrison and Chehalis Rivers—northeast of Mission, this is a festival marking the return of an estimated thousands of bald eagles attracted by the salmon run. More than 1,000 eagles are seen during peak years, and it’s every bird-watcher, photographer, and nature enthusiast’s dream holiday. Eagle sight tours, as well as presentations by conservationists, nature walks, and all-ages interactive exhibits, are part of the festivities.
Top Highlights: Bald eagle sightings, wildlife education, nature walks
Distance From Mission: 55.1 km (to Harrison Mills)
7. Find Peace And Panoramic Views At Westminster Abbey
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most serene and spiritually enriching experiences in the Mission, a visit to Westminster Abbey provides a unique combination of tranquillity, architecture, and views. Situated atop a forested hillside overlooking the town, this functional Benedictine abbey welcomes the public to wander its peaceful grounds and enjoy stunning vistas of the Fraser River and Mount Baker. The gothic chapel of the Abbey, with vaulted ceiling and reverent daydreaming, is also open to the general public and provides a location for contemplation or silent admiration. Outside, patrons may walk along the Stations of the Cross trail, which winds its way along peaceful woodland paths, or stroll unobtrusively across landscaped grounds.
Top Highlights: Peaceful grounds, breathtaking views, spiritual haven.
Distance From Mission: 6.5 km
8. Shop, Sip, And Discover Along Downtown Mission’s 1st Avenue
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons
Tourists who enjoy a blend of culture, character, and local finds will find a trip to Downtown Mission one of the most picturesque activities in Mission. With 1st Avenue as its hub, this vibrant neighbourhood is filled with local boutiques, quaint cafes, art studios, and vintage stores that reflect the town’s creative taste. From handcrafted candles and local ceramics to out-of-the-ordinary vinyl records and antiques, there’s something for every inquisitive shopper. Grab a coffee and pastry at a quaint café somewhere in the area, or shop weekend artisan bazaars featuring the region’s finest craftsmen.
Top Highlights: Public beach, picnic areas, and boating
Distance From Mission: 1.5 km
9. Relax, Paddle, Or Fish At Hatzic Lake & Beaches
Photo: Adnan Shaikh / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For sun, water, and a break, an off-day at Hatzic Lake ranks high among activities in Mission. East of town, the peaceful lake is popular with locals to boat, fish, swim, and picnic, particularly in summer. The shallow, tranquil waters are perfect for families with little children, and paddlers can stand-up paddleboard or kayak into a pretty view of wooded ridges. Public access points allow it to be a simple whim lake day, and nearby parks provide shaded areas to enjoy barbecues and bird watching. It is also a public spot famous for viewing wildlife, such as herons, ducks, and bald eagles flying above.
Top Highlights: Swimming, boating, birding
Distance From Mission: 7.6 km
10. Unwind With A View At Ferndale Park & Scenic Overlook
Photo: Betterkeks / Wikimedia Commons
For those seeking a serene getaway with scenic views, a trip to Ferndale Park is one of Mission’s best-kept secrets and most valuable things to do. Tucked away in the hills above town, this secret gem holds the promise of a serene escape with woodland paths, picnic sites, and an outlook point where one can view the Fraser Valley below. It’s the perfect place to photograph a sunset, relax quietly, or just observe the changing colour in the sky on the horizon. The park also has an open picnic pavilion, which is great for low-key family days out or quiet lunches al fresco.
Top Highlights: Sunset, peaceful picnics, short strolls
Distance From Mission: 5 km
A perfect blend of activity and tranquility, things to do in Mission suit every traveler. Trek verdant forest trails, explore heritage sites, or relax lakeside in this Fraser Valley gem. From scenic parks and spiritual sanctuaries to family-friendly spots and cultural treasures, Mission offers more than an off-the-map destination. Plan your trip with TripXL to discover Mission’s charming enclaves where history, nature, and small-town warmth come together in harmony.
Cover Photo: Vija Rindo Pratama / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
