Mission has long been a meeting place. The Sto:lo people established a settlement there 9,000 years ago, today marked by a longhouse interpretive centre. The Catholic mission that gave the city its name was founded in 1861. And in 1982, Westminster Abbey, a Benedictine monastery 30 years in the building, was completed. Agriculture and wood products are the main industries. With aboriginal, folk music and theatre festivals, Mission has such a lively cultural scene that Canadian Living Magazine named it “the best city in Canada for cultural events.”
Fraser River Heritage Park. On the second weekend in July, site of the Mission Annual PowWow with traditional aboriginal dance performers and drum competition; later in the month the park is also the venue for a folk music festival that showcases the music of many cultures and the Stratford on the Fraser Shakespeare Festival. The park is also a popular site for picnicking, kite flying and hiking throughout the year.
Westminster Abbey. Benedictine monastery set high on a hill overlooking the valley, with 64 stained glass windows and a tower with 12 bells, plus farm, abbey and seminary. Guests welcome for services and retreats.
Mission Museum. Learn about the community’s history from prehistoric to modern times.
Mission Raceway. Features drag racing, motocross and road racing.
Outdoor Adventures. Eight different tours from Pitt Lake Hotsprings to Harrison Lake, as well as visits to an archaeological site, eagle viewing and bar fishing excursions.
