Mission
A picturesque rural centre with a hometown feeling
Situated on a coastal mountain slope overlooking the lush valley of the Fraser River, Mission is a rapidly growing rural centre. Its magnificent mountains, idyllic meadows and natural forest settings blend well with a hometown feeling. A beautiful Fraser Valley community with unique cultural roots, Mission is the site of Canada’s first train robbery and British Columbia’s first rail link to the United States.
Where community and nature welcome you
Mission, British Columbia, is the scenic soul of the Fraser Valley—where nature meets community. Nestled between a river and mountains, Mission offers a peaceful yet vibrant lifestyle with stunning views, rich history, and a growing arts and culture scene. Explore the charming downtown, hike through lush trails, or unwind by the water. With a strong sense of belonging and easy access to both outdoor adventures and urban amenities, Mission is the perfect place to live, work, and thrive.
Location
Sweeping river views and forested mountain backdrops
Perched on the northern banks of the Fraser River, Mission offers stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains, blending natural beauty with a strong sense of community. Just over an hour from downtown Vancouver, Mission provides a peaceful escape without sacrificing convenience.
With deep Indigenous roots, a rich settler history, and a growing creative and entrepreneurial spirit, Mission is a place where heritage and progress meet. Whether you’re drawn to its scenic trails, vibrant local culture, or welcoming neighbourhoods, Mission is a hidden gem in the Fraser Valley that offers both inspiration and connection.
Mission resides on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Stó:lō [staw-low] people, particularly the qʷɑ:nƛən [Kwantlen], Leq’á:mel [la-cam-el] Matsqui [matssqwee], the Scowlitz [scow-litz] First Nations, and is home of the Fraser Valley Métis Association.
Places to live
From forest trails to friendly streets
Mission is made up of several distinct neighbourhoods, each offering its own lifestyle and charm, all surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Fraser Valley. From the lakeside tranquility of Stave Falls to the family-friendly streets of Cedar Valley, residents enjoy easy access to parks, schools, and local amenities.
Downtown Mission serves as the cultural and commercial heart of the city, while areas like Hatzic and Silverdale offer a mix of heritage homes, new developments, and scenic views. With affordable housing, a strong sense of community, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, Mission is a place where you can truly feel at home.
Things to do
Where nature, adventure and local charm meet
Mission offers year-round adventure surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Start your day with a stroll through the lively Downtown core, where local shops, cafés, and public art create a welcoming vibe. Explore the trails at Heritage Park or hike to spectacular views at Rolley Lake and Cascade Falls. In summer, paddleboard at Hayward Lake or cool off at the Mission Leisure Centre’s water park. Winter brings snowy fun at nearby Sasquatch Mountain Resort, just an hour away. Whether you’re golfing at the Mission Golf and Country Club, biking scenic routes, or enjoying a quiet picnic by the river, Mission is full of ways to relax, recharge and explore.
Transportation
Wheels, rails and trails
Mission’s transportation network is designed for convenience, connectivity, and scenic travel. Located along key routes like the Lougheed Highway and Dewdney Trunk Road, Mission offers easy access to the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver. BC Transit provides reliable bus service throughout the city, connecting neighbourhoods, schools and shopping areas.
For active commuters, Mission features walkable streets, riverside trails, and bike-friendly paths with stunning mountain views. The West Coast Express offers a direct rail link to Downtown Vancouver, while electric vehicle charging stations and regional transit options make it easy to explore nearby communities sustainably.
Schools for your children
Mission school district offers a welcoming and inclusive education system.
With 17 schools—including elementary, middle, secondary, and alternative education options—the district supports diverse learning styles and needs. Programs include French Immersion, arts-based curricula, Indigenous-focused education, and nature-based learning at Stave Falls Elementary.
The school district also provides distance learning through Summit Learning Centre and career training at Riverside College. Private options like Valley Christian School and Seminary of Christ the King are also available.
The district emphasizes community, equity, and student success, with strong support for Indigenous partnerships and multilingual learners.
Arriving in B.C.
Making your move easy
While you wait for your moving day, there are a few things you can do to ensure your arrival in B.C. is smooth and you can settle in quickly.
WelcomeBC has information to prepare you for your arrival to B.C. and outlines steps you can take in the first few days to help you settle in.
You’ll also find the B.C. Newcomers’ Guide helpful with tips and information on healthcare, finding a place to live, education, money & banking, and much more. It is available in 13 languages.
FAQs
The Government of British Columbia (Provincial government) health plan is called the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It pays for basic, medically required health services. These include some doctor visits, medical tests, and treatments. Not all health costs are covered by MSP like dental, optometry/vision or physiotherapy to name a few.
MSP is for:
• B.C. residents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
• B.C. residents who are government-assisted refugees
• international students with study permits
• some people with work permits for 6 months or more
Click here to find out if you are eligible for MSP.
Registering for MSP
You should register for MSP as soon as you arrive in B.C.
All residents of B.C. must be registered with MSP. You need to apply to register for MSP. On your application, make sure you write your name exactly as it appears on other official documents.
You may have to wait for up to 3 months for your application to be processed. If you do not have MSP, you should buy private medical insurance. If you need medical care in B.C. and you do not have MSP or private medical insurance, you will have to pay all medical costs yourself. These costs can be very high.
Check out the Newcomers Guide for more details on B.C.’s healthcare system.
You will need a BC Services Card to access health care services.
Follow these steps to get your BC Services Card.
1. Apply for MSP.
- Complete and send the BC MSP enrolment form.
- You can also apply online.
2. Visit an ICBC driver licensing office. After you send your documents and enrolment form, you will receive a letter in
the mail. Take the letter to an ICBC driver licensing office. You will also need to take 2 pieces of identification.
- Find out what kind of identification you will need. icbc.com – Search for “Service card
accepted ID” - Find an ICBC office near you.
Children under 19, people 75 and older, and people with study and work permits do not have to visit an ICBC office. You will receive a BC Services Card without a photo. Click here for more information.
Check out the Newcomers Guide for more details on B.C.’s health care system.
There are many real estate sites that list local rentals and sales of homes in New Westminster. Here are some to choose from:
Buyers:
Renters:
- apartments.com
- realtor.ca
- rentals.ca
- Join a local Facebook group
Tips:
- Check out the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) website for information on mortgages for newcomers to B.C.
- Visit financial institutions like RBC, TD, Scotiabank or a Credit Union for newcomer mortgage programs and book a meeting with a mortgage advisor.
- BC Housing can help you find out about affordable housing and first-time home buyer programs.
Mission’s school district delivers inclusive, community-rooted education from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with a focus on academic achievement, personalized learning pathways, and student well-being.
Learn more on the Mission School District.
Tip: Ensure you have all the documentation needed to register your children in school:
- Birth Certificate
- Proof of Residence (home address)
The child care facilities listed here are licensed by Fraser Health. This list is regulated under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act of B.C. and is updated approximately every four months.
Outdoor Adventures
Parks and Trails
Explore the parks and trails of Mission. There is something for everyone.
Click here for a full list of local parks and trails.
Click here for a list of hiking trails.
Golf Courses
Mission offers several golf courses, including public and private options, catering to all skill levels, plus there are over 40 that are within 20-45 minutes by car. Here are the two main courses:
Shopping
Click here for a list of local shops.
Live Theatre
The Clarke Foundation Theatre is a lively performance venue that showcases everything from touring stage productions and music festivals to school plays and local community events.
Local events
Check out city and community events happening year-round. Click here for a calendar of local events, festivals and family-friendly activities.
Recreation Facilities & Sport Fields
From skating and hockey to swimming and gym sports, Mission has a variety of activities. Click here for a complete list of recreation, activity and community centres.
Taste your way through Mission with locally inspired cuisine served in cozy cafés, friendly bistros, and welcoming eateries. Click here to check out some local dining options.
- Vancouver – 70 minutes by car
- Abbotsford – 15 minutes
- Burnaby – 60 minutes by car
- Richmond – 80 minutes by car
- Langley – 45 minutes by car
- Whistler – 2 ½ hour drive by car
Click here to find information on schedules, routes and pricing.
The only way to get to Vancouver Island from the mainland is by ferry or airplane.
Ferry
The main ferry services are run by BC Ferries, which operates vessels between these ferry terminals:
- Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (for Victoria)
- Tsawwassen and Duke Point (Nanaimo)
- Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) and Departure Bay (Nanaimo).
Seaplane
You can take a seaplane between the downtown Vancouver and Victoria harbours through Harbour Air.
Airplane
You can take a commercial airline and fly between Vancouver International Airport and Victoria International Airport.
Area Facts
Ideally situated on the north side of the Fraser River with neighbouring city of Abbotsford across to the south, Mission is a short 15-minute drive to the US border, and approximately 70 minutes (70 km) east of Vancouver’s city centre. Mission is located on the scenic highway 7 “Scenic7” connecting to the Tri-Cities only 20 minutes to the west. The West Coast Express commuter rail makes for a scenic and relaxing trip into the city.
The rapidly growing and dynamic centre of Mission is home to a population of over 38,000 residents.
Mission offers schooling for kindergarten through to grade 12, with post-secondary and higher education opportunities in nearby cities.
Historically, forestry, hydroelectricity and agriculture were Mission's primary industries and provided the basis for varied related retail and service activities. Education, health care and municipal government are amongst the city’s largest employers.
Things To Do
Visit the stunning Fraser River Heritage Park – rich in history, natural beauty and some of the best views of the Fraser Valley and a network of walking and cycling trails. Explore the beautiful forestry roads of British Columbia, accessing the many hidden lakes and parks, or spend a weekend skiing or tubing with the family at Sasquatch Mountain Resort which is less than one hour from Mission. Enjoy an afternoon of excitement at Mission Raceway Park or hiking at nearby Golden Ear Provincial park.
Explore Our Region
Mission is a short 15-minute drive to the US border, and approximately 70 minutes (70 km) east of Vancouver’s city centre.
Mission Memorial Hospital
Mission Memorial Hospital is a 50-bed, community hospital with a 10-bed hospice. It provides primary acute care services including 24/7 emergency, outpatient and inpatient services, general medicine, laboratory and diagnostic services. In 2016/2017, Mission Memorial Hospital saw 21,041 emergency visits, treated 1,590 acute inpatients, 1,146 surgical daycare patients and had 52,171 visits to ambulatory care.
In addition to acute care services, Mission Memorial Hospital is integrated with and supported by a network of community-based programs and services ranging from home health, public health, mental health and substance use to residential and hospice care. Considered the local community hospital for the District of Mission, Mission Memorial serves mostly its local residents and surrounding communities.
The close proximity of Mission Memorial Hospital to Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre provides local residents easy access to a full range of secondary acute care and specialty services available at Abbotsford Regional such as maternal, child, youth services, mental health and substance use and surgical specialties.
Mission Memorial Hospital
Mission Memorial Hospital
7324 Hurd St, Mission, BC, V2V 3H5, Canada
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