The Fraser Valley is a geographical region in the Canadian province of British Columbia, located along the lower reaches of the Fraser River, east of the city of Vancouver. It extends from the eastern edge of the Metro Vancouver Regional District to the interior of the province near Hope and includes municipalities such as Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, and Agassiz. The region is bounded by the Coast Mountains to the north and the Canada–United States border to the south.
The valley is recognized for its fertile agricultural land, contributing significantly to British Columbia’s agricultural output, particularly in berry crops, dairy, poultry, and vegetables. It has a mix of rural, suburban, and semi-urban communities and is connected to Greater Vancouver through major transportation corridors, including the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian National Railway mainline.
Indigenous peoples, primarily the Stó:lō Nation (part of the larger Coast Salish cultural group), have inhabited the Fraser Valley for thousands of years. Their presence and stewardship of the land continue today, with numerous First Nations reserves and self-governance initiatives located throughout the region.
The Fraser Valley also experiences periodic flooding, particularly during spring runoff or extreme weather events, due to the river's high water flow and the low-lying topography of certain areas.
The region is served by the Fraser Valley Regional District, a local government federation that coordinates regional services among member municipalities and electoral areas.
Educational institutions in the area include the University of the Fraser Valley, which has campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and other locations.
The population of the Fraser Valley has grown steadily in recent decades due to urban expansion from Metro Vancouver and its relatively lower cost of living compared to the west.