Tourism is evolving in Mission, building opportunities for business and the community to get involved. In the last year, programs, trails and branding have been developed to drive home the message that Mission offers outdoor adventure for everyone.
Inviting visitors and community members alike to explore Mission are two different programs that will attract very different market sectors.
Legend Tracker
The legendary Sasquatch has been spotted in Mission. We need your help finding him!
Using a smartphone to start this augmented reality geocaching adventure, the goal is to explore Mission and collect treasures, such as Legend Tracking tools that will help you in your quest to find the elusive Sasquatch. Special locations and businesses around Mission have been designated as “Treasure Marks.”
By using the tools available in the app, users can determine their distance from a Treasure Mark, figure out which direction the Sasquatch is from them, activate sonar and radar to visualize and hear the Sasquatch, and possibly even spot the Sasquatch! But watch out for those Eagles!
Download the Legend Tracker app from iTunes or Google Play to begin tracking the elusive Missionite.
Stan the Sturgeon
Developed to encourage kids and families to get out explore all that Mission has to offer, Stan the Sturgeon has joined the team at the Mission Visitor Centre as an ambassador.
Using social media, Stan will remind the local community and visitors of the many attractions, trails and events that are available in Mission, the Fraser Valley and B.C.
Currently touring the local elementary schools and is booked to attend many local events, Stan already has a packed social calendar. The Visitor Centre staff believes that he will soon join Carly Rae Jepsen on the celebrity A-list and as a top Mission socialite.
Follow Stan and his adventures on Facebook’s Mission BC Visitor Centre page or Twitter @Stansturgeon1. Become one of Stan’s Fan’s for Fun, Adventure and New experiences.
Trails
New and improved trail marking and parking is underway just north of town. The two areas, Bear Mountain (east of Dewdney Trunk) and Red Mountain (west of Dewdney Trunk) are accessible from Mill Pond as you make your way north to the Stave Falls Powerhouse.
The District of Mission Forestry Department has been working hard with the local Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association chapter to create trails for bikers and hikers. Using volunteer time for mapping, maintaining and coordinating the sign installation, the trails are ready to go. There is new and improved parking on Saunders Street, and coming soon will be two large signage kiosks that include a QR code with links to maps and information that help users explore the trails. The areas are suitable mainly for hiking and mountain biking only. Equestrians should keep to the gated logging roads in the area to avoid conflict.
The Powerhouse
Is Back Open
BC Hydro has opened the Stave Falls Powerhouse for the spring and summer giving opportunity for students and visitors to explore the power of hydro-electrical production. Built in 1912, the Stave Falls Powerhouse offers a glimpse into one of the key economic drivers that helped build’s Mission forest industry and power Vancouver’s growth. Hours are limited, so check the website.
Shooting to the Stars
Plans are afoot to build an astronomical observatory at Fraser River Heritage Park. The observatory will boast three “observing elements.” Visual images will come through a large (17” or 20”) prime telescope. Other supporting telescopes, a solar telescope, and astronomical binoculars will also allow a number of participants to view the sights above. A small air-pressurized planetarium will allow groups as large as 40 to view the story of our solar system, our Milky Way galaxy, and the universe.
This will be the only public-access observatory between Vancouver and the Interior, and planners expect visitors from across the Valley will flock to view the night sky from the park’s south slope. Stay tuned for more info on its expected completion.
For more tourism news and to learn more about Legend Tracker and Stan the Sturgeon attend the Chamber luncheon on April 18. Go to MissionChamber.bc.ca to register.