Mission
Quick Facts
- Population (2006 Census)... 34,505
- Distance from Vancouver... 79 km (49 mi)
- Distance from Richmond... 86 km (53 mi)
- Distance from Whistler... 201 km (125 mi)
Mission is a beautifully scenic agricultural community situated on a mountainside with magnificent views of the lush Fraser Valley, the mountain ranges rising across the valley and the mighty Fraser River.
Mission is a renowned sturgeon-fishing destination, home to the very picturesque Westminster Abbey monastery, and two National Historic Sites.
Historically speaking, Mission was the site of British Columbia's first rail link to the United States and where Canada's first train robbery occurred. Today, Mission's downtown has a charming small-town atmosphere and its heritage storefronts offer a variety of small shops and restaurants.
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2010 Host Cities
Venues & Visitor Centres
Transportation
Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities
Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.
There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.
To Vancouver:
The drive from Mission to Vancouver takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
The West Coast Express train and its companion motorcoach service, TrainBus, are the quickest public transit link between Mission and Vancouver. These operate primarily during peak commuter periods, but will have an extended schedule during February 2010.
During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.
Visitors can also take a Greyhound bus to Vancouver from the depot in Maple Ridge.
To Richmond:
Driving from Mission to Richmond takes approximately one hour and 25 minutes.
Passengers traveling to Richmond can take the West Coast Express train, TrainBus or Greyhound to Vancouver then transfer via the Canada Line rapid rail system or bus to Richmond.
The Richmond Olympic Oval can be accessed by the Canada Line rapid transit system from Vancouver and connecting public buses in Richmond.
To West Vancouver:
The drive from Mission to West Vancouver takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
The West Coast Express train and its companion motorcoach service, TrainBus, are the quickest public transit link between Mission and Vancouver. These operate primarily during peak commuter periods, bit will have extended service hours during February 2010. From Vancouver, passengers transfer to public buses to West Vancouver.
Tickets holders can only access Olympic events on Cypress Mountain via the Olympic Bus Network. View travel information and reserve bus tickets here.
To Whistler:
Driving from Mission to Whistler takes approximately two hours and 45 minutes along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99). Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the highway during peak Games times.
Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network. This bus network has departure points in Vancouver, Burnaby and North Vancouver.
Travelers without their own vehicle can take a Greyhound bus to Whistler from the depot in Mission, or travel to downtown Vancouver for direct coach service to Whistler.
Mission has limited accommodation. There is a hotel and a motel located near the Lougheed Highway.
Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.
Things To Do
Winter visitors can enjoy snow sports at nearby Hemlock Valley Resort or the world-class ski areas of the North Shore Mountains' which are approximately 100 km (62 mi) away. Of Cypress, Seymour and Grouse mountains, Cypress will host 2010 Olympic Winter Games events.
Mission is a premier fishing destination with anglers experiencing the best in white sturgeon fishing. Guided fishing tours as well as sightseeing boat tours along the awe-inspiring Fraser River are both available.
Mission offers an excellent network of hiking and mountain biking trails and has numerous Regional and Provincial parks nearby for further walking and wildlife spotting opportunities. Golfers can tee off all year round on one of Mission's golf courses.
To learn about locally made food and beverages, take a self-guided Circle Farm Tour or inspect the self-sufficient pastoral grounds of the Benedictine monks of the Westminster Abbey.
History buffs can explore two National Historic Sites: Xá:ytem, the oldest known First Nations' archaeological site in British Columbia, and an early generating station at the Power House at Stave Falls.
Read more about what's happening in Mission.