Abbotsford is a city of about 165,000 people (2021) in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. With mountains visible in nearly every direction, it is in one of the most geographically stunning regions of British Columbia. Abbotsford is an agriculture-based city that is a popular visitor stop over point for U.S. travellers north bound to the Yukon and Alaska and Canadians travelling east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Abbotsford's colonial development began when the Royal Engineers surveyed the area in response to the gold rush along the Fraser River in 1858. This led to the building of Yale Road (today Old Yale Road), the first transportation route to link the Fraser Valley. The settlement grew and the production of butter, milk and tobacco began by the late 1860s. In 1889, former Royal Engineer John Cunningham Maclure applied for a Crown grant to obtain the 160 acres (0.65 km²) that would become Abbotsford. There is some controversy over the origin of the Abbotsford name.
Abbotsford is rather spread out, so a car is helpful. The widest selection of auto rentals are available at and near the Abbotsford International Airport (YXX). Some auto rentals are in the city. BC Transit (Central Valley Transit System), ☏ +1- 604-854-3232. Operates a bus network in Abbotsford and Mission. Riders can transfer between routes up to 90 minutes after paying the fare. (updated Mar 2022) Notable bus routes: 1 - Between Highstreet Mall and UFV 2 - Between Highstreet Mall and McMillan 3 - Between Huntingdon (near the US border at Sumas) and Clearbrook 21 - Between Abbotsford and the Aldergrove (central east) area of Langley.
Abbotsford is well known for its agri-tourism attractions. Tourism Abbotsford publishes annually a Circle Farm Tour Guide highlighting some of British Columbia's most unique rural attractions during the summer. A winter version of the publication is available, named Passport to Christmas. Abbotsford boasts some of the finest sports facilities and parks in British Columbia which are popular among visitors.
1 Abbotsford International Airshow (Trans-Canada Highway 1 to exit 87 (Clearbrook), follow signs for airshow to King Road). Canada's national airshow is held the second weekend in August, it attracts visitors from all over the world. Flight demonstrations primarily by Canadian and US craft. Static displays of aircraft, Canadian Forces units, and local police and RCMP detachments. $25/person, up to maximum $80/vehicle. 2 Abbotsford Canucks, 33800 King Rd. American Hockey League team, plays at Abbotsford Centre. (updated Nov 2021) Agrifair. A popular country fair and rodeo. It is held annually on B.C. Day long weekend. (updated May 2020) Berry Festival.
There are many places to eat in Abbotsford. 1 Restaurant 62, 2001 McCallum Rd (in the Gateway Building), ☏ +1 604-855-3545. Lunch: M-F 11:30AM; brunch: Su 10AM; dinner: daily 5PM. Executive Chef Jeff Massey (former restaurant Chef of "Coast" seafood restaurant in Yaletown and also Cioppino's) prepares a variety of dishes utilizing local ingredients. Fraser Valley duck duo, pan seared breast of duck over local vegetables with handpicked blackberry jus and confit of duck leg over pistachio whipped potatoes. Restaurant 62 also boasts a wine list with over 200 selections from around the world, and 20 single and blended malts. 2 Dragon Fort, 2421 Pauline St, ☏ +1 604-852-6891.
1 Town Hall (Duke of Dublin Irish Pub), 33720 South Fraser Way, ☏ +1 604-746-2000, townhallabbotsford@jrg.ca. Excellent $4.00 breakfast on weekends after 10:30AM. (updated Dec 2016)
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Aug, Abbotsford typically sees ~24°C daytime highs and 6 rainy days.
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