Located in British Columbia's Fraser Valley, this growing city of over 150,000 people is known for its annual International Airshow and agricultural community.
Abbotsford sits in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, mixing farmland with city life. Locals call it the “City in the Country” for its berry fields, dairy farms, and riverside location. Start your visit at the Gur Sikh Temple, North America’s oldest Sikh temple, or watch planes perform stunts at the Abbotsford International Airshow. Walk around Mill Lake Park’s trails, or see local art at the Reach Gallery Museum. With over 150,000 residents, the city feels welcoming but still has the services and energy of a place that’s growing.
Key Historic Sites and Cultural Attractions
The Gur Sikh Temple on South Fraser Way, built in 1911, reflects Abbotsford’s multicultural identity. This National Historic Site displays wooden carvings and stories about Sikh settlers who helped shape the region. On Veterans Way, the Reach Gallery Museum rotates art from Canadian and global creators, alongside displays about the Fraser Valley’s past. Head to Clayburn Village to see early-1900s brick buildings, including a preserved general store from the area’s industrial era. These spots highlight how the city values its history, giving visitors clear examples of its growth over time.
Major Annual Events
Every August, the Abbotsford International Airshow fills the sky with acrobatic jets and vintage planes. The Agrifair in early August brings rodeos, tractor displays, and live bands to celebrate farming traditions. During summer, the Abbotsford Berry Festival lets you pick strawberries, join pie-eating contests, and listen to local musicians. In December, the Christmas Artisan Gift Fair at Tradex sells handmade jewelry, ornaments, and holiday treats. These gatherings draw both locals and visitors, creating a lively atmosphere tied to the city’s identity.
Parks and Recreation
Mill Lake Park covers 249 acres, with a flat 2.3-kilometer path around the water for walking or spotting herons and ducks. Castle Fun Park on Gladys Avenue attracts families with mini-golf courses, arcade games, and go-kart tracks. Maan Farms on McKenzie Road opens a corn maze each fall and sells fresh blueberries and raspberries at its roadside stand. For longer hikes, drive to Golden Ears Provincial Park, where trails wind through cedar forests and up to mountain viewpoints. Along the Fraser River, you’ll find quiet spots to cast a fishing line or eat lunch by the water.
Getting Around and Nearby Connections
Abbotsford International Airport flies to cities like Calgary and Edmonton, plus vacation spots like Mexico in winter. The Trans-Canada Highway cuts through the city, linking to Vancouver in about 75 minutes and Seattle in 2.5 hours by car. BC Transit buses run through downtown and major neighborhoods, but renting a car makes it easier to reach farms and parks outside the city. The Sumas–Huntingdon Border Crossing is a quick 10-minute drive from downtown, connecting to Washington State. Cyclists can follow the paved Discovery Trail, which loops past parks and residential areas.
Where to Eat and Drink
Restaurant 62 changes its menu seasonally, using vegetables and meats from nearby producers like Lepp Farm Market. For Punjabi cuisine, try the butter chicken or fluffy naan at one of the family-run spots downtown. Oldhand Coffee on Montrose Avenue roasts its own beans and serves pastries from local bakeries. From May to October, the Jubilee Park farmers' market sells honey, cheeses, and seasonal fruits like cherries and peaches. Field House Brewing Co. on Gladys Avenue brews beer with ingredients from Fraser Valley farms, including hops and blackberries.
Schools and Community Programs
The University of the Fraser Valley offers degrees in fields like agriculture and aviation, with a campus near the airport. Abbotsford Senior Secondary, rebuilt in 2012, has modern labs and sports facilities for students. Free summer concerts at Mill Lake Park, organized by the Abbotsford Arts Council, feature jazz bands and indie artists. CityStudio, a collaboration between the city and colleges, supports projects like murals painted by students and community gardens. The public library lends tools, hosts author talks, and has a digital archive of local newspapers.
Farming and Local Economy
Abbotsford grows more raspberries than any other Canadian city, earning it the nickname “Raspberry Capital.” The Fraser Valley Trade and Exhibition Centre hosts events like farm equipment expos and craft fairs, bringing business to the area. A city plan called Plan 200K focuses on adding bike lanes, solar-powered streetlights, and new parks as the population grows. Over 80% of the land is zoned for agriculture, supporting dairy farms, chicken barns, and cornfields. Groups like the Valley Field and Farm Collective work with restaurants and schools to promote locally grown food.
