A Perfect Day in Abbotsford

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Nestled in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, Abbotsford is a small city (with a population just shy of 150,000) that’s bursting with charming, locally owned shops in the downtown stretch and family-run farms just a short drive outside the city centre. Adjacent to the Canada-United States border and only an hour from Vancouver, it’s the ideal escape for authentic farm-to-table experiences set against the stunning backdrop of the rugged Sumas Mountain.

Sunlit seating area of Oldhand Coffee in Abbotsford, British Columbia
Oldhand Coffee.     Photo: Jayme Anne Photography
Crates of strawberries from the fields of Maan Farms in Abbotsford, British Columbia
Maan Farms.    

Morning

Begin your day in Abbotsford with a warm drink and something sweet, like a freshly-baked scone, from Oldhand Coffee.

After breakfast, the family-run Maan Farms is a must for the seasonal produce (strawberries, blueberries and raspberries) they have on offer at their “you-pick” areas. Be sure to pop into the gift shop where you’ll find homemade treats from Mama Maan’s kitchen, including samosas and chutneys. The farm has become a favourite for goat yoga, which is held outside in the field in the warmer months, and is also renowned for its haunted corn maze in the fall.

Next, head back into town and stroll down Montrose Avenue and Essendene Avenue to shop for locally made souvenirs, home goods and apparel at Spruce Collective or at Montrose & George General Store.

The interior of Duft and Co. Bakehouse in Abbotsford, British Columbia
A pastry with blueberries from Duft and Co. Bakehouse in Abbotsford, British Columbia
Duft and Co. Bakehouse.     Photos: Robyn Bessenger Photography (left); Sharalee Prang Photography (right)
Duft and Co. Bakehouse.     Photos: Robyn Bessenger Photography (left); Sharalee Prang Photography (right)
Mountain views behind the vineyards of the Mt. Lehman Winery in Abbotsford, British Columbia
Mt. Lehman Winery.    
Five bottles of wine from the Singletree Winery in Abbotsford, British Columbia
Exterior view of Singletree Winery and its fields
Singletree Winery.     Photo: Justine Russo (right)
Singletree Winery.     Photo: Justine Russo (right)

Afternoon

After a quick lunch at Duft and Co. Bakehouse (be sure to try a sandwich on house-made bread) spend your afternoon sampling some of the local libations. For wine lovers, several family-run wineries create aromatic and crisp wines reflective of British Columbia’s warm summers and mild winters, like the Gamay Noir (aged in oak barrels) from Mt. Lehman Winery or the Gruner Veltliner (with notes of honey and citrus) from Singletree Winery.

For craft beer aficionados, Ravens Brewing Company brings the farm to the brewery, working with local purveyors to enhance their seasonal taps with berries, freshly roasted coffee beans and handmade chocolate.

Finally, for one of the best views of the Fraser Valley, hike to the top of the Abby Grind (part of the Glen Ryder Trail) to Taggart Peak – it’s well worth the climb.

People enjoying drinks on the front lawn of Field House Brewing in Abbotsford, British Columbia
Field House Brewing.     Photo: Robyn Bessenger Photography
A lounge area by the fireplace in the interior of Field House Brewing
Field House Brewing.    

Evening

Spend your evening al fresco with the locals on the lawn at Field House Brewing, which is bustling with people enjoying a pint of the rotating 10 taps. You might also enjoy a bite to eat from The Canteen on-site (which serves a selection of small bites and comfort foods). If you’re visiting with friends, be sure to indulge in their Faspa Board, which is piled high with local cheeses and meats, honey, pickles, edible flowers and brewhouse-made spreads.
 

Make it a weekend

If you’re looking for somewhere locally owned to spend the night, the Brookside Inn Boutique Hotel is a quaint bed and breakfast with views of Mt. Baker, Pepin Brook Vineyard and the surrounding countryside. The boutique hotel features six individually decorated suites based on popular books and films, including the European flair of the “Midnight in Paris” or the bed of blooms in the “Secret Garden” suite.