Enjoy These Year-Round Outdoor Attractions in Abbotsford
Located in the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford is a big city east of Vancouver. Equal part urban and rural, it is the largest municipality in British Columbia outside of Metro Vancouver.
Thanks to its size and favorable weather, like warm, dry summers and milder winters (by Canadian standards), it is a great place to be outdoors year-round. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, farming, and golf are just some of the top outdoor attractions in Abbotsford for locals and visitors alike. Whether you are looking to partake in a calm interaction with nature at Mill Lake Park or something a little more exhilarating, like a hike up Sumas Mountain, there’s something for those of all interests in Abbotsford, B.C.
Hike, Bike or Snowshoe at Sumas Mountain
At 910m tall, the peak of Sumas Mountain is seen overlooking the city of Abbotsford. Sumas Mountain Regional Park is a 1,471-hectare area with trails that expand beyond the park’s boundaries. Whether you are on foot, riding a mountain bike, ATV, or wearing snowshoes in the winter, hiking some of these trails is a popular year-round activity for those visiting the city. Can’t decide on a trail? The most popular is the Chadsey Lake Trail. It runs north-south from the Upper Sumas Parking lot up to the Centennial Trail. It will lead you to Chadsey Lake, previously known as ‘Lost Lake’ due to its remote location. The highlight of this journey will be making your way to the Eastern Lookout, which offers unparalleled views of the Fraser Valley from the eastern slopes of Sumas Mountain.
When looking for hikes in Abbotsford, Sumas Mountain is a great year-round destination and perhaps the most popular amongst other options in the city. To learn more about the routes and what to bring on your trip, check out these top trails for hiking and biking at Sumas Mountain.
Tip for a spring/summer visit: Be sure to pack bug spray as mosquitos can be active due to the damp environment.
Tip for a winter visit: Consider packing footwear with micro-spikes to ensure better traction on the trails.
Golf Where the PGA Tour Players Do: Ledgeview Golf Club
If you’re competitive and looking for things to do in Abbotsford, look no further than Ledgeview Golf and Country Club. Nestled high atop the city, this course will make for a challenging yet playable 18-hole round for average and competitive golfers alike. Often referred to as one of the best courses in the area, it is also picturesque, adding the perfect backdrop to a day out with friends or co-workers. It is no surprise that PGA Tour winners, Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin grew up playing this course and even return to play it to this day.
Ledgeview Golf and Country Club is open throughout all four seasons of the year. Be sure to check the extended forecast before you go, as it is only unplayable when snow and ice are on the ground.
Enjoy the Serene Atmosphere of Mill Lake Park
When it comes to parks in Abbotsford, Mill Lake Park is perhaps one of the most recognizable by name. After just one visit, you’ll realize why. The park is home to an abundance of opportunities for adults and children to relax and get active, all centered around charming Mill Lake. Children can look forward to not one, not two, but three playgrounds as well as a water park. For those looking to get active, there is a 2.3‑kilometer paved pathway that circles the lake. The route is flat and paved, making it accessible by foot, bike, rollerblades, and more. As you gaze out into the lake on a hot spring or summer day, you might think about activities on the water, like swimming. Although fishing and canoeing are permitted on Mill Lake, swimming in the water is not recommended. Instead, head over to the on-site Centennial Pool for a few refreshing laps.
In need of a relaxing day? Mill Lake Park will have you feeling like you’re in a far-away natural oasis while still being in the city. Spend time by the lake and keep an eye out for the swimming turtles and ducks. Bring some food and enjoy ample green space, gardens, and benches with a picnic. If you’re trying to figure out the best time to visit Mill Lake Park, consider that cherry and flower blossoms occur in Spring, while the trees at the park produce some impressive colors during Fall.
Tackle Some or All of the 40-Kilometer Discovery Trail
Abbotsford is home to many parks, and there’s no better way to experience some of them than traveling along the Discovery Trail. This scenic pathway begins at Gardner Park and ends at Sumas Mountain. Along the journey, you will find paved trails, bike lanes, and even sections of rural roads. The trail is mainly flat and perfect for a bike ride in the warmer months. Other ways to enjoy the trail include walking, jogging, rollerblading, and snowshoeing in the winter.
As one of the top trails in Abbotsford, there are plenty of things to do along the way, so be sure to pack some extra time and stop to take in the breathtaking surroundings. Enjoy picnics, farmlands, and incredible viewpoints like that of the distant Mt. Baker on a clear day.
Immerse Yourself in the History of Clayburn Village
Clayburn Village is one of the top attractions in Abbotsford. Located at the foot of Sumas Mountain, the discovery of high-grade clay around the area brought the Clayburn Company to life in 1905. The village was the first ‘company town’ in British Columbia and provided employees with housing and other amenities like shopping, banking, schooling, and church services.
Although the brick-making plant closed in 1931, many of the buildings in the village still stand today. Visitors can walk the streets and peer into the homes of the former plant manager, the foremen, the company accountant, and more. The brick plant is still in its original location, though only the foundation remains. The most prominent structures still standing are the Clayburn Church and the Schoolhouse, both built in the early 1900s and both designated as historic sites by the Government of Canada. If you want to take some Clayburn Village history home, you can visit the Village Store, which has been restored for shopping of knickknacks and delicious treats like scones and tea.
Interested in exploring more of beautiful British Columbia? Take a trip out to the Okanagan Valley for picturesque attractions and memories to last a lifetime.
Always follow Canada and local health authority COVID-19 guidelines for travelling or visiting attractions. Learn more about current restrictions and travelling within Canada.