Closer than most locals think, Abbotsford is 72 km (43 mi) east of Vancouver, BC. What it has that Vancouver does not, though, is a small town feel with a burgeoning urban centre. Yet downtown Abbotsford maintains its roots by adding boutique shops to its historic buildings and keeping its village charm while developing big business like the Abbotsford Tradex and the Abbotsford Heat AHL hockey team.
Things have changed since the Village of Abbotsford was started on 160 acres of bush land in 1889 by former Royal Engineer John Cunningham Maclure and his son, John Charles. A subdivision plan would change the acreage in 1891 by Robert Ward, the new owner, and the C.P.R. was granted a right-of-way if they built a station. This lead to the incorporation of the village in 1924 and the hidden gem of a community it is today.
Abbotsford Restaurants
There is an interesting fusion of old and new here, as the population weighs more heavily on the older generation. This upholds the traditional customs like high tea at SerendipiTea (2626 Montrose Avenue, 604-853-0909), but makes room for the younger population to move back “home” and start up funky businesses that line the historic downtown streets.
A definite favourite is Tracycakes Bakery Café (101- 2636 Montrose Avenue, 604-852-1904; a location in Whiterock, too), a wondrous space filled with colourful aromas, sweet staff and gourmet cupcakes. (A fair warning: Those little cupcakes are deliriously good and should be consumed sitting down with good friends and good conversation.)
Abbotsford Stores
Continue wandering through the small historic downtown and slip in and out of the alluring boutique shops that dot the streets. Roses & Rutabagas (33771 George Ferguson Way, 604-556-3603) has got you covered for home décor, Mac & Mango (2645 Montrose Avenue, 604-746-3366) is filled with some fashionable designs, and Baby Blossom Boutique (2623 Montrose Avenue, 604-746-3309) caters to the little ones and their new parents.
The key is just to stroll through downtown Abbotsford and step inside the shops that pique your fancy.
Abbotsford Tradex, Museums & Art
The Fraser Valley Trade & Exhibition Centre (known as the Abbotsford TRADEX) holds some really interesting events throughout the year. Make sure to check out the Antique Expo, Pet Expo, BC Classic & Custom Car Show, and the West Coast Women’s Show.
Also around town is the ultra urban The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford (32388 Veterans Way, 604-864-8087) for enticing exhibits, the Trethewey House Site (2313 Ware Street, 604-853-0313) to learn about life in the 1920s village, The Glass Hive Studio (30273 Canary Court, 604-859-7909) for some funky and colourful glass items, and Venema Pottery (34917 Harris Road, 604-826-6872) for some down-to-earth pottery from the artist himself, Herman Venema.
Abbotsford Hotels
The Best Western Regency Inn & Conference Centre (32110 Marshall Road, 604-853-3111 or 1-800-771-3077) is Abbotsford’s first 100% non-smoking hotel and is the largest full service accommodation. Rooms average just over $100 CDN per night.
Abbotsford Airport
Smaller than Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the Abbotsford Airport (YXX) services the Fraser Valley and is much less busy than its neighbour. Airlines include WestJet, Orca Airways, Transat Holidays, Canjet and Island Express. For those travelling to Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley, the Abbotsford Airport makes things so much easier.
For more information about Abbotsford Travel, contact Tourism Abbotsford (34561 Delair Road, 604-859-1721 or 1-888-332-2229).
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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