Abbotsford, also known as “the city in the country”, revers in its ability to have a small town feel while at the same time having all the aspects of a big city.
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With urban centres, plenty of farmland, and enough things to do that no one can get bored, if you haven’t already visited, you’re missing out. Here’s what to do in Abbotsford this summer:
Family Friendly Activities
via Project Climbing Centre
Abbotsford is one of the most family friendly cities in Metro Vancouver. If you’re looking for something enriching, EcoDairy is your stop. In partnership with ScienceWorld, EcoDairy is focused on providing an educational experience for people of all ages, by being an interactive, demonstrative dairy farm. If being active is more your style, try out the Centennial Outdoor Pool, the Project Climbing Centre, or the Silverbrook U-Catch Trout Farm. If you’re simply looking for some old fashioned games, check out Castle Fun Park! It’s choco-block with arcade games, and even features mini golf.
Festivals
via Abbotsford Air Show
This summer, Abbotsford has festivals for all ages, making sure that everyone has their fair share of fun! With the Abbotsford International Air Show, the annual Multicultural Festival, the Abbotsford Agrifair and Rodeo, and the Sesame Street Live Festival, it’s hard not to count down the days until each. The Abbotsford International Air Show is labelled as ‘Canada’s National Airshow’, and for good reason. This event has been around for over five decades, making itself unique because it prides itself on aviation quality and community involvement. The Air Show occurs from August 12th to 14th at the Abbotsford Airport. Be sure to check it out!
Shopping
via Glen Noble
Abbotsford boasts one of the biggest shopping centres in Metro Vancouver, High Street, which holds up to 53 stores as well as a VIP movie theatre. For other retail stores, Abbotsford also has West Oaks Mall and Sevenoaks Shopping Centre. For literature lovers, the city also has Hemingway’s Books and the Book Man. Hemingway’s Books is a used bookstore sporting both new and old titles, also carrying records. Hemingway’s Books currently carries almost 200,000 titles, making it a book lovers sanctuary.
Live On The Edge
via Millionaire Paintball
For all those out there who love to get their adrenaline rush, Abbotsford has its very own skydive centre. The Drop Zone, a privately owned operation owned by Skydive Vancouver, provides amazing views of the Fraser Valley. Skydive Vancouver has been around since 1950, making it one of the very first skydive facilities in North America. Its name has been so widespread over the years that it made it onto ‘The Amazing Race Canada’. Abbotsford also offers Paintball and Escape Rooms. If you dare, try combining all three into one day!
Museums
via Robyn Roste
As well as being diverse, Abbotsford is known for being multicultural. This belief stays strong when it comes to their museums, with seven museums, all of them providing insight into a backstory. The Abbotsford Sikh Museum, Clayburn Village, Mennonite Heritage Museum, and Metzger Collection are just a few of many. Clayburn Village is a heritage site located at the bottom of Sumas Mountain, having history that dates back to 1905, allowing visitors to take in its importance.
Arts and Theatre
via Songs, Strings and Steps
One of the best ways to finish off a long week at work is to enjoy a night at the theatre (and not the movie kind). Abbotsford proudly has four different performing arts theatres, one specifically dedicated to childrens arts. It also has Yuk Yuks Comedy Club and Songs, Strings, and Steps, which is a collaborative piece made possible from all types of artists – including dancers, musicians, and spoken word artists – to provide the best possible performance, directed by Calvin Dyck.